Surgery Over

MaggieCat
MaggieCat Member Posts: 54

Step 1 (or 2) complete.  Lumpectomy and SNBP yesterday.  Anticipate clear margins (got the "impression" she went back for a second pass on one area...), 5 nodes removed (Sentinel node was the comment, do I interpret this as in the layer closest to the tumor?).  Nodes appeared "normal" so just the 5.  Estimate of tumor size 1.1 cm (+/- 0.1 cm).  Tissue surrounding the tumor looked good... think she said fleshy and pink. 

Asked her to share her thoughts on Stage... Last week she thought "Stage 1".... now she she says "Stage 1 or 2".  Googled the differences between the stages... still not sure if ~ 1cm what would kick it over to Stage 2.

Only thing not on my "Have on hand" list was benadryl.  Got a case of the "blue dye itch"....

Comments

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    Glad it's over

    Keep us posted on how you're doing. I'm voting for the no pain, back to living life experience for you:)

    xoxo

    Victoria

  • DebbyB
    DebbyB Member Posts: 86
    Great News!

    and sleeping in your bra and ice packs help with the surgery pain  :)

  • MaggieCat
    MaggieCat Member Posts: 54
    DebbyB said:

    Great News!

    and sleeping in your bra and ice packs help with the surgery pain  :)

    grabbing an ice pack...

    thanks for the reminder....yep, likely swelling a bit

  • DebbyB
    DebbyB Member Posts: 86
    MaggieCat said:

    grabbing an ice pack...

    thanks for the reminder....yep, likely swelling a bit

    got an ice pack myself :)

    I had a double mastectomy fixed last week. I would be lost without the ice packs lol...better than pain meds.

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    oncotype

    Yes, sentinel nodes are the ones closest to the tumor.

    Was anything said about sending the tumor for oncotype testing if all your nodes are negative? I know it has to be at least 1 cm in order for them to have enough tissue to test. They test the tumor for 21 genes, you get a score between 0 and 100, a score of 10 or less means you don't need chemo, that it's not an aggressive tumor. If your score is 30 or over it's an aggressive type and you know for sure you need chemo. If your score is in the grey area onc and you discuss it. My score was 27, so I had chemo.

    It's common for the sentinel node incision to be more bothersome, moving bothers it more than the lumpy incision. Also normal for the incisions to get lumpy and hard for awhile. Check with your surgeon, but mine said it was OK to gently massage them with lotion, and said I could carefully use heat for comfort, but be careful as you could burn if the area is numb so don't have it too hot. I had a long skinny neck pillow that could be microwaved, and laid along the side of my breast and under my armpit and it felt really good.

    Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    oncotype

    Yes, sentinel nodes are the ones closest to the tumor.

    Was anything said about sending the tumor for oncotype testing if all your nodes are negative? I know it has to be at least 1 cm in order for them to have enough tissue to test. They test the tumor for 21 genes, you get a score between 0 and 100, a score of 10 or less means you don't need chemo, that it's not an aggressive tumor. If your score is 30 or over it's an aggressive type and you know for sure you need chemo. If your score is in the grey area onc and you discuss it. My score was 27, so I had chemo.

    It's common for the sentinel node incision to be more bothersome, moving bothers it more than the lumpy incision. Also normal for the incisions to get lumpy and hard for awhile. Check with your surgeon, but mine said it was OK to gently massage them with lotion, and said I could carefully use heat for comfort, but be careful as you could burn if the area is numb so don't have it too hot. I had a long skinny neck pillow that could be microwaved, and laid along the side of my breast and under my armpit and it felt really good.

    Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.

    Happy to hear that surgery is over -

    and you are safe.  Excellent suggestions by the others who have posted above.

    Rest when possible, and post about your progression when possible.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

  • DebbyB
    DebbyB Member Posts: 86
    MaggieCat

    Hope you are feeling better today  :)

  • MaggieCat
    MaggieCat Member Posts: 54

    oncotype

    Yes, sentinel nodes are the ones closest to the tumor.

    Was anything said about sending the tumor for oncotype testing if all your nodes are negative? I know it has to be at least 1 cm in order for them to have enough tissue to test. They test the tumor for 21 genes, you get a score between 0 and 100, a score of 10 or less means you don't need chemo, that it's not an aggressive tumor. If your score is 30 or over it's an aggressive type and you know for sure you need chemo. If your score is in the grey area onc and you discuss it. My score was 27, so I had chemo.

    It's common for the sentinel node incision to be more bothersome, moving bothers it more than the lumpy incision. Also normal for the incisions to get lumpy and hard for awhile. Check with your surgeon, but mine said it was OK to gently massage them with lotion, and said I could carefully use heat for comfort, but be careful as you could burn if the area is numb so don't have it too hot. I had a long skinny neck pillow that could be microwaved, and laid along the side of my breast and under my armpit and it felt really good.

    Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.

    Mammoprint/oncotype test

    Basically told the tests would be a waste of money... ER- PR-, HER2+ (3+), Ki-67 (70%), Grade 2.... apparently that says it all in the opinion of my BS.... herceptin. 

    Wondering what will happen at the meeting with the oncologist.. seeing one locally and separately one at UNC-CH Medical School.

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    MaggieCat said:

    Mammoprint/oncotype test

    Basically told the tests would be a waste of money... ER- PR-, HER2+ (3+), Ki-67 (70%), Grade 2.... apparently that says it all in the opinion of my BS.... herceptin. 

    Wondering what will happen at the meeting with the oncologist.. seeing one locally and separately one at UNC-CH Medical School.

    Get well soon!!!!

    Get well soon!!!!

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    feel better
     

    feel better