May 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
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juliejazz, hope you are doing well
I am having BMX next Sat may 20, all drs encouraging expanders.. I have done chemo , and will need radiation after ... but I am seriously thinking of no reconstruction and it sounds like you went that way.. so how do you feel about that no
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Studies show after 10 yrs women who went flat are just as happy. I'm glad I did.
Wearing my fake blobs for the first time to go out to dinner tonight one week after surgery. I am going to order a smaller size ...LOL.
This website helped me make my decision. http://mastectomysolutions.com/why-choose-mastecomy.php
I also downloaded a $3 ebook on this site calleeFacing Your Mastectomy and making reconstruction decisions http://nancyspoint.com/
Good luck to you whatever you decide. I'm not sure yet if I need radiation but I will have chemo.
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Hi All,
Happy thoughts and feelings to everyone who has had their May surgeries to date and well wishes to those that will be having surgery later this month. Please, remember to take the prescribed meds as indicated and to take it easy and listen to your body. Yesterday I went in for my Herceptin only treatment. Took a total of 1.5 hours. 1 hours total transportation to and from the facility and 30 minutes for the actual treatment. I took Lyft as I'm still on driving restrictions (although I feel like I could actually drive I'll continue to follow Doctor's orders). Anywho....after only approximately 2 hours out of the house I was so tired and exhausted when I made it back in. I pretty much spent the rest of the day "napping" on and off all day after having such a long day out:). Luckily, I have next to no pain now and was able to get some real quality sleep in.
Today I had a follow-up with the BS. She came in with a huge smile on her face and said "I have great news. I just went over your pathology report and you had pCR". Chemo had done it's job. Couldn't find traces of cancer anywhere. They had trouble finding the clip that was placed in the positive lymph node and the previous day could only get the seed close to where they thought it was. Thank goodness my BS was diligent during surgery and got both the seed AND the clip(s) out ensuring she got the lymph node that had originally tested positive for cancer. She ended up taking a total of 10 lymph nodes.
Here's something to think about. When I first diagnosed as positive I told my BS that I wanted a BMX even though the option of having a lumpectomy was on the table. She had no problems with whatever decision I chose to make. I had small boobs barely A/not quite B and saw no reason to remove a good chunk of such a tiny boob
. Anywho, when I had my first breast MRI the right breast had some suspicious areas they wanted to biopsy. When they tried to biopsy the right breast via ultrasound the imaging doctor said "you have a very busy right breast so we'll have to do a MRI guided biopsy". Those biopsy results came back as benign and fibrocystic breast changes, BUT I received the dreaded letter in the mail saying to come back in 6 months to see if there were any changes. Since I had already made up my mind to have a BMX I knew wouldn't be back in 6 months for another biopsy. Why do I bring all of this up you wonder? Well....after neo-adjuvant chemo (TCHP). My BS ordered a post-chemo MRI to see if the tumor had moved away from the chest wall. The post-chemo MRI no longer showed a mass in the left breast and the 2 enlarged lymph nodes (only 1 was biopsied) were now both regular sized. But get this....the MRI did not mention the 2 suspicious masses in the right breast that were biopsied from the December MRI. I found that suspicious and was planning to ask my BS about it, but I didn't see her again until the day of surgery after the anesthesiologist had given me volume. Anywho, during today's visit she informed me that they had found atypical cells in the right breast tissue. So what was biopsied and OK just 5 months ago was already showing potential signs of turning into something else. I'm so glad I never gave the decision to have a BMX a second thought.Hang in their ladies (and gents if you're reading this).
~Dee
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That's great news, Dee! Those were the same concerns that I had - no one could tell me if the "stuff" in the other breast was gone because 1) I have no hormones now or 2) if the chemo took it out.
I agonized for so long about which decision to make. I feel at peace with the BMX. I know that nothing is a guarantee, but I have a lot less breast tissue now! I'm sleeping well for the first time in forever.
Now - if I could just get rid of this pain ...
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@NotVeryBrav - I do remember your similar post, but I couldn't remember your username. I'm so glad you ran across my post as we had similar issues with our "good" boob.
I also saw your post regarding pain. Maybe the Doc can prescribed something else for you? My pain level never went above a 5 and that was even during my overnight stay in the hospital. I'm thinking the PVB nerve block they gave me really took the brunt of the pain off. I did have a very stiff/sore left elbow and arm for about 48 hours after surgery, but I attributed that to whatever awkward position they had my arms in during surgery.
I see you're also from Maryland. I too live in Maryland near DC. My bio lists Washington, DC just for a little privacy, but if you're from around these parts you know we refer to all of it as DMV
I had all of my services and care at the GWU Breast Center in Washington, DC. I've had great experiences with all of my doctor's and even my short overnight hospital stay at GWU. Hopefully my great experience will continue once I meet with the radiologist. Waiting on an appointment to be scheduled now. I'll also be meeting with a physical therapist in a few weeks (BS wants me to heel a bit more first) who will talk to me about the potential of lymphodema.
~Dee
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Well ... called PS last evening because I was running a fever and hurting a lot. I'm a nurse and knew a temp of 103 was not good news. Was sent to ED for blood cultures, chest X-ray, urinalysis, IV fluids, and one dose of Rocephin. Nothing was seen in any testing so was given option of chest CT to rule out blood clot, overnight observation, or go home and see - which I did. I'm SO ready to be done with EVERYTHING!
So no more fever. And the PS met me there and said everything looks about as good as it can for only a few days post op. And now I have a rash so I'm not sure if it's from the antibiotic or the fever. Geez - it's endless. I'd be really happy to just lay around and sleep, but I make myself walk around the house and use my spirometer.
BTW - PS said pain at sternum is from stitches from Alloderm sling.
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notverybrave......I'm glad the fever is gone. Don't you wonder where it came from? Everything is so much easier to bear if you understand it, I think. After my BMX when I had so much pressure in my chest from the tissue expanders, one of my nurses explained why and somehow i felt much better about it. Hang in there. It's gets better and better.
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Dee,
Thanks for your post! I see the BS a week from Monday and am leaning toward a BMX. I've already had 3 surgeries for thyroid cancer and do not want multiple surgeries for breast cancer - one & done is great for me. You made a great decision!
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so Dee , you have actual dilivone implants in and are going to have radiation??
I was never given that option I was told the actual implants dont tolerate the tadiation
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@MamaOz - Yes. I had Silicon Implants placed at the time of the BMX. I had already discussed with my PS my concerns about the implant holding up during radiation and she said she doesn't think I'll have a problem. I don't know what she based that on, but from what I researched she is very experienced and I trust her enough to give it a go. She stated that in the event that there are issues that occur from radiation she could always go the DIEP route to build up the radiated breast if it comes to it.
When I had my first consultation with the PS I really had no solid plan but was prepared to just go flat. I explained to her that I would like to give reconstruction a try, but only if I would minimize (as much as possible) the number of surgeries I would need. I also wanted to avoid tissue expanders if possible. That's when she mentioned that I was a candidate for direct-to-implant skin and nipple sparing reconstruction. She did warn that I might need a little fat grafting down the road if rippling occurred and I was ok with that. She also mentioned all of the other complications that could happen with implants.
My mass was budding up against my chest wall and I had at least 1 lymph involved. According to my research it looks like I will at the very least need radiation to the chest wall and lymph area. I'm also guessing I'll receive radiation to the clavicle area. I'm not sure if radiation will be necessary to the whole breast since I have had a mastectomy. My patient navigator will be scheduling my first appointment with the radiologist soon and I'll have a ton more questions when I have my first consultation.
I plan to start moisturizing the breast and surrounding areas that may require radiation as soon as I get the go ahead that it's okay to begin. I also plan on continuing to moisturize these areas 6 to 8 weeks after radiation ends.
I sure hope everything holds up as I am pretty pleased with the way things have gone so far. I really don't want to have any more surgeries other than possible fat grafting down the line to soften up the outer edge appearance of the implants. I am prepared to go flat if necessary, but I wanted to give reconstruction a go.
~Dee
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thank you De
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about the snb. do they make a separate incision from the mastectomy or do they go through the already opened area of the mastectomy.
I have to go in Wednesday to get the tracer injected into the breast. I am assuming they will do the snb during my surgery the next day
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tpralph.....my snb was done during my bmxthrough a separate 1.5 inch incision in arch armpit. My BMX incisions were under my breasts.
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My SNB was done through the same incision as the BMX (lower edge of each breast). I was told they took 3 nodes - one of which had been previously biopsied and had a clip. I don't have the results yet.
On a side note - I went in the day before for "mapping" with the radioisotope. Using lots of Emla cream on the nipple and areola, covered with plastic wrap and held by a bra for an hour before, was great at reducing pain for me. I didn't feel the needle and the injection only burned for a few seconds. The blue dye was added the day of surgery - apparently after I was out.
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I have a feeling that I'm going to be in an awkward position very soon. My MO was against a BMX and the BS in the group was also pretty much pushing for lumpectomy. I ended up going with my second opinion breast surgeon and being treated at a different hospital for surgery.
The problem is that I need to finish my Herceptin dosing. I should be getting my second Herceptin-only round this coming week, but the MO's office is dragging their feet about scheduling so soon after surgery, with drains in, see him 2 weeks later, blah, blah, blah. Anyone else had this?
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How are everyone doing? Five days post mastectomy, my major pain and discomfort now is from the TE. I always can feel the edge of TE is pinching my skin when I change position and the pain is so unbearable. But gladly the SNB and the removal of two nodes don't bring me issues any anymore.
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Checking in here since my second surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Did not expect to have another surgery within less than a month after the first (28 April), but I guess cancer is just full of the unexpected.
Hope everyone who has gone through their surgeries are doing well, and those pending surgery, here's wishing for our surgeons to have clear minds and steady hands! :
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I also will have a second surgery, mine on Wednesday for axillary lymph node dissection because on a closer examination the sentinel node was cancerous. I will probably have a port put in as well. I will meet the oncologist and learn about that this afternoon. Just when I'm feeling good I will have to recover again and I got off easy with my arms the first time and will probably have more rehab to do this time with the right arm. Oh well, gotta get through it. I trust my docs.
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Hi JuliaJazz, we are in the same boat! I too am going for a second surgery for axillary clearance because my Oncologist is not happy with the test results of the nodes she has gotten. You basically nailed my feelings right now! I was recovering quite nicely after my lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removal (2 of them). I planned to return to work this week, but now have to put that on hold. I did pop in to the office today, and felt like I really love my job and cannot wait to return completely.
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@TpRalph - My snb and BMX incisions were done same as Herculesmulligan.
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@NotVeryBrave - not sure why the MO is dragging their feet. I asked my MO before surgery if I would be getting a break from Herceptin after surgery and she said no. I have continued on my every 21 day schedule. Had my first Herceptin only treatment on 4/20, BMX surgery on 5/4, and my second Herceptin only on 5/11. Didn't miss a beat.
I have a port placed in, but during my Herceptin treatment last week I asked my nurse to give my treatment through my vein instead of using the port because 1) I was still tender in that area and 2) I didn't want any needles coming so close to my new implant so soon. I may ask them to use my vein for my next treatment if the implants hasn't settled in a little more by then.
p.s. I had 3 drains in during my treatment. Just pinned them on the inside of my sweatshirt and everything went fine.
~Dee
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I am just making it "in" for the May surgery group--mine is scheduled for May 31. I feel confident it's the right decision, but some days the enormity of it all kind of hits me in the face. 2 weeks and 2 days to go and although I'm not looking forward to it, I just want May 31 to get here already. So many emotions.
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You'll do great noodlesmom,. It wasn't as bad as I feared. The waiting is definitely the hardest part
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Well, I am new to this website and thought I would jump in right here since the topic fits. I'm a bit overwhelmmed and am still learning, but this is what I know, have done and have been told:
Annual, routine (or so I thought) mammogram on 4/27 with ABUS (due to dense breasts) - had last year with no findings to report (apart from a long history of cysts). Only ABUS detected this - NOT the mammogram. I had to pay out of pocket last year for ABUS and fussed with my insurance. I lost, but I am thankful I didn't decide against it this year.
Evening of 4/27, my OBGYN calls to say they found something concerning in right breast and wish to do a targeted ultrasound
Afternoon of 4/28 - targeted ultrasound by same radiologist who read my report the previous day and can't figure out what she sees. Based on my dense breast history, suspects it's just tissue but she highly recommends a biopsy
5/3 - core needle biopsy - ouch (still bruised but better)
5/4 - evening call from OBGYN to tell me I have IDC but "mass" looks small and should be totally treatable; referal to breast surgeon
5/8 - meeting with breast surgeon. Feels the tumor is the size of a pencil eraser. E+ P+ HER2 - (New things for me to learn about) Orders breast MRI. Suggests lumpectomy and expected 6 weeks of radiation.
5/9 - Scheduled lumpectomy for 5/19
5/12 - Breast MRI
5/15 - Call from surgeon: Good news is left breast looks good as do both right/left lymph nodes. Bad new she said mass is actually 3x3 cm. Still feels she can get it all but expect greater indentation. She said it was still tough to get really clear images on the MRI due to zero fat in breasts. (Who knew fat could be such a good thing?!)
So, this is where I stand. Hopeful, that this Friday there are no more surprises. Praying that the lumpectomy IS the right choice. Grateful for an amazing healthcare system that has acted super fast to get all these steps in place to know what we are dealing with.
Having lost my first husband at age 45 to brain cancer, it has triggered difficult emotions for me. I turn 50 in August and had hoped to be celebrating in Costa Rica. Perhaps I still can, but CR will be there next year. Definitely a question for oncologist on 5/31 to see if it's even doable. I know fatigue can be a real factor, so I am hoping to peruse these boards tomorrow to see how you brave women (and men) are doing.
All the best to each of you. We can do this!
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Kim Possible: welcome to the group. Your shock is totally normal. Remember, a month ago you didn't even know there was a problem. Now you're coming to terms with having cancer and making decisions and dealing with all those old feelings you had when your first husband was sick, dredged up new. So go easy on yourself, give yourself time to think about things, and just be a mess for a while if you need to.
As far as your trip....that might be doable. I flew PA to GA 4 weeks after a BMX with tissue expander placement. It was ok. Stretch a lot, and don't count on carrying anything through the airport. Even a wheeled carry on was too much for me. Also sleeping in a hotel bed after having made such a precise nest of my own bed was tricky, but with enough pillows it was ok.
Good luck with your treatment plan decisions. I think that's a tough phase of this. Once you know what you're going to do, your mind rests easier.
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I feel for those of you who are just recently diagnosed. I truly agonized over surgical decisions and I had the whole mess of chemo to spend doing it! Can't imagine making these decisions on a shorter time table.
Keep reminding yourself that there are no wrong decisions. It's just what seems right for you. Everyone will be watching you very closely for quite some time afterwards as well. We all have to weigh the information we have and move forward as best as we can.
I went to see the PS yesterday for follow up. He pulled both drains so I'm free of more "equipment" now. It really didn't hurt at all - just a little stinging when they took out the stitches holding them in. They are watching one area around my L nipple that's reddened but seems to have good blood flow.
I get a bit discouraged about how things look and feel, but he reminds me that it's been less than a week since I had the equivalent of 3 major surgeries! Says will look so much better by 6 weeks and great by 6 months. Trying to be patient.
Anyway - the soreness at the drain sites is WAY better!
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Hello ladies, thought I will pop in and say a quick hi. Axillary clearance done and resting now. The surgery this time round felt more brutal than the previous lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. I feel totally tuckered! And the wounds HURTS!
But I thought about all the strong ladies here, and feel determined to hang in there!
Welcome to the community, Kim Possible, hope all goes well for you! I learnt a lot from this place, and hope it does for you what it has done for me, a place of support which feels like home. Take care!
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Notverybrave, glad your drains are out. Heard they're a pain and that healing will speed up after this. Getting nervous about my surgery next week
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Matryoshka, I am sorry you are hurting.
I had to google axillary clearance, as those are new terms (most are!) to me. I know so little. I knew brain tumors, but I guess I will have to brush up on my breast cancer knowledge as well. Rest, healing and peace to you.
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NotVeryBrave, YOU ARE BRAVE! Glad to hear your soreness is way better. One day at a time with this, right? Stay positive. I'm encouraged by so many here in such a short amount of time. Lots of heroes on these boards!!
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