New On Site

MCRAIN11
MCRAIN11 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Good morning everyone. I'm newly diagnosed with BC as of 7-16. What a whirlwind trip! Had ST Biopsy on 14th got diagnosis on 16th. Had right side Mastectomey on 24th. Am doing very well. Have type IIIA(T3N,MO). Three lymph nodes were positive. The biggest problem I am having is with my arm...numbness from elbow to shoulder and sharp pains when trying to put arm in sleeves. Some feeling starting to come back as of yesterday. My attitude is very upbeat and I have a wonderful support system of family and friends. Husband is having a hard time with it because I've always been the healthy one and he says it's just not fair. He's been through the mill...14 year survivor of Leukemia(ALL, heart attack, blood clots etc. Now he know just how tough it can be to be a caregiver. Not so much the extra work but the worry for your loved one and not being able to do anything about it. It's great to have a place to talk to others with the same problems. I go for my appt. with my oncologist on 8/14 to see what course of chemo/radiation we are taking. Am planning to have reconstruction in the near future, hopefully implant. Will also be getting a port. Any advise anyone has for me or anyone with same diagnosis please advise. Have a good day ladies!
«1

Comments

  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #2
    HI MCRAIN11 I do not have
    HI MCRAIN11 I do not have the same diagnosis, I was dx in april,surgery lumpectomy, with 2 nodes positve in June. Started Chem in July. My right arm still has some pain and it was from the elbo to the shoulder. Its better than it was put it is still numb in spots and I have like a sun burn pain. I have found that over the weeks it is getting much better. I am going to go to therapy, the soon as I can find the time to get measured for the sleeve.You have to use the arm but don't over do I was told.
  • Tux
    Tux Member Posts: 544
    #3
    welcome, mccrain
    I do not have the same dx as you, so I cannot offer any specific information. But I do want to welcome you to this board. You will find so many supportive people here!

    Good luck with your next appmt.!
  • JCricket
    JCricket Member Posts: 6
    #4
    I am a breast cancer
    I am a breast cancer survivor 1year and a half. I suggest that you go to a physical therapist so she can give you instructions on the different excercises to prevent lymphedema. I had modified radical mastectomy. Right after surgery when I was fully awake I was given very simple exercise that helped a lot. I was also given a DVD with several arm exercise. I am sure that they can help you with your arm pain or numbness. Be brave and everything will be fine.
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #5
    I had the same diagnosis you
    I had the same diagnosis you had. I was a stage 3a and had a right modified radical mastectomy and had cancer in two lymph nodes but only because they gave me 4 cycles of chemo first and after surgery I was downsized to stage 2b. I still had to have 4 more cycles of chemo and radiation. I had to see a physical therapist after surgery because I lost range of motion on the surgery side. They were lymphodemia specialists and showed me self-massage and tips on lymphedema prevention. Your surgeon can referr you. I didn't get the port or reconstruction.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #6
    Hi McRain
    I just wanted to welcome you to the boards. I had a lumpectomy so I am not able to help you with the procedure you will be having, but others will be along to share with you. Glad you found us. :(-) Pammy
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #7
    Akiss4me said:

    Hi McRain
    I just wanted to welcome you to the boards. I had a lumpectomy so I am not able to help you with the procedure you will be having, but others will be along to share with you. Glad you found us. :(-) Pammy

    Welcome McRain. I also had
    Welcome McRain. I also had a lumpectomy with rads. But, many on here will be able to offer you their advice.

    Good luck!
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #8
    Kylez said:

    Welcome McRain. I also had
    Welcome McRain. I also had a lumpectomy with rads. But, many on here will be able to offer you their advice.

    Good luck!

    McRain, you have come to the
    McRain, you have come to the right place. There are many here that will help you as you go. Good wishes and prayers,
    Stef
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #9
    Welcome McRain
    I had a partial mastectomy, and I have had the numbness from elbow to shoulder(and underarm) ever since surgery (3/22/07). It has let up a bit, but that will always depend on the individual and how your arm heals. some people have it go away completely, others are anywhere in between. Good luck with your treatment plan, and let us know when you get your meds coctail!
    Cat
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #10
    Hi Mcrain and welcome!
    I
    Hi Mcrain and welcome!

    I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments, so, I can't really answer your questions.

    But, want to welcome you and wish you good luck!

    Lex
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #11
    Welcome
    Welcome McRain.

    I did not have the same DX as you but I still have the numbness in my underarm from a total lymph node removal. The onc said that this would last for 6 months or longer. My breast is just now getting back to normal from the lumpectomy. It used to swell in the morning and at night. It looked good but it hurt like hell.

    P
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #12
    aztec45 said:

    Welcome
    Welcome McRain.

    I did not have the same DX as you but I still have the numbness in my underarm from a total lymph node removal. The onc said that this would last for 6 months or longer. My breast is just now getting back to normal from the lumpectomy. It used to swell in the morning and at night. It looked good but it hurt like hell.

    P

    Yes, welcome McRain. I had
    Yes, welcome McRain. I had a lumpectomy with rads. I never had any numbness.

    Good luck!
  • Ellie1
    Ellie1 Member Posts: 2
    #13
    I also have been just diagnosed
    and my first appointment with the breast doctor is Aug. 13. I guess I am still numb. I wish I knew more about what to expect, and I wasn't so scared. I guess it is fear of the unknown or what the future may hold. I have been the primary care taker for so long, and now I feel so helpless. My husband is supportive, but he has his times when he loses it. In the past year my father passed away and my mother had a stroke-she is now in a nursing home. I thought it was now my turn to enjoy life, and THIS happened. And they say God never gives you more than you can handle. Like Hell. So I guess there is a lot of anger there too. I am counting the days until August 13. I just want to get this started.
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #14
    Ellie1 said:

    I also have been just diagnosed
    and my first appointment with the breast doctor is Aug. 13. I guess I am still numb. I wish I knew more about what to expect, and I wasn't so scared. I guess it is fear of the unknown or what the future may hold. I have been the primary care taker for so long, and now I feel so helpless. My husband is supportive, but he has his times when he loses it. In the past year my father passed away and my mother had a stroke-she is now in a nursing home. I thought it was now my turn to enjoy life, and THIS happened. And they say God never gives you more than you can handle. Like Hell. So I guess there is a lot of anger there too. I am counting the days until August 13. I just want to get this started.

    McRain and Ellie
    You have both come to the right place for support. We don't all have the same diagnosis, treatment, side-effects etc ... but we are all in the same boat and we are all paddling together.

    This is a place none of us ever thought we'd be ... but you'll see that it is a place full of warm caring people who are here to share their experiences, knowledge etc ... but most important are those cyber hugs and hand holding ... for when times get rough. I can almost guarantee that there's someone on here 24/7 ... and those nights when you can't sleep ...or the times you feel like you are having a total meltdown ... there will be someone here to help you through those rough times.

    I had my lumpectomy 1/21/09 and I can't tell you how much I have leaned on these people for advice and support.

    So ... welcome to you both ... to the club no one ever wanted to join.

    hugs.
    teena
  • MCRAIN11
    MCRAIN11 Member Posts: 4
    #15
    Ellie1 said:

    I also have been just diagnosed
    and my first appointment with the breast doctor is Aug. 13. I guess I am still numb. I wish I knew more about what to expect, and I wasn't so scared. I guess it is fear of the unknown or what the future may hold. I have been the primary care taker for so long, and now I feel so helpless. My husband is supportive, but he has his times when he loses it. In the past year my father passed away and my mother had a stroke-she is now in a nursing home. I thought it was now my turn to enjoy life, and THIS happened. And they say God never gives you more than you can handle. Like Hell. So I guess there is a lot of anger there too. I am counting the days until August 13. I just want to get this started.

    Hang In There!
    I know it's tough I lost my mother 3 yrs ago to Parkinson's...long road of caregiving for that too. I know sometimes it seems like God just keeps on testing us to see just exactly how much we can handle. You just have to try to keep a positive attitude because I'm a firm believer that your attitude helps control the healing and coping process. Just don't bottle it up inside. Talking to friends and you guys is really helping me through. Oh by the way, my appt. yesterday got rescheduled to Monday(emergency surgery for my doc). My son (will 11 on the 16th) just started Middle School yesterday. Big milestone for him. Keep your head up and try to concentrate on the positive things in life. I'll say a special prayer for you.
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #16
    tgf said:

    McRain and Ellie
    You have both come to the right place for support. We don't all have the same diagnosis, treatment, side-effects etc ... but we are all in the same boat and we are all paddling together.

    This is a place none of us ever thought we'd be ... but you'll see that it is a place full of warm caring people who are here to share their experiences, knowledge etc ... but most important are those cyber hugs and hand holding ... for when times get rough. I can almost guarantee that there's someone on here 24/7 ... and those nights when you can't sleep ...or the times you feel like you are having a total meltdown ... there will be someone here to help you through those rough times.

    I had my lumpectomy 1/21/09 and I can't tell you how much I have leaned on these people for advice and support.

    So ... welcome to you both ... to the club no one ever wanted to join.

    hugs.
    teena

    Welcome McRain and Ellie!
    Welcome McRain and Ellie!

    Hugs,

    Susie
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #17
    Welcome, MCRAIN11
    Glad you found us, though regretful for the reason. We're all here to support and encourage each other.

    As others have already stated - the numbness in your arm is a common after-effect of surgery. Nerves get cut, can't be avoided. Over time, this should get better for you. My own surgeon had advised that after about a year - whatever sensations i had (or, didn't have) would most likely remain permanent. So, only time will tell - and always remember that everybody's different.

    I think your arm pain should be addressed. You might need specific physical therapy.

    Always speak openly and honestly with your doctor about your symptoms.

    I'll be hoping you'll soon get some relief from your discomfort; and, best wishes to you on the 14th.
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #18
    Ellie1 said:

    I also have been just diagnosed
    and my first appointment with the breast doctor is Aug. 13. I guess I am still numb. I wish I knew more about what to expect, and I wasn't so scared. I guess it is fear of the unknown or what the future may hold. I have been the primary care taker for so long, and now I feel so helpless. My husband is supportive, but he has his times when he loses it. In the past year my father passed away and my mother had a stroke-she is now in a nursing home. I thought it was now my turn to enjoy life, and THIS happened. And they say God never gives you more than you can handle. Like Hell. So I guess there is a lot of anger there too. I am counting the days until August 13. I just want to get this started.

    Welcome, Elllie 1
    Yes, fear of the unknown is the absolute worst. Once you have a plan in place, and get started with whatever your treatments will be - you'll feel better. Although it's difficult, it IS doable. We'll be here for you, every step of the way.

    Best wishes to you for your appointment on the 13th.
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537
    #19
    Hi mcrain
    I had bilateral mastectomy and have numbness to the right side where 21 nodes were removed. Talk to your doctor about lymphedema prevention. A therapist can teach you massage and exercises to help keep that in check.

    By the way you will love your port. Ask your doctor to order emla cream to put on it. YOu put a blob over the port and cover it with a bandaid about 1 hour prior to your chemo and it numbs it up for you.


    Let us know how things are going

    Hugs

    Linda T
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #20
    MCRAIN
    first I would like to welcome you here. Believe me, you will find the best support from the most amazing sisters. I also was 111a with 6 pos. lymph nodes. I am still a little numb and have mild lymphademia. I hope they gave you exersises to do. You will need to keep your range of motion.
    Keep us posted on how you are doing,
    hugs, jackie
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #21
    Ellie1 said:

    I also have been just diagnosed
    and my first appointment with the breast doctor is Aug. 13. I guess I am still numb. I wish I knew more about what to expect, and I wasn't so scared. I guess it is fear of the unknown or what the future may hold. I have been the primary care taker for so long, and now I feel so helpless. My husband is supportive, but he has his times when he loses it. In the past year my father passed away and my mother had a stroke-she is now in a nursing home. I thought it was now my turn to enjoy life, and THIS happened. And they say God never gives you more than you can handle. Like Hell. So I guess there is a lot of anger there too. I am counting the days until August 13. I just want to get this started.

    Ellie
    welcome. fear of the unknown is the hardest part of all. Once you get a plan to beat the beast you will feel better. I will keep you in my prayers on the 13th. Keep us posted.
    Hugs, jackie

Discussion Boards