August 2016 Surgeries

Sorella, it is a lot to take in. When my MO and OS first reviewed the images, it was apparent that because of the distance between 2 sites lumpectomy wasn't an option. Before deciding whether to do bilateral or unilateral MX, my OS sent me for an MRI. I thank her for it. They identified additional malignant sites in the same breast and no malignancy in the other. Breast surgery is a big deal, and even though I'm in a leading clinic, I keep in mind that doctors are human, and humans make mistakes (more than likely, my cancer was missed in the last year's mammogram in the same hospital). Since you don't have a signature, I don't know what your situation is. Depending on your age and density of breast tissue, an MRI might help you feel more comfortable with your decision. Good luck

Just wanted to check back in after a few weeks. I returned to work after 3 weeks and 6 days (MX/Sentinal node). Last week marked 6 weeks and I was cleared to run/exercise again. I took a barre class and also went for a 2 mile run this weekend - it felt so wonderful to get back to being active again. Now I start my 3 year countdown on Tamoxifen (when my husband and I have agreed to take a break to try for a baby).

Mentally I'm getting there. I have good and bad days, but good days are becoming more frequent I think.

I hope you're all feeling better as the days go on.

Thanks for the well wishes Fiddler. I'll be thinking of you as you go through chemo. If I understood my MO correctly ER-/PR- HER2+ means your risk of recurrence would be higher now but decrease after 3+ years? Hopefully those percentages will go down even more.

I just finished AC/Taxol today and next step is surgery. I am anticipating an October surgery date. I have an MRI scheduled next Tuesday and will meet with the BS on Friday to review the results and schedule surgery. The plan is for a left breast mastectoy. I am left handed and wonder how that will affect mobility during recovery. How has this affected those of you who have had surgery? My best to everyone

Just seeing your response now. I had a ct scan as part of my pre surgery and an echo and a bone scan... My surgery was 2 weeks ago today. My plastics guy took out his drain a week ago and I go in 10/11 to my surgeon who will hopefully take out my lymph node drain. The biggest lesson I am trying to learn is patience. This healing is taking its time. I tried to cut back on the narcotics after less than a week of healing but couldn't deal with the pain. My recommendation to anyone going through this is to take those meds! Finally today, I am thinking I can cut back in the day, anyway. It just took so much longer than I anticipated but then this is all a first for me. The pathology report says my margins are clear and for that I thank God! My newest worry is whether my oncology appointment is soon enough since I read an article saying chemo should start within 30 days after surgery. I sure would like to heal more before I start the chemo trail!