Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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SweetMamaJ, Still sending you hugs. Sometimes it is harder after all the ceremonies surrounding a loved one's loss are over. Then you have a chance to reflect and the loss really hits. Be prepared. Keep thinking of your dad and remembering all the wonderful times you had with him. You're definitely in my thoughts!
HUGS!!
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sweetmamaj: My thoughts and condolences are with you
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I'm totally with you on only suppressing ovarian function temporarily if you can. Sudden menopause is rough. I was 50 and only early perimenopausl when I had my BSO. It was rough. Now 3.5 years later stopping my hrt was not bad. Only the battle against vaginal atrophy is an ongoing problem. I have had no hot flashes or any other symptoms. Natural menopause is completely different than surgical menopause.
Peggy, wow that's a young age for menopause!
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Molly...I don't believe the Femara caused my osteooprosis but it won't make things any easier going forward. I was dx'd with osteopenia about 10 years ago. I took calcium for awhile then heard it didn't really help so I stopped. T score said osteoporosis is defined as anything less than -2.5, ,mine is -3.4 so I'm hoping that means it's not that bad. I went thru natural menopause at age 43, I'm now 60 and I've always been thin. So I don't know if those are contributing factors. Until now, I have never been to a doctor for anything but yearly checkup....looks like my future is changing.
I was very relieved when they told me I could go after they read my mammo. However, there was a young women waiting with me that they called back for additional pics and then again for ultrasound. My heart sank for her....that was just how it was for me a year ago and I was totally clueless. Even when they wanted to biopsy me on the same day, I never thought I might have cancer. Anyway, it's been a year and all is good.
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Peggy my estradiol and lsh and fsh are very high. Muly doc said I would be close to 55ish before natural menopause kicked in...
Hair is not a big deal...except it is...
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Molly, never thought 45 was young for menopause. Can't remember when my mother entered menopause. But I had virtually no problems. My doctor put me on HRT even though I didn't want it. He thought I needed. I was glad to quit when all the problems with HRT came out a couple years later. Haven't had any hot flashes or anything like that with Arimidex either. I'm sure that surgical menopause is terrible. Your body hasn't had a chance to "wind down"
Nash, I also was very thin when I went into menopause. Since then I quit smoking and gradually gained some weight so now I'm "normal" - whatever that is. Looks like we were young for menopause. I'm 70 now.
HUGS!!
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TresJoli, now I see what you meant. Surprising what a variation there is when starting menopause.
Hair IS a big deal! My DIL felt that it falling out (well, she shaved her head before it all fell out) was a sign the chemo was doing its job and that's what she wanted: to kill the colon cancer. And that's a thought you might want to tuck into the back of your mind. Everything we do is with that one goal!
HUGS!
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yes, hair is a big, big deal!! I don't know what to say about your decision on it either trejolie: when my time comes I suspect that I will be equally upset about shaving it or letting whatever happens naturally just happen....it seems a bit overwhelming right now...
Hugs and hope all sleep well
Octogirl
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poodles I've got to say you're freaking me out a little. Thank you for handling the situation with grace and humor and reminding me if I'm thrown a curveball I can too.
I had an excise biopsy 15 years ago and recovered quickly. First news I needed the same on the right I convinced myself this was going to be the same no big deal. Except now it is kinda a big deal, surgery is on both breasts and some nodes and will have follow-up treatment.
Thank goodness my surgeon is back tomorrow. Maybe I can get some solid info on what surgery day will be like. Since I was diagnosed right before leaving for Cub Scout camp for 5 days. And when I got back she was away for the next 3 weeks.
Send prayers and positive vibes tomorrow for my ultrasoundthat the enlarged lymph node has gone down and the radiologist was right that it was just reacting to the biopsy. And that it has not joined the cancer party.
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OutRunning, Poodles does seem to have the right attitude and ability to handle crap situations with humor! Surgery is always a big deal. And needing to have both breasts worked on is really hard. Do talk to your surgeon. Ask if you can have a Valium or 10 prior to surgery to calm the anxiety a bit. Praying that that lymph node has gone down! (I have one that has been enlarged for 15-20 years (on my non-BC side underarm).
HUGS!!!
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Hi. Thought I would share as I can see so many of you have gone through this. I am supposed to get a call Mon. from the BS office to schedule an incisional biopsy. Had a indeterminate (could not classify as ADH or DCIS) stereotactic biopsy new clustering microcalcifications (are in both but were worse in right) in early June. BS wanted me to do genetic panel since there is strong ovarian cancer history. Also wanted me to be able to choose mastectomy before biopsy if I did have mutation. Had ovaries/tubes out in July. Just got back results for BRCA and other genetics and all negative. Also had a breast MRI which was negative. BS wants more tissue to make a definitive diagnosis and may not be able to be scheduled until sometime in Oct. He does not think it is urgent and I am ok with that. He said tissue he will take is about size of golf ball and probably can do a crescent incision since the area is in the middle of my breast. I am glad he wants to take more tissue so that I can move forward either way with this. I also think I am getting thorough care. Anyone else had that much tissue removed with an A cup size? Feels a bit shallow to be worried about aesthetics when I may get away with not having breast cancer or at least being in early stage. I am not opposed to going to a plastic surgeon at some point so I guess that could be an option later. Thanks for listening.
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amb138 - from what you describe it sounds like your BS has a great plan and is doing everything to be as least disruptive as possible to your life and your breast while doing his best to ensure he gets the answers you need. Hi got a lot of relief once I knew my genetic testing was negative. While I can't speak on A cups (I went from a DD to looking liked budding 10 year old over night) I can say I was amazed at how much tissue my bs removed with very little impact on the cosmetics of my breast. Bs said the biopsy took about an olive and there was no hint of missing tissue. Lx #1 took 6.5x6x3 cm and other than the scar there was no deformity (confirmed by ps). Lx #2 made the cavity 11 x 11 cm and 5 mm from chest wall There was a divot but not something I couldn't live with. My dcis was in the top quadrant. Of course where the tissue is taken can have other cosmetic outcomes. I think the waiting would drive me the most crazy but if you truly can convince yourself it's not an emergency you'll be okay.
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the mind is willing but the body is weak! This is how I've felt for the past week! After going to my PCM Friday and he told me what everyone else has told me, I've finally given in and trying to be patient. I'm pretty sure I'm anemic from this last surgery but I know that's normal and the body will heal itself in time. If there's one thing I hate is feeling tired all the time. I guess I really can't complain just being 2+ weeks post surgery. I'm trying to keep my mind positive as this is when I start feeling down. I was so strong through all the surgeries and waiting yet now the emotions have hit me. I think I got scared when my bs and mo released me! But now the ps is seeing me so I know I still have someone in my court and watching me. I hope time and faith ease the fear of recurrence. is this weird- my biggest cosmetic issue sans boobs is my belly! I can't stand being able to see it! Bleh! anyway. Thought I'd check in.
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Ringelle, hugs to you. Just listen to your body and rest when it tells you to. I have never had two surgeries close together so I am guessing I will be exhausted as well and I am only having one side done.
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Ringelle,
Thank you so much for your reply. It means a lot to hear from those who have gone through this and can still offer encouragement and wisdom. Sounds like you have quite a bit to handle yourself. God bless you and I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I wish you well.
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Update...Found out pathology status at follow up with BS on 27th. I guess every BS is different but he was more along the lines that the longer you wait for path results the better the news. Pathology report did state that 4 nodes were removed and found to be clear of cancer. The tumor was measured at 1.5cm and removed with clear margins. T1N0M0 was identified...not sure what that is (any info would be greatly appreciated.) BS was very happy....and so were we!
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Whew. Ultrasound this morning showed lymph node back to normal. No needles today. And that means everything proceeds as planned. Surgery next Wednesday. Needle loc at 9. Surgery at 10:10.
Cleaned closet yesterday in advance of having to empty it for new windows 9 days after surgery. Evicted lost of slightly tight pants. Kept hoping all the working out and running I do would mean loosing recent pounds gained. But with tamoxifen in my future I figure just staying at the same weight and not gaining will be an accomplishment. And if I do drop back down a size I'll be thrilled to go shopping. (Besides I hate pants in general because they never fit me even in my days as a 0 and 2. So as an 8 I really avoid them except in extreme cold weather.)Yay BAT. Happy BS makes us all happy.
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BAT, T1NOMO means your tumor was less than 2 cm and no nodes no metastasis involved. It looks like your chemo was quite successful! Congratulations on a good pathology report! Are you doing rads next? Here is a good link for the staging. Scroll down and you will see what T1NOMO means Stages of Breast Cancer
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Great news Outrunning!
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Molly...thanks for the staging info. Yes, rads will follow...just don't know when.
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Outrunning, I didn't mean to freak you out. Perhaps I shouldn't have shared so much. I'm doing a wee bit better, still having a good bit of pain as the evening wears on. Probably because I have large breasts and this right one is so still swollen and very bruised. My BS swears that things will be different after this next surgery. I hope so. I've already been out of work for 7 days, and looking toward being on sick leave another 6-7. I still can't drive very far because of the stupid sentinel node biopsy. :-( I do community health all over the state (I'm an RN), so I am usually out in the field several times a month. I had to cancel a very big business trip because I simply cannot tolerate the drive (5-6 hours).
On the upside--DH & I are camping this week (Sat-Tue). We have a camper in the mountains not far from our home. The location is very quiet and conducive to napping, reading, puzzles, and sitting around a campfire. Last night was rainy, so we stayed in and watched the 9th season of M*A*S*H. Nothing like a little gallows humor to lighten the load. And my little Bichon is doing his best to give me lots of doggy kisses. He snuggles up as close as possible when we go to bed, "just in case I need him." :-)
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must love poodles No I'm glad you shared. I'm a knowledge is power kinda person. Knowing the possibility of what to expect it good. Occurred to me today I should work out what I'm going to wear for a bit after. Because 1) I have to empty my closet for the windows coming shortly after surgery. And 2) because I tend to wear very fitted stuff so I need to figure it what I own that is loose.
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Thanks, hi, everyone's be talking tamoxifen. There was a tiny piece of margin too small for comfort, so back I was in 3 weeks exact. At that news, the thought of more surgery made my cheese slip off my cracker a little. Very tearful the day before and then made the mistake of reading the NYT article on a treatment study of DCIS, with it adding more confusion. The study was not clear in the end because all the women received some treatment and there was no control group receiving no treatment watch and wait. The study tried to state that treating or not treating ended with the same results as far as recurrence or occurrence of an invasive cancer. Without a control group, not sure how....
At that point, I called my doctor for my second ever (first and only in 1996 when my mother was dying) Rx for Xanax do that at least my left eyelid would stop twitching.
The scar still looks good. I did not have the swelling like the first time and I barely took anything. I took one Percocet, which I hate. I guess the idea behind that painkiller is you're so nauseous and dizzy, you forget about pain. The breast now has a more flattened look on the armpit side, but nothing earth-shattering. Still sore and itchy. They gave me a breast pillow this time, which really helps to hold my breast away from the pull of gravity when I sleep on my side.
Anyway, I see the surgeon tomorrow. I then go for genetic screening on Friday. I highly recommended Dr Susan Love's breast book, which made the DCIS recommendation of surgery> radiation>tamoxifen make much more sense than being told its protocol. I got a used 5th edition off Amazon. Very easy read about EVERYTHING you could want to know about breasts.
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Meh: (helps prop your cheese back in place) Yeah, didn't think too much of that NYT article about the retrospective study myself, not least because, as you point out, the lack of a control group. At least not in a scientifically valid sense. As for most of the painkillers, I'm reminded of an 'apple brandy cold cure' someone suggested to me some twenty years ago--doesn't do a beep thing for the cold, just makes you lie still until it goes away.
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Hi ladies. I'm having a big downer day again. It is, partly, PMS, and I know that. But after Friday w/ the MO and today I met with the radiologist, I'm feeling slightly defeatist.
So, no brachy for me. Insurance companies don't pay for it if you are under 45 because there are no studies proving it to be effective in younger women (there are also no studies proving it is NOT effective). I will be 45 in November. But November will be too late.
Can't start whole breast radiation therapy until we know about chemo - I will know about that on September 24th. So now I'm playing the waiting game.
Does anybody know why, if you need chemo, radiation comes after? Can they not do it before? Why can't I start radiation now and just get it going?
I'm starting to feel like I used up all my luck on my pathology report.
Which is silly, I know, but I'm just feeling blah.Tomorrow night I have a huge Girl Scouts meeting where I need to train our neighborhood leaders on Fall Product, and I don't even care.
Also - the legal secretary for our biggest butt-head lawyer here (the yeller/screamer) just told me that tomorrow is her last day. She was my last hope (obi-wan - sorry - nerd moment). I don't know what to do - nobody will work for this man. He's a tyrant.
It will be better in a couple of days. PMS doesn't help anything, and the fact that I got about 3 hours of sleep last night isn't helping either.
Sorry for the downer...
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bj, maybe the upside of doing chemo first is you can try again asking for the brachy instead of whole breast since you will likely be 45 by the time you start. I am sorry you are feeling down. I don't understand the order of things either. I still don't know what I am doing post UMX. BS said rads and then next time she said chemo and maybe rads. Since I haven't seen MO yet I have no real idea of anything to come. I am a planner and would LOVE to plan my next move, KWIM?
Sooo, maybe having the distraction of Girl Scouts and a difficult lawyer will get your mind of BC for a bit? Either way sending you huge hugs.
Meh, hormone suppression therapy seems to be a given for those of us with ER/PR +. Glad the second surgery wasn't bad.
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Excellent news BAT and Outrunning!
I am watching the Giants/Dodgers series for the next few nights, so if I am quieter than usual, you will know why. Hoping it keeps my mind off of me.
Beat LA! :-)
Octogirl
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Whoa now I just poped on after a week of sorrows and find disparaging remarks about my beloved dodgers? Ouch! (Lol, just kidding octo). Hi all-will update tomorrow!
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octogirl, my daughter is going with friends to tonight's game. Go Blue!
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Ugh just a couple more days until my umx. I am anxious to get this over with but getting a bit emotional about losing my breast and nipple. I am trying to prepare myself for the moment I see the outcome and for the potential pain of the TE. Some Days I joke about becoming a man after no uterus, no ovaries and now one remaining breast but I only joke because I really worry some about my husband's reaction to the new me. Well my life is more important than the individual parts. Thanks for listening.
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