Monday the 17th surgery
Did everyone know how they get those nodes? They inject you with radioactive dye which goes right to the nodes which maps out where they are and they get them with a geiger counter!!! hahaha...ok, not funny...but that sounds so odd to me.
Ok, no one told me about "wires" that the radiologist puts in the breast to guide the surgeon. Anyone know about that? OY! I hope they give me some pain meds (AND A STINKIN' BLINDFOLD!)
Love my sisters in pink,
Rebecca
Comments
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Wire Needle localization....
That was the first question I ever posted here, 3 years ago....wire, what wire???? I was petrified....but ended up being so much less than I imagined...I was picturing something like a coat hanger......they numb the area...after that I didn't feel anything....they did a mammo to make sure it was in place....then I was off to the day surgery center.....it is taped down...
Wishing you the best, Becky...
Hugs and prayers
Nancy0 -
We're all unique!
We are all different - as are our BC DX's.
I never had an option of lumphectomy. It was a mast. from day one due to type - IBC.
'Wires' - don't know about them at all. I saw my PA at 11, off to a new Mammo/Rad. at 1, followed by Sono and biopsies. Next morning, I had the results we all expected. - path. pos. for IBC.
My surgeon said that at the time thete was no reason to to do a BI so didn't. If I decided to do recon after at least a year then to get a 'matched pair' a BI might be the 'way to go' (not happening - decided not to do any surgery I don't have to have).
It was almost immediatelyknown (thanks to biopsy) that nodes were involved for me. Remember that the different types of BC (IBC [1% - 5 % of BC - most aggressive type], DCIS, LDIS, IDC, ILC, and the rater types of. BC) have different protocol thaI is followed. The different types are modified by ER/PR and HER2. (I've probably forgotten some other modified.) It's not 'black and white'.
Winyan - The Power Within
Susan0 -
Me too...I pictured a coat hanger!MAJW said:Wire Needle localization....
That was the first question I ever posted here, 3 years ago....wire, what wire???? I was petrified....but ended up being so much less than I imagined...I was picturing something like a coat hanger......they numb the area...after that I didn't feel anything....they did a mammo to make sure it was in place....then I was off to the day surgery center.....it is taped down...
Wishing you the best, Becky...
Hugs and prayers
Nancy
Thanks for info Nancy. I wonder if I will pick up FM? hmmmmmmmmm0 -
Susan, I don't know what all of those tpes of BC areRague said:We're all unique!
We are all different - as are our BC DX's.
I never had an option of lumphectomy. It was a mast. from day one due to type - IBC.
'Wires' - don't know about them at all. I saw my PA at 11, off to a new Mammo/Rad. at 1, followed by Sono and biopsies. Next morning, I had the results we all expected. - path. pos. for IBC.
My surgeon said that at the time thete was no reason to to do a BI so didn't. If I decided to do recon after at least a year then to get a 'matched pair' a BI might be the 'way to go' (not happening - decided not to do any surgery I don't have to have).
It was almost immediatelyknown (thanks to biopsy) that nodes were involved for me. Remember that the different types of BC (IBC [1% - 5 % of BC - most aggressive type], DCIS, LDIS, IDC, ILC, and the rater types of. BC) have different protocol thaI is followed. The different types are modified by ER/PR and HER2. (I've probably forgotten some other modified.) It's not 'black and white'.
Winyan - The Power Within
Susan
I know they said I have Invasive Ductile Carcinoma. Is that IBC? Then why is my BS doing a lumpectomy? I hope I am making the right decision. Oh boy..0 -
I had 2 lumpectomies on my right breast with a diagnosis of invasive ductile carcinoma, triple negative. The wire guidance and radiaactive dye injection were kind of uncomfortable for me tho they "numbed" the area, I was so nervous that I think it made it that way. I do think it would have helped if the radiologist would have told me what he was doing and had a speck of a personality. Hopefully, I'll never see him again. It might have been better if he took up pathology or something. The surgeries themselves weren't bad - just normal recoveries - uncomfortable but pain meds and a nice soft bra helped alot.rallendorfer said:Susan, I don't know what all of those tpes of BC are
I know they said I have Invasive Ductile Carcinoma. Is that IBC? Then why is my BS doing a lumpectomy? I hope I am making the right decision. Oh boy..
I'll be thinking about you and wish you the very best results!
Hugs!
Karen0 -
Initially I had a lumpectomyksf56 said:I had 2 lumpectomies on my right breast with a diagnosis of invasive ductile carcinoma, triple negative. The wire guidance and radiaactive dye injection were kind of uncomfortable for me tho they "numbed" the area, I was so nervous that I think it made it that way. I do think it would have helped if the radiologist would have told me what he was doing and had a speck of a personality. Hopefully, I'll never see him again. It might have been better if he took up pathology or something. The surgeries themselves weren't bad - just normal recoveries - uncomfortable but pain meds and a nice soft bra helped alot.
I'll be thinking about you and wish you the very best results!
Hugs!
Karen
with the wire localization also. Since the tumor was right up against the chest wall and very deep--I did experience pain when the wires were put in--even with numbing medication. I think, though it was because of the depth. Unfortunately, for me, even though the wire localization was used to "get clean margins", I had to go for a re-excision 10 days later--the margins were not clear! My surgeon said this almost "never" happens--well, it happened to me! Remember--this was me. Your result will be totally different and you will do just fine.
Putting you on my prayer list for your upcoming procedure.
Hugs, Renee0 -
I had it done
Hi, I had a lumpectomy on 7/13 and had both the guided wire to the lump during biopsy and the dye injected for the sentinal node biopsy.
The guided wire is not painful they numb the area before they insert it . Once in thought it is just uncomfortable and a little annoying but not painful.
The injection for the dye however is another story. They inject he dye under your nipple is it does burn going in only for a few seconds. Did they tell you how many you would need? I had two needled of dye injected. It is really stinks what we have to go trough but you will be find. Try to find something funny about the situation as hard as it sound it does work. Laugher truly is the best medicine
Good luck to you
Christine0 -
Zip front sport bra?
Trying to figure out what is going to be done and what I need to take with me. I saw on-line that I should have one of the zip front bras? Well, I will have to try to get one maybe tonight or tomorrow. They say one size larger? Sheesh!
Should I know about anything else?0 -
Sports brarallendorfer said:Zip front sport bra?
Trying to figure out what is going to be done and what I need to take with me. I saw on-line that I should have one of the zip front bras? Well, I will have to try to get one maybe tonight or tomorrow. They say one size larger? Sheesh!
Should I know about anything else?
All you need is a really good sports bra. You want it to be really snug0 -
I had the wire guided lumpectomy.
I found the radioactive injection was the worst. Once above the nipple and one below. It only last for a few seconds, but it was the worst pain of it all. I also didn't know they were going to do it until the radiologist came in. My margins weren't clear so I had to have a mastectomy after all. I don't want to scare you, but I think knowing what they're going to do makes it easier and less scary.
Good luck with your surgery.
Deb0 -
You have IDC, not IBCmissrenee said:Initially I had a lumpectomy
with the wire localization also. Since the tumor was right up against the chest wall and very deep--I did experience pain when the wires were put in--even with numbing medication. I think, though it was because of the depth. Unfortunately, for me, even though the wire localization was used to "get clean margins", I had to go for a re-excision 10 days later--the margins were not clear! My surgeon said this almost "never" happens--well, it happened to me! Remember--this was me. Your result will be totally different and you will do just fine.
Putting you on my prayer list for your upcoming procedure.
Hugs, Renee
Invasive ductal carcinoma = IDC. Inflammatory Breast Cancer = IBC. Yours is IDC. The most common type of breast cancer.
I had wire localization. I felt nothing, but was uncomfortable because my tumor was in the underside of my breast and I sat with my boob compressed vertically between mammogram vices for however long it took them. I didn't look - just let them cover me and take me off to the preop area. It freaked me to think there was a wire sticking out of my boob, so I didn't look.
The sentenal nodes are identified by injecting blue dye into your breast. The dye is taken up by the lymph system and colors the lymph nodes. They'll take the first ones that get blue. The theory is this is the path that cancer cells would travel, so they look at those first (sentenal)nodes to see if there are any nasty cells in them. If there aren't any, then they don't have to remove any more lymph nodes. If they're positive, then they'll take more. I had 2 removed. They warned me the injection of the dye would be painful, and the nuclear med doc even held my hand while the fellow injected the dye. It was not at all painful for me - more like stinging. Maybe I was still a little numb from the wire procedure? I think they went all around my breast - maybe a dozen or so injections.
I'm glad your surgery will finally be behind you Monday. I hope a lumpectomy will suffice.
Suzanne0 -
Bradebsweb18 said:I had the wire guided lumpectomy.
I found the radioactive injection was the worst. Once above the nipple and one below. It only last for a few seconds, but it was the worst pain of it all. I also didn't know they were going to do it until the radiologist came in. My margins weren't clear so I had to have a mastectomy after all. I don't want to scare you, but I think knowing what they're going to do makes it easier and less scary.
Good luck with your surgery.
Deb
I got two inexpensive zip front sports bras from JC Penney. I kept thinking I should have something more expensive like a jog bra, but these were perfect. They were very soft T-shirt knit cups with a zip front. You know, the ones that make you look like you have a uniboob. They put a bra on me after surgery that also had a zip in the front and sent me home in that one, so I had an extra. The purpose is so you can get in and out of it (zip in front) and also compress your breasts so they don't bounce when you move around.0 -
Rebecca,
Best of luck and prayers for your surgery . . . I had a lumpectomy last fall . . .they sent me home in a tight tube top thing that velcroed shut in the front . . . said to leave it on for 5 days, but I had to wash the thing, but kept wearing it . . . I used the front close bras simply cuz it was easier than lifting your arms up for awhile . . .the wire thing hurt for me, but it was only a few minutes after that when they knocked me outfor the surgery . . . surgery and recovery wasn't bad at all for me, just remember to take the pain pills for the first few days home, after awhile, I cut them in half and withing a week or so I was off the pain pills . . . breathe, stock up on some good movies and books, and keep us posted . . I think they didn't numb me enough for the wire localization, but like I said, they don't make you sit with it in for very long . . . . oh yeah, and if your boob turns blue for a few days, it is called the Smurf stage, ha, and it is from the dye
. . .you'll do fine, remember to breathe!! ---Sue D.
Oh, and button up shirts will make getting dressed easier the first coouple of weeks . . .0 -
Thanks all for the information.sdukowitz said:Rebecca,
Best of luck and prayers for your surgery . . . I had a lumpectomy last fall . . .they sent me home in a tight tube top thing that velcroed shut in the front . . . said to leave it on for 5 days, but I had to wash the thing, but kept wearing it . . . I used the front close bras simply cuz it was easier than lifting your arms up for awhile . . .the wire thing hurt for me, but it was only a few minutes after that when they knocked me outfor the surgery . . . surgery and recovery wasn't bad at all for me, just remember to take the pain pills for the first few days home, after awhile, I cut them in half and withing a week or so I was off the pain pills . . . breathe, stock up on some good movies and books, and keep us posted . . I think they didn't numb me enough for the wire localization, but like I said, they don't make you sit with it in for very long . . . . oh yeah, and if your boob turns blue for a few days, it is called the Smurf stage, ha, and it is from the dye
. . .you'll do fine, remember to breathe!! ---Sue D.
Oh, and button up shirts will make getting dressed easier the first coouple of weeks . . .
I really appreciate knowing what to do. I am afraid, but am putting on a good face. 2 days to go. I know this sounds silly in the face of a surgery like this, but I am so worried about being cold with no wig on. Do they at least provide some kind of cap to keep you warm? I freeze in there all of the time!
You have all been through it and are able even to reach back to help those of us who have to go through it too. I thank you very much and hope that you are blessed for your kindness.
Love,
Rebecca0 -
Cold in ORrallendorfer said:Thanks all for the information.
I really appreciate knowing what to do. I am afraid, but am putting on a good face. 2 days to go. I know this sounds silly in the face of a surgery like this, but I am so worried about being cold with no wig on. Do they at least provide some kind of cap to keep you warm? I freeze in there all of the time!
You have all been through it and are able even to reach back to help those of us who have to go through it too. I thank you very much and hope that you are blessed for your kindness.
Love,
Rebecca
Rebecca, it is cold in the OR if that is where you are having this done, but they throw nice warmed blankets on you and wrap you comfortable. I had surgical cap on for one of my surgeries, I am sure you can ask for a warmed one of those as well!
I am saying prayers for you!! Can't wait for this too to be just a memory.
{{{Hugs}}}
Sandy0 -
If you can't find the zip front bras......I went to Walmart and got nursing bras...they hook in the front....they had me tightly bound with an elastic type bandage that I had to leave on for two days....I also was "superglued"......which I loved..no sutures to remove...I had my lumpectomy at 1:00, they woke me up in recovery at 2:30, asked my pain level, I said a 5 ...they had to get it below 3, in order to release me...that took about 15-20 minutes... I took button down the front pj's and wore them home so I wouldn't have to change once I got home....I was home, resting comfortably on the couch by 4:15....I took my pain meds right on schedule so it never got out of control for 2 days.....mine was more just discomfort rather than pain..the dye for the nodes was injected in my nipple at 12:00, 3:00,6:00 and 9:00 o'clock.....they used a numbing spray for each injection..it was like bee stings but done very quickly..my incision is right above my nipple....actually, the incision for the lymph node removal(3) bothered me far more..it stayed so sensitive for about 3 months....They did put one of those paper " hats" on me before surgery but it was off when I woke up....take a cap with you and ask that it be put on you after you leave the OR.....I had hair then...but I understand the freezing aspect..I've been bald again since March....add a weight loss of 36 pounds and I freeze constantly! Can't go anywhere without a sweater and my wig...it can be 95 degrees outside and I've got on sweater....we went to a BBQ on Labor Day evening....everyone ate outside...after a while I realized I was the ONLY one left outside....everyone else had gone inside...to hot and humid for them....I was quite comfy! lol ......rallendorfer said:Thanks all for the information.
I really appreciate knowing what to do. I am afraid, but am putting on a good face. 2 days to go. I know this sounds silly in the face of a surgery like this, but I am so worried about being cold with no wig on. Do they at least provide some kind of cap to keep you warm? I freeze in there all of the time!
You have all been through it and are able even to reach back to help those of us who have to go through it too. I thank you very much and hope that you are blessed for your kindness.
Love,
Rebecca
That's my story of my first go round with the beast...I remained NED for 19 months....now, I'm on round 3...stage 4 but in remission...will have PET and CT scans on October 15 ......yuk.....it causes such anxiety as we all know all to well....
You'll do fine on Monday..especially after they give you the " happy juice" before they take you to the OR....you won't care after that..lol
Wishing you the best, good path report, and a speedy recovery..keep us posted...we care
Hugs, Nancy0 -
I went the route .. like Nancy ...MAJW said:If you can't find the zip front bras......I went to Walmart and got nursing bras...they hook in the front....they had me tightly bound with an elastic type bandage that I had to leave on for two days....I also was "superglued"......which I loved..no sutures to remove...I had my lumpectomy at 1:00, they woke me up in recovery at 2:30, asked my pain level, I said a 5 ...they had to get it below 3, in order to release me...that took about 15-20 minutes... I took button down the front pj's and wore them home so I wouldn't have to change once I got home....I was home, resting comfortably on the couch by 4:15....I took my pain meds right on schedule so it never got out of control for 2 days.....mine was more just discomfort rather than pain..the dye for the nodes was injected in my nipple at 12:00, 3:00,6:00 and 9:00 o'clock.....they used a numbing spray for each injection..it was like bee stings but done very quickly..my incision is right above my nipple....actually, the incision for the lymph node removal(3) bothered me far more..it stayed so sensitive for about 3 months....They did put one of those paper " hats" on me before surgery but it was off when I woke up....take a cap with you and ask that it be put on you after you leave the OR.....I had hair then...but I understand the freezing aspect..I've been bald again since March....add a weight loss of 36 pounds and I freeze constantly! Can't go anywhere without a sweater and my wig...it can be 95 degrees outside and I've got on sweater....we went to a BBQ on Labor Day evening....everyone ate outside...after a while I realized I was the ONLY one left outside....everyone else had gone inside...to hot and humid for them....I was quite comfy! lol ......
That's my story of my first go round with the beast...I remained NED for 19 months....now, I'm on round 3...stage 4 but in remission...will have PET and CT scans on October 15 ......yuk.....it causes such anxiety as we all know all to well....
You'll do fine on Monday..especially after they give you the " happy juice" before they take you to the OR....you won't care after that..lol
Wishing you the best, good path report, and a speedy recovery..keep us posted...we care
Hugs, Nancy
Walmart front hook sports bra's by fruit of the loom. If you start to experience
a tightness -- you have the option of unhooking 1 or so hooks for more comfort.
my personal history -- lumpectomy (did not get clear margins), then bilateral mastectomy several months later, after completing my chemo (which I crawled to that finish line). I
opted for the bilateral as I wanted all the cancer, tissue related to my breast cancer
OUT of my BODY.
It was a looooong road .. surgeries, recovery, drains, tissue expanders etc -- but, I have to say -- it was well worth it. Would I make the same choice, again? YES...
Loads of prayers, and hugs
Vicki Sam0 -
Sorry to dissapoint you
No radio or internet reception as a result of the wire. It didn't freak me out to see it but it would have had I seen the same thing in a loved one. I also have a high tolerance for pain so I don't remember any pain, just the wierdness of a skinny wire sticking out of me.
I noticed you said you were worried about disfigurement. I had a lumpectomy and the tumor was 6.6cm at it's largest dimension. They did get clean margins so I was glad. Just so that you know that the prostetics are actually quite good even if you have a lot of tissue removed. I joke that I have a boob and 3/4. I look just like before my lumpectomy when I use my prostetic.0 -
Wanting to wish you the very best tomorrow.....I don't think you'll pick up FM.....but AM possibly....lol......my advice...DON'T LOOK!!! I always tell them, no matter what I have done, to treat me like a blind person...I want to see NOTHING!laughs_a_lot said:Sorry to dissapoint you
No radio or internet reception as a result of the wire. It didn't freak me out to see it but it would have had I seen the same thing in a loved one. I also have a high tolerance for pain so I don't remember any pain, just the wierdness of a skinny wire sticking out of me.
I noticed you said you were worried about disfigurement. I had a lumpectomy and the tumor was 6.6cm at it's largest dimension. They did get clean margins so I was glad. Just so that you know that the prostetics are actually quite good even if you have a lot of tissue removed. I joke that I have a boob and 3/4. I look just like before my lumpectomy when I use my prostetic.
I know you must be anxious today....won't tell you not to be....it's human nature....post when you feel up to it.....Oh if you hear commotion...it's us on the pink bus...feel free to deny knowing who we are.....
Hugs, Nancy0 -
How thoughtful to remember me.MAJW said:Wanting to wish you the very best tomorrow.....I don't think you'll pick up FM.....but AM possibly....lol......my advice...DON'T LOOK!!! I always tell them, no matter what I have done, to treat me like a blind person...I want to see NOTHING!
I know you must be anxious today....won't tell you not to be....it's human nature....post when you feel up to it.....Oh if you hear commotion...it's us on the pink bus...feel free to deny knowing who we are.....
Hugs, Nancy
Nancy, how did you guess that I am anxious? Yes, I am. After all that so many pink sisters are going through now, you stopped to remember this surgery that I have to face and anticipated how I am feeling.
I will be leaning out of the hospital window to wave at you all on the bus. I have never in my life known such caring people as on this board. I can't thank you enough.
Love, love, love, love,
Rebecca0
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