August 2011 Surgery Group
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Got my pathology results yesterday - the doc kept me waiting an hour while he finished up surgery. I was practically shaking by the time he walked in. But there was good news - he got clean margins, and the final pathology was unchanged from the initial biopsy. He thought he had taken 3 nodes but the pathology showed 4 nodes, and all were negative. Whew!
The only little surprise was the confirmation that there was also an area of DCIS adjacent to the IDC. The initial biopsy said it was "borderline" but the final pathology confirmed it. It was also removed with good margins.
I asked about the "ball" feeling under my arm and the numbness. He said the sensation of a ball is actually my scar, which is raised and has a ridge under it. Nothing he can do about that except time to heal and hopefully flatten. There's also some fluid, but not enough to draw out. The numbness he said may or may not go away --- which is a bummer, but I'm getting used to it.
So, on to the next phase: radiation. I'm meeting with a MO and RO in a couple weeks.
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Dawmson, that's awesome news! Clear margins, clean nodes! Wooo to the HOOOOOO!!!! Yay!
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Congratulations, dawmson!!! Isn't that the BEST feeling, hearing you have clean margins?? I think that was my favorite part of this whole process. I am the most impatient person so I actually emailed my PCP and asked her to send me the path report just a few days after my surgery, rather than wait the 10 days to see my BS. And I knew my BS wouldn't send it to me. Well, my PCP didn't send it to me but she did allow one of the nurses to call me to let me know that I got clean margins and she told me how big the smallest one was, too. That's important for DCIS if you want to try to figure out your risk of recurrence. My BS didn't offer me the path report but he did give me a copy after I asked him again in person, after the follow-up consult. I'm just one of those people that needs to see the numbers herself.
but back to my original point: I second that WOOOO to the HOOOOO!!!!
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Darn it, I just posted on the wrong thread AGAIN! I'm going to have to cut and paste it so everyone can see my status update, but I want to third dawmson's woo to the freakin' hoo! You go girl! Stupid cancer!
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Post a reply
6 minutes ago
Eema wrote:
Hi ladies,
Kim, glad to hear you are doing ok now, but blah, I hate being nauseous, which I have been all week, and still having dizzy spells. Last night I almost passed out at dinner and had to lay on the sofa. I tried to get up and almost passed out again, so just took myself to bed. My poor little boy was at my side the whole time till my DH told him to leave me alone so I could rest. I feel a little better today, but very, very weak.
For more fun, I spent the day at the cancer center today. I should at least 6 different people my new boobies, and that was just in the waiting room! HA! Just kidding! But really, it felt like that. By the end of the day I was ready to flash my tits at anyone who wanted to see them! Why not, they're new, kind of like show and tell!
I got a good report from the MO, who I don't have to see again since I can't take tamoxifen. She, however, reiterated that the ooph/hyst was a good idea in my case. I also got a good report from my BS, who I don't have to see for six months! Yay! She also treated me for an UTI, which I figured I had because I have to pee like a pregnant lady, and (TMI alert) this morning when I peed it looked like red sand in the bottom of the toilet. FUN! More keflex for me!
I didn't get such a good review from my OT. My right arm is very tight and I have limited range of motion because I've only been propping my left arm, the cancer side. I guess righty felt left out, so now I have to sleep with two arms propped. So comfy! My fill ports are still KILLING me, and I'm still really swollen under my arms. But the good news is I have new exercises to do. YAY!
One good thing for today... I was approved for three free oncology massages though an organization for people dealing with cancer. Earlier this week I got four free house cleanings (one a month for four months). Who knew I would win so many prizes when I was diagnosed? Stupid cancer! I'd gladly pay for my own cleaning person and massages! I guess I should take the prizes I'm offered, huh?
Well, ladie, I hope you are all doing well, especially Kim, Christine, Sarah, anyone else I might have missed. Stupid cancer makes me forget things, and I didn't even have chemo! Maybe it is sympathy chemo brain for those of you having it.
Hang tough, girls! We are warriors, all of us! I like warrior so much better than survivor!
A couple of Alloderm bras and Mentor post-surgical inflatable implants for now.
Diagnosis: 4/14/2011, DCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+
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dawsmom - I read that you have clear margins on IDC and DCIS and zero nodes. Congrats and whew! I hope I do as well tomorrow at the post surgery appointment.
I had a lumpectomy 8/30 and went back to work 9/5. After a day in a regular bra and constricting clothes, I developed more tenderness under my arm.
I too have the (kind of large) lump at my SNB site which is more toward the breast than under arm. But now I've developed a tender spot way under my arm. My breast is still a bit large, but soft - fluid is definitely there. I finally ditched the bra and wear camis to work with layered tops. It's better.
I do not have numbness and I think it is early for someone to tell you it may never go away. I hope it is resolving itself.
My steri strips are off tonight and now scars are itching a bit. It felt better when covered. My breast incision is horizontal on the top about half way up. The SNB is far more uncomfortable and in a bad place for movement and clothing.
I hope you are continuing to recover and good luck with your RO/MO plan.Joan
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2 weeks since lumpectomy and I finally went back to see the BS to have this lump under my arm drained again. It had turned hard as a rock and it's just a constant pain and discomfort. Apparently this is just part of it, it's just that nobody mentions it beforehand. I can't believe the surgeon saw me after 6 days and said come back in 6 months. Seems like they would want to see you until you are healed! I only had three lymph nodes removed. I would understand this if there were more. Anyway, I thought I would report what I learned today for anyone still wondering. BS said she'd drain it if it is too uncomfortable, but it will go away eventually on it's own.
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Jjjsjames, you asked the same question I asked-- why couldn't the PS tell me I would have ports under my arms, or that my rib cage would serve as the foundation of my new boobies? Do the surgeons think it will hurt less if they don't give you all the information? It would have been far less scary for me to know what I thought were abscesses under my arms were actually ports.
I think it is old school thinking. I lived in Israel for 3 years, and found the medical information doctors share much different than here. Israelis, by nature, tend to be much tougher than us in the US... I had ankle surgery and was not offered narcotic pain meds like I would have been here, just Acamo (Israeli Tylenol). I had an experience with a GYN there that was out of the dark ages, by US standards. The nurse called to tell me my pap had shown "something" and I needed to come to the office right away to be treated. I asked what was found, and was told it was none of my business, that the doctor would take care of it. I asked to speak to the doctor, and she SCREAMED at me, "if you want to think that you have cancer, FINE, then you have cancer. But you don't!" When I asked again what I had, she again told me it was none of m y business. Finally, she told me I had a yeast infection, but getting that information was torturous. I found another GYN who didn't yell at me, but didn't share everything with me. The culture of medicine is just different.0 -
dawmson - congrats on the great pathology!! Love to hear clear margins and negative nodes!
Joan811- keeping fingers crossed for only good news today too !!!
I had my SNB in Dec 2010. It was numb and very tender but did get better over time, although it still remains very sensitive ( uncomfortable if bra or shirt presses on it). Massaging the scar and the exercises they give you do help, and I can't wait to start them again!!!
I had my drains out on Wed, wow that was a huge relief at the time. I thought my discomfort would be gone almost instantly (and at the time it was). Fluid is now starting to accumulate and I can feel it jiggling and moving. I am feeling discouraged. I had one of those horrible emotional days yesterday where anything would make me breakdown. Like everyone else, I just want this part of my life journey to be over, and to get on with my new "normal" life. (Insert deep cleansing breath here) I am planning a bit of retail therapy later today ...
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My right drain is FINALLY slowing down--it took a sharp downward turn today--of course, on a Friday so that I will have to wait for the whole weekend before I can get it out on Monday. By then it will be 27 days!
I saw a PT yesterday and it wasn't as horrible as I was expecting. She did some massage as she said I had some "cording" on my right arm. She also taught me how to do the lymph drainage massage. I have a little fluid retention on the left side, so we are hoping that will dissipate without having to have it aspirated.
I got my MRI results today and the weird spot is still on my rib
The oncologist said that we could have a surgeon go in and get it out (or at least do a biopsy) or could just watch it and see. He recommended the waiting and watching because the treatment would be the same. So, that is the current plan. I'll talk to him more about it on the 19th when I see him again.He also said that he is going to recommend more chemo after radiation. Ugh...I'm starting to feel like this cancer treatment is never going to end. As it stands, I will be doing active treatment through the rest of the year and likely into the new year. And then there is reconstruction...
I'm trying not to stress about this and just relax this weekend (I got out of town to the beach).
What do you wear for "compression"? The PT suggested that I get a sports bra and said that it didn't have to compress too much. So, I'm wondering if those camis with the shelf bra in them would be enough. I'll ask her on Monday, but just wondering if anyone has thoughts
Have a good weekend!
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Oh, EEMA and BLONDE, I sure sympathize with you two girls. Too much stuff for one little body to have to deal with! ALL, I have witnessed my own post-surgery puffyness under my arm reduce in size, at first I thought it was too much fluid or whatever, but slowly it has gone down. I put lotion under my arm and then baby powder, helps chaffing. I also massage my arm and shoulder and under my arm and side, but really don't know the correct lymph massage technique (EEMA, any tips?). But I don't have lymphedema, just slight swelling now. After many weeks, mild exercise with my arm has allowed me to return to full range of motion, but I stil completely baby my arm, no heavy lifting, etc. Rads start Tues, so I have Sat, Sun, Mon off! Best wishes to my sisters, GG
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I feel I know everyone of you and each of you have helped me in my recovery from this terrible illness. I have come to this site every time I have been able to this past month and found strength from everyone. I have never been a part of a discussion board .I was dx 7/21 and told by MD's that I had a very large tumor that had invaded my chest wall and was in the lymph nodes. Not a good prognosis. I waited until 8/31 for my bil mx/te and was filled with the most horrendous anxiety. Thru medication and meditation I made it to the day of surgery. I am elated to report my surgery went very well no complications and was dc'd home the next day.Well my nodes were negative my margins are negative and Mr Lump as I refer to my tumor is 2.1 cm.The MD's say that the MRI and US showed a different picture because of swelling to the area from the core biopsy. I have learned a huge lesson from all this that month of anxiety and being scared out of my mind was a waste of time. I could have been taking a walk with a friend eating dinner with a loved one laughing at a stupid movie reading a good book .I will never let anything rob me of the gift of today. Hugs to you all . Maggie
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Blondelawyer. I asked abot the camis and shelf bra my Doctor said they didn't provide enough compression. I am wearing a 42DD ( got to laugh I'm a 36 A) front zipper sport bra that I purchased fron JC Penny. It is easy for me to get on all by myself and the MD says it has enough compression
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Maggie, thank you. I needed that. My BMX with TEs was on Aug 23rd...my appt with my onc is on Monday. I've been getting myself a little nuts with worry over the results. I did,however, go peach picking with hubby and son and today we hit a little local fair--trying to keep busy and not THINK so much. But thank you. I truly teared up at that. Only one more day to fill--tomorrow!
Love to all!
C
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Hi, I am new to forum and would like to be added to August surgery group. I hope I am replying to right person to do this. Thanks.
dharris August 15 UMX with immediate latiss dorsi reconstruction (or however you say that in a briefer manner!)
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Profbee you must be recovering really well going to a fair and peach picking. You go girl. My PS has filled me x 3 already 25 cc each time she says it helps to decrease drainage. Had my drains removed yesterday.Those JP drains are little devils mine burned and pinched. I was never so glad to get rid of them. Blond I feel for ya man you need to celebrate when you get them out . I had my appt with the onc last Thurs. I decided to do the onotype test have an appt 9/22 for that result.I may be able to get away without chemo and rads. Going to take tamoxifen for 5 years fun.Hi Dharris hope your recovery is going well. Gentle hugs to all. Maggie
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Hi Maggie--I too am a Maggie...I agree with your attitude. We can either let this disease rob us from a quality life now or choose not to let it. I feel and look better than I have in a long time--even without my breasts. I had lost 15 lbs before finding the lump and have lost 15 more since by eating healthy and limiting sugar. We are warriors in the fight for our lives!
Maggie
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My BMX with TE surgery was 8/30. I have been fortunate as I had my drains removed on Wed. - PS very pleased with healing. It has been so helpful to read all of the posts knowing I am not alone with various pains, drains and limited mobility. I saw my BS on Thursday also very pleased with surgical sights. path report showed several areas of cancer In breast microscopic metastasis found in 2 nodes (via SN test). Right breast had several areas of hyperplasia and calcifications so good call to take that one as well. Met with MO afterward I love her! Based on all my numbers I will start with AC cocktail once every two weeks x 4 cycles...neoplasia (?) injection 24 hrs later for WBC. And
A steroid for nausea. Followed by Taxol every 2 weeks x 4 cycles. Due to my age, tumor size and node involvement she also recommends rads. I will see RO for that. Followed by 5 years of tamoxifen. I'll lose hair approximately 16 days of first treatment...I will go into menopause...(any advice on dealing with symptoms? I will be unable to take ant hormone therapy do to E+/ P+ status.)
I will go for MUGA scan and wig shopping next week. I will also be meeting with Thyroid surgeon regarding small spot that showed up on my PET scan. I will start treatment 9/19 or 9/26.
Still waiting BRCA test results. Insurance finally decided to approve it!
I went to lunch yesterday, it was nice to get out. I have been doing my arm stretches and was given
the ok to do some lower body and ab work. I will be having expansions and implant transfer along the way...So much to absorb...Thank you for sharing your experiences! Bless you all!0 -
Hi everyone was just feeling better and went to my son's first college football game, I reached over to grab the rail and had horrible pain in my left arm. I started to rub my arm and realized I have developed cording. It really hurts and after looking it up tonight I realize it is a precurser for lymphedema. Just what I needed. Seems like for every up there is a down. I can't even put my arm out now without horrible pain. The cording go from my axilla to my elbow. Something else I wasn't warned about nor was expecting. Well hope someone here can learn from me at least. I will pray for everyone today!
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blondelawyer can you describe how to do the lymph drainage massage. I am so frustrated!
Also my friend who was dx in 2007 idc 1cm 0/3 nodes was dx with mets to bone yesterday. She is now stage IV and in total shock. I just can't believe this disease. She did rads and is still on hormone sup therapy was supossed to finish up in a couple of months and now this. I hate this. I'm trying to stay positive!!!
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Here are the directions I got from the PT:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Home Program for Both Arms
- Massage lightly--use only enough pressure to stretch the skin
- Do not use lotions or oils before massaging. The skin needs to be dry.
- Perform the massage slowly and rhythmically. Each stroke should take 3 seconds.
- Lift your hand to reposition it for each stroke.
- Use your entire hand for massage--big surface areas (the palm, for example) make the massage most effective.
- Perform 10-15 repetitions of each stroke
- Perform this massage routine 2 times each day.
1. Begin with 5-10 deep belly breaths. As you inhale, allow your belly to rise. As you exhale and send the air out of you, your belly should flatten. Make the process of exhaling long and slow.
2. Find the indentation above your collarbones. In that space, make slow, light stationary circles. (Crossing your hands gives the correct angle of massage and allows you to do both sides as once.)
3. Stroke from behind your ears to the collar bone.
4. Perform stationary circles in the central part of each underarm.
5. Perform stationary circles in your abdomen--5 each in a) your upper left, b) your lower left, c) your lower right, d) your upper right.
(For steps 6 through 8, you can do both sides at the same time, or you can do one side at a time.)
6. Perform stationary circles in the groin, at the hip crease.
7. Stroke from waist to groin. Think of yourself applying a coat of paint to the region, always stroking downwards.
8. Stoke as in step 7, but now from armpit down to groin.
9. Stroke from the top of your shoulder up an across to the indentation behind your collarbone.
10. If you have a helper, have that person stroke your back, from your waist to your buttocks, and then from the top of the shoulder area down to your wait in stripes as if applying paint.
Massage treatment for both arms
11. Stroke from your elbow up to your shoulder. Cover the entire surface of your arm, as if applying a coat of paint. Stroke to the back or top of your shoulder.
12. Stroke from your wrist up to your elbow as if painting.
13. Stroke your fingers and the back of your hand and travel all the way up your arm to the back of your shoulder.
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blondlawyer thanks so much. How are you - I'm sorry about that spot on your rib. Praying its nothing!!!!!!! I have my pet scan Monday. Your are a strong woman and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!
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BLONDE, thank you SO SO SO much for the detailed instructions for massaging re lymphedema! I was just kind of shooting in the dark on how to massage, so your assistance in this matter will significantly improve what I was doing. While I do not think I have it, I figured it wouldn't hurt, mainly cuz they took some lymphs out and I had some temporary swelling, so I thought lymph drainage might have been somewhat affected.
While my range of motion is better, I still do not use that arm to do strength stuff, and so last night I was trying to get rearranged in my bed, and stupidly used my left arm to lift myself up and let myself back down, and I could feel it pull the muscles in upper arm. It's still sore there right now, so I reckon I need to start adding some very gentle muscle strenghtening to that arm's "workout" when I exercise it from time to time. I have slacked off on walks, overall good strengthening activity, so I simply MUST get back into that, especially with rads coming up, I'll have some tension buildup in me from that, for sure. GG
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Tssheps- How old are you? Were you going to be going into menopause soon anyway do you think? I am 31 and still hoping for more kids, so I am on Lupron injections which suppress ovulation and bring about temporary menopause (good for killing hormone positive cancer anyway). When I go off the injections, my periods should return. Also, my fertility doctor said it is 25%-30% chance of going into menopause on the chemo without the Lupron. Just thought I'd let you know.
Also, for everyone buying wigs, this is just my advice. You can choose to take it or ignore it, but I thought maybe I could save you a little money... I got a free wig from a wig bank and good thing I didn't spend a bunch of money on it since I wore it about 5 times. Not only was it uncomfortable (and maybe a more expensive one wouldn't be) but also I didn't feel like myself when I wore it. I felt much more comfortable in hats and scarves. I never thought I would! So I guess my advice is to get a cheaper wig and a hat and scarf and play around to see what you are more comfortable with (after you lose your hair- they fit differently then!), then order what you like. I also found that a lot of my friends and relatives would pick up cute hats and scarves for me when they saw them (they enjoyed being able to help), so I didn't have to buy very many. I bought a couple of pre-tied 100% cotton scarves from hatsfoyou.com and headcovers.com. I wore those all the time!
Maybe Blondelawyer, you could add your experience since you have been through it too and everyone's is different?
Like I said, this is just what worked for me, but I wish I had known some of this before I went through it. One other tip that really worked for me- when my hair started coming out, I was DREADING shaving it. But my kids helped do it, and we turned it into a party instead! One lady I know let her kids decorate her head with washable markers. I was not that brave but thought it sounded pretty cool! I found that the anticipation of cutting it was MUCH WORSE than actually doing it.
Hope this helps a little at a very hard time! Hugs and prayers for you all.
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Blonde lawyer ~ Thanks for posting the lymph massage detailed directions. It is very much appreciated! I hope you get better each day.
I have the opposite perspective about the wig as abatellik. I was given the most beautiful wig also from a wig bank. I have always had long hair and REALLY MISS it!!! The wig is shoulder length (shorter than "my" hair was). It has great highlights and looks so natural. I wear the wig any time I leave my house. It has allowed me to feel more "normal" in public. I do not want to look sick and when I put the wig on I do not look sick. I live in Florida and yes the wig is hot and after wearing it for a long time and it feels good to take it off when I get home, but I am very grateful to have it. If wearing a wig makes you feel more comfortable as it does me, I say wear it proudly!
More ((hugs)) and prayers for everyone!
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You are very welcome. It feels weird to do it, but I'd rather make it part of my routine than get lymphedema!
About the whole wig debate--I've been on both sides. At first I thought that losing my hair would be horrible and so I was sure that I would wear wigs. But it turns out that I have went bald most of the summer. I did have a week or so where I wore wigs every day and that was fine too. Since surgery I have been feeling so disfigured and ugly so I am strongly considering doing more about my appearance which means wearing a wig and putting on makeup. I had a lady approach me at a Starbucks to encourage me--which means that it is obvious that I have breast cancer and I'm not sure that I like that. I am still only 3 weeks post-BMX so I'm sure that is some of it, but it really hit me. So, I am going to give my wigs another try and do a bit more about how I look. I do not want to look like the pathetic cancer patient!
I have about 6 wigs--3 in blonde since that is my normal color, then pink, black, and red. The pink and black are cheap costume wigs, I got the red one for about $30 on wigs.com, and then I got 2 of the blonde ones for free (one from the ACS wig bank and the other from Crickett's program) and the other I bought (and haven't worn!). It is amazing how different I feel in each of these. I chose to try to have fun with it and will see if that works over the coming weeks. I have pictures but I don't know how to post them on here
Here's a blog post I wrote about going bald back in June. http://blonde_lawyer.blogspot.com/2011/06/going-bald.html
If I can figure out how to post the other pictures I will, or if you want to become friends with me on facebook you can see them (www.facebook.com/lisawb just say that you are from this site so I know who you are!).
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Wow what a lot you're going through, Blondelawyer. Sorry.
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I had my surgery August 19, 2011. Please add me to this group. Lumpectomy and SNB.
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Okay, here are some different pics (if i figured this out right!):
And here's what my hair used to look like!:
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Hey gorgeous! You look so beautiful in those pics--I'd kill for your teeth. And, are you drawing on those brows or are they real? Thanks so much for the pics. You look great.
It sometimes occurs to me that I never look in the mirror anymore and I hardly ever bother with makeup. I should more often--for me and for my son. I know he notices when I look better.
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