Breast Cancer 8/07 now Ovarian mass 12/07

Debbie:
So sorry you are going through so much. What an ordeal you have had. How many more breast cancer chemos did you have to go?

Try not to be too worried. If it is any comfort to you, my first surgery (complete hysterectomy ++) was the 'bikini' cut and I can hardly tell it's there. The second was the vertical incision, because they can't go the same way as the prior surgeries. So, maybe you can get by with the bikini cut? I hope you have as good a doctor as mine - I had very little pain after surgery and my recovery went very well. I understand you have something else to deal with as well, so I suggest taking care of yourself and get all the rest you need to fully recover. Even if there is ovarian cancer present there are so many options and choices. You will find that as you read through the discussion board here. And there are so many wonderful ladies who are compassionate, helpful and supportive here.

I will be praying for a successful surgery and a completely, speedy recovery. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all get nervous - it's completely understandable. I hope the prayers help. And I hope knowing that you can call on us anytime is helpful too. When you are able, let us know how you are doing. We'd love to hear back from you.

Prayers & Hugs,
Monika

Debbie2007 said:

Thank you Monica for your reply, made me really happy that there are people here that I can talk to.

I still had 3 more chemo treatments to go when they stopped it last week. I had a 96% chance of reaching the 10 year mark my oncology doc told me about my breast cancer. Now not sure what will happen. I'm trying not to get too nervous about it.

My gyn oncologist says he has to take part of my abdomen covering (outoman) spelled wrong I think, and my incision will be vertical. Scary... Recovery is six weeks?

Thank you for the hugs and prayers Monica. I will keep in touch since this site is my only support. A lot of good stuff here to make one smile and be positive.

Debbie

Hi Debbie,
I'm so sorry that you have the need to be here in addition to what you were already going through, but I'm glad for you that you found this site. It's unfortunate that you have no other support, but you can always count on it here. There's lots of support here, so you need never feel alone.

Regarding your question about what to expect after surgery, I don't think any of us has the exact same experience, but for what it's worth this is how it went for me: I was in the hospital for 4 days after surgery. I was pretty heavily medicated at first, but after about a day I got pain meds when I asked for it, so it was pretty much a pain-free experience. Once home, I took the prescribed pain pills for the first few days, and switched from the narcotic to Tylanol as soon as I could. After about 2 weeks I didn't need anything for pain. For me, I think the worst of the recovery process was that normal bodily functions didn't work as smoothly as usual. It was a major effort going to the bathroom (1 and 2), and I experienced a lot of discomfort from gas cramps. From what I was told, this was due to everything being manipulated within the abdoman, which takes a while to right itself and heal. Within about a week of being home, I started walking my dogs. At first, I could only get about 20 yards and back, but I did better every day. My onc. told me to walk as much as I can, which helps with the side effects of chemo as well as regaining your energy in general. About 3-4 weeks after the surgery, I began having mild to moderate pain (sort of like cramps) on and off on both sides of my incission, which worried me until my doc reassured me that it's just scar tissue forming as a result of the surgery. Aside from all that, the recovery process was relatively easy and uneventful. I made an effort to eat well, and took lots of naps.

I'm sure you'll be just fine too. You seem to have a great attitude, which will help you get through this.

My thoughts are with you,
Marianna

Debbie,
I'm really sorry that this is happenning to you!! At least your Dr. sound like he is gonna be a thorogh dr.
As everyone has said we all heal differently. I was in the hosp. for 7 days, but I also had a colostomy to deal with, and learn about. The pain wasn't too bad once I went home, the first day or two in the hospital was the worse. After 3 weeks I began my chemo, so maybe your Dr. will get you back on it as soon as possible. I think most of us have had our omentum removed,I had alot of growths in that as well. Good luck, I'll be praying for you....(((hugz)))..Joanne

Hi Debbie. Sorry we have to meet on this site. I read all of the girls messages and we've all had similar yet slightly different experiences with this thing.

Is your doctor saying that your breast cancer spread to your ovaries? Or are they going to check to see if it really started as ovarian cancer and had spread to your breast? I only ask because after I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer in July I then had a bad mammogram in August (turned out to be nothing after I had a stereotatic mammogram) - and the concern was if we would need to see which had "started" first and if it would then be restaged. Confusing - but scary because I thought I had one thing and it could have been another.

I too had my omentum taken out and actually felt pretty good by about 3 weeks out of surgery. If they give you the narcotics (I presume you had some kind of pain medication after your mastectomy) then you know about being on top of the stool softeners, etc so that you keep your system working properly.

I am going to be undergoing genetic testing in the next couple of months for the BRCA genes and if I am positive then I will undergo a mastectomy as well. My doctor is so adamant that you would want to face head on a preventable cancer - which in this case would be the breast cancer. I will be asking you for tips if that happens because you will have experience in that area.

I wish you nothing but good luck on the 8th and know that you will find awesome support on this sight. Everything and anything is discussed - and I must say amazed each time I read new postings. I hate the word cancer, I really do, but I am so thankful that I can come here and know that somebody will respond, cheer me on,offer advice,share their experiences and always be truthful. What a gift.

You take good care and please keep posting.

Kris