My breast is incredibly sore - still waiting for my biopsy result - meet with surgeon tomorrow -

24

Comments

  • Busymom0413
    Busymom0413 Member Posts: 8
    #22
    Lola7 said:

    Oh I needed your response sooo bad
    I cried most of the morning - couldn't sleep a wink last nite - my husband who is a firefighter was working - while the guys were sleeping he was doing the same as me sitting on the net trying to find info - we were both doing the same thing at 3:30 am in the morning - as much as I know he is trying to keep strong he is afraid too - he lost is mother to breast cancer and his sister just recovered 2 years ago but her cancer was caught early - as she we worked in a hospital she got her mammogram, biopsy and results in 3 days - a far cry from waiting over a month to get to the stage I am at - very frustrating. Lynn did you have burning back pain? - it wakes me up at nite - I have low back pain and burning that goes up my spine - often just get sharp pains in the breast too - that takes your breath away? Is this normal. Did they do radiation and chemo after surgery or just radiation? Your words really help as you hve been there - I looked at the stats for survival and its seems lower than duct cancer? I just took the first surgeon that was available to do the surgery - as I didn't want to wait - is this a mistake? he is a general surgeon - but doesn't seem at the hospital I am going to that they are breast specialists - just all seem to be general surgeons? thanks so much for your support

    Hey Lola7 sorry you are
    Hey Lola7 sorry you are having to deal with this. I had bilaateral mastectomy November 17th last year with TE. I just had those taken out 3 weeks ago and doing great. I had no lymph node involvement. I only had a grade 1 stage 1 but it is still scary. I was lucky and did not need chemo. I take arimidex for the next 5 years. I too had alot of back pain and burning. I recently had a bone scan because I have been in pain all over my body and it was negative so please try to stay calm, I know it is difficult. I had the onco dx test also. There are many survivors with lobul. Is is LCIS? Try not to worry you will be fine. I cried for 2 days and threw up for those 2 days also. I realized that I would not be able to fight if my body was weak and not did not take care of myself. Hugs to you
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #23
    lynn1950 said:

    Lola, It is hard not to feel
    Lola, It is hard not to feel panicky and let our minds go to the worst when so much is unknown. It is good that you are going on a trip while you wait for your surgery and more information. I say ask your doctor about the drinking. He or she may give you the go ahead for some drinks in moderation. You need to enjoy yourself...gather fuel for the fight ahead.

    I was diagnosed with stage III lobular cancer 4 1/2 years ago. My tumor was 2.2 centimeters and some cancer was in my lymph nodes. I am doing fine today! xoxoxox Lynn

    I'm so sorry Lola to read
    I'm so sorry Lola to read this news. I am glad that you will be able to still get away. Try to relax and have a good time. I know, easy to say, but, please try.

    Prayers and hugs,


    Noel
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #24
    Lola7 said:

    Oh I needed your response sooo bad
    I cried most of the morning - couldn't sleep a wink last nite - my husband who is a firefighter was working - while the guys were sleeping he was doing the same as me sitting on the net trying to find info - we were both doing the same thing at 3:30 am in the morning - as much as I know he is trying to keep strong he is afraid too - he lost is mother to breast cancer and his sister just recovered 2 years ago but her cancer was caught early - as she we worked in a hospital she got her mammogram, biopsy and results in 3 days - a far cry from waiting over a month to get to the stage I am at - very frustrating. Lynn did you have burning back pain? - it wakes me up at nite - I have low back pain and burning that goes up my spine - often just get sharp pains in the breast too - that takes your breath away? Is this normal. Did they do radiation and chemo after surgery or just radiation? Your words really help as you hve been there - I looked at the stats for survival and its seems lower than duct cancer? I just took the first surgeon that was available to do the surgery - as I didn't want to wait - is this a mistake? he is a general surgeon - but doesn't seem at the hospital I am going to that they are breast specialists - just all seem to be general surgeons? thanks so much for your support

    I am so very sorry Lola that
    I am so very sorry Lola that you're feeling like this and that you even have good reason to. Cancer sucks! I wish you the best and am sending you a really big hug!


    Leeza
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #25
    I had my biopsy friday
    I had my biopsy friday am...Friday night i had to lay on my back..felt like someone used my chest (ONE SIDE) as punching bag..still achy but NOT painful 5 days later. I had multilpe mammos afterwards...since they couldnt' see the CHIP they put in-but it could be seen on ultra sound..

    I HOPE you are feeling better now...

    Just the waiting game to hear..as you know all too well

    Denise
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #26
    disneyfan2008 said:

    I had my biopsy friday
    I had my biopsy friday am...Friday night i had to lay on my back..felt like someone used my chest (ONE SIDE) as punching bag..still achy but NOT painful 5 days later. I had multilpe mammos afterwards...since they couldnt' see the CHIP they put in-but it could be seen on ultra sound..

    I HOPE you are feeling better now...

    Just the waiting game to hear..as you know all too well

    Denise

    You're in my thoughts and
    You're in my thoughts and prayers Lola.


    Hugs, Angie
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #27
    Angie2U said:

    You're in my thoughts and
    You're in my thoughts and prayers Lola.


    Hugs, Angie

    My heart goes out to you, and your family
    Sorry Lola for coming on the journey that none of us wanted to be on. Allow yourself time to absorb the information that is being given to you; take someone with you if possible to hear when you can't possibly absorb it all.

    You will find many wonderful, caring, uplifting, funny, amazing people along the way. Put your seat belt on, raise your arms up, scream and go!!!!

    But you will get through it. The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and the myriad of emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company.

    I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Get your results, talk to your doctor, give yourself some time to digest, etc. Please let us know later today if you feel up to it. We are here to support you.

    I'm glad you have a plan of what to do next. It seems as if your doctors are on the ball. Usually getting the surgery done as soon as possible is a good idea. Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and then invades surrounding tissues. It accounts for 15-20 of all breast cancers. Most breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas. ILC tends to be larger at diagnosis (because it is less likely to show up on a mammogram), just facts that I have gathered
    I am NOT a doctor! Please ask for literature, information, clinical trails pertaining
    to your particular breast cancer...

    If you are hesitant about anything, get a second opinion as soon as possible. I felt confident with my surgeon and knew I wanted the cancer out immediately, so I went ahead with surgery. I did get a second opinion when it came to chemotherapy. There is time for that later.

    Anyway, you are well on your way, and I know it will be fine. We will be there for you every step of the way.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #28
    lynn1950 said:

    Lola, It is hard not to feel
    Lola, It is hard not to feel panicky and let our minds go to the worst when so much is unknown. It is good that you are going on a trip while you wait for your surgery and more information. I say ask your doctor about the drinking. He or she may give you the go ahead for some drinks in moderation. You need to enjoy yourself...gather fuel for the fight ahead.

    I was diagnosed with stage III lobular cancer 4 1/2 years ago. My tumor was 2.2 centimeters and some cancer was in my lymph nodes. I am doing fine today! xoxoxox Lynn

    Lots of hugs and prayers for
    Lots of hugs and prayers for you Lola, today and always!
  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #29
    Hi
    I had infiltrating Lobular. Cancer both sides at different stages. Bilateral mastectomy. One one month and one the next. Yes this does TEND to appear in both afraid eventually. My tumor just seemed to pop up ours being cylinderical in shape and not picked up by mamos until formed.

    We don't like to recommend as all different but I am very pleased I went with the double mastectomy. If I knew then what I know now even if cancer is not traceable in one side I would have had both done.

    I am sticking my neck out and not sounding confident about you surgeon. Breast surgeons are the best but some general surgeons though good and perhaps do these ops many times, feel certain of his experience in this field. Tumor was around 2 cms I think and didn't have time to grow as operation sorted quickly. Estrogen positive. Chemo no radiation. I do not like the sound of all your pain and it should be looked at straight away if only to put your mind at rest.

    Good idea to have a vacation before treatment however your results sound like they are taking a long time to come throgh and treatment too long to come. I should request another session with professionals to clarify things better.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on.
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #30
    VickiSam said:

    My heart goes out to you, and your family
    Sorry Lola for coming on the journey that none of us wanted to be on. Allow yourself time to absorb the information that is being given to you; take someone with you if possible to hear when you can't possibly absorb it all.

    You will find many wonderful, caring, uplifting, funny, amazing people along the way. Put your seat belt on, raise your arms up, scream and go!!!!

    But you will get through it. The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and the myriad of emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company.

    I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Get your results, talk to your doctor, give yourself some time to digest, etc. Please let us know later today if you feel up to it. We are here to support you.

    I'm glad you have a plan of what to do next. It seems as if your doctors are on the ball. Usually getting the surgery done as soon as possible is a good idea. Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and then invades surrounding tissues. It accounts for 15-20 of all breast cancers. Most breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas. ILC tends to be larger at diagnosis (because it is less likely to show up on a mammogram), just facts that I have gathered
    I am NOT a doctor! Please ask for literature, information, clinical trails pertaining
    to your particular breast cancer...

    If you are hesitant about anything, get a second opinion as soon as possible. I felt confident with my surgeon and knew I wanted the cancer out immediately, so I went ahead with surgery. I did get a second opinion when it came to chemotherapy. There is time for that later.

    Anyway, you are well on your way, and I know it will be fine. We will be there for you every step of the way.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

    Prayers, positive thoughts
    Prayers, positive thoughts and hugs!


    Jan
  • Lola7
    Lola7 Member Posts: 18
    #31
    RozHopkins said:

    Hi
    I had infiltrating Lobular. Cancer both sides at different stages. Bilateral mastectomy. One one month and one the next. Yes this does TEND to appear in both afraid eventually. My tumor just seemed to pop up ours being cylinderical in shape and not picked up by mamos until formed.

    We don't like to recommend as all different but I am very pleased I went with the double mastectomy. If I knew then what I know now even if cancer is not traceable in one side I would have had both done.

    I am sticking my neck out and not sounding confident about you surgeon. Breast surgeons are the best but some general surgeons though good and perhaps do these ops many times, feel certain of his experience in this field. Tumor was around 2 cms I think and didn't have time to grow as operation sorted quickly. Estrogen positive. Chemo no radiation. I do not like the sound of all your pain and it should be looked at straight away if only to put your mind at rest.

    Good idea to have a vacation before treatment however your results sound like they are taking a long time to come throgh and treatment too long to come. I should request another session with professionals to clarify things better.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    9cm overall measurement
    Thanks so much for your good words. It gives me peace of mind definitely!

    Well it just doesn't seem to get better - I am trying to stay positive - I asked my surgeon if I could still fly as I was in so much pain breast and back pain - he said it was safe for me to go - if I was going for 3 months he would be worried but as it was just 10 days - he said I would be fine as it would take time to set up the surgery, pre surgery, mri and other tests. I asked him what my back pain was and he said it was nothing to worry about - most probably just stress. What a mistake that was - I ended up going to emergency on the Sunday evening just before my flight as my back pain was worse - the doctor in emerg ran a ct scan and chest x-ray all showed fine - he said the same think stress and nerves because of my recent diagnoses. He prescribed oxi for the pain.

    So off I fly with my girlfriends on the monday morning - was in a lot of discomfort - so my girlfriend in Florida got me in to see a top cancer specialists - the following day! could not believe the service I got at the clinic - he examined me and said we needed to do an mri right away - so next day I got the mri done. Radiologist tells me it is very serious and I should not fly home - they will get the results to my florida doctor asap. Next day I call for the results - mri clinic won't release the results as they don't hve an original mamammogram and ultrasound to compare it to - so they call Canada to get them to courier the disk -

    Pain got so bad I went to emergency in Cape Coral, Florida - they did tests immediately and tested my urine too - no Doctor in Canada did any testing. But I had to wait for results.

    Canada is slow so by the time the disk is received I was in so much pain I decided to catch a flight back to Canada this past Monday - as I have no medical insurance in U.S.


    The Doctor in florida called me on the Tuesday to advise me that I have a 9.3 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm tumor. The good news no enlarged lymph nodes are identified at that time. He told me that if I wished a double masectomy it would give me peace of mind and they would do it, but surgery should be done asap. Florida hospital also called me to tell me to get my urine tested again and something showed up.

    I went to see my doctor in Canada without an appt - he didn't seem happy with me that I had had tests performed in the U.S. he said Doctors in the U.S. were all about the money and they just wanted me to spend more money on tests I didn't need - well I was scheduled for an mri in Canada Nov 6th ! - I just speeded the process up and good job I did as my surgery has now been bumped up to Nov 12th. My surgeon in Canada is refusing to do a full mastectomy he has changed the surgery to a full masectomy instead of a partial - duh! I knew I needed a full masectomy all along because of the pain and the lump was getting so big - he advised me cancer does not grow that fast. I have talked to 2 other doctors here in Canada but as I need immediate surgery they said do it now - don't lose my date of surgery - and later on they will remove the other breast to give me peace of mind - and to concentrate on getting better and hope the biopsy of the lymph nodes is good. Also I did get my urine tested in Canada when I got back and yes I have had a untreated kidney infection for the last 2 weeks which explains all the severe back pain I have had - no doctor in Canada ever tested my urine - they were focused on my state of mind and the cancer - and thought I was imagining the pain! All they wanted to do was prescribe pain killers - rather than trying to figure out what was causing the pain! Doesn't say much for the doctors up here.

    Oh yes and I always thought Obama care would be good for the U.S. - but seriously if you are quite ill - its take a number and we shall get to you in Canada - you have to scream to be seen and you are treated like a second class citizen - no emphasis is put on degree of health issue. You can't put a value on your health.

    Please keep me all in your prayers - it seems like a bad dream and I just want to wake up from it and it will all go away. No breast cancer runs in my family - but this is a sign of the times.

    You are so lucky in the U.S. to have such amazing hospitals and doctors.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #32
    Lola7 said:

    9cm overall measurement
    Thanks so much for your good words. It gives me peace of mind definitely!

    Well it just doesn't seem to get better - I am trying to stay positive - I asked my surgeon if I could still fly as I was in so much pain breast and back pain - he said it was safe for me to go - if I was going for 3 months he would be worried but as it was just 10 days - he said I would be fine as it would take time to set up the surgery, pre surgery, mri and other tests. I asked him what my back pain was and he said it was nothing to worry about - most probably just stress. What a mistake that was - I ended up going to emergency on the Sunday evening just before my flight as my back pain was worse - the doctor in emerg ran a ct scan and chest x-ray all showed fine - he said the same think stress and nerves because of my recent diagnoses. He prescribed oxi for the pain.

    So off I fly with my girlfriends on the monday morning - was in a lot of discomfort - so my girlfriend in Florida got me in to see a top cancer specialists - the following day! could not believe the service I got at the clinic - he examined me and said we needed to do an mri right away - so next day I got the mri done. Radiologist tells me it is very serious and I should not fly home - they will get the results to my florida doctor asap. Next day I call for the results - mri clinic won't release the results as they don't hve an original mamammogram and ultrasound to compare it to - so they call Canada to get them to courier the disk -

    Pain got so bad I went to emergency in Cape Coral, Florida - they did tests immediately and tested my urine too - no Doctor in Canada did any testing. But I had to wait for results.

    Canada is slow so by the time the disk is received I was in so much pain I decided to catch a flight back to Canada this past Monday - as I have no medical insurance in U.S.


    The Doctor in florida called me on the Tuesday to advise me that I have a 9.3 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm tumor. The good news no enlarged lymph nodes are identified at that time. He told me that if I wished a double masectomy it would give me peace of mind and they would do it, but surgery should be done asap. Florida hospital also called me to tell me to get my urine tested again and something showed up.

    I went to see my doctor in Canada without an appt - he didn't seem happy with me that I had had tests performed in the U.S. he said Doctors in the U.S. were all about the money and they just wanted me to spend more money on tests I didn't need - well I was scheduled for an mri in Canada Nov 6th ! - I just speeded the process up and good job I did as my surgery has now been bumped up to Nov 12th. My surgeon in Canada is refusing to do a full mastectomy he has changed the surgery to a full masectomy instead of a partial - duh! I knew I needed a full masectomy all along because of the pain and the lump was getting so big - he advised me cancer does not grow that fast. I have talked to 2 other doctors here in Canada but as I need immediate surgery they said do it now - don't lose my date of surgery - and later on they will remove the other breast to give me peace of mind - and to concentrate on getting better and hope the biopsy of the lymph nodes is good. Also I did get my urine tested in Canada when I got back and yes I have had a untreated kidney infection for the last 2 weeks which explains all the severe back pain I have had - no doctor in Canada ever tested my urine - they were focused on my state of mind and the cancer - and thought I was imagining the pain! All they wanted to do was prescribe pain killers - rather than trying to figure out what was causing the pain! Doesn't say much for the doctors up here.

    Oh yes and I always thought Obama care would be good for the U.S. - but seriously if you are quite ill - its take a number and we shall get to you in Canada - you have to scream to be seen and you are treated like a second class citizen - no emphasis is put on degree of health issue. You can't put a value on your health.

    Please keep me all in your prayers - it seems like a bad dream and I just want to wake up from it and it will all go away. No breast cancer runs in my family - but this is a sign of the times.

    You are so lucky in the U.S. to have such amazing hospitals and doctors.

    Yes, I will be praying for
    Yes, I will be praying for you Lola. Unbelievable what happened to you! I think Obama care sucks, but, I have health insurance thru my husband's work and it is good!


    Take care and keep us posted.


    Leeza
  • Silver_Mama
    Silver_Mama Member Posts: 7
    #33
    VickiSam said:

    My heart goes out to you, and your family
    Sorry Lola for coming on the journey that none of us wanted to be on. Allow yourself time to absorb the information that is being given to you; take someone with you if possible to hear when you can't possibly absorb it all.

    You will find many wonderful, caring, uplifting, funny, amazing people along the way. Put your seat belt on, raise your arms up, scream and go!!!!

    But you will get through it. The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and the myriad of emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company.

    I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Get your results, talk to your doctor, give yourself some time to digest, etc. Please let us know later today if you feel up to it. We are here to support you.

    I'm glad you have a plan of what to do next. It seems as if your doctors are on the ball. Usually getting the surgery done as soon as possible is a good idea. Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and then invades surrounding tissues. It accounts for 15-20 of all breast cancers. Most breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas. ILC tends to be larger at diagnosis (because it is less likely to show up on a mammogram), just facts that I have gathered
    I am NOT a doctor! Please ask for literature, information, clinical trails pertaining
    to your particular breast cancer...

    If you are hesitant about anything, get a second opinion as soon as possible. I felt confident with my surgeon and knew I wanted the cancer out immediately, so I went ahead with surgery. I did get a second opinion when it came to chemotherapy. There is time for that later.

    Anyway, you are well on your way, and I know it will be fine. We will be there for you every step of the way.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

    Considering my choices for reconstruction
    I am new to CSN and to breast cancer. I have surgery scheduled for Friday 11/16/12 for "in situ" CA with immediate reconstruction after a total mastectomy, preserving all the skin and hopefully the nipple. The doctor said if I have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy, I will not need radiation or drug treatment and will have a much lower incidence of recurrence than I would have with the lumpectomy even WITH radiation. This seems like a no-brainer to me. I have chosen getting a DEIT flap rather than implant. What concerns me is not that he plans to further adjust the reconstruction about 3 months later but he also plans to move the nipple on the normal breast higher to match the reconstructed breast. I think this is what is called a breast lift. I think it is supposed to make you look younger, which is nice, but it will probably take away sensation in the normal breast which seems like yet another loss. Does anyone know what this will do, how it will feel after it heals? Maybe this is necessary to make the breasts match. Maybe you can't shape a flap to match a saggy, middle aged breast. Has anyone here had this done?
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #34
    Lola7 said:

    9cm overall measurement
    Thanks so much for your good words. It gives me peace of mind definitely!

    Well it just doesn't seem to get better - I am trying to stay positive - I asked my surgeon if I could still fly as I was in so much pain breast and back pain - he said it was safe for me to go - if I was going for 3 months he would be worried but as it was just 10 days - he said I would be fine as it would take time to set up the surgery, pre surgery, mri and other tests. I asked him what my back pain was and he said it was nothing to worry about - most probably just stress. What a mistake that was - I ended up going to emergency on the Sunday evening just before my flight as my back pain was worse - the doctor in emerg ran a ct scan and chest x-ray all showed fine - he said the same think stress and nerves because of my recent diagnoses. He prescribed oxi for the pain.

    So off I fly with my girlfriends on the monday morning - was in a lot of discomfort - so my girlfriend in Florida got me in to see a top cancer specialists - the following day! could not believe the service I got at the clinic - he examined me and said we needed to do an mri right away - so next day I got the mri done. Radiologist tells me it is very serious and I should not fly home - they will get the results to my florida doctor asap. Next day I call for the results - mri clinic won't release the results as they don't hve an original mamammogram and ultrasound to compare it to - so they call Canada to get them to courier the disk -

    Pain got so bad I went to emergency in Cape Coral, Florida - they did tests immediately and tested my urine too - no Doctor in Canada did any testing. But I had to wait for results.

    Canada is slow so by the time the disk is received I was in so much pain I decided to catch a flight back to Canada this past Monday - as I have no medical insurance in U.S.


    The Doctor in florida called me on the Tuesday to advise me that I have a 9.3 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm tumor. The good news no enlarged lymph nodes are identified at that time. He told me that if I wished a double masectomy it would give me peace of mind and they would do it, but surgery should be done asap. Florida hospital also called me to tell me to get my urine tested again and something showed up.

    I went to see my doctor in Canada without an appt - he didn't seem happy with me that I had had tests performed in the U.S. he said Doctors in the U.S. were all about the money and they just wanted me to spend more money on tests I didn't need - well I was scheduled for an mri in Canada Nov 6th ! - I just speeded the process up and good job I did as my surgery has now been bumped up to Nov 12th. My surgeon in Canada is refusing to do a full mastectomy he has changed the surgery to a full masectomy instead of a partial - duh! I knew I needed a full masectomy all along because of the pain and the lump was getting so big - he advised me cancer does not grow that fast. I have talked to 2 other doctors here in Canada but as I need immediate surgery they said do it now - don't lose my date of surgery - and later on they will remove the other breast to give me peace of mind - and to concentrate on getting better and hope the biopsy of the lymph nodes is good. Also I did get my urine tested in Canada when I got back and yes I have had a untreated kidney infection for the last 2 weeks which explains all the severe back pain I have had - no doctor in Canada ever tested my urine - they were focused on my state of mind and the cancer - and thought I was imagining the pain! All they wanted to do was prescribe pain killers - rather than trying to figure out what was causing the pain! Doesn't say much for the doctors up here.

    Oh yes and I always thought Obama care would be good for the U.S. - but seriously if you are quite ill - its take a number and we shall get to you in Canada - you have to scream to be seen and you are treated like a second class citizen - no emphasis is put on degree of health issue. You can't put a value on your health.

    Please keep me all in your prayers - it seems like a bad dream and I just want to wake up from it and it will all go away. No breast cancer runs in my family - but this is a sign of the times.

    You are so lucky in the U.S. to have such amazing hospitals and doctors.

    I am so sorry
    to hear about all you have been through. I had a double mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation. I had cancer in 7 of 14 nodes. I know it does feel like a bad dream. Just take things one day at a time. You can do this.
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #35
    lynn1950 said:

    I am so sorry
    to hear about all you have been through. I had a double mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation. I had cancer in 7 of 14 nodes. I know it does feel like a bad dream. Just take things one day at a time. You can do this.

    I'm so sorry too Lola.
    I'm so sorry too Lola. You're in my thoughts and prayers.


    Jan
  • dthompson
    dthompson Member Posts: 149
    #36
    Lola7 said:

    9cm overall measurement
    Thanks so much for your good words. It gives me peace of mind definitely!

    Well it just doesn't seem to get better - I am trying to stay positive - I asked my surgeon if I could still fly as I was in so much pain breast and back pain - he said it was safe for me to go - if I was going for 3 months he would be worried but as it was just 10 days - he said I would be fine as it would take time to set up the surgery, pre surgery, mri and other tests. I asked him what my back pain was and he said it was nothing to worry about - most probably just stress. What a mistake that was - I ended up going to emergency on the Sunday evening just before my flight as my back pain was worse - the doctor in emerg ran a ct scan and chest x-ray all showed fine - he said the same think stress and nerves because of my recent diagnoses. He prescribed oxi for the pain.

    So off I fly with my girlfriends on the monday morning - was in a lot of discomfort - so my girlfriend in Florida got me in to see a top cancer specialists - the following day! could not believe the service I got at the clinic - he examined me and said we needed to do an mri right away - so next day I got the mri done. Radiologist tells me it is very serious and I should not fly home - they will get the results to my florida doctor asap. Next day I call for the results - mri clinic won't release the results as they don't hve an original mamammogram and ultrasound to compare it to - so they call Canada to get them to courier the disk -

    Pain got so bad I went to emergency in Cape Coral, Florida - they did tests immediately and tested my urine too - no Doctor in Canada did any testing. But I had to wait for results.

    Canada is slow so by the time the disk is received I was in so much pain I decided to catch a flight back to Canada this past Monday - as I have no medical insurance in U.S.


    The Doctor in florida called me on the Tuesday to advise me that I have a 9.3 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm tumor. The good news no enlarged lymph nodes are identified at that time. He told me that if I wished a double masectomy it would give me peace of mind and they would do it, but surgery should be done asap. Florida hospital also called me to tell me to get my urine tested again and something showed up.

    I went to see my doctor in Canada without an appt - he didn't seem happy with me that I had had tests performed in the U.S. he said Doctors in the U.S. were all about the money and they just wanted me to spend more money on tests I didn't need - well I was scheduled for an mri in Canada Nov 6th ! - I just speeded the process up and good job I did as my surgery has now been bumped up to Nov 12th. My surgeon in Canada is refusing to do a full mastectomy he has changed the surgery to a full masectomy instead of a partial - duh! I knew I needed a full masectomy all along because of the pain and the lump was getting so big - he advised me cancer does not grow that fast. I have talked to 2 other doctors here in Canada but as I need immediate surgery they said do it now - don't lose my date of surgery - and later on they will remove the other breast to give me peace of mind - and to concentrate on getting better and hope the biopsy of the lymph nodes is good. Also I did get my urine tested in Canada when I got back and yes I have had a untreated kidney infection for the last 2 weeks which explains all the severe back pain I have had - no doctor in Canada ever tested my urine - they were focused on my state of mind and the cancer - and thought I was imagining the pain! All they wanted to do was prescribe pain killers - rather than trying to figure out what was causing the pain! Doesn't say much for the doctors up here.

    Oh yes and I always thought Obama care would be good for the U.S. - but seriously if you are quite ill - its take a number and we shall get to you in Canada - you have to scream to be seen and you are treated like a second class citizen - no emphasis is put on degree of health issue. You can't put a value on your health.

    Please keep me all in your prayers - it seems like a bad dream and I just want to wake up from it and it will all go away. No breast cancer runs in my family - but this is a sign of the times.

    You are so lucky in the U.S. to have such amazing hospitals and doctors.

    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had
    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had to go through this terrible thing. The most important thing is to get your treatment started. I know it seems like a bad dream, but I assure you things will begin to settle down in time. Have faith in god, and lean on those who love and support you and you will get through this. Have your doctors mentioned chemo after treatment? God bless !!

    Dennis
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #37
    dthompson said:

    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had
    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had to go through this terrible thing. The most important thing is to get your treatment started. I know it seems like a bad dream, but I assure you things will begin to settle down in time. Have faith in god, and lean on those who love and support you and you will get through this. Have your doctors mentioned chemo after treatment? God bless !!

    Dennis

    Everyone here is praying for
    Everyone here is praying for you Lola. I know this isn't easy, but, you can do this!


    Hugs, Kylez
  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    #38
    Silver_Mama said:

    Considering my choices for reconstruction
    I am new to CSN and to breast cancer. I have surgery scheduled for Friday 11/16/12 for "in situ" CA with immediate reconstruction after a total mastectomy, preserving all the skin and hopefully the nipple. The doctor said if I have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy, I will not need radiation or drug treatment and will have a much lower incidence of recurrence than I would have with the lumpectomy even WITH radiation. This seems like a no-brainer to me. I have chosen getting a DEIT flap rather than implant. What concerns me is not that he plans to further adjust the reconstruction about 3 months later but he also plans to move the nipple on the normal breast higher to match the reconstructed breast. I think this is what is called a breast lift. I think it is supposed to make you look younger, which is nice, but it will probably take away sensation in the normal breast which seems like yet another loss. Does anyone know what this will do, how it will feel after it heals? Maybe this is necessary to make the breasts match. Maybe you can't shape a flap to match a saggy, middle aged breast. Has anyone here had this done?

    I'm sending prayers for you
    I'm sending prayers for you Lola and for Silver Mama.
  • Lola7
    Lola7 Member Posts: 18
    #39
    Kylez said:

    Everyone here is praying for
    Everyone here is praying for you Lola. I know this isn't easy, but, you can do this!


    Hugs, Kylez

    Had the full masectomy on my left breast on Monday!
    Surgery was an hour late - noon Monday Nov 12th - Operation went well considering the morphine didn't work after the surgery - it took the nurses about 45 minutes to put in a new iv line of morphine - felt like I had been kicked in the chest - extreme pain - it is absolutely the worst hospital to be in - my surgeon walked by twice in recovery room but never stopped by my bed to let me know how surgery went. Took 6 hours to recover in post op as I had been given too much morphine and my oxygen levels were too low. By the time I left recovery room it was 8pm - then they told me to get dressed and go home - couldn't believe it was day surgery for a full masectomy - boy these hospitals have cut down on services. I am a juvenille diabetic on an insulin pump so figured for safety they would keep me overnite - no such luck. I was told by the nurse that they would send a nurse to my home the following day to check on me - well seems that was incorrect too - we had to drive to a clinic to have the dressing changed at 7pm at nite - and then a rookie nurse did it - so it wasn't a treat for sure! She poked and prodded me unbelievable. As you can see I am no longer a fan of the Canadian medical system!

    Next day had aches and pains in my legs and shortness of breath so I call the clinic - they tell me to go back to the hospital - so I had to sit for 8 hours in Emergency waiting to be seen by doctors - my dappler test showed 950 - so they were concerned as anything over 500 indicates possible blood clot - - so they tell me they will test me at 5:30 am in the morning - they tell me this after 8 hours of sitting in an Emergency Room - it was 2am and I was exhausted and sore - the nurse told me I could sit in a chair in the waiting room and sleep until they would send me for a CT Scan - very kind of them - they had 6 empty beds in Emerg but they wouldn't let me have a bed - just in case someone came in that needed it. Well I had had enough I left - was told if I left I would have to go through the whole process all over again and sit for another 7 to 8 hours. Free medical system for you! I couldn't care less went home - and in the morning the hospital calls me - they were looking for me for my tests - - lol - so my husband drives me back and they do the tests all ok - another 5 hours! - but I need to be watched in case of blood clots. Told to go to my GP on Friday to be followed in case of blood clots.

    While I was waiting in the hospital for tests to be done - my husband spots my surgeon in the lobby - so he asks him how many lymph nodes did the surgeon remove - well the surgeon doesn't remember - I had the surgery on Monday afternoon and by Wednesday morning he can barely remember who I am! Doctor told me not to worry and he will have results Dec 5th - well that's 3 1/2 weeks from surgery - I told him that was too long to wait as it is very worriesome - so he said to go to his clerk in the Assessment Dept to try to move it up a week - but he only meets patients on Wednesday's and if my results of the lymph node biopsy are not in - in time - I will have to wait till Dec 5th - waiting again - I asked for a referral to an Oncologist to save time - but I can't get one until I have biopsy results of lymph nodes - that will be a few more weeks waiting! I asked the surgeon if he will let me know what stage the cancer is at and the next steps - and he said no - they no longer rate cancer in stages - they will just tell me the next step - talk about being left in the dark. I spent today trying to get referred to an Oncologist but no one will book an appt without pathology report of lymph nodes - at this rate I won't get chemo till February! Very frustrating! How long do you wait in the U.S. for chemo treatment after receiving the pathology results ????(they take minimum 2 weeks to get pathology report here - if you are lucky). Not only am I fighting cancer - I am fighting the beaurocratic Canadian medical system here! - A fight I just don't need right now!

    PS - I am keeping positive and feel much better after having my breast removed - no more painful breast - doesn't bother me to see no breast - I think I am just relieved to have had the surgery - I think it bothers my husband though to see my breast like this - I didn't really want reconstructive surgery and the medical system sucks here I just don't trust the surgeons here.
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #40
    Lola7 said:

    Had the full masectomy on my left breast on Monday!
    Surgery was an hour late - noon Monday Nov 12th - Operation went well considering the morphine didn't work after the surgery - it took the nurses about 45 minutes to put in a new iv line of morphine - felt like I had been kicked in the chest - extreme pain - it is absolutely the worst hospital to be in - my surgeon walked by twice in recovery room but never stopped by my bed to let me know how surgery went. Took 6 hours to recover in post op as I had been given too much morphine and my oxygen levels were too low. By the time I left recovery room it was 8pm - then they told me to get dressed and go home - couldn't believe it was day surgery for a full masectomy - boy these hospitals have cut down on services. I am a juvenille diabetic on an insulin pump so figured for safety they would keep me overnite - no such luck. I was told by the nurse that they would send a nurse to my home the following day to check on me - well seems that was incorrect too - we had to drive to a clinic to have the dressing changed at 7pm at nite - and then a rookie nurse did it - so it wasn't a treat for sure! She poked and prodded me unbelievable. As you can see I am no longer a fan of the Canadian medical system!

    Next day had aches and pains in my legs and shortness of breath so I call the clinic - they tell me to go back to the hospital - so I had to sit for 8 hours in Emergency waiting to be seen by doctors - my dappler test showed 950 - so they were concerned as anything over 500 indicates possible blood clot - - so they tell me they will test me at 5:30 am in the morning - they tell me this after 8 hours of sitting in an Emergency Room - it was 2am and I was exhausted and sore - the nurse told me I could sit in a chair in the waiting room and sleep until they would send me for a CT Scan - very kind of them - they had 6 empty beds in Emerg but they wouldn't let me have a bed - just in case someone came in that needed it. Well I had had enough I left - was told if I left I would have to go through the whole process all over again and sit for another 7 to 8 hours. Free medical system for you! I couldn't care less went home - and in the morning the hospital calls me - they were looking for me for my tests - - lol - so my husband drives me back and they do the tests all ok - another 5 hours! - but I need to be watched in case of blood clots. Told to go to my GP on Friday to be followed in case of blood clots.

    While I was waiting in the hospital for tests to be done - my husband spots my surgeon in the lobby - so he asks him how many lymph nodes did the surgeon remove - well the surgeon doesn't remember - I had the surgery on Monday afternoon and by Wednesday morning he can barely remember who I am! Doctor told me not to worry and he will have results Dec 5th - well that's 3 1/2 weeks from surgery - I told him that was too long to wait as it is very worriesome - so he said to go to his clerk in the Assessment Dept to try to move it up a week - but he only meets patients on Wednesday's and if my results of the lymph node biopsy are not in - in time - I will have to wait till Dec 5th - waiting again - I asked for a referral to an Oncologist to save time - but I can't get one until I have biopsy results of lymph nodes - that will be a few more weeks waiting! I asked the surgeon if he will let me know what stage the cancer is at and the next steps - and he said no - they no longer rate cancer in stages - they will just tell me the next step - talk about being left in the dark. I spent today trying to get referred to an Oncologist but no one will book an appt without pathology report of lymph nodes - at this rate I won't get chemo till February! Very frustrating! How long do you wait in the U.S. for chemo treatment after receiving the pathology results ????(they take minimum 2 weeks to get pathology report here - if you are lucky). Not only am I fighting cancer - I am fighting the beaurocratic Canadian medical system here! - A fight I just don't need right now!

    PS - I am keeping positive and feel much better after having my breast removed - no more painful breast - doesn't bother me to see no breast - I think I am just relieved to have had the surgery - I think it bothers my husband though to see my breast like this - I didn't really want reconstructive surgery and the medical system sucks here I just don't trust the surgeons here.

    I am speechless. I can't
    I am speechless. I can't believe you went and still are going through all of this. This is awful Lola! I got my pathology report the next day after my lumpectomy. I didn't have chemo, so, I don't know how soon some of them started it. I started rads about 6 weeks after my lumpectomy.

    I am so glad that we don't have the medical care you have there, no offense.

    Just so sorry,

    Jan
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #41
    dthompson said:

    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had
    Lola,
    I am so sorry you had to go through this terrible thing. The most important thing is to get your treatment started. I know it seems like a bad dream, but I assure you things will begin to settle down in time. Have faith in god, and lean on those who love and support you and you will get through this. Have your doctors mentioned chemo after treatment? God bless !!

    Dennis

    Sending more prayers to you!
    Sending more prayers to you! And, I think you need a huge hug!


    Hugs!

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