Mastectomy Next Week - I'm nervous |
Post Reply 
|
Page <1 456 |
| Author | |
weekender09 
Senior Member 
Joined: Mar 29 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 135 |
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote Reply
 Posted: Jul 28 2013 at 8:55pm |
|
Judy:
I am now 19 days post surgery. WOOHOO. Drains are out and I can sleep on my sides and tummy again. Life feels good. One thing I recommend to everyone (you too Julie) is that if you feel tired then Sleep. I have been going to bed between 9 and 10 pm the past 5 days and sleeping in. This is making me feel better all the time. I did not have reconstruction at the time of the BLM. I couldn't as I have to do radiation and the doctors did not want expanders or anything within the field of their radiation space. I have been advised that after radiation is complete I will need to wait about 6 months before starting reconstruction. I have every intention of doing that. Maybe we can do it together. :) Barb
|
|
|
02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13
BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
|
 |
|
|
Jude
Groupie 
Joined: Feb 17 2013 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 47 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 28 2013 at 9:28pm |
|
Hi Barb, Glad to hear I'll be back on my sides again in not too long. And even my tummy! I certainly wasn't expecting that.
Good advice about sleeping a lot. I've been so excited about the fact that the surgery is over that I've been probably over doing it. So many phone calls from friends, etc. I better be careful not to let it catch up with me. I am not scheduled for radiation unless the pathology turns up something unexpected - i.e. the chemo was completely effective I'll keep in mind the possibility of being your reconstruction partner. One never knows... When do you start radiation? Hope you have a bit of a break so you can continue enjoying yourself (though I've been told it's not such a big deal compared to chemo). Be well and enjoy yourself! Judy |
|
|
Dx TNBC 1/20/13; age 60 BRCA-, 4.7 cm, stage 2A, grade 2
lumpectomies 1/24/13 and 2/15/13 clear margins not obtained; SND 0/6 TAC chemo completed 6/21 bilateral mastectomy 7/25 |
|
|
|
|
calamityjane90
Newbie 
Joined: Jul 06 2013 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 26 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 10:22pm |
|
Judy,
The plan is currently to do chemo after the surgery, & I will be doing the immediate recon with the expanders - later implants - so have to anticipate a bit more discomfort. I have a 2nd opinion tomorrow, so hopefully I will gain more confidence in the plan - I am early stage & am under the impression that it's okay to do it in this order...can't imagine doing surgery after chemo just fatigue-wise (since I've dealt with chemo twice before in life already...) also the timing simply works better with my job situation. Dawn, Glad to hear you're faring okay even with the expanders. I know you were nervous about infection, etc. Best wishes to both of you for continued healing every day!! |
|
|
Dx Hodgkins Lymphoma 1990 Age 24; Rec 1998 Age 31; Chemo 6 mos./Rads 3 mos. both times.
Dx TNBC Age 47 06-18-13 Rt: 1.6 cm. Stage 1 Grade 3 IDC / Left: 1.5 cm. Stage 0 Grade 3 DCIS BRCA- BMX 08-14 |
|
|
|
|
calamityjane90
Newbie
Joined: Jul 06 2013 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 26 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 10:32pm |
|
Barb & Judy,
I'm a side sleeper too & have heard that's the hardest part of the BMX -being comfortable sleeping with the drains. Had a pre-op class tonite & got some details about all that. Barb - amazing that you're 19 days out already! You sound good. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll fare similarly even with expanders...really hope to be able to go back to work (office) at least part-time by 3 wks. Is this realistic? My surgeon acted like it is. |
|
|
Dx Hodgkins Lymphoma 1990 Age 24; Rec 1998 Age 31; Chemo 6 mos./Rads 3 mos. both times.
Dx TNBC Age 47 06-18-13 Rt: 1.6 cm. Stage 1 Grade 3 IDC / Left: 1.5 cm. Stage 0 Grade 3 DCIS BRCA- BMX 08-14 |
|
|
|
|
weekender09
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 29 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 135 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 10:45pm |
|
Jane:
Funny I just wrote on my caring bridge that I am returning to in office status this week but only part time and will work from home the other half. Gotta have nap time and time to do my exercises for the arm. LOL Yes it is realistic. I suggest making sure you have at least 4 good pillows. One for your head, one under your knees, and one on each arm. This will keep you from rolling. When is your surgery again? Hugs. Barb
|
|
|
02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13
BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
|
|
|
|
dawncoskren
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 19 2013 Location: NH Status: Offline Points: 124 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 10:46pm |
|
I think its realistic!
I'm doing really well even with the expenders and the port. Already working on getting my arms over my head. No problem on the right side but harder where the removed fhe lymph nodes. Still not able to sleep on my right side or tummy but I can on my left side. My biggest advice is listen to your body everyone is so different. Dont push yourself to much ;) Best wishe's |
|
|
DX 6/14/13 TNBC-IDC
7/15 BRCA 1 Positive 7/16 double mastectomy 7/23 Post surgery Pathology- Stage1,tumor 2cm nodes clr. 8/16/13 4 A/c and 4 Taxol 1/6/14 implants 3/13/14 ovaries and tubes removed |
|
|
|
|
calamityjane90
Newbie
Joined: Jul 06 2013 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 26 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 11:00pm |
|
Thanks Barb & Dawn-
I'll also have the port put in (had one in 1998) - don't know if they'll use the same side or make me yet another scar! I remember it being uncomfortable also, cuz I'm thin there & it really stuck out. Good advice about pillows. I'll be having the sentinel node biopsy(s) - don't know for sure if they'll do both sides or just the IDC side...not thrilled about the chance of lymphedema either. On the surgery schedule for Aug. 14. 2nd opinion in Philly tomorrow! |
|
|
Dx Hodgkins Lymphoma 1990 Age 24; Rec 1998 Age 31; Chemo 6 mos./Rads 3 mos. both times.
Dx TNBC Age 47 06-18-13 Rt: 1.6 cm. Stage 1 Grade 3 IDC / Left: 1.5 cm. Stage 0 Grade 3 DCIS BRCA- BMX 08-14 |
|
|
|
|
weekender09
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 29 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 135 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 11:05pm |
|
I have my port in my arm and it has been awesome. Something to ask about.
|
|
|
02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13
BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
|
|
|
|
Jude
Groupie
Joined: Feb 17 2013 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 47 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 11:12pm |
|
I loved my port too. So much better than getting stuck with IVs. It did stick out a bit when I wore thin t shirts. Looked like a little button! It never really bothered me much though.
|
|
|
Dx TNBC 1/20/13; age 60 BRCA-, 4.7 cm, stage 2A, grade 2
lumpectomies 1/24/13 and 2/15/13 clear margins not obtained; SND 0/6 TAC chemo completed 6/21 bilateral mastectomy 7/25 |
|
|
|
|
Jude
Groupie
Joined: Feb 17 2013 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 47 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 29 2013 at 11:16pm |
|
I'm getting into a bad habit. When I can't sleep at night (due to having to lie on my back) I either go to the TNBC website or play sudoku online (or both). Not a good habit. Can't wait to get my permission to sleep on my side. Will I be allowed to once the drains are removed?
Edited by Jude - Jul 29 2013 at 11:17pm |
|
|
Dx TNBC 1/20/13; age 60 BRCA-, 4.7 cm, stage 2A, grade 2
lumpectomies 1/24/13 and 2/15/13 clear margins not obtained; SND 0/6 TAC chemo completed 6/21 bilateral mastectomy 7/25 |
|
|
|
|
weekender09
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 29 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 135 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 30 2013 at 9:12pm |
|
I just DID. No permission requested. My surgeon though feels that if you can do it do it.
B
|
|
|
02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13
BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
|
|
|
|
GailF
Newbie
Joined: May 17 2013 Location: Plymouth, MA Status: Offline Points: 16 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 30 2013 at 9:22pm |
|
All,
Reading your entries and replies to each other, I am awed by your bravery in this battle! I just hope when it is my time for surgery that I will be able to handle it as well as all of you. Hoping you all continue with successful recoveries! One day at a time... GailF |
|
|
DX IDC TNBC 5/13 age 52, Stage II, Grade 3, 3.5cm, Taxol x4 6/3/13, A/C x4 8/26/13
|
|
|
|
|
Jude
Groupie
Joined: Feb 17 2013 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 47 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 30 2013 at 9:26pm |
|
It really helps that we have each other for support. You'll see when it's your turn to have surgery what a huge difference it makes. We're all in this battle together. None of us are alone!
Edited by Jude - Jul 30 2013 at 9:27pm |
|
|
Dx TNBC 1/20/13; age 60 BRCA-, 4.7 cm, stage 2A, grade 2
lumpectomies 1/24/13 and 2/15/13 clear margins not obtained; SND 0/6 TAC chemo completed 6/21 bilateral mastectomy 7/25 |
|
|
|
|
Lillie
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 30 2013 at 10:19pm |
|
Dear Jude,
You are correct. None of us are alone. Even an "older timer" like me. I have been on the site since 2009 and even through my treatment and surgery was in 2006, I love to offer support and hope. I pray I never have a recurrence, but if I do, I will have lots of company on this site and much good advice to follow.
I am so glad you newer members have each other while in the thick of the battle. May God Bless you all.
Love,
Lillie
|
|
|
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
|
|
|
|
suew
Newbie
Joined: Jun 14 2013 Location: new york Status: Offline Points: 20 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 31 2013 at 8:05pm |
|
My lumpectomy is this friday how long after the surgery do you start radiation? I have to do 6 and a half weeks of radiation,
|
|
|
Sue
|
|
|
|
|
dawncoskren
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 19 2013 Location: NH Status: Offline Points: 124 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Jul 31 2013 at 8:07pm |
|
Good luck sue..I will be thinking of you!
|
|
|
DX 6/14/13 TNBC-IDC
7/15 BRCA 1 Positive 7/16 double mastectomy 7/23 Post surgery Pathology- Stage1,tumor 2cm nodes clr. 8/16/13 4 A/c and 4 Taxol 1/6/14 implants 3/13/14 ovaries and tubes removed |
|
|
|
|
Grateful for today
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 21 2011 Location: U.S.A. Status: Offline Points: 1835 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: Aug 06 2013 at 5:47pm |
|
suew,
Hope you are healing and recovering well after last Friday's lumpectomy. You asked about how long between lumpectomy and start of radiation........thinking your physician may have given you that info now. If you did not have a radiation consult done/scheduled, you may like to consider calling for that appointment - and the rad onc will confirm a start date. (I had a mastectomy and it was about 6 weeks between surgery and radiaion. Believe the time is usually shorter when one has had a lumpectomy..........your rad consult will address the best time for your radiation to start. ) Noticed on the Forum's Home Page that today is your Birthday. Hope your day was special and you felt well enought to enjoy it. The best of Birthday Wishes. Grateful for today.............Judy |
|
|
|
Topic Options|
Post Reply
|
Page <1 456 |
Tweet
|
| Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |