January 2017 Surgery Group
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Eastchester TS, this sucks I know. I opted for an BMX with reconstruction. My grandmother (on my mother's side) passed from bc, but all my genetics came back neg. I also have 1 kidney like my grandmother. So, I don't put much faith in the genetics crap. I had my surgery the 26th. I did not get expanders put in due to lymph node positive. That decision was per my ps, not all ps would go that direction.
I now wait for my pathology report Friday. I've decided I would like to get a second pathology opinion, looking at John Hopkins. I'm in NC, the ball has been dropped to many times at my facility. I was told time and time again, it's small, your in good shape, yadda, yadda, yadda. Well, node positive, f'ers!
I had implants prior to bc. You would think my boobs are important. They are not, it is survival now!! I will not lie, I look weird now.
With what you said, I don't like 2 different diagnosis per the MRI.
This board is great, you came to the right place. Go with you Gut.
My surgery date below is wrong, and the info above says I'm getting a BMW. I have not changed...just.fyi...but I wish it was a bmw, not this life changer.
One more thing, my team was pushing me toward a lupectomy. My gut told me no way
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February 13th: large lumpectomy L breast and reduction of R breast.
I feel like the "large lumpectomy" is really a partial mastectomy because BS is very concerned about the size of my R breast (in comparison to my L) after the procedure and making sure that she reduces the R to match the L. BS also mentioned something about moving my R nipple up on my breast so that it is at the same height as the nipple on my L breast.
I feel like I need to have an appt and get some clarification (we cancelled our meeting for tomorrow because I said I understood everything but apparently, I do not lol)
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Hi Jrow7,
Sometime we just have to step back and take it all in in increments or small doses. Confusion and becoming overwhelmed with BC itself is exhausting. Sounds like you have got it under control . Good luck ! ❤
Lisabekind ,i can only imagine the frustration of your situation . I hope you can get it sorted out to your satisfaction because , I know the anxiety can play with your head not knowing which wayvto turn or who to believe. The variables are insane with this disease ! Good luck and we are herevfor you ladies 24/7!
💗💪🏻
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SO glad to hear from some of our surgery Ladies today so soon! Glad you are doing well! Shelleybeans, I'm sorry about getting sick right after! Bad enough you were just out of surgery! I guess I'm lucky that I knew anesthesia makes me nauseous - of course I found out DURING my first C-section and I vomited in the middle of it! Hard to do strapped to the table like Christ! I agree with PugsMama... ask for anti-nausea meds, just in case!
Lisabekind - listen to your gut. If I had surgery first, I would have had a BMX, but as I had such great result with the chemo, I listened to my Drs recommendations and went with a lumpectomy, but my feelings had also changed (as did the amt of tissue they were planning to remove).
jrow7 - yes, if the lumpectomy is sizable and depending on the size of your breast, a lumpectomy can be close to a mastectomy. Originally the Dr had stated they would take 1/4 of my breast and I said take it all... they ended up only removing a very small amount of tissue and it didn't make much of an impact to my DDs, so it worked out. Had they still wanted to remove the 1/4, I would have bushed for a BMX. I waited to make mu final decision until I had a chance to speak with a PS so that I could get my questions answered. I recommend the same if you are unsure of what to do.
For those of you needing radiation, same thing do your research and then fight for what you want. I just made another appt with my RO to discuss brachytherapy! Hopefully he is on board!
Waiting on one more 1/30 check in and best wishes to our 1/31 ladies!!
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I've been following for awhile and find this to be a wonderful place to connect. I am having a lumpectomy on February 2nd and lymph removal, but I know very little else. Is this the place to share a February surgery date (as it says it's for January)?
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I have missed so much! I know I won't remember most of what I just did a speed read through but want to start with this:
AWESOME news for some of you and I'm thrilled!! I love all the good bits we get to share with eachother! DCISinAZ...um just fabulous! You look good and so many happy things for you made me smile super big! I'd still like us to be able to set up a coffee date when we are both able...I haven't heard back from LisbethS but we could still meet up someday soon I hope.
I did not get to wish those going in today good luck and I always try to do that so I hope you know that of course I was thinking of you all last night and today and hoping the very best for each of you.
Pugsmama, like you I'm at work though exhausting this week has been busy and helping to keep my mind busy.
For all like me and Pugsmama and fightinggma in the "waiting boat", hang in there! It's always the worst part.
So my news quickly: and thank you to Pyyrh and dcbc for the great advice. I will begin physical therapy on my cording problem developed in my left arm tomorrow. I said I need another doctor like a hole in the head but guess what? Now I have another doctor! Aye, aye, aye. Hopefully they can get me some better mobility before I have to start radiation next week. I would really hate to have to put that off because of this.
Pugsmama, when are you now supposed to hear on your mammaprint? Mine is hopefully Feb 9th...I hope that mine isn't delayed also.
Shellybeans, keeping my fingers crossed you hear something soon and just know we are here for you.
DaniCalifornia, we use similiar humor in our house as well. It helps to have a laugh...nothing we can do like you said...just roll with the punches. I actually made a "C" card that looks like a little business card. When I'm jokingly wanting my way or whatever, I say "Don't make me pull me "C" card. Only 1 person so far has not found that funny. That is just how I deal with things in general...I like to laugh and and I know all this isn't really funny but jokes and talking about it has helped me to cope in my way.
On vacations...I feel for us all in that way. Those who had planned and had to cancel and those who would like to plan but have no idea exactly what the road ahead looks like in the near future. My hubby and I talk about things we'd like to do this year but it always ends with "well, we'll have to see how this goes". We do have dear friends that want us to go on a cruise with them this spring and though I've told them to go ahead and plan, they are waiting for me. So sweet but I feel awful that I'm holding everyone up.
so glad to hear from those coming out of surgery and doing okay...rest up, don't push it...be good to yourself!
Love you all!!!!
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Well girls, oncologist recommends chemo. I scored a 32 on my oncotype dx. I'm in shock! I was stage 1 and had clean nodes. I did not expect this. But I was grade 3. I think that's what did it. I will probably begin in 2 weeks. Now reconstruction will be delayed even further. Anyone with tips on how to get through chemo, and look beautiful whil doing it, please let me know.
4 rounds/3 week intervals= 12 week
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3Bears - I am so sorry! Grade 3 is very aggressive (mine was Grade 3 also). Do you know what protocol you will be on? I assume it will be different than mine as you are Her- and mine was Her+. I will definitely give you some tips as you get closer. The anticipation is hard. Not knowing what to expect and waiting for symptoms to happen. You will get through it! I am here to help!
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3bears! We got you girl! I may not be able to offer any tips but I'm here for love and support! I am in same boat...waiting on mammaprint. I'm also stage 1 with no nodes and grade 2. We'll see what the test says and though I know I'll be in huge shock too...we will walk it together. If I end up low risk, my love and support is always there for you and the other girls that may end up needing chemo. AND don't you worry about looking beautiful...you ARE BEAUTIFUL and always will be. I understand your fears on that though...I have those same thoughts on chemo but this cancer can't take everything from us damn it...we are still beautiful!
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Fightingirl, we use humor in our house to deal with anything life throws at us. I know people might think we are insensitive but we are not easily offended. And laughter is great medicine.
3Bears, I'm sorry to hear your news. This is my biggest fear too. I too am stage 1. I am a grade 2 but if I come in that gray area, I have a feeling I am in for it too because of my age. You can do this and even though it will be rough, you know you have done everything you can to get rid of into all
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3 bears, we are here for you!!! And don't forget that your inner beauty will always shine through, no matter what happens to your physical appearance. It's what made all of us love you, and we never even saw your picture until last week! You have worth, beauty, intelligence, and compassion that no disease can ever take away. Remember that.
Shelley, sorry you got sick, but at least it was while you were still in the hospital so you didn't have to worry about doing the laundry!! Take it slow and hope you feel better soon!
Since it looks like this will be the group for all 2017 surgeries, I apologize in advance for not greeting everyone by name. It's gotten a bit overwhelming. I wish nothing but good vibes for all the new sisters. My January core girls will always have a special piece of my heart.
Tomorrow is my simulation. I'm trying not to think about it. When they did my resection the path said dcis abutted the deep border. I asked bs if we needed to go in again, but she said she took everything out down to the pec muscle. That's good, but it means radiation will have to be centered deep and I guess lung will be in the field. Who knows. Trying not to get my head spinning - it is beyond my control.
Xx
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Annoyingboob, I love your words to 3bears...that is what I was trying to convey but you say it so much better! You are always so good at that! Do try not to let your head spin...we are here for you all night if it does and you need to get it out!
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there is a tiny little town right before you drive into Yosemite valley called groveland. Old gold mining town about 2 blocks long. But it has this set of bear statues that I always think about when I think of 3 bears. This ones for you -
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BMX end of Feb.
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An informative article in the New York times on what to expect with reconstruction after mastectomies
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3bears: I will be with you & holding your hand every step of the way! I may be right behind you...I'm stage IIA, grade 2 so right on the cusp too. My bleeping tumor was 3x the size of what the MRI showed...I'm actually teared up right now thinking of how you must be feeling but like my BS says, chemo begins and it ends & you want to do everything you can to be cancer free. Remember, you had no nodes, you have to do this to kill any floaters from landing anywhere. Like a-boob said, you are gorgeous no matter what! Hang onto BeachBabyK...she's our chemo pioneer! Love you!!
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BMX end of Feb!
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welcome Taplight! As we always say, sorry you find yourself here but this is a great place for support as we all take this journey together.
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3bears, dang it! And yes there may be others of us right behind you as well. Although as of last note my cancer is still not invasive, my tumor feels so large I am prepared to come behind you after my bmx. As always, the waiting. But Mucho happiness and celebration for all the good news, too! What a bunch of mixed emotions!
On another note - lord have mercy y'all are all so gorgeous! Turns out this strong, encouraging, supportive, informed and determined, humorous group is a bunch of beautiful warriors! I am proud to be along side you all in this battle
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So sorry 3bears for that unexpected diagnosis. No one wants to hear that.
I found out today what my next step will be in this battle we all are dealing with. I wasn't so surprised because I have researched on these threads so much that I know for TN, chemo and radiation is the only line of defense. I still shed a few tears when the RO told me. Although I don't see the MO until next week, he confidently told me I was looking at 6 months of AC and T followed by 7 weeks of radiation.
Positive thoughts going out to all ladies recovering from surgery and prayers for strength to those waiting for their results or just receiving their results. We are stronger than we think! We will get through this - thank you all for sharing your stories and support ❤💪
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3bears, i too am stage 1 with no nodes grade 3. I go to see MO tomorrow. I am 61 years young. My oncotyoe was 27. At first, my BS said anyone with a score over 25 should have chemo, but then said the study compares it to Tamoxifen. She said the other AI drugs are much more effective than Tamoxifen, so my risk of recurrence was lower and I wouldn't be on tamoxifen. I think with chemo, the percent would only change to 4% so risks would outweigh benefits. She is not an oncologist so waiting to hear what MO says
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dang, those early bits of good news this week were a total fakeout!! im sorry gt. at least you will be in good company this year. our founding ladies. beachbaby and docmama, can give you some insight into what lies ahead and tips for dealing with this next step.
bevmom - I cant believe you are STILL waiting and feeling that thing grow - I hope feb goes by quickly just so you can finally have your surgery!! get. it. OUT. we don't want anymore strands of pearls around your neck!
ill be at the cabana waiting for everyone elses results, but im swapping my margarita for a coke float, bc that sounded really pretty darn good and refreshing!!
xx
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Tonight was a good night. My husband took me out to the stable to see my horses. It has been over 2 weeks since I have seen them and these horses are my life. I really needed this.
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How do you add a picture next to your name?
Today was a good day. My husband took me out to see my horses. I haven't seen them in over 2 weeks and these horses are my life. Felt so good to be at the barn. 4 more weeks until I am allowed to ride.
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cowboy-up, just click on your name (in blue above and it's a link to your settings. You can change your avatar to a pic of yourself there! So glad you got to go out and be around your horses and you also have something to look forward to...riding again! I hope the 4 weeks goes fast for you
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Cowboy-up - I used to work for a Equine sales company and the best thing was spending time with the horses. What a fantastic way to recoup!
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Being with my horses heals my soul and as we all know our souls are damaged along with our breasts.
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post horse pics please!!
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