Last minute nerves - Mastectomy

[HazelLynn]

I am booked in at hospital tomorrow to have a mastectomy the day after.  I chose to do this because my DCIS has become invasive and after one lumpectomy having shown invasion, I dont want to go through the second one showing the same.  Now I am reading everywhere that Mastectomy isnt much different in having another lumpectomy - that they are almost on a par.  Am I doing the right thing, will this surgery give my tormented, frantic mind any rest?  Will they uncover more problems when they analyse the tissue??.  I feel like my 5mm of orignal DCIS - that was discovered in November has been left and left and left - and is now becoming a time bomb.  I feel like I have been on these posts forever,where most people seem to have been treated and are hopeful.  Sorry for being so gloomy but I am scared to death and its been too long.
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi Kelleen,
Brave decision - I had a lumpectomy first last month, sign of invasion in the margins, the doctor wanted to do another lumpectomy - We insisted on the Mastectomy, I didnt want all the fussing and waiting and worrying.  I dont know what the results are yet, but I know in my heart that I have done as much as I can to stop this damn disease and if I have, like other ladies, then its a small price to pay to be alive and to be with our children.   I am not going to have a reconstruction, the hospital gave me a very pretty bra that looks so natural, so I am happy with that.  I looked at the area yesterday for the first time and it wasnt repugnant, it was my war wound, even though I have cried buckets over all of this, mainly because of my children, this wound meant strength and bravery.
Stay strong and keep in touch.
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi thanks for the website - I will check it out on Monday.  I have decided to come off the websites for the weekend - am driving myself nutty with keeping on reading, analysing etc, so thought I would just try and put it out of my mind and play with the kids.
Have a great weekend.
Keep well.
Hazel

[Kelleen]

Well I've made my decision.  I'll have the rt. total mastectomy with immediate TRAM reconstruction with a lift to the left.  Have read too many stories about unclear margins, etc to feel I will have any peace of mind with a partial.  And will not need radiation following this.

No date scheduled yet.  The 2 surgeons need to coordinate their schedules.  Within 2 wks and certainly before they go on spring break the first week in April!

[sublue]

I looked for other posts by you, but could find none.  Had same diagnosis 2001. Am 47 now.  Don't know about breast MRI's?  I didn't have family history either.  Read only 30% of breast cancer come within family history anyway.  What kind of surgery are they suggesting?  Going to post new thread question to find you. Look for newly posted.

Mary Sue

[japdip]

I'm confident that you will do fine ... I still think you will be suprised at how easily this surgery goes. When you are up to it after surgery may I suggest that you check out the following website. I know you will find it very informative and comforting. BCSupport.Org

Looking forward to seeing you there soon. Holding good thoughts for you ...

[Kelleen]

I asked if I should have an MRI or bone scan or any other further studies and my surgeon said it wasn't necessary "according to studies".. The mammogram on my other breast was normal. The only thing he ordered was a chest x-ray and a bunch of blood work.  

I'm glad you found me.  I've never used a forum before either.  I have questions linked to several threads. I may have trouble remembering where to look for responses!  I found one with 59 responses that just sounded like some women I would like.  I just posted a comment that will give a little more detail of where I'm at if you wouldn't mind looking for me there.  I've got to go now and tend to some things but I'll check back with you later.

[harcando]

I think you and I are in the same boat here...I was diagnosed on Feb 20th.  The doctors where I live wanted to rush me into surgery, however, I put them on hold and sought the opinion of a breast specialist in a teaching hospital an hour away.  She has suggested a breast MRI to ensure there is no cancer in the other breast...or if there is...to know now so we can handle it.  I understand this is MRI is a relatively new process.  Either way I am glad I am taking the time to check my facts and get my life in order before I begin the battle with surgery and possibly chemo/radiation.  I am fortunate to have wonderful friends, co-workers and a church family...I hope you do too!

[HazelLynn]

Hi, I am sorry you are going through all of this too.  It seems that you are being seen really quickly and they are all geared up over there to help you, so that is brilliant - I had to wait ages and ages.  At this stage though I am not able to give you any advice as I am still going through the mill with it all.  I had a lumpectomy last month and a mastectomy this month - just make sure whatever you have is acted upon quickly and that they give you copies and explanations on everything that is done.  This site is wonderful in its support from lots of very very brave ladies, many have helped me, and if I can help you, then I am here for you.  I am 47, have 4 young children, I lost my mum to breast cancer and I knew that it would start in me - I did think that genetically I would be 65, but no.  I too am never off the computer, looking up everything, prognosis, diagnosis, you name it, I have been looking at it.  In November last year I was diagnosed with 5mm of DCIS, time dragged by, my biopsy results were lost, Christmas was a pretence as sadness filled me, New Year was great because a lady from the hospital told me I was fine, and in fact I wasnt fine.  I had the lumpectomy and they found 1mm of microinvastion - I told the surgeon to remove the whole thing instead of faffing around - he did, and he told me that there was a multi focal presence.  I get my results on the 12th.  My cancer cell type is High Grade with Necrosis - you need to find out what sort you have.  If you need to ask me anything, fire away.  Keep in touch on this site - it will help you.  Best wishes,
Hazel

[Dani904]

I can't speak from first hand experience, but my Mother had a mastectomy, and my sil (brothers wife) had breast cancer with the lumpectomy.

I think, actually I know in both of their cases, a huge part of their recovery was positive thinking  ( something I am not so good at)  

My sil was amazing, she went through both chemo and radiation, and only missed one day or work a week, I think the hardest part for her, was the hair loss.

My Mom had no treatment, things were different back then, although she did take some kind of chemo type pill everyday.  My Mom was very depressed following her surgery, as she should have been, but got her spirit back and even went back to work after staying home for 20 plus years.

I think the best advice I can give you is our emotions are like waves in the ocean, we can be coasting along, and bam a big wave smacks the **** out of us, knocks us down, and we have to get back up, and ride along till the next one hits..and you know what sometimes that next wave of emotion may be one of joy or laughter, or peace or love..that's why we need to coast along and accept each wave, the good and the bad one's..

I have no idea if that is making any sense at all..but remember no wave lasts forever, it has to recede and no emotion lasts forever either, it to will recede.

Allow yourself to feel it all, the fear, the hope the good the bad, it's all going to bring you through.  I think when we fight our feelings is when we are in trouble.  I think accepting that you feel bad or sad or afraid is half the battle.

love

Barb

[Kelleen]

Could you all please read and respond to my posts (kelleen).  I am 44 years old with no family history. I found on on Friday 29 that  I have invasive and insitu ductile cancer.  I have seen a surgeon, have an appointment with a plastic surgeon tomorrow, and a radiation oncologist on Monday.  I have been on line doing research every free minute and am waiting to herefrom a survivor from our local "navigator program" that hooks up newbies with someone with the same diagnosis and close to the same age.

Thankyou

[HazelLynn]

Hi, Thanks for your posts, you ladies are all so positive, how long does it get to start feeling like that?  I am doing ok after the operation, dont miss the breast at all, glad to be rid of it to be honest, but am just hanging on for the results, so everything is racing through my head at the moment, questions questions questions.  I will find out on the 12th and then post with the results.

This site and your support is so necessary in my life at the moment, I am clinging to it like crazy.

Best wishes,
Hazel x

[sublue]

My eyes brimmed with tears to hear back from you. Memories of my own radical mastectomy brought me right back to what I know you're feeling.  It is very traumatic and emotional.  You do still have quite a journey ahead.  It is not easy, but time and prayers heal.  Gloomy days ahead, yet brighter and brighter days will replace them and prevail.  I guarantee!!!  So glad to here from you Hazellyn. Also been waiting.  Wish I'd known about this forum when I'd had mine!  You're in all our rooting hearts.

Cranberry Juice tastes pretty darn good too!

[Dani904]

so glad to hear from you I have been checking about ten times a day, so glad you came through the surgery okay.

and it's okay to be emtotional..you are very much allowed after everything you have been through

((((((hugs))))))

get your rest, and drink lots of water to get the yucky anisetic (sp) out of your body
xo

[kathy48]

Hi Hazel,
I have been reading your posts and just want to say good luck with the results and I hope all goes well for you. You sure seem to have been through a tough journey---but you always seem to remain positive. A lot has to do with the power of the mind and a positive outlook.
Good luck!

[HazelLynn]

Hi,  I want to thank you for your posts.  Wendy I am very pleased that your results were benign, its always good to hear great news like that.

I have just arrived home quite emotional, I had a radical mastectomy, all the lymph nodes were taken and I get the results next week, its been quite a journey and am glad that I have had it done, now my fingers are crossed like crazy for good results.

Your posts have really helped me and I thank you for sharing your experiences with me, and your positiveness.
.
Best wishes to you all.
Hazel x

[sublue]

Just like Dar67, I'm also new and just one year behind her 7 years cancer free and diagnosed same with 4 positive nodes and stage 3a. Totally agree to keep positive! I thought end of the world and really had a hard time with "positive". Now, I look back at how much time I waisted thinking I'd be gone the next year. I could have done alot more with the years I've had if not for that attitude. I now look forward to six or more years and stay busier than I've ever been!  Peace be with you is my prayer for you.

[Dani904]

I remember you Hazellyn and I just want you to know I am thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers tonight.

[redglass]

Hi Hazel
Sorry to hear what you are going through and since we were last posted back last November last year.
I wish you very best wishes and recovering well and sent my prayers to you and hope
the operation successful to you .
Keep postive in your mind and relax.With my case is benign results last month and will follow up with another u/s in May again another lesion present in same L breast.
Hope to hear from you later in post.
regards Wendy

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen,

Thank you for your post - we have been through it together for awhile havent we?, so it was lovely to hear from you again, thank you for telling me about your friends.

Betsy posted the other day on your original post - she was asking if I had heard from you, you should both still have that coffee.

Stay well.
Very best wishes, Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi Doris,

Thank you so much for your post, I really appreciate what you say.

Best wishes
Hazel

[Dar67]

Hello Hazel, I am new to this site but have just stumbled across your posting. I am so sorry that you are so worried. I just wanted to tell you that I had a mastectomy in 2000 for Stage 2b breast cancer and am doing fine. I had DCIS and invasive with two positive lymph nodes and received chemo and radiation and tamoxifen. In seven years I think my greatest challenge has been to stay positive and keep the fear at bay. But I feel that I have been able to do that. I have never regretted my mastectomy for a second. There is life after your breast is removed. Hang in there and God bless you through this time, Doris

[KR62]

Hazel, I'm so sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I do think of you often and continue praying for you and everyone else. I have been away from this site for a little while, but decided to check to see if you had any resent posts. I cannot give you answers, I wish I could. But, I can share with you what 2 of my friends did (although EVERY person is different as well as their particular medical case). One friend had the lumpectomy but had to go back in 2 times as the margins were not clear and later(2 years) went in for the mastectomy. My other friend just went for the mastectomy and is having her reconstruction Feb. 28th(original surgery was in the summer) --she wanted to wait for the reconstruction surgery. Again, the particulars of everyone's medical case are never exactly the same, therefore the treatment one chooses isn't always the right one for everyone else. Good luck and I will continue to pray and watch for your posts. Love, Karen