So unsure
Molly5
Member Posts: 7 ✭
It's scary and it has moved so fast. I was called back for 'Further Assessment' in mid april...I actually can't remember the date. I know I had the core needle biopsy on 22nd April, a couple of days after my 67th Birthday. I was called back 7 days later for the result - Invasive Breast Carcinoma Stage 1 - 2. That was on the Thursday...Friday I was with the GP discussing a breast surgeon, Monday I met with the surgeon who booked me for surgery - Lumpectomy - for Friday 10th May - that date has stuck! My surgeon played things down a bit...well for me. So I was told that it would more likely to be a Stage 1, and that the lymph node looked healthy on the ultrasound. So, follow up appointment on 17th May and I hear it is a Stage 2, and that cancer was present in 3 of the 6 lymph nodes taken and I am back in hospital tomorrow - May 22nd)for the removal of the lymph nodes in my arm...and where from there?? I had an awful recovery from the GA and I'm not looking forward to being on the operating table again!! What has been the experience of others recovering from the removal of lymph nodes?
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Comments
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You're having a tough time of it, @Molly5. xx. Wishing you all the best for your surgery tomorrow xx
Take lots of Deep breaths - make sure you keep up your pain killers after surgery (don't wait for the pain to kick in .... make sure you take the meds every 4hrs (or as suggested) so the pain doesn't break thru. xx
My lymph nodes were taken during my lumpectomy - and was lucky to not have any ongoing issues ... but Lymphodema is a very real condition - and I hope that a Private Group will be raised soon, for members to share tips & tricks & techniques xx
After your surgery, you will most likely see a Lymphodema specialist - who will explain (probably) to not use that arm for blood pressure or any flu/covid/any shots .... and to on the watch for swelling/lymphodema. There are massage techniques that they should show you how to manage it. You may NOT get the swelling - just be aware that you 'may'.
A recent post was VERY informative on lymphodema (no need to check it out just now tho - as you may not 'need it'!) Keep it 'up your sleeve' in case you need it xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/220922
Take one day at a time ..... whack up ANY questions that you may have, here - this thread that you have started will then become a bit of a diary, for all your active treatment period xx
take care & all the best. xx
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@Molly5 thinking of you tomorrow. Make sure you tell the anaesthetist about your problems regarding the last general anaesthetic as there is likely something they can adjust for this time.1
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Thanks for your support in reply to my first post....I've been reading a lot of posts but have not had the courage to post.
so an update. My recovery from the GA second time around was much easier and I was most grateful for that. My specialist took 25 nodes and gratefully they were clear. However I needed to spend 8 days in hospital before it drained well and since I've been impacted by severe cording, and fluid build up in the armpit - this has been drained 3 times. I'm seeing a Lymphedema Physio who has been very supportive and I've worked hard on my exercises and it is somewhat improving. Then on to the medical oncologist where I behaved like a spoilt brat in that appointment. Basically I said I did not want chemo treatment, had a weep, and was told to go away for a week and think about it. The weep helped as it dissolved the renewed grief I was experiencing at the loss of my sister to breast cancer in 2003. Yep over 20 years ago...and it still hurts. It has been difficult separating her cancer from my own, and truly accepting that the science has moved on. Nevertheless the disruption to my life and my family is real, and I wish it could all pass me by.
By the time the week passed and I was back in the appointment I was clear I would proceed with treatment.. my oncologist was very empathetic - (thus far) - and I feel empowered that it has been my decision.
So I have signed up to a short course of chemo, 3 months or 4 cycles of 21 days each. I asked to delay the start as my grandchildren are very dependent on me - (they live with us ) - and the school holidays are starting soon.
So 15/7 I begin chemo, then 3 weeks of Radio, then hormonal therapy.
It has taken me some time to believe that I deserve to have a longer life then I was prepared to accept - (the women in my family have died young before 65 yrs) . I'm 67 yrs and feel I have enough runs on the board to risk no treatment. The turning point was the option now is to beat it, or at least put it to bed for a good few years but if I wait until it metastases' they can only hold it at bay. That is my understanding.
I have an 'Early Breast Cancer, lobular and ductal invasive, Stage 2, with cancer present in 3 lymph nodes. Its hormonal positive.
I truly hope I can find the courage to get threw this ...reading the personal stories on this site has inspired me.
So thank-you,4 -
I am so sorry to hear of your sister's passing @Molly5 xx It will always be tough xx. Also sorry for your fluid buildup & cording too
. That's a real bummer. Yep, you have to throw everything at it ...
Enjoy the holidays with your grand kids xx. You've got this xx
Take care1 -
Gosh I just posted as a newbie. What a story you have. I too am 67yrs old and am about to have all the lymph nodes out, similar to your story
I am pooping myself....
However this is not about me, you so deserve to live.... Yep this is shite... a bit of a blip in our lives but we will get through this. You are only 67.... I have not seen the oncologist yet, but the surgeon was organising it prior to surgery. I think it is best to put out the spot fires now before a bushfire happens....
Young, fit and healthy, well apart from a few intruders... and the occasional wine and chocolate.
Big hugs, we have this.......3 -
Alfie thinking of you and believing your surgery will go well.
The Lymphoedema Physio the Breast Care nurses referred me too is fantastic and has treated the chording in 3 visits along with me doing my exercises. So don’t let my experience give you stress.
yep I’m scared more than I’ve ever been in my life - which has not always been plain sailing😜!! But when you’re our age you have known a few bumps in the road!!
we can hold each others hands as we walk through this.All power to you 💐2 -
Absolutely..I will say I added 2yrs to my age. I am 65...duh...
See oncologist tomorrow.1
