Forum Discussion

Jo_B's avatar
Jo_B
Member
14 years ago

More Surgery

Hi Ladies.   I had my lumpectomy and full axillary clearance on 9th December.    I spend two days in hospital and came home with a drain, which I still have today.    Can't say I'm enjoying the drain, but hopefully can have it removed tomorrow (if it remains under 30 ml).     Had my follow up appointment today and received the news I really didn't want to hear.   The surgeon is not happy with the margin so wants to go in again and remove the nipple.     I had 43 lymph nodes removed, 20 of which contained cancer - grade 3.     To say I'm scared of further surgery is probably an understatement.    I know it will be minor compared to the first, but just having to go through the whole process again fills me with dread.    Being grade 3 cancer and with so many nodes involved, my doctor said they will be giving me the most aggressive chemo treatment, however, they have yet to figure out what mix they are going to give me.   I will be seeing the oncologist after my second surgery.   Feeling very upset and depressed about the prospect of further surgery and then chemo, followed by at least six weeks of radiation.    I feel like I have been given the worst Christmas present ever and it's just not fair!!!!   Sorry for the whinging but just have to get it out.   I'm sick of staying positive and being strong - today I just want to say WHY ME!!!!!!  

Anyway, hope all you ladies are doing ok.  

Jo xx

11 Replies

  • inpink's avatar
    inpink
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Jo, So sorry to hear your news. I've had an up and down week this week as well. Got my pathology results last Friday after surgery. I hard clear margins but it was in one node. They thought I was HER2+ but upon further testing it proved negative. I endured bone scans & full body CT scans on Monday which all proved clear, I can't describe the tension followed by relief that day! I returned to hospital for full axillery clearance yesterday and they let me return home today as a nurse will visit me each day. I'm so grateful and thrilled I can be home for Christmas. Jo I dearly hope you have picked up a bit today, and that you enjoy your Christmas to be back recharged ready to tackle the weeks ahead. Kind regards In pink xx
  • jillden's avatar
    jillden
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Jo,  Having read you story and all the comments I can only wish you good luck with everything and just reiterate what has been said and is most important to get you through all this.  Simply just take one day at a time and go with the flow.  That is much better than trying to fight what you might be feeling. Take Care,    Jill  xx

  • jillden's avatar
    jillden
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Jo,  Having read you story and all the comments I can only wish you good luck with everything and just reiterate what has been said and is most important to get you through all this.  Simply just take one day at a time and go with the flow.  That is much better than trying to fight what you might be feeling. Take Care,    Jill  xx

  • Jo_B's avatar
    Jo_B
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Kathryne - that's great advice.    I hope you have a great Christmas too

    Jo xx

  • Kathryne's avatar
    Kathryne
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hello Jo

    Sorry to hear of your bad news, cry if you want to cry, scream if you want to scream and say WHY ME if you want to, we have all been there. I cry often and I ask why me often. My best advice to you is take one day at a time, dont get ahead of yourself deal with tomorrow when it comes. I wish you all the very best for your coming treatments. Try and enjoy Christmas with your family and friends and remember we are all here for you if you want to vent.

    Love Kathryne

  • Jo_B's avatar
    Jo_B
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Penny.    I will try not to get ahead of myself.   I'm feeling better today, over my meltdown and read to face whatever comes.

    Jo xxx

  • pennyb's avatar
    pennyb
    Member
    14 years ago
    Sorry to hear your news, you have every right to say why me? I do agree with Tonya when she says deal with your next surgery, then on to the next thing when that time comes. Otherwise it just gets too much. You will get through this, Much love Penny xxx
  • Jo_B's avatar
    Jo_B
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks for your comments Tonya.   I'm feeling better today and ready to take on what lies ahead (or so I keep telling myself).  You say you are not the bravest person in the world, but I think you are.   You should be so proud that you have beaten breast cancer not once, but twice and are still on here giving other girls support.  

    Jo

    xxx

  • Jo_B's avatar
    Jo_B
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Joy.   I'm not sure about whether it is hormone positive or HER2 positive yet.  I probably should have asked yesterday but was a bit too numb to ask a lot of questions.   I have my appointment on Friday with the oncologist, so I will definitely be asking a lot of questions then.  Unfortunately the drain wasn't removed today, but tomorrow looks promising.

    Jo