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@AJ I haven’t heard the name of this test before either.. I did a genetic blood test at the beginning of all this mess but I don’t know what they called it or if it was the same. I’m sorry I’m absolutely no help but I’m sure someone on here will answer soon who does know. Hope you have a good weekend.

@AJ

I actually haven’t done this test before, and I haven’t heard of it — although my oncologist did run some genetic tests to look for any mutations, since I’m in a similar situation as you, with a persistent rise in CA 15-3.

I’ll ask my doctor about it at my next visit next week to see if it’s suitable for me and what its purpose is.

And update you if i get any information

May I ask how high your CA 15-3 level has reached?

dear @ssales13
At first, I hope everything goes well with your upcoming surgery.

Before the surgery, there were many tests — such as MRI, CT scan, biopsy, and others. I didn’t undergo chemotherapy before the operation to shrink the tumor, because I wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible.

But right before the surgery, the doctor asked me to do a list of blood tests — that’s all I remember.

As for me, I had a mastectomy on only one side (the left), and I kept worrying afterward, asking myself why I didn’t have a double mastectomy to eliminate any future anxiety.

In my case, the tumor was large — 5 cm — and one lymph node was affected (although the doctor removed 10 lymph nodes as a precaution).

After the surgery, they placed a drain on the left side to collect blood, connected by a tube to the surgical site. That was the most bothersome part for me, because I often forgot about it, and when I got up to go to the bathroom, it would slip out of place. I later heard that some patients wear a small bag to hold it in, so they don’t forget or drop it.

The doctor asked me after the surgery if I needed pain medication, but I said no because I didn’t feel any pain — which turned out to be a big mistake, as I was still under the effect of anesthesia, and once it wore off, I couldn’t sleep well.

My doctor didn’t instruct the medical staff on duty to give me a blood transfusion, thinking I hadn’t lost much blood, though he did order four bags to be kept ready in case of emergency.

Indeed, my hemoglobin dropped, and I had a severe nervous episode with trembling in my hands. Once they gave me a blood transfusion, my condition stabilized.

I don’t remember how many days I stayed in the hospital, since this was four years ago.

But because 10 lymph nodes were removed, I still experience pain in my arm to this day. I have to do specific daily exercises to prevent swelling or pain.

That’s all I remember — I hope this information helps you.

A little while ago, I went back to the journal where I record all my notes. I found that I had stayed in the hospital for four days. This depended on the drain they placed for me, which the doctor examined every day to monitor the amount of blood until it completely decreased.

I also found that the doctor gave me antibiotics through an IV after the surgery, and I continued an antibiotic course at home after being discharged.

After the surgery, they perform a pathology examination of the tumor to determine its size and type.

@ssales13 Good morning Stacy! I can’t help here since I haven’t had a mastectomy but I did have a breast reduction 12 years ago and all the info the other gals have given about the drains is familiar. Also, I don’t remember pain as such, more annoyance from the drains.
Keeping good thoughts for you!! xojuliana

@ssales13 I had a bilateral mastectomy 16 years ago, so will try to remember as best I can. One thing they should tell you is that they put 1-2 drains on each side of your chest. This is to drain excess fluids following surgery. They are left in for several days up to a week, I believe. It all depends on your fluid output.

I did find it very helpful to sleep propped up quite a bit, so get some comfortable pillows!

It also helps to have button-down shirts. Lifting things over your head for the first month is a bit challenging.

Your team should be giving you a list of exercises and stretches to do. I did mine probably twice as many times per day as suggested and got my muscles back to normal very quickly.

Just FYI: I didn’t have much “pain,” just a lot of pressure from the fluid buildup.

I’m sure other ladies will have varied input, as we all experience these things differently.

Praying your journey goes smoothly. Just know I am always thinking of you wishing you the best!

Hugs, Pam 💗😃