my mom has a diagnosis....

[Ihatepalps2]

I posted last week...terrified...my mom had a biopsy that showed cancerous cells, and weve been trying to cope with that. Today she and my dad went for the informational appt with the dr. It turns out she has invasive lobular carcinoma. What I have researched scares me to no end. Her surgeon says he will know more when he "gets in there"..hes going to look at a lymph node to see if he needs to check any further.. she insists on having a full mastectomy...which I guess I would too....anybody have any info on this...that isnt going to scare me too bad? But I want honesty....please please help.....

[blueskyabq]

Yeah, I still remember when I posted question a month ago, first time and scared, I don't know what to expect, you answered my post, and so warm and kind, and following by other ladies, I feel I was not alone and your help has be always appreciated!  Thank you!

[madgeOwens]

You are great japdip, you really are.

[Ihatepalps2]

wow! I am SO glad you answered my post! How compassionate and informative you are!! You just answered about every question i have right now!!! Thank you SO VERY VERY much....Im sure I will be back with more questions...but I just printed your response so I can have it in my purse.....thank you so much again....

[japdip]

Hi again ... If your mother has opted for a mastectomy I'm sure she has made the choice after considerable consideration and also some advice from her Surgeon. Some sampling of the lymph nodes is always done at the time of surgery when a cancer diagnosis is confirmed. Since you mentioned one node I'm guessing it will be a sentinel node biopsy ... this is the first node from the tumor; if this is negative then others may not be tested. This is to see if the cancer cells have invaded the lymphatic system and would help in determining her treatment following surgery. I think that no matter what is said you are going to be scared; it's your Mom after all. You may be more scared than she is at this point. In some areas mastectomy is done as an outpatient procedure but I believe an overnight stay is required by Medicare and some other Ins.Companies. As a rule the procedure is  relatively simple ... there are usually two drains placed that are attached to bulbs similar in size to the bulb you squeeze on a B/P apparatus. She will be instructed how to empty them and keep track of the drainage. Different Dr.s have somewhat different post-op procedures ... I came home without a dressing and was allowed to shower immediately. Some women have pain and others don't but a pain med. is always prescribed if necessary. A return to the Surgeon's office in 5-7 days is the norm. Drains are removed at the descretion of the Surgeon depending on the amt. of drainage .. often one at a time. May I suggest a "Softee" camisole for her to wear home from the hosp. It's a very soft garment and has pockets to contain the drain bulbs ... a very comfy amd convenient thing to wear after surgery. It's made with all seams on the outside and can be stepped into rather than put over ones head.  We're here for you so don't hesitate to ask whatever concerns you.  Regards ....