We have a Plan!!

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rmap59
rmap59 Member Posts: 266
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello everyone,
I posted last week because my Mom has been diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast. I myself am a one year survivor of stage 3 rectal cancer and doing great. We met with Mom's surgeon today and the surgery is scheduled for March 11th, modified radical mastectomy with auxially lymph node dissection. If anyone here has had this surgery please let me know your experience and if there is anything my Mom or me can do to prepare as best as possible. She will see an oncologist(same one I had and respect very much) after surgery about any treatments needed. I pray she will not have to go through chemo and or radiation. She is 77 years old and in fair health, the best Mom in the world!!
Prayers to you, Robin

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
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    The length of stay at the hospital sometimes is in your hands. My mother wished she had not stayed in the hospital overnight. She had a hard time getting a drink of water and felt out of place in the hospital room. I went home right after I woke up. My husband was the nurse I needed. You may want to check with doctor as to your hospitals policy for length of stay and talk to your mother about what she would prefer. The pain meds took my pain away. A useful person to have around afterwards, at home, is someone who can empty the drain(s) without flinching.(email me back if you want to know more about that) My masectomy was much easier to overcome than my c sections, for sure.
    I wish you and your mom, a great team, great success in getting through this easily and in good spirits! Oh, yeah, I also hung a bulletin board on my wall next to my bed and put cards and happy notes from friends on it, written big enough to see from my bed. Lastly, I felt so good I wanted to be up and about in public. Once the drains were out I had to stuff my bra with socks to look even which didn't feel too good. You may want to buy a cheap pillow boob for her till she gets the expensive prosthesis. They sell these at Nordstroms and probably on line, about $25.00.
    hugs (gentle ones till healed), Joyce
  • debrahinde
    debrahinde Member Posts: 1
    #3
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    unknown said:

    The length of stay at the hospital sometimes is in your hands. My mother wished she had not stayed in the hospital overnight. She had a hard time getting a drink of water and felt out of place in the hospital room. I went home right after I woke up. My husband was the nurse I needed. You may want to check with doctor as to your hospitals policy for length of stay and talk to your mother about what she would prefer. The pain meds took my pain away. A useful person to have around afterwards, at home, is someone who can empty the drain(s) without flinching.(email me back if you want to know more about that) My masectomy was much easier to overcome than my c sections, for sure.
    I wish you and your mom, a great team, great success in getting through this easily and in good spirits! Oh, yeah, I also hung a bulletin board on my wall next to my bed and put cards and happy notes from friends on it, written big enough to see from my bed. Lastly, I felt so good I wanted to be up and about in public. Once the drains were out I had to stuff my bra with socks to look even which didn't feel too good. You may want to buy a cheap pillow boob for her till she gets the expensive prosthesis. They sell these at Nordstroms and probably on line, about $25.00.
    hugs (gentle ones till healed), Joyce

    Hello, my name is debra and I just recently had a mastectomy - right breast with reconstruction the same day. I loved what you had to say and was wondering if I could talk w/you re: this? I just became involved in ACS and want to talk with others that may understand what I am going through.
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #4
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    Hi Robin:

    I had a modified radical mastectomy on 6/7/07. I really did well. Didn't have too much pain and was home 2 days later. I had 7 lymph nodes removed of which none were positive. I had a little discomfort under the arm for about 6 weeks and then gradually it went away. When the dr told me I started walking the wall with my fingertips until I was able to extend my arm all the way up above my head. I then did 8 rounds of chemo, cytoxan and adriomycin because they detected vascular invasion. If it didn't spread to the lymph nodes then she should not need radiation, as for chemo, I'm praying she won't need it. Best of luck to your mom and keep posting and let us know how she does. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. Lili
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #5
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    debrahinde said:

    Hello, my name is debra and I just recently had a mastectomy - right breast with reconstruction the same day. I loved what you had to say and was wondering if I could talk w/you re: this? I just became involved in ACS and want to talk with others that may understand what I am going through.

    Debra, there is a cancer chat in room 2 on Tuesdays, 6:00 pst, 7:00cst, 8:00 mt, an 9:00 est. Join us if you can because we are one great group of ladies who give each other support and advise. We also learn alot from each other. Hope to see you there. Lili
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
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    Hi Robin.
    I had this surgery twice (right side, left side) less than 2 years apart.
    The main thing is just to be sure your mom has somebody available 24/7 for the first few days, or weeks if she feels the need, to do anything she just don't feel up to or doesn't want to do. I was young and raising two kids when I had mine and one of the hardest things was the fear that 'something' would arise that I could not handle. Knowing you are not on your own is key to both physical and emotional healing.
    God bless you and your mother.
  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #7
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    My prayers and heart go out to you and your mom. My mom is 87 and I've been her caregiver for over two years (not cancer - COPD), but am sidelined now with my breast cancer. But, I know how you must be feeling. She's your mom and the love between the two of you is stronger than any disease. With the help from your doctor and the people on this website, you'll come up with the right choices for your mom. Bless you both. Marilynn
  • mssue
    mssue Member Posts: 242
    #8
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    May God Bless U both...My Mother died at 69 from ovarian Cancer. My prayers are with U as U both go through this. For me I found out after my surgery(the same as she is having) that I am a big Ole Baby lol but really the one thing that stickes in my mind was the first week after surgery I had to sleep in a reclining position because if I layed down and tried to get up it pulled on the staples and hurt. Tell her to take her pain meds as they are prescribed because it is easier to control the pain instead of trying to stop it later. As far as chemo and Radiation I think you must really look hard and talk to the doctor to see what weighs out best for her,and quality of life. The medicine that helps kill the cancer cells kills off good ones too.But I am sure U are already aware of all of this since U yourself have been through it.I guess I was thinking of her age but chemo and stuff affects everyone differently.
    My prayers are with U both.
    Hugs Sue
  • survivor51
    survivor51 Member Posts: 276
    #9
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    Hey Robin, I had a bilateral mastectomy March of 07 and doing well. I did had reconstruction but was not able to have the implants until after chemo. It was very helpful to have a bed that raised and if you don't, you can put pillows under the mattress so it is elevated. I used several down king size pillows that were soft. They took muscles out of my back so I could not lay on my front or either side and I had numerous stitches on my back. Also, there is a product you can get at the drug store that looks like a long soccer sock and it can be placed in the microwave. The heat is wonderful with the aches. Make sure she takes her meds for the first several days right on schedule because if you wait for the pain to set in...it is hard to get ahead of it. This is all doable. Angela
  • Cindy54
    Cindy54 Member Posts: 452
    #10
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    survivor51 said:

    Hey Robin, I had a bilateral mastectomy March of 07 and doing well. I did had reconstruction but was not able to have the implants until after chemo. It was very helpful to have a bed that raised and if you don't, you can put pillows under the mattress so it is elevated. I used several down king size pillows that were soft. They took muscles out of my back so I could not lay on my front or either side and I had numerous stitches on my back. Also, there is a product you can get at the drug store that looks like a long soccer sock and it can be placed in the microwave. The heat is wonderful with the aches. Make sure she takes her meds for the first several days right on schedule because if you wait for the pain to set in...it is hard to get ahead of it. This is all doable. Angela

    Hi Robin, God bless you both! You are lucky to have each other. My Mom passed from ovarian at age 90 one year ago. She was a tough little lady. The best thing you can do is be there for your Mom. Don't skimp on the pain meds, and take each day as it comes. Ask lots of questions. Don't think that any question is too dumb. Ask about recovery time and if she will really need chemo or radiation. Don't ley her age be a deterrent. My Mom had her surgery that was over 7 hours at age 89, so you can't always think in terms of age. The two of you should put your heads together and write down some questions that you might be too nervous to remember. That way when you do see the doctor it will be easier to talk. I wish you both all the best and will send a prayer your way. Cindy
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
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    debrahinde said:

    Hello, my name is debra and I just recently had a mastectomy - right breast with reconstruction the same day. I loved what you had to say and was wondering if I could talk w/you re: this? I just became involved in ACS and want to talk with others that may understand what I am going through.

    You sure can! I wrote you an email...love, Joyce
  • 3cbrca
    3cbrca Member Posts: 206
    #12
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    Hi Robin
    I'm thrilled you have a plan. It always feels better to start moving forwards and actively confronting cancer.
    I had the same surgery on the right and a simple mastectomy on the left. I was in four days because I developed a hematoma on the right and had to go back into surgery. The surgery wasn't that bad (compared to my CRC surgery). The only thing remarkable was that I don't think I slept more than a couple hours a night while I was in the hospital, even with sleeping meds. It felt great to get home. I live alone so my niece came to stay with me because I was sure I wouldn't know what to do with my drains. That turned out to be a non-issue and I handled them myself right away. It is a good idea to have someone with your mom given her age and the liklihood that she will need pain meds. They can have different effects on different people especially is she is taking other meds.

    Best of luck
    Sheilah
  • DAArps123
    DAArps123 Member Posts: 8
    #13
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    I am currently undergoing chemo for invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast. I was diagnosed in October 2007. I have already had 2 surgeries. The first was to remove micro- calcifications. The second surgery was to do a central lumpectomy to make sure all cancer was removed and to take the lymph nodes. They found more cancer in the tissue from the second surgery and they found 1 Sentinel node had cancer and 1 other lymph node had cancer. Out of 15 lymph nodes, 2 had cancer. Because of this I'm stage II. I'm 43 years old. I have had 5 out of the 6 chemo treatments so far.

    I will have bilateral mastectomies in April. I can give a little advice as to what to expect after surgery. 1st: there will be sharp shooting pains that last a couple seconds off and on under the arm after the lymph nodes are removed. This is normal to feel these. They hurt but are tolerable. It's just good to know to expect them. My doctors didn't tell me to expect them, a friend who'd gone through it did. It lasted maybe 2 or 3 weeks after lymph node removal. Also, depending on the number of lymph nodes removed and if any are left, there is a chance of swelling of the arm which is called "lymphedema". This apparently can happen at any time after having lymph nodes removed. I myself have not had a problem as of yet. Her right arm should never ever have blood pressure taken on it and should never have a needle stick in it. These can cause infection and swelling. Also, no more manicures. Same reason. The book that helped me alot was "Susan Love's Breast Book". It's a little old, but has lots of really good information.

    IF your mom needs chemo...try what the oncologist suggests, but if it is INTOLERABLE, as my first round was, make sure you know that there are alternatives and your doctor can make changes in the chemo drugs to make it more tolerable. After each chemo round, the first 2 days I feel ok, then I have what I call the "bad" 2 days, then the next 3 days I get better. It's kind of like having the flu, really weak, shaky, headaches, a little nausea (although I've never thrown up), but then after the first week I'm feeling fairly good for 2 weeks and then it's time for another round.

    The things that helped me through all of this up to this point is:
    God, Positive attitude, and Distractions from negative thoughts as much as possible (ie: hobbies or getting out of the house with friends)

    Good luck to your mom. DeeDee
  • rmap59
    rmap59 Member Posts: 266
    #14
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    DAArps123 said:

    I am currently undergoing chemo for invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast. I was diagnosed in October 2007. I have already had 2 surgeries. The first was to remove micro- calcifications. The second surgery was to do a central lumpectomy to make sure all cancer was removed and to take the lymph nodes. They found more cancer in the tissue from the second surgery and they found 1 Sentinel node had cancer and 1 other lymph node had cancer. Out of 15 lymph nodes, 2 had cancer. Because of this I'm stage II. I'm 43 years old. I have had 5 out of the 6 chemo treatments so far.

    I will have bilateral mastectomies in April. I can give a little advice as to what to expect after surgery. 1st: there will be sharp shooting pains that last a couple seconds off and on under the arm after the lymph nodes are removed. This is normal to feel these. They hurt but are tolerable. It's just good to know to expect them. My doctors didn't tell me to expect them, a friend who'd gone through it did. It lasted maybe 2 or 3 weeks after lymph node removal. Also, depending on the number of lymph nodes removed and if any are left, there is a chance of swelling of the arm which is called "lymphedema". This apparently can happen at any time after having lymph nodes removed. I myself have not had a problem as of yet. Her right arm should never ever have blood pressure taken on it and should never have a needle stick in it. These can cause infection and swelling. Also, no more manicures. Same reason. The book that helped me alot was "Susan Love's Breast Book". It's a little old, but has lots of really good information.

    IF your mom needs chemo...try what the oncologist suggests, but if it is INTOLERABLE, as my first round was, make sure you know that there are alternatives and your doctor can make changes in the chemo drugs to make it more tolerable. After each chemo round, the first 2 days I feel ok, then I have what I call the "bad" 2 days, then the next 3 days I get better. It's kind of like having the flu, really weak, shaky, headaches, a little nausea (although I've never thrown up), but then after the first week I'm feeling fairly good for 2 weeks and then it's time for another round.

    The things that helped me through all of this up to this point is:
    God, Positive attitude, and Distractions from negative thoughts as much as possible (ie: hobbies or getting out of the house with friends)

    Good luck to your mom. DeeDee

    Thanks to all who replied to my post. My Mom is ready to get this over with and I will be there for her like she was for me during the last year when I was going through the journey called cancer. It's my turn to take care of her. You all are great!!
    Robin
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #15
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    rmap59 said:

    Thanks to all who replied to my post. My Mom is ready to get this over with and I will be there for her like she was for me during the last year when I was going through the journey called cancer. It's my turn to take care of her. You all are great!!
    Robin

    Neither of you are alone!
    love,
    us all
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    #16
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    Robin my mom was also 77 when diagnosed. She had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. She did great with both and is now an eight year survivor. I am a 4 1/2 year survivor of bc also. Having a mastecotomy your mother probably won't have to do radiation.

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