June 2021 Surgeries
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just had my 1st post-op with plastic surgeon. He said everything looks good. I can increase activity as tolerated. Drive. Switch to less heavy duty bras. My right breast is a bit bigger in case I get bad path and have to do radiation. Honestly, I can’t tell a huge difference but I’m glad it was allowed for. My mass removal was large so there ar a lot of places for something to hide.
I’ll know for sure tomorrow when I get final pathology.
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I had a left side lumpectomy on June 9th. Surgeon said it was one of the most difficult lymph node dissections she’s ever done & I have a 6 inch long scar - which is a little shocking to look at. (I was having an allergic reaction to the bandage adhesive so she removed it Monday). My follow up with her is tomorrow and she’s supposed to remove the adhesive from the actual incision site. I have so much swelling - She decided not to aspirate on Monday but she may decide for it tomorrow.
The cancer measured 1.1cm so it’s been sent out for oncotype testing and if it comes back with a score of <25 then no chemo. Hoping for that!! I also meet with my radiologist tomorrow.
I am stage I / grade 1 - I had IDC and LCIS. They found calcifications in my regular mammogram back in February. ER+/PR+/HER- and I’m negative for the breast cancer gene. 0/2 Nodes and clear margins.
I’m so thankful all the tests have so far have been the best possible outcomes, but I’m so nervous for what the future holds. Radiation, possible chemo, hormone therapy, side effects. I was never sick before so I’m new to all these tests and dr visits. I find it all overwhelming and confusing but I’m staying strong and positive (As can be) and taking it day by day.Oh AND I fainted 3 times while they tried to get the wires inserted prior to surgery (I had to have 3 of them) LoL what a ride this has been!!
Anyway, I decided it was probably time I said hi and joined the conversations.
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Welcome. I’d never been sick before all this mess either, and I’m 65. I’m sorry you’re having a rough ride of it but happy about the pathology. My pathology came back yesterday and there were no surprises. I feel luckier than most because I knew up front that the cancer had spread to my nodes and didn’t have that awful anxiety of waiting for the pathology. Bad enough waiting for scan results. 7 of 11 nodes were positive but she did get the whole tumor with clear margins. Radiation is my future. I have my post op today. I’m looking forward to getting a closer look at my brilliant surgeon’s handiwork. They say the first year is a real rollercoaster ride, and they’re right. The doctor visits seem endless, your emotions are all over the place, and side effects quite bluntly suck. It will get better once you know your treatment plan
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I got my final pathology and I’m ecstatic to report — no upgrade — all benign!!!!
My diagnosis did change — originally ADH and PASH.
Final pathology — LCIS, ALH and PASH. Clean margins.
The tissue from the left reduction was unremarkable too.
I’m now on a 6 month monitoring for the next 2 years. That’s it. Couldn’t be happier given the circumstances.
I hope everyone else is healing well.
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Really positive news. It's uplifting to hear good stuff once in a while.
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Good morning all.
I had surgery on June 14, this year. Lumpectomy on the right side and SNB - 4 nodes removed. Pain after surgery was very manageable. I only took Advil and Tylenol. The fatigue post-surgery has been overwhelming. I'm 62, have always been healthy and full of energy. The week after surgery I had almost zero energy. The surgeon assured me that this was normal.
My question is: Yesterday, I felt more like myself than any day since surgery and did quite a few things. Got my hair cut, bought groceries and cooked dinner for friends. This morning, I woke up to a swollen breast and underarm. No real pain, just swelling. Has anyone else experienced this or should I contact my Dr.?
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when I overdo it I always feel pain / am more tired the next day. It’s probably that but calling never hurts, I’m no doc.
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How soon is your next appointment? You should probably give them a call. They won’t mind and most likely tell you you overdid it. When it in doubt, always call.
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Thank you everyone for the responses! I took some Advil and really took it easy yesterday. Swelling is gone, still feeling low energy but I'm sure that will improve with time.
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Well, my pathology came back from my surgery. Even though my lymph nodes looked normal in surgery and initial testing during surgery showed they were clear, due to the sneaky nature of ILC, my breast surgeon and pathologist wanted me to wait till they did further testing. All three nodes contained cancer so now I go back in on July 12th for auxillary node dissection and have a port placed for Chemo. I went from Stage II to Stage III and have lots of scans ahead of me. I have all of my appointments scheduled with radiologist, oncologist, and additional appointments with my breast surgeon. I guess the good news is it is grade 1, and the cancer is still encapsulated in the lymph nodes. Trying to find positive where I can. But feel defeated and like I won't see my 9 year old son grow up.
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oh pudelpointer—-
I’m so sorry to hear this news. What a kick in the teeth.
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@pudelpointer, so sorry to hear about the results. Hopefully, after you complete all of the follow-up appointments you will have a plan. Grade 1 is good. And I always feel better when I have a plan! Will keep you in my thoughts.
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Pudelpointer, we certainly have our highs and lows, don't we. A stage 3 diagnosis is very scary. I kind of live on the edge everyday worrying about what my body is doing underneath the surface. Are the nodes in my lungs still shrinking? Are they cancer or not? It must be difficult to have a young child, mine are all grown. Someone else going through that will help you. Perhaps on a different thread.
As our treatment plans starts falling in place and we somehow get through each phase, I think we start getting stronger mentally. Maybe even more hopeful. I hate it when people tell us to think positive, it's very unrealistic. Let your MO know each step of the way what you're feeling. They can help. I wish you a productive and relatively side effect free chemo experience.
As for me, I got my first drain out Tuesday and my second will most likely be removed next Tuesday. No pain, but I'm numb throughout the surgical area and my underarm is sore. All good
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I'm about to start chemo in mid July. Everything is moving almost too fast. I get my port tomorrow, really nervous about that. Lots to do to prepare for all of this, and I'm a worry wort so that doesn't help.
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Similarly here - I had my radiation simulation today - CT and tattooing done. The radiation oncologist gave me a prescription for steroid cream and told me to buy some calendula cream as well. July 15th it begins (but I need to get a follow up mammogram first, apparently).
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Hi Esther, do you recognize denial when you see it? I have decided to do double mastectomy, no reconstruction. Surgery is July 22. Radiation, just so many other problems could result, to say nothing of the distance to receive it.
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Sorry to hear your news Pudelpointer
. I haven't been posting in this thread, but I did have surgery on June 10th to have my tissue expander (placed on the left last April after mastectomy and axillary node dissection 4/23+) removed and a right mastectomy. Being told you are Stage 3 is very scary, but I just wanted to share that I am also Stage 3a, but I had extranodal extension and lymphovascular invasion, and I have been doing quite well since my initial diagnosis last March. Chemo is not pleasant, but you can do it and come out stronger for it on the other side. The worst side effects last only a few days each round and then you get a bit of time to relax/recover. Losing my hair was indeed traumatic, but it's growing back nicely. I had my last round of TC last year on July 28th and though there are moments of neuropathy in my feet and I deal with very annoying tinnitus, it feels like a faint memory. There are great support groups for chemo on this page!
Radiation was a breeze for me, no skin issues with regular moisturizing, and just a bit of nausea and fatigue. The worst part was the daily travel to the hospital for the treatment as it was monotonous and felt forced. A recent CT scan showed no damage to my heart and only "minimal" changes to the upper left lobe of my lung.
These treatments seem so overwhelming, but if you take it one day at a time and try to stay positive, it makes the journey easier! Please make sure you speak with your surgeon about the risks of lymphedema and ask for a referral to a lymphatic massage specialist, as your risk increases with the axillary node dissection. I go for massage twice a week to keep my swelling under control, and though that might not be necessary for you, it is important to be informed of symptoms and ways to prevent lymphedema from happening. When I had my surgery at the height of COVID last year, no one spoke to me about this and I ended up with terrible cording, swelling, and pain, which was easily addressed by my PT.
Hang in there and fight on! Honestly, in a year's time, you will probably be complaining to your husband about how people seem to think your cancer is "behind you" because you look and feel so much better.....lol. Praying for you!
Cheers,
Sabrina
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Sorry I dropped off.. two weeks after surgery, decided to travel with my family before radiation began. Seemed crazy at the time but so glad I did that. Was a nice distracting break from the daily/double Dr appts and IV sticks for my high dose IV C. I wore the compression sleeve on the plane and doubled up my am/pm systemic enzymes to reduce blood clot risk.
I'm likely behind you for those who are starting radiation. How is it going so far? During the trip I did a video call with a new RO and really like him. Probably won't start rads for another 7-10 days. Breast area is still sore to the touch but almost healed. What kind of cream/lotion/oil are you all putting on the scars? That's the one thing they never told me...
Pudelpointer: How are you doing? I know you had the ALND a few days ago. Thinking of you and praying that all went well.
Sabrina, you are so right about taking this one day at a time. Makes it less overwhelming.
Goldcity, we have about the same pathology. I had 5/11 involved nodes.
I'mhere, I totally understand that. How to drive somewhere far away every day for 6-7 weeks?
Even with 5 involved nodes, I wasn't sure I was even going to do rads, since I have already incorporated tons of integrative medicine into my treatment. I decided to go ahead with it because I see several ways to protect my healthy cells during it.(high dose IVC 2x/wk and PEMF mat 8 min, one hour before rads). I found good studies backing up both as helpful during radiation.
Night, and praying for us all as we take one day at a time. There is a lot that is still in our control, even when things appear to be the opposite.
Sleep well---
Love,
Esther
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Esther
I am doing well, but this surgery on July 12th kicked my butt a little harder than the full masectomy on June 21st. I am slowly coming around though. With the Axillary Node Dissection they took 11 additional lymph nodes and found cancer in one of them. So in total I had 4 out of 14 nodes positive. They also placed the port for chemo so I am getting used to it, but it is still pretty sore.
I start chemo on August 9th and radiation sometime around Christmas or after the new year.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to the universe for you all!
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Hi Pudelpointer,
I'm glad you are recovering and made it through with only one additional positive node. It must be the underarm nerves that make the axillary area take longer to heal. You've been through so much already. Lifting you up as you heal.
Blessings,.
Esther
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Thank you, Esther! I am feeling a bit better this evening which is nice! Mostly feeling thankful only one additional node tester positive. I know it isn't a guarantee that it hasn't spread everywhere, but all of my scans are clear so I am going with that and finding comfort that only 4 of 14 where positive. It could have been so much worse.
You start radiation soon correct?
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