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Am discouraged and looking for suggestions. On 2/17 I had right breast lumpectomy for a small stage 1, colloid ductal carcinoma and also a DCIS that were together at about 3:00 close to my breast bone (E/P +, HER2 -; BRCA1/BRCA2 neg). 2 lymph nodes also removed, and those are cancer free. Just got call that that additional pathology report shows stray cancer cells in the margins, so I have to go back for more surgery on 3/15. Hardest part of surgery/recovery has been after effects of anesthesia, and now fear factor that again she won't be able to get all cancer cells. Wondering if mastectomy wouldn't just have been best route to take.
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No, I am not familiar with that book, but thank you for sharing. Sending positive energy your way!! Please keep in touch. Again, positive thoughts and prayers go out to you.
March 11, 2011 - 6:41pmThis Comment
You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and uncomplicated recovery. I, too, am allergic to adhesive tape. You may find that you must be vigilante and remind staff of your allergy- I did because busy nurses and interns sometimes forget:)
March 9, 2011 - 5:51pmKeep that positive attitude!! I firmly believe that a positive attitude has a strong impact on how well you tolerate any treatment. Take one day at a time. Wishing you only the very best.
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Thank you so much. As you know, the more positive energy surrounding you, the stronger & more empowere you feel. I have a wonderful surgeon, and 2 even more wonderful naturopathic physicians for medical care. Then there is my army of angels!
March 9, 2011 - 6:59pmAre you familiar with the book "Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life" by David Servan-Schreiber? Conclusions have changed since it was last updated, so I've been checking current research on many things; however, there is a wealth of encouraging information in it.
Will let you know how I'm doing after surgery next week.
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I had 2 lumpectomies because the first did not show clean margins with my breast cancer. The radiologists are sticklers for this and rightly so. I agree with Maryann and talk with your surgeon and anesthesiologist for a differnt anesthesia. A masectomy is major surgery.
February 24, 2011 - 4:38pmThis Comment
Hi jancats,
As a cancer survivor, I can understand your concerns. Unfortunately, in the battle against cancer, there are no guarantees. Talk honestly with your physician about what the goal is with this upcoming surgery. Is postoperative chemotherapy or radiation being considered?
February 22, 2011 - 6:55pmDiscuss any problems you have with the after effects of anesthesia with the anesthesiologist. From personal experience, the anesthesiologist meets and talks with you before surgery. There are medications that can be administered to reduce nausea.
Wishing you only the best!
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Thank you, Maryann. After many discussions & much research - many factors involved - I've chosen a mastectomy, as radiation is out of the question for my body because of other issues I'm dealing with in my system. At this point, it is doubtful that any chemo will be necessary. Am staying hopeful. Surgery is scheduled for 3/15. I did speak w/the anesthesiologist prior to previous surgery, and will again next week. They did give me Zofran & Demerol during surgery, which were helpful. It was the low dose of Norco (which I've taken before with no problems) that made me so very sick the 3rd day after. Plan is for using something else this time. Have still been experiencing some vertigo. Current Incisions have healed nicely, but are still somewhat sore, especially the 2" one in my armpit. Hope mastectomy will heal as well. Am allergic to adhesives, so they use DermaBond - wonderful stuff! Am not doing any reconstruction. I have a great support staff, and know that I'll be ok. Staying positive about minimalizing discomfort & fuzzy-brained stuff afterwards.
March 9, 2011 - 10:14amThis Comment