Hi everyone Had my bilateral mastectomies yesterday with Sentinel Node Biopsies - all clear. Now I know what it feels like to win the lotto and then some. Even if it was with a truck parked on my chest. I was so happy I cried. I am so grateful yet feel horribly guilty to be so lucky. My best wishes and strength go to those fighting a much tougher battle than I. I am feeling quite dizzy and nauseas at times but so relieved to have this surgery over. I am petrified of surgeries so to have this one down is fantastic. I have had my turn at happiness now surely it must be time one of you lovely ladies had yours. I'm praying for you all Lara xx

Hi Lara, so glad the surgery is now behind you, and that your sentinel node biopsy is clear. That is wonderful news, and you shouldn't feel guilty that your news is good. We all hope for good news like you received. Will you be having chemo, or is there still waiting to be had before finding out? All the best with your recovery, and we are all very happy for you. Love Chris xx

Hi I have been waiting and hoping that you would post, been thinking of you so much, I am so glad to hear you come through ok and with such great news, hang in there you will be feeling better day by day, I am day 8 now and have even been for an hour walk last couple of days, still a little painful at times but have managed to sleep on my side even with the drains,(no out) expanders feel a little weird but hey could be a lot worse Cheers Narelle

Hi Lara, that's great news - don't feel guilty - the relief is overwhelming when you hear the word 'clear' and so it should be! I had the same result after my bilateral surgery last month, but still need chemo to chase any stray cells that may have gotten through. It hasn't been as bad as I anticipated - had No.4 of 18 weekly sessions yesterday - so if you have to go that route, don't be too worried in advance. We all handle it differently. Let us know your programme when you find out. And congratulations - so happy for you - love and hugs, Michelle x

Hi everyone According to last nights nurse I still need final pathology due on 8th June. The surgeon put the expanders in so I thought everything was fine. Might have jumped the gun a bit too quick. So will wait until the 8th to hear for sure. If I see the surgeon today I will ask him again. I am still happy they were clear and surely that is a good sign??? But then again if there are any stray cells I want to get the buggers. Two steps forward one step back :)

So grateful | BCNA Online Network

11 Replies

FD
Member
13 years ago
No worries glad to hear they are out. I still have all of mine in but I am hopeful two can come out tomorrow. Apparently they need to be taking less than 50mls and one was about 75 and the other 60 I think. The bigger two are still a bit off I think they were about 130 I think. I have 150mls in my expanders so far but there doesn't appear to be too much swelling (still really flat). Apparently my expanders can go up to 500 so I will have to wait and see how they look after the first injection. I am really not looking forward to that. I get my results on the 8th so the day after you. I will keep you posted as soon as I know. Thank you so much for all of your advice and support Narelle I don't think I would have coped as well as I have without your contact. It has eased so many worries to know you are out there one step ahead of me all the way. Thanks again Lara xx
FD
Member
13 years ago
Thanks Chris, you are such a full bottle. Yes my surgeon did say something about a frozen section in pathology so I am sure it is as you have explained. What would I do without you girls?? So hopefully they don't find anything else and I can get back to my high I was on. I find out final pathology on the 8th so will keep you all posted. Thanks again Love Lara xx
Chris
Member
13 years ago
Hi Lara, yes it is good news that the initial report is clear. What they do in theatre the first time, is remove the node/nodes and send them to pathology for a frozen section analysis. They snap feeze the speciman, and cut it in half and examine the cut surfaces. This happens while you are still under anaesthetic. If they find any cancer cells then, they will usually go on to full clearance, ( that was the protocol 18 months ago.) so, a clear report then, is really good news. However, just to be sure, this speciman stays in pathology for a more thorough check, and this takes a while. This time they will slice the specimen into fine slithers and check several surfaces, very carefully, so they can be really sure there is nothing there. This happened to me, and the final report was still clear, but the wait seems to go on forever. Good luck with all your waiting, and we are so happy for your great news. Love Chris xx
such_is_life
Member
13 years ago
sorry lara it was supposed to say now out on the drains need to do a spell check before hitting enter, one lot came out day 3 and the second on day 6 and I camed home, did they put any saline in your expanders, I think I only have 100mls and my boobs are already bigger than what I would want, otherwised there is a hell of a lot of swelling still to go down, ( JOKE), they do do a quick scan of the sentinal nodes in theatre I think, so that might of been what they meant was clear, I go back for my final pathology on the 7th of june, as my surgeon only does op clinic every 2 weeks and I am public patient,
FD
Member
13 years ago
Eight days and still have drains, you weren't kidding when you said 4 new friends. That has certainly bought me back to reality. I was hoping to have mine out in a day or too. I think I might just need to reassess :). I am feeling better each day so I am pleased with how my recovery is coming along.
FD
Member
13 years ago
Hi everyone

According to last nights nurse I still need final pathology due on 8th June. The surgeon put the expanders in so I thought everything was fine. Might have jumped the gun a bit too quick. So will wait until the 8th to hear for sure. If I see the surgeon today I will ask him again. I am still happy they were clear and surely that is a good sign??? But then again if there are any stray cells I want to get the buggers. Two steps forward one step back :)
FD
Member
13 years ago
Hi everyone

According to last nights nurse I still need final pathology due on 8th June. The surgeon put the expanders in so I thought everything was fine. Might have jumped the gun a bit too quick. So will wait until the 8th to hear for sure. If I see the surgeon today I will ask him again. I am still happy they were clear and surely that is a good sign??? But then again if there are any stray cells I want to get the buggers. Two steps forward one step back :)
Michelle_R
Member
13 years ago
Hi Lara, that's great news - don't feel guilty - the relief is overwhelming when you hear the word 'clear' and so it should be! I had the same result after my bilateral surgery last month, but still need chemo to chase any stray cells that may have gotten through. It hasn't been as bad as I anticipated - had No.4 of 18 weekly sessions yesterday - so if you have to go that route, don't be too worried in advance. We all handle it differently. Let us know your programme when you find out. And congratulations - so happy for you -

love and hugs, Michelle x
Michelle_R
Member
13 years ago
Hi Lara, that's great news - don't feel guilty - the relief is overwhelming when you hear the word 'clear' and so it should be! I had the same result after my bilateral surgery last month, but still need chemo to chase any stray cells that may have gotten through. It hasn't been as bad as I anticipated - had No.4 of 18 weekly sessions yesterday - so if you have to go that route, don't be too worried in advance. We all handle it differently. Let us know your programme when you find out. And congratulations - so happy for you -

love and hugs, Michelle x
such_is_life
Member
13 years ago
Hi I have been waiting and hoping that you would post, been thinking of you so much, I am so glad to hear you come through ok and with such great news, hang in there you will be feeling better day by day, I am day 8 now and have even been for an hour walk last couple of days, still a little painful at times but have managed to sleep on my side even with the drains,(no out) expanders feel a little weird but hey could be a lot worse

Cheers Narelle