Surgery June 2018

Hello ,

I had chemo first. Staying ahead of SE really helps.

Mooneabbit59 - Hang in there. I found out I was allergic to the adhesive also. It is annoying, but tolerable. I am working to improve my range of motion.

My first day back at work was exhausting. I am definitely committed to keeping a work life balance.

Take care everyone.

I have my consultation appointment on 7/23 for radiation. Expecting to start in September. My surgeries went well and negative margins on second try. Hoping for something less than 15 treatments, but I guess we will see.

I'm not sure how active this group is still, or if any one is still reading it.

I had DCIS almost 5 years ago and I had pretty much stopped thinking about breast cancer. In May my mammogram showed lesions in both breasts and was I shocked!. By the end of June, I had a Left mastectomy (invasive ductal carcinoma), right lumpectomy (benign) and bilateral SLN dissection (both benign). So it is now just exactly 4 weeks since all the procedures. I"m not doing reconstruction on the Left side, just sticking a soft form in one of my regular old bras, so my street clothes appearance is just fine. (at 67, I'm not exactly a fashion icon).

Physically I guess I'm doing very well -- I had a hematoma on the mastectomy side but it is slowly being reabsorbed. The other incisions have healed up pretty well. I have full ROM in my L arm but the pec is still tight. I'm rated at stage 1a, so I have no grounds for complaints of any kind. I've started arimidex (3 days ago) with only a hot flash or two to show for it so far (knock on wood). I can go all day without a nap. I have no pain to speak of. I dare say, this is as good as it gets.

I hate to complain but having had a relatively "easy" time has left me in a weird sort of limbo. I'm considered "strong" and ready to go back to work like nothing has happened. I try to act like nothing has happened and mostly succeed...So why do I still feel like my life is upside down? In practice, it is not upside down...it's pretty much back to normal. I just cannot wrap my head around the idea that I had cancer and may still have it somewhere in my body. Since I don't have pain and no reconstruction issues, it almost comes as a shock when I look in the mirror and see that I've had a boob whacked off...such strange feelings. I'm finding it hard to connect with my real self. Not sure what is the status of my "real self". Does any of this ring a bell with anyone?

I don't really expect anyone to offer any suggestions. I just wanted to write this to fellow sufferers of this stupid breast cancer stuff....thanks for listening.

Rimroc I get It, I think we just keep doing what we have to and don't really have time to come to terms with our new normal! How I look now is a big shock that I am slowly getting used to. Thankfully in clothes it isn’t readily apparent.

It took two months for the biopsy because I developed a hematoma, with the freezing, it became so protracted,then the mastectomy happened a week later. I have been in limbo too,told I need chemo 10 days ago,then today told I did not. What a rollercoaster. I want my life back. This cancer sucks and I know I am one of the fortunate ones.

So the stress is cumulative and it will take awhile to work through everything. And the shock of loss to our bodies takes its toll.

Aussie cat,you always have the right words,thank you! I hope your nerve pain will lessen soon!

Rimroc- Hang in there. Thanks for sharing.

Aussiecat and Bennybear- This is a long journey. Hope things get better.

Each of us have different challenges. It's great to be able to come here to give and receive support.

Take care everyone.

I finally removed my surgical tape. After my not so great experience with my port, I didn't want to rush it. Patience paid off. It came off in one piece after allowing hot water to run over it in the shower.

I feel more like my old self. I want to get out and just enjoy life embracing every experience.

My range of motion continues to get better. I slept on my stomach for part of the night something I haven't done in a while. If someone would have told me last year I would consider that an accomplishment, I would have not believed them.

Take care.

elizabeth9: I am only one month post double mastectomy and I feel fine. A little pressure sometimes and sensitivity where the skin is at the base of the breast but other than that, it’s really ok. I had tissue expanders put in because I’m going for a small lift as well. I have one scar so far and honestly, it doesn’t look like I thought it would. It looks so much better. No bruising, no Frankenstein stitches. Really, I was very surprised. I even have full range of motion of my arms now. You can do this and you will be ok. I’ve learned to relax but also, I realized the importance of getting up and moving around. You got this!

When I have major stress, one simple thing that helps me is to get outside. Feeling the open space, the breeze, fresh air, taking a walk in a park, all help make me realize there is so much more out there than just the current stress I feel. Take deep slow breaths while you watch the glory of nature God has given us. I love all the help we can find on this site, but sometimes we have to step away from the computer. Praying for you, your surgery, and recovery. I will be having mine this fall.

Elizabeth9, Good luck with surgery tomorrow. The necular test before surgery was not that bad. I wanted to comment on the post op time. I am so glad many of you had very little or no pain. I am 5 weeks out tomorrow from a DM with reconstruction with expanders. I did have pain after surgery but manageable with the pain meds. The drains were the most bothersome and hurt. I made it through and now am a little sore but getting my energy back. Everybody is different Good Luck and take your pain meds if you need them.

Hi all, I had BMX on 23rd July and am surprised by recovery so far. I thought I would be a lot more incapacitated than I am. I was distressed going into the surgery and felt very relieved once it was done.

Drains came out days 3 & 4 and again I was relieved to have them gone. My pain levels are very manageable. I have some swelling on both sides. Mini boobs. I have not planned for reconstruction so no TE at this point.

I don’t take the oxycodone because of the sides effects. I do take Targin and some voltarine at night to help me sleep. I find I am trying to roll onto my sides and it hurts. With the pain relief I get there and rest easy (once my side). I am more numb than sore.

My involved side is numb right across the breast under the arm and down to my elbow. Feels weird. The other side is no problem. I have simple dressings across each breast that cover elliptical incisions. Each incision has been joined with glue and steri strips. No stitches.

I see my surgeon and oncologist on 07/08 for review and pathology results. Until then I will do my exercises and try not to over do it.

Best wishes to you all.

Thanks Aussie cat, i found myself on my stomach at one stage last night!! Must admit I feel sore today on the left. It's like the numbness is giving way to a bit of pain. My right side us way better than my left so putting that down to the cancer and removal of the lymph. Did you or do you have any numbness and pain? And swelling?

Hi AussieCat and and Bennybear, thank you for the notes. I think I must have read your replies about a million times.

They sent me off to a psychiatrist when the group social worker caught me having a bit of a panic attack getting in the door. Diagnosis is Acute Stress Syndrome, I’m told it is acute for 6 months and then if it lasts past then it is relabeled PTSD. New doc is great and is willing to sit out on the patio with me for to reduce my going in the door problems.

It is all helping. Now I’m trying to post in here some support for others. Can’t thank you enough for answering me when I was so frightened.

Kelly Anne you are so welcome. I have found the women here amazing. We all need support at different times on this roller coaster ride! The stress is amazing. I found at times I would just be frozen, or depressed, then another day is better. I hope you see improvement and find time to do things you enjoy to help you heal. The healing takes a lot of time and we need to give ourselves the time and things we need. I find going for walks in nature helpful and yoga. Last year my son had PTSD from working with people addicted to opiates and the fentanyl crisis. It was really scary, but he is doing great this year. So hoping you will heal emotionally and physically.

Aussie cat, I am so sorry to hear about your twin sister. Big hugs! That must be so difficult on so many levels! May she do well. How is your nerve pain?

My good friend has been dealing with lung cancer that has metastasized into her brain. They have given her only a few weeks. We are devastated and will visit next week. I hate this awful disease!

But on a brighter note we have planned a trip so we have something to look forward to. I am hoping my body will deal well with the aromataseinhibitors.

Hugs to all!