January 2016 Surgeries

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  • CoolgrammieNC
    CoolgrammieNC Member Posts: 54
    edited January 2016

    surgery-bmx w/diep reconstruction TBD

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  • SVGsurvive
    SVGsurvive Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2016

    Hello to Kar324, DecisionFreak, Unbreakable01, Vidrine1, edwsmom, 7of9, and CoolgrammieNC. Welcome to this January thread. Our surgery list at the top is now up to date.

    edwsmom, I think your treatment plan had rads happening after implants? That sets off another warning flag. Everything I've read & been told says that if you know you'll need radiation, hold off on recon - especially implants- until afterward. This is to maximize the effect of rads w/o implants or tissue expanders potentially complicating matters. While getting a 2nd opinion, be sure to ask about that as well. I hope you get all the answers you need.

    Bjsmiller, congrats on finishing up your rads! I agree, I'm also so over n' done w/ 2015.

    Best wishes to all of the courageous women having surgery this week, blazing the trail for the rest of us: Gemma12 on Tuesday, Neen56 & Vidrine1 on Wednesday, and MKTCA on Friday. We share your feelings, know that we're all right there with you. If you want to vent or otherwise let anything out to help bring you peace, please post!

    Finally, thanks to those not having surgery this month, but hopping in here with advice and help for us. It's much appreciated.


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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2016

    Grandma, 

    I had the block. It worked great and really helped with post MX pain. I would suggest it if it is offered. I sent you a private message about your address. I was sending your package tomorrow. 

    Patty

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  • Donnar25
    Donnar25 Member Posts: 17
    edited January 2016

    Hi, new to the forum. Found lump on my 40th birthday, Dec. 6th, self breast exam after bruised feeling noticed after my "normal" monthly breast pains should have been gone. Noticed dimpling when arm put above my head. Mammo & ultrasound then biopsy confirmed IDC approx. 3.1cm right breast. Holidays have been frustrating getting anything scheduled or followed up on by docs. Supposed to meet PS asap, and I've chosen a couple others for 2nd opinion. Hoping to get BMX with DIEP immed. reconstruction, but not too many well recommended docs in theAustin area apparently that can do that surgery.I have been told nothing about the grade or hormone make up of my results, which is also frustrating. So, long story short, hopefully surgery is in January. Will post more details and date when I have it.

    God bless all you ladies and thank goodness your here to relieve some of my anxieties!!

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  • SVGsurvive
    SVGsurvive Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2016

    Hi Donnar25 - thanks for joining and of course, very sorry about your recent DX. Good on you for finding your lump and taking the right steps. Hopefully starting tomorrow folks will be back from holidays & more communicative with you. Keep us posted!

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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited January 2016

    Regarding propofol, I had that when they placed my port and it was THE BEST "sleep" I've ever had! I then knew why Michael Jackson was using it. ha. I liked it because the affects wore off really quickly and I didn't feel nauseous or groggy at all, so I hope I get it again when I have surgery.



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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    SVG, just to add a footnote that women with large breasts (D cup or larger) have more problems during radiation and even long after treatment than those with medium or small breasts. I found a report on one of the NIH sites suggesting that women who wear a D cup or larger should be given the option of breast reduction before radiation. My surgeon is on board with idea, but I am going to have a lumpectomy and breast reduction without radiation or chemo preventive drugs. Tamoxifen side effects nearly killed me. AI drugs are off the table due to potential SE's. I quit the tamoxifen with the support of the doctor that prescribed it (She should not have ever prescribed T as it poses a higher than acceptable risk for anyone that sometimes has to stay in bed for days due to pain and mobility limitations from a condition such as fibromyalgia) and now the doctors believe that radiation is too risky for me. Radiation does not improve overall survival for early stage, low grade cancer. Breast reduction has been shown in preliminary data to reduce breast cancer risk, although nobody is suggesting that a woman get breast reduction to lower her risk.

    Just to be clear, it is a really good idea for women with large breasts to discuss breast reduction before radiation with their doctors. I got an outside surgeon involved in my case, and she suggested lumpectomy plus breast reduction as a solution

    My case is unique, given my disability from fibromyalgia. and I am very pleased with the direction my treatment plan is taking.

    My mantra is as follows. "Do not sleep walk through breast cancer treatment. You are making decisions that will affect you for the rest of your life."

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  • violethope
    violethope Member Posts: 32
    edited January 2016

    Hello everyone. I am brand new to this site. Diagnosed with IDC left breast November 26,2015 after having a lumpectomy for a Radial Sclerosing Lesion. I had a follow up Mammo and ultrasound that resulted in them finding a second suspicious area in the same breast so today I go to have an ultrasound biopsy of that area. My surgery is tentatively scheduled for January 19th and I guess what they decide to do will be based on the results of today's biopsy.

    Any suggestions as to what "pages" to follow, books, credible sites etc would be appreciated as there is so much on this site and new to the world of breast cancer. Thanks everyone!

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  • grandma3X
    grandma3X Member Posts: 759
    edited January 2016

    Hi Violethope - check out the links at the top of the page - There is a good thread on the discussion boards about what to bring to the hospital and how to cope at home after surgery. I've also been reading Dr. Love's Breast Book, which has an amazing amount of detail and data about breast cancer, surgery, radiation and chemo treatments, other therapies and living with breast cancer. Dr. Love is a breast surgeon and is also a cancer survivor (not BC), so has some personal insight into treatments and emotions that we are all facing.


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  • grandma3X
    grandma3X Member Posts: 759
    edited January 2016

    Thank you everyone for your input on Propofol with paravertebral block! I'm having UMX with TE on the 13th, so I'll let you all know how well it works.

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    grandma3X, I will keep you in my thoughts. I am sorry that you have to go through this ordeal. Know that you can always send me a PM if you want or need to vent. This offer goes to all the brave women on this thread.

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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    All the best tomorrow Gemma12!

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Ditto from me, Gemma. I will be in your pocket.

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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    Here was my surgeons' office reply when I asked if they can mix the lidocaine in with the tracer injection when I have my SNB:

    "Lidocaine for these injections is generally not done. Injections are done in nuclear medicine and they do not inject lidocaine as the injection generally is not painful."

    So aside from using the Emla cream, I guess asking again will likely not change the answer.

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  • BlueHeron
    BlueHeron Member Posts: 154
    edited January 2016

    ugh, Balthus. I'm going to ask the same thing.... Are they not aware of the 2009 study? http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/Bre...

    Thinking of you Gemma!

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  • sas-schatzi
    sas-schatzi Member Posts: 19,603
    edited January 2016

    Grammy and all this is a thread I did on Evidence Based Research. Please, add your EBR links if they aren't included in any of the posts. One of my posts links to a tutorial on how to determine/evaluate for Bias. Bias is the nemesis of all research and reporting. Recently, I read an non scientific article on bias. It was biased. Subtle, but it was there.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topics/834695?page=1#idx_14

    Decision. Thanks for the info on the ACS activity related to assisting cancer patients. Please if you would add a description of your experience to the end of this thread. Just Diagnosed-Get Prepared. This thread is a directed at sharing this type of information.


    just diagonosed-get prepared


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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    @blueheron I am afraid to send this to my surgeon.

    I think they are getting annoyed with me asking as many questions as I am.

    I will be at their mercy & found out today that the anestioligists's name is: Dr. Stool.

    For real :)

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  • BlueHeron
    BlueHeron Member Posts: 154
    edited January 2016

    oh Balthus, I can so relate! I started out my email todayto the surgeon and PA with "I bet you are not surprised that I have more questions!"

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    The well known oncology surgeon at the comprehensive cancer care center where I am being treated told me straight out, "You have to be your own best advocate."

    You have a right to meet face to face with the anesthesiologist. In addition any doctor that makes a unilsteral decision without your full agreement is in violation of the Patients Bill of Rights. This is a serious matter. Google the Bill of Rights and read it.

    Ask for a meeting with the anesthesiologist. He or she is the person who makes the final decision. Raise holy he'll if you are denied. It is your body on the operating table, and it is your right to see the appropriate professional.

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    Thank you all! They told me to leave my valuables home tomorrow, but I'm feeling pretty rich with my full pockets! All my pre-op test came back normal.. blood work, chest x-ray, etc. so I'm feeling ready. See you on the other side!

    Amy

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  • violethope
    violethope Member Posts: 32
    edited January 2016

    grandma3x-thanks for the suggestion regarding Dr. Love's book. I just went on-line to my local library and poof...there it was. Put a hold on it and they'll set it aside for me and let me know when it is there. Gotta love the library!

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited January 2016

    7of9 here....it's an AND (Axillary Node Dissection for local/regional recurrence) with Laparoscopic Ooph set for the 19th. Possible full hysterectomy if GYN doesn't like what she sees so wake up with or without uterus....hmmm, at 44 and with my boobs and ovaries trying to kill me....don't care at this point! Wish they'd take the gallbladder and apendix while they're at it! Anything that is not mission critical (raising my son, fishing with my husband, walking with my dog) can get the hell out! Estrogen is not my friend.

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited January 2016

    Good luck ladies, see our first at bat is tomorrow...

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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    doubt anyone is up but I think I have a cavity and sent a message off to bs right now if I can go to dentist ASAP. It hurts when I brush my teeth and afraid of it getting worse and unable to do anything after surgery next Tuesday. But worried about having any thing done before surgery. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks.

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  • SVGsurvive
    SVGsurvive Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2016

    Hi Balthus - I only know that you can't go to the dentist during chemo or within 4-6 weeks of ending chemo. I don't know anything about the rules for surgery. However, it's worth noting that my pre-op instructions said not to shave w/in 14 days of surgery and the pre-op nurse said that I could still shave my legs but should "be careful". If that's the level of care we're dealing w/ here, I don't blame you for being concerned that a trip to the dentist may not be approved. Perhaps they can tide you over w/ topical numbing stuff until you can get it properly handled?

    If I were you I'd book the dentist appt. 1st thing in the morning as you can always cancel if needed. Good luck & let us know how you fare. I hope your pain is minimal!

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  • Mominator
    Mominator Member Posts: 1,575
    edited January 2016

    Hello lovely ladies,

    I just got back from my PS and I have a date for my exchange from TEs to anatomical implants: January 18, 2016. That happens to be MLK, Jr. day, so hubby and the children all havethe day off. No worries about getting someone to/from school.

    I had nipple-sparing prophylactic bilateral Mx and prophylactic BSO on November 11, 2015. I feel like I just got back on my feet a couple of weeks ago.

    I'm looking forward to getting rid of these TE's and moving forward.

    Mominator

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  • grandma3X
    grandma3X Member Posts: 759
    edited January 2016

    Gemma - thinking of you and hope you are resting after your surgery!


    Neen and Vidrine - sending good thoughts your way!


    I talked with my BS this afternoon - trying to get more details about what happens before surgery. I also asked about the paravertebral block and was told that they usually do it after surgery! I explained that I wanted it before surgery, which was fine with her, but she said I would have to talk to the PS about it. She explained that the PS may not want me to have it pre-op because it would take more time time and she may be on a "tight schedule". Not sure how to argue with that- can I make any demands at this point?

    Have a good evening everyone!
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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    I'm home. All went well. Surgeon was able to get both areas with one incision near the bottom outside corner of my breast so scar shouldn't be too visible. They also took 5 lymph nodes. Pathology takes 5-7 days come back. Thanks for the good thoughts! Hope everyone's procedures go as seamless as mine did!

    Amy



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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    Gemma 12 - good news. Glad all went well.

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  • woodstock99
    woodstock99 Member Posts: 338
    edited January 2016

    SVGsurvive - thanks. I did go to the dentist this afternoon and I have either been brushing too hard or have started grinding my teeth. He suggested I try these Crest Sensitive Teeth strips, sensitive toothpaste and an extra soft tooth brush and see if I have improvement. Was relieved to hear it was nothing more serious or that would require treatment. Sorry not sure how to change font size or bold.

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