March 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • Valentine99
    Valentine99 Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2015

    Good luck tomorrow ny2tx!

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  • ladyduffer
    ladyduffer Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2015

    Good luck and best wishes today NY2TX.

    Also to Hummingbirdlover as well for tomorrow.

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  • angmom41
    angmom41 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2015

    Heading home from plastic surgeon. Bad news is that they did find IDC in two areas. Good news is that they were small..1mm and 2mm and NO cancer in nodes!!!! So happy right now!!

    Also removed 2 drains, so still stuck with 2 until next week. Bye bye cancer!!!!

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited March 2015

    So happy about your clear nodes. That is what concerns me the most.

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2015

    Good news, Angmom!

    You're on your way! 

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  • Cindy_K
    Cindy_K Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2015

    Hi everyone.. I wanted to stop in and say hi.... January I was diagnosed with IDC and had a BMX on March 8th with Tissue expanders. So far I have had 2 post op appointments with my PS first one to remove 2 drains (still have 2 in) and today to receive my first fill. OMG... the pain behind my left breast! I also had an appointment with my Oncologist where I was informed I would be on Tamoxifen for 5-10 years. This is probably the hardest information for me to swallow being that I had a BMX and now I find myself weighing the pros and cons to being on this.

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2015

    cklier, wow, you are moving right along! I just thought I'd let you know that I've been on tamoxifen for 4 months and haven't really had any issues other than hot flashes. It hasn't been bad at all.

    Great news, Angmom!

    My TE surgery is tomorrow at noon. I'm not looking forward to it, but mainly those horrid drains..loathe them! I'll spend one night in the hospital and be back home Friday. Looking forward to moving on. I hope the TE phase isn't too difficult

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited March 2015


    cklier, Your dx is very similar to what mine is currently listed as. I see the surgery as getting rid of the current cancer. The hormonal treatments are a preventative for a new one occurring since we are now at higher risk. I figure I will be there too. I will look at the pros and cons and base my decision on how much risk I can eliminate vs what my side effects are. I've started reading some of the treatment blogs to learn a little more about how to minimize impacts. Good luck with your decision and for making it this far!

     

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited March 2015

    For those with an invasive DX, and have surgery to remove the primary tumour, the Tamox/AIs/chemo is not so much about reducing risk of a new primary cancer as honestly few are at "high risk" of a new primary breast cancer unless they have certain other traits (i.e. are BRCA+, or have a dx with higher risk of contrateral primary etc)...but a local or distant recurrence (metastatic spread) of your diagnosed/current cancer. Surgery is the primary treatment, but chemo, anti-hormonals...these are about reducing recurrence risk. Surgery does not impact recurrence risk.


    (I say those with an invasive DX, as some women with hereditary high risk or high risk breast changes, or even with DCIS who had LX may be on Tamox/AIs for preventative risk reduction of a primary/invasive)

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited March 2015

    I've been struggling with the decision to have BMX. I originally thought if I did I would not need rads, chemo or hormone treatment. Now I'm waiting for my oncotype to see if I need chemo. I was told I may need rads and chemo even if I have BMX. I will definitely have rads and hormone treatment if I keep my breasts and maybe chemo. So many puzzle pieces. My head is just spinning. Today I'm keeping my breasts. Tomorrow I will change my mind again.

    DiveCat, your explanation was very informative. I keep re-reading it so it sinks in. Thank you. Correct me if I'm wrong, clear nodes is not the end all, treatments like chemo may still be needed?

    To all having surgery best wishes. To all home recovering best wishes for a smooth recovery.

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2015

    Audrey: It is all hard. When I initially found out my DX, my first comment to my doctor when he asked what I wanted to was "BMX if it means no chemo." He informed me then that I would have chemo either way. The only question was if it would be before or after surgery. I chose to have it prior to surgery since the outcomes are virtually the same. I had BMX (even though there was cancer only in one breast) and had clear nodes. I did not have to have radiation since the nodes were clear. I do have to do 5 years of hormone therapy. I also chose reconstruction and will get my final implants next week.

    I always was going to get all the treatment that I got. I never had the option of no surgery or lx. The only other choice I had was MX instead of BMX.

    This is a hard decision and I know none of the options look really good, but you will get through this. We are all here for you whatever you decide. Hugs Amy

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  • Cindy_K
    Cindy_K Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Divecat, Hummingbird and gypsyjo for the information regarding the hormonal therapy. I just wonder if the pros of the Tamoxifen out weigh the cons of the side effects. Unfortunately the only way to determine what side effect will occur is for me to take it. My mother was diagnosed with the same cancer as me 3 years ago and has been on Tamoxifen the majority of this time... her side effects have been out of control - body aches, fatigue, hair and nail loss, mood changes you name it she has had it!

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited March 2015

    I wanted to share.

    I had my lumpectomies 2/6 and SNB 2 weeks ago. I've been sort of sailing along since then. Took a week off work post surgery and am now back at work. The shock of my DX has worn off a lot, lately I'm in a "whatever" mode. I've anxiously waited for biopsy results from lumpectomy and then lymph node sx. I guess I've gotten used to the anxiety it causes so having to wait 2+ weeks for oncotype result, I'm in a "whatever" mode.

    Yesterday I booked my oncologist appointment. The nurse sent me an email confirmation which included forms for me to fill out. When I opened up the attachment, the letterhead, in bold, read "LIJ Cancer Center". I burst into tears. It's been weeks since I cried.

    I cried for me but for all of you too. You all have truly carried me through this horrible experience. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life. Together we have all cried and shared and supported and laughed. What an amazing group of warriors. Thank you is not enough.

    Love to all.

    Audrey

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2015

    Audrey, I totally understand the "whatever". I think it's the brains version of "flight" as in fight or....and then something happens like you getting your letter and it all comes crashing back down. I had my 4 month follow up at oncologist/cancer center yesterday, and my blood pressure was through the roof for no reason other than being in that place! I had to fight back tears the whole time I was there.

    To your question about clear nodes, it is not a definite road to no chemo. Like Divecat said, if your cancer is invasive, there is a possibility one or more of those nasty cells escaped somewhere and is lurking out there waiting to multiply, hence chemo and anti hormone attack that ability. I had clear nodes and tiny tumors but a higher grade of cancer, so I still had to have oncotype to determine cancer. That is the sucky part, there really is no cure, we just all hope and pray to be NED - no evidence of disease for the rest of our lives.

    Hang in there and cry if you need to!

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2015

    oops, sorry for typo. I meant I waited for oncotype score to determine CHEMO

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  • angmom41
    angmom41 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2015

    We were so happy yesterday about clear nodes, we actually came home and cracked open some sparkling wine to celebrate. I looked at my husband and said I can't believe we are celebrating cancer. It was strange, but I took my happy day while I had it.

    My dx before the Mx was DCIS. Lots of it and high grade with micro invasion. My only choice was MX. Now my Dx is IDC, and I begin another unknown phase. The tumors were really small, but I haven't read the whole report to know their grade or receptors. I was hoping for no other treatment. Now I wait again.

    I have never felt so alone as these past weeks. I have family and friends wishing me well and praying and feeding me and my family. But the fight against the disease really feels like it's just you. Its hard to explain but I know each of you has felt the same way. Keep your heads up there is a good day coming soon

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited March 2015

    Angmom41, I know exactly how you feel.  I too have celebrated cancer.  We take the best of what we can from this situation. 

    If it was not for this board and the women here, I would not be as strong as I am facing Cancer.  There is something about just laying everything out there, knowing what your going through is understood, sympathy and empathy.  You are not alone.  I know sometimes it feels that way, but you are not alone.  We are all here for each other.  This is my refuge.  

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited March 2015

    hummingbirdlover - Sending positive thoughts your way for an easy procedure.

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2015

    Absolutely celebrate the small victories and clear nodes is definitely reason to celebrate.

    I'm waiting to head to the surgery center and can literally feel my blood pressure rising! I am ready to put this surgery behind me. I keep reminding myself that in a little over 24 hours I'll be right back home.

    Hope you are all well and hanging in there.

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2015

    Good morning my precious warrior friends! I have not posted much but read voraciously every day since my dx in October and feel I know and love you ALL!

    Seems the anesthesia and my grief have compromised my ability to express my thoughts well ....so I have not posted. I told my husband that you all are my support group for my breast cancer ...but I felt the need to express my feelings to you by sharing more information about my particular situation...we have all been thru so much

    I lost my amazing 37 year old son to suicide June 11th..leaving behind my very precious DIL and the loves of my life, my two grandchildren ages 2 and 5 ...they live 10 hours away but I try to be there as much as possible...they are here for Spring break and are at Sea World as I write this. I planned to join them but I am once again fighting bronchitis which postponed my exchange last month...I HOPE and pray this z-pack will enable me to go ahead with preop next Tuesday...EX scheduled for April 7th

    I believe the grief led to my dx 4 months after his death...there are no words to express the depth of my pain

    My BMX with tissue expanders has gone along normally....no significant problems...TE's are so comfy!! LOL!

    ....as my grandchildren announce to anyone who will listen" my grandmother "Bunnie" has broken boobies" !

    I'm ready to have them all fixed up

    Prayers and lots of hugs to all of you!!! Valorie

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  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    Bbbbun, you are amazing and a warrior like the rest of us! I pray for you and your family. Get well and you will be fine in surgery. Stay in contact with us, and together we hold each other up. Hugs, Robin

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2015

    Thank you Robin!!! I have tears rolling down my face!

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited March 2015


    bbbbun - I am so sorry for all you have gone through in the last few months. I know how grief can be felt so deeply. I am so glad you have your DIL and grandchildren to inspire and comfort you. My 3 year old granddaughter is sending me one of her stuffies until I get better.

    To all - Thank you for posting. As I look at how my name nears the top of the list, I feel the fear creeping in, but as I see how those ahead of my handle it, I feel much stronger to deal with whatever comes. Thank you! You are amazing women!

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2015

    I noticed that you too were on Arimidex and then changed to Aromasin. I have been on Zoloft for depression and doing just fine...but when I started Arimidex I began having more depression and attributed it to the Arimidex so my MO suggested we just stop any hormonal therapy til after my EX ..my question to you...how are the SE's with Aromosin?

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2015

    GypsyJo~ Thank you so much for your reply!! Sending prayers your way for quick recovery!! I bet the "stuffie" will do the trick!!!

    I'll be thinking about you next week!!!

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  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    bbbbun, i am now on Femara. Arimidex and Aromison were horrible for me. I got and still have horrible arthritis in wrists and thumbs. It didn't start until I took them. Femara now almost a week, nothing like that yet. I pray I can stay on it for 5 years. I didn't have to do chemo or rads, so this is my arsenal against the beast. I too have 3 grandchildren . They are the joy in my life!

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2015

    robinblessed~ Thank you for the information! Seems you are doing very well with your implants...yippee!

    No chemo or rads for me either.....so after the EX with fat grafting will tackle that problem : D

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  • Jenga60
    Jenga60 Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2015

    SoI've made my decision to go with the mastectomy. I Decided about two weeks ago and the more I talk to friends and family I am comfortable w my decision. I am scared and have had a couple breakdown moments when I start to mourn the loss of my Breast. I am staying positve but hate the waiting. In some ways this is happening way to fast and others... This is happening way to slow. If that makes any sense.

    I don't have the option here in NS canada to do reconstruction at the same time. I understand there is at least a year or so wait to get the surgery.

    Something I can do my research on as I recover from this surgery.

    My last day of work was Tuesday and was hoping to bring my daughter (1.5yrs) to daycare to get some stuff done around the house. Unfortunately we have been storm stayed in the last 2 days. (If you've seen pictures lately of eastern Canada...those pictures are real. ) so no daycare. Crossing fingers we will get out tomorrow.

    So I clean one room and my daughter( love her to death) messes it up as fast as I can clean it. Oh well. Trying to get extra snuggles in as I won't be able to lift her for a few weeks.




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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited March 2015

    angmom,

    I don't think it is at all strange to celebrate clear nodes. It is all relative to whatever your experience is at that time :)

    To answer your earlier question, clear nodes does not necessarily mean no more treatment required - and the Oncotype you are getting should provide you helpful information in determining to what degree chemo would or would not benefit you in respect to reccurence risk. I don't know enough about the specific breakdowns, but depending on your score, it shows that he risks of chemo may be greater than the benefit in recurrence risk reduction, the benefit in recurrence risk reduction is greater than the risks of chemo, or you fall somewhere in the middle zone which from these boards has women deciding one way or the other depending on their own comfort levels and so on. The Oncotype, it should be noted, already assumes that you will be taking hormonal therapy.


    Here is the BCO blurb about the Oncotype test: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx

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  • angmom41
    angmom41 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2015

    Divecat, thanks for your info. Yes it looks like it will be awhile before a decision is made for further treatment. My surgeon may have some idea on Monday what may lie adhead but still up to oncologists that I have yet to meet or decide on who to see. I'm starting to enjoy these days in between where things can be somewhat normal.

    bbbun- hugs hugs hugs!!

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