Topic: November Mastectomy

It's already November and no one seems to have started a topic for those of us having surgery this month. I had a right mastectomy in February. At that time, there was a small area on the left that we could feel but it didn't show on mammogram or ultrasound, so the doctors decided to "watch" it thinking it was hormonal and would go away. In July, it was still there, unchanged, so they repeated the mammogram which showed nothing. They ordered an ultrasound which showed nothing, so they ordered a MRI which showed something else! They sent me back to ultrasound, then decided to do a bx. This required another appointment for the ultrasound guided bx. The results were B9 but they weren't really sure they were in the right spot, so wanted another MRI to see if the clip was in the area of concern. If not, I'm sure the next step would have been a MRI guided bx! But the tumor board decided that a left mastectomy was the best choice, so I'm scheduled for 11/10 - only a week away now. There were so many things on my calander to do - and now they are almost all crossed off. Time to do all the last minute things required for surgery - doctor appointment, lab work, hospital interview.

I will be having my mastectomy the day before you, it is my right breast.  I had a mastectomy back in June 2003 for DCIS with tram flap, a long recovery but it was worth it.  Never thought I would be doing this again.  I am having reconstructive surgery this time also but I will have to have an implant.I already had a lumpectomy and got clear borders and just had a sentinal node this past week and everything is good.  I am not sure what lies ahead after surgery if chemo is in my future.  I have a doctor appt. tomorrow morning to check my sentinal node site.  I need to ask some questions. It helps to hear other stories.  If anyone has suggestions on what I should ask your comments will be welcomed!.

I am scheduled for a BiLateral Mast on November 20th.  Only thing that could change that is if the mass on my ovary is also cancer.  EEK. Having CT scan on Tues 11.3.  If it is cancer (please God no) - they would start me on Chemo right away and delay mast until cancer is under control.  So - I am hoping it is "just" breast cancer and the date will be Nov 20th.  At least it means my sister in law will be having Thanksgiving this year!

I will keep you all in my prayers. 

There is one for November ladies in the Breast reconstruction forum, but obviously not everyone will have reconstruction.   I'm set for a left MX/immediate DIEP on November 19.

Thanks TOB - I barely found that one since I don't usually go to that forum because of no reconstruction. I just happened to find it referred to in another forum, and didn't feel it fit me since it is specific for recon. Hope it's not confusing to have one here, too. I thought there may be several others that wouldn't look there either!

alaun and rebetata - you're one day before me! Hope you get the auth. you need!

If you want the type of cancer listed in the list, include that and I will keep it updated. Any ideas for anything else you'd like included? Anyone have any questions?

I guess I'm in this group too. Having a left mastectomy on Nov 4, only a couple days away, scary. No reconstruction right away as my surgeon really did not encourage it and said her job was to make sure I survive right now and I can have the reconstruction later on.

Found out my surgery will be at 12:30 pm, argh. The wait at the hospital is going to be horrible. I have to be there at 7 am for the sentinel node tracer injection, freaked out about that. Just hope it's not too horribly painful. There's still so much to take in with decisions, etc. Just hope it all goes well for all of us.

nic

I'm scheduled for bilateral mxs on Nov 4 with TE. Keznick - same day as your surgery.

I just completed chemo 2 weeks ago and so I do not feel physically or mentally ready for DIEP recovery. I hope I can handle TE at this point.

Well, I am getting pretty nervous. 28 hours or so until I go to the hospital. I don't know how "ready" I can be. This feels very dream-like this week. I think chemo took over so many months that I couldn't even really see past the chemo.
Hugs,
Vickie

I haven't read the other posts yet, but I will be having bilateral mx Thursday morning.  Original plan was immediate TEs then implants.  However, after MRI results, I am going to have to most likely do chemo and rads so will have to wait for reconstruction.  This is probably the worst news I've gotten since dx.  The thought of waking up with nothing but scars and drains is really weighing on me ... as is the long and daunting road of treatments ahead.

I will be looking to see how everyone is doing after my sx next week!

Hi mirbelle - having not had reconstruction and not planning to, the scars and drains are really not so bad (FOR ME!). It's a very personal thing; different for each of us. The drains aren't fun, but so necessary and so-o-o-o nice to have OUT! For me, knowing the cancer is OUT also is the best part. We'll be thinking of you Thursday!

Pre-op physical, lab, EKG and pre-op interview all done today! I work all day tomorrow, then have a planned Scrapbook Marathon ALL DAY on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!!! We only do this once a year - so I'm looking forward to checking out of most everything else and enjoying the creativity and progress of getting lots of pictures and memories organized!

Starting my string of "lasts" before surgery. Today is my last day of work - I only work one day a week plus some call time. My last call time was last Saturday. Then - Scrapbooking fun!!! Still have some minor details to wrap up but most are so minor they can wait until Monday.

Thinking of everyone here - especially keznick and vick614 today. Let us know how you're doing when you can and know we're thinking of you and praying for you!

I'm 37 years old and my bi-lateral mastectomy is set for Nov 12 with immediate reconstructive.  I just found out that I had cancer on Oct. 29th... things are moving so quickly that my head is still spinning.  I'm so scared that I don't have the words.  My daughter just turned 9 on the 24th and my husband can't even look at me without crying.

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for your kind words.  Yes I've elected to start the reconstructive stage at the same time.   I really don't have anyone that I can talk with about any of this and I'm so thankful my doctor told me about this site. I've been reading different posts on here and everyone seems so kind, caring, understanding and compassionate.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your surgery goes smoothly and you results are the best they can be.

Thank you again,

Marilyn

my thoughts and prayers are with you, keznick and vick614!

I'm scheduled for a left Mastec + TE with future implant reconstruction for tomorrow, Nov. 6th!  I was originally diagnosed in July with DCIS, now after 4 biopsies, many tests, had a SNB + large Lumpect 10/16 with unclear margins and diagnosis upgraded to IDC, I'm looking forward to being done with this and I just keep thinking that by tomorrow afternoon I should be cancer free!  If the Dr.s are right, I shouldn't even need rads or chemo, just the Tamoxifen!  I'm sorry to lose my breast, I will miss it greatly. I've chosen implants because I don't want to spend any more time deciding which reconstruction would be right for me, and implants can always be changed to flap if needed/wanted. 

Unfortunately, my husband can't deal with this anymore and has kinda 'shut down', it's been too much for him to handle.  Luckily I have family that will travel to help me and good friends and neighbors.  Have to get up at 3:30am to be at the hospital by 5am, & in the OR @ 7:30am.  I'm off to finish packing so I'll be checking back sometime next week, and if I can't sleep tonight I'll be back later.    Many prayers, good thoughts and hoping for a quick and easy recovery for everyone!  

 I am sad to say I have been postponed due to insurance dragging there feet. I am so sad about it. I had finally prepared myself for Monday but now its the unknown again.

Rebecca