A New Adventure

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mdfau
mdfau Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
This is my story. I went for a routine Mamogram and Ultra Sound back in March, 2009. They found something in the left breast, but nothing in the right breast. I went back for an MRI to prove out the left side. They found three on the right side. I went for an ultra sound guided biopsy on the left side, which was negative. I went for an MRI guided biopsy on the right and three were positive for Stage 0 Ductal and Lobular carcinomia. To make a long story short, I'm having the right breast removed shortly.

I've been waiting a few weeks for the surgical date, which finally came up. Yes, I'm nervous and upset. Found out the surgery is outpatient as well. Barely getting through this. But the moral of this story is have an MRI. This was the only method to find out if you have a problem.

Would like to hear back from others who had this surgery and what to expect.

Thanks.

Comments

  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #2
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    Welcome, Mdfau
    Very sorry about your diagnosis, but you have found a great group to talk to. Though "lucky" seems like the wrong word here, it is fortunate that the MRI revealed very early stage breast cancer. Waiting could have allowed the cancer to progress (though not all DCIS or LCIS becomes invasive). I had a lumpectomy so I can't speak to the mastectomy experience. There are many women here who could chime in about that.

    MRI is a very good tool, as you've found out. More and more women are using them as an adjunct to mammogram. I will be getting them every six months to a year as part of my follow-up care.

    You will do fine, Mdfau. This is a scary part of the journey. Post here and the wonderful ladies will offer so much support, encouragement, and information.

    Mimi
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #3
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    Hang in there!
    I had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago,and the removal of 3 sentinel nodes.... outpatient........Are you have a mastectomy as DAY SURGERY? My surgery wasn't bad at all........had it at 1:00 and was home on my couch by 4:15.........but again, that was LUMPECTOMY.....No real pain to speak of.....good drugs.......more discomfort than pain, but not bad at all.......

    I fully understand your being nervous and upset.........this is one roller coaster of a ride disease! I'm having the breast MRI tomorrow morning........not looking forward to it at all as I am very claustrophobic.........I'm loading up on Valium tonight and tomorrow morning!

    Your emotions are well founded and understandable.......mine have been all over the place since this started......My story is rather "backward".......had the lumpectomy 3 weeks ago,clean nodes and clear margins.......2.2 centimeters tumor.......mine is Ductual Carcinoma....I had CT SCAN AND BONE SCAN LAST WEEK (after surgery) and Breast MRI tomorrow......start chemo on Monday............yikes! They want a "baseline" MRI before any treatment begins so they can compare in the future.......

    This is a wonderful site.......full of kind, caring women in all stages, past and present, of this dreaded disease.........I wish you well and God Bless
  • mdfau
    mdfau Member Posts: 12
    #4
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    Right Side Mastectomy
    Yes, this is an outpatient surgery. Could not have a lumpectomy, as there were three on one side.

    I'm getting a nurse, so this should be o.k. for a few days.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #5
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    mdfau said:

    Right Side Mastectomy
    Yes, this is an outpatient surgery. Could not have a lumpectomy, as there were three on one side.

    I'm getting a nurse, so this should be o.k. for a few days.

    Glad you found us....
    welcome...I am scheduled for a lumpectomy tomorrow so I am of no help for a mastectomy. Just wanted to let you know that we are here if you need to talk. I had an MRI also which showed my cancer. I wish it could become standard with all screenings at least every couple of years. :) Pammy
  • mdfau
    mdfau Member Posts: 12
    #6
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    MRI
    I wish I could have had a lumpectomy. I had three on one side. Did not want to take a chance that one day, one of these would become invasive. I had a choice, do it between now or within 2 years.

    My MRI, my head was out, so not so bad. Had to go through this twice. Once for the routine MRI and the second for the biopsy, which from start to finish took roughly four and one half hours from the prep to finish.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #7
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    I am very sorry mdfau but
    I am very sorry mdfau but would like to welcome you to this site! Everyone here is very supportive and will help you. I am confused too, you will have a mastectomy on an outpatient basis? I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't offer any help about a mastectomy. I wish you well!
  • mdfau
    mdfau Member Posts: 12
    #8
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    Yes Mastecomy Is Outpatient
    I was as surprised. The mastecomy is an outpatient surgery. Depending how I do.
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #9
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    mdfau said:

    Yes Mastecomy Is Outpatient
    I was as surprised. The mastecomy is an outpatient surgery. Depending how I do.

    Its what is call "Drive
    Its what is call "Drive through Mastectomys" I thought that was a joke I had heard, guess not.
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #10
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    Welcome to our board
    Hi mdfau, so sorry for your dx however very happy it was found at such a early stage. I have had both lumpectomy and mastectomy, both were outpatient. I did fine with each one, it is a good idea to get a small pillow that you can put underneath your arm though, it absorbs the shock of walking, rubbing or accidental bumps. My mom had two mastectomies as did my sister and we all used the little pillow and it worked great. Be kind to yourself and rest up as it takes a bit out of you both mentally and physically. We are here for you, come and vent, chat or ask questions anytime.

    Many Hugs,

    RE
  • Bill.S
    Bill.S Member Posts: 177
    #11
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    Kat11 said:

    Its what is call "Drive
    Its what is call "Drive through Mastectomys" I thought that was a joke I had heard, guess not.

    Drive Through
    I guess that is what I had. My mastectomy was done in an outpatient surgery clinic- not a hospital. It started out to be a lumpectomy but when they found IDC and DCIS they did the mast.
    Came home and took pain pills and slept.
    Bill S
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #12
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    RE said:

    Welcome to our board
    Hi mdfau, so sorry for your dx however very happy it was found at such a early stage. I have had both lumpectomy and mastectomy, both were outpatient. I did fine with each one, it is a good idea to get a small pillow that you can put underneath your arm though, it absorbs the shock of walking, rubbing or accidental bumps. My mom had two mastectomies as did my sister and we all used the little pillow and it worked great. Be kind to yourself and rest up as it takes a bit out of you both mentally and physically. We are here for you, come and vent, chat or ask questions anytime.

    Many Hugs,

    RE

    Mdfau
    Welcome and sorry. I was in for day surgery (1 1/2 hours) Lumpectomy, but when they got in there I was on the table for 4 1/2 hours and ended up with a partial mastectomy.. I still have the nipple, but that's about all that was left..and THAT points the wrong way!
    I had a huge lump that was visible but the dreaded mammo showed nothing at all, only ultrasound showed it but half the size that it turned out to be.
    I hope we will hear from you often and can help a bit. Hugs Jxxxxxxxxx
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #13
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    Welcome mdfau.......
    I had mastectomy and lymph nodes removed and they MADE me stay overnight. I honestly wanted to come home, and I felt the same at that point, as I did the next morning when they released me. They let me go at 6:00 a.m. btw! I guess I had nagged them to their breaking point! LOL!
    As long as you have help at home, and follow their instructions regarding drains, pain meds, etc., you may actually find that you are more comfortable at home.
    However, if you really don't feel well after your surgery, let them know...loudly. Maybe they will keep you overnight.

    Big hugs,

    CR
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #14
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    mdfau, I am sorry to hear
    mdfau, I am sorry to hear the reason that you are here, but glad that you were able to find this site. The women here are incredibly supportive and welcoming. You will find a lot of information and support here. I am glad to hear that they found yours in the earliest stages. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, and just had my lumpectomy and nodes removed today.

    Hang in there and know we are here for you!

    ~T
  • Butterfly12
    Butterfly12 Member Posts: 56
    #15
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    Mdfau
    Sorry that you have had to join out club, but you are very welcome here. The ladies in this group are very warm, understanding, and have a wealth of knowledge. Please know that we are all here for you and will help in anyway that we can.

    Sherry
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #16
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    Welcome, and Thanks for Your Story
    Hi, Mdfau, I had my left breast removed in November. Others here have also had mastectomies. All of us will be glad to answer any questions you have. We are all at varying stages of the journey, so you will find many perspectives and great support.

    Thank you for sharing your story re the value of the MRI. Unfortunately, MRIs are not in routine use everywhere, and some women may have to fight to get them. I had one after my mastectomy but not before. Maybe your story will encourage more of us to demand MRIs and ipossibly save lives.
  • mdfau
    mdfau Member Posts: 12
    #17
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    Anexity
    I'm having the surgery shortly. What can I do to stop the anexity I have before surgery.
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #18
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    mdfau said:

    Anexity
    I'm having the surgery shortly. What can I do to stop the anexity I have before surgery.

    From what I've read, I
    From what I've read, I believe you can ask your doctor for a couple zanax... I hear it helps.. me... I dind't... and unfortunately for some of our members...and for my family...I had a few Cybil episodes... not a good way to go.. don't recommend it... call for the zanax..

    Best wishes to you.. you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

    ~T
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #19
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    taleena said:

    From what I've read, I
    From what I've read, I believe you can ask your doctor for a couple zanax... I hear it helps.. me... I dind't... and unfortunately for some of our members...and for my family...I had a few Cybil episodes... not a good way to go.. don't recommend it... call for the zanax..

    Best wishes to you.. you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

    ~T

    Call your doctor and he can
    Call your doctor and he can prescribe something for your anxiety. Trust me, they expect it. Good luck!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #20
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    mdfau said:

    Yes Mastecomy Is Outpatient
    I was as surprised. The mastecomy is an outpatient surgery. Depending how I do.

    I had no idea that a
    I had no idea that a mastectomy would be outpatient. Never heard of that.

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