May 2017 Surgery Group

my first post, thanks to the initiator of this thread. My wife was diagnosed with IDC in March and surgery is scheduled for May 11. She's opted for an MX though LX + radiation was also an option. We've been told that the tumor is 11mm (US) or 16mm (MRI). Pathology from core needle biopsy showed grade 1, ER/PR positive, HER2 negative, Ki-67 10-20%. Anxious about the wait time between diagnosis and surgery, worried about nodes and the post -op pathology. Getting used to worry being the new normal.

My best to everyone on the forum. Stay strong

Hello ladies and gents,

Had my pre-op with my PS yesterday for bloodwork, EKG, post-op instructions and to answer any lingering questions. I have another pre-op schedule on May 3rd, the day before surgery, to have the radioactive seeds placed. I can't believe I am actually looking forward to surgery next week. I hope I don't have to spend more than 1 day in the hospital. My BS said at least 1 day MAYBE 2. The PS says it will more likely be 2 days. Guess I'll know for certain a week from now.

p.s. I'm currently on 10mg of prednisone for muscle inflammation and my PS is concerned about wound healing so she prescribed 10,000 units of Vitamin A to help with counteracting the prednisone.

Thank you, Lordhelpmetoo. We'll weather this storm together! :-)

@Dizzygirl,

I was hoping to get into consult with the radiologist before my upcoming surgery on May 4th, but that isn't going to happen. I'm being treated at a breast cancer center so my doctors are all under one umbrella and work together. The RO that I wanted to consult with had no openings until after my surgery so I think I'll wait at least 2 weeks after surgery so that I'll have some time to heal first. I'm about 99% sure I'll be needing radiation (2 enlarged nodes with 1 testing positive node).

I'm going for direct-to-implant. I consulted with my PS and she thinks radiation will not impact my skin much, if at all. I'm black (not sure that factors into anything or not and I do plan to begin moisturizing and massaging the implant and surrounding skin as soon as I get the go ahead. PS seems pretty confident that I'll not have skin issues, but she informed me that if radiated side becomes an issue I'll still have the option of a DIEP. I only have enough stomach fat for 1 breast. If the implants prove too much of a problem (multiple surgeries, infections, etc...) I'll probably go flat. I'm "only" 46, but I already know I don't want to be in and out of surgery for the next couple of years. I plan to LIVE after BC.

~Dee

question to all. My wife had her core needle biopsy about a month ago, and is experiencing a tugging sensation in the area. Doc said that sort of discomfort is not uncommon and I realize we are both hypersensitive to everything now. Still, surgery is not scheduled until May 11 and I am worried about time to surgery since the last diagnostic tests. Anyone else have similar experience with lingering sensations from the CNB

thanks BellasMomToo! That's very helpful.

Tpralph, we got our diagnosis on 3/17, so our timeframe is about the same. Been told that's its common and that it's better to have the right plan than a fast one, within reason of course. Waiting is tough though.

All the best.

ya that's tough. My mammogram didn't show anything either. Real shock! This community is excellent for putting your mind at ease. So many other stage threes here and are doing well. Even the ladies with stage 4s. I too am awaiting surgery and don't know about spread. It can be very stressful to wait. I've had multiple melt downs over the last couple of months. I have two IDC same breast and am getting BMX with Diep same day in may 18. So afraid to hear the pathology after. Told it can change from what they suspect even though I have had two ultrasound and a MRI. Hang in there and keeping chatting with the group. It will help and these ladies and fellows are a greAt support group.

Thanks so much for your support. I think about all the women (and men) going through this battle simultaneously as I go though mine. There is comfort knowing that I am not alone and that we are rooting for each other.

Flowmom14,

Reading your posts and thinking of you today as it's your surgery day!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Let us know how it goes!!

Kim34

@Flowmom - hope surgery went well and that you are recovering nicely. Please let us know how things went once you get rested.

@Kim345 - It looks like I may be next. BMX scheduled for May 4th.

~Dee

@dcdrodgers, good luck and speedy recovery. Sending mojo to all

@herculesmul Your advice is excellent.  A friend who is a survivor gave me the same advice when I told her and I have been doing well to following that so far.  I read and think about the next step (for me that is the upcoming surgery).  I don't read all about chemo until I find out whether or not I will need chemo for example.  I am staying pretty calm, sleeping well, etc. Blessings to all of you. 

My mx surgery is coming up in 2 weeks (May 17). I'm 45 and was diagnosed on March 23 with IDC and some DCIS. The IDC tumor was 2cm so was considering a lumpectomy with radiation. However, my MRI results showed that the DCIS was 3 cm and deeper than the IDC. The BS felt that it would be difficult to get clear margins with a lumpectomy. So now will be having mx with reconstruction. I have my pre-op tomorrow, so will be getting more info. DH was worried when I told him the diagnosis since he went through this with his mom about 10 years ago, and she passed away 5 years later. Since my care team was very positive that the outcome will be good, I am not worried right now. Just taking things one day at a time. I told my husband that once I start to worry, then you can worry.

My current issue is how long my body will take to recover. I am a bridesmaid for one of my best friend's wedding 3 1/2 weeks after surgery. Since I was told that the recovery is 4-6 weeks, I had to give up my BM duties. I still plan to attend, and am very much looking forward to it! But it does involve a short flight and I don't know if I will experience lymphedema, or any other post-surgery ailments.