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07-13-2008, 08:21 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 67
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Surgery Tomorrow, Yikes!
Hi Everybody,
My surgery is tomorrow morning 7:45. Bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction. I'm starting to really freak out. Weepy, anxiety, scared to death. Any advise?
Laurie
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07-13-2008, 08:34 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: St. George, UT
Posts: 582
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Our thoughts and prayers will be with you! Any surgery is scary, and I've had a lot so I am really empathising with you. I remember feeling exactly the same feelings you're feeling 23 years ago when I faced the surgery you are having tomorrow. It was more primitive, like silicone implants that later leaked. You'll have a couple of rough days, but you will be so glad it's over, and you'll be surprised how you'll be able to recover. Sometimes the dreading and anticipation is the hardest. The worst surgery I've had was a triple bypass 2 years ago---I'm still recovering from that. The worst part is that it was probably a waste, because 2 of the 3 coronary arteries are blocked again. I'm sure you will get posts from some of the warriors who have had this surgery more recently than I . You will be in all our prayers and thoughts all day tomorrow, and we will be anxious to hear a report from you. God bless! Tricia
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07-13-2008, 08:48 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: WA State
Posts: 199
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Laurieanne,
I remember how scary the day before is for surgery. Do you have any pre-meds for anxiety? If so take one, I got some and took just one pill but it really helped me get over the starting-to-freak-out feeling. Take care and take heart knowing that all of us here are sending good thoughts and prayers for your surgery.
__________________
Cindy
L/IDC, 1.2 cm, Stage 1, Her2+, ER+/PR+ at age 48
4/15/2008 Lumpectomy + sentinel node biopsy
Margins neg and Nodes neg (2 tested)
MUGA score 55 on 5/6/2008
Treatment starting 05/08/2008:
Chemo 4 cycles, 3 weeks apart with Taxotere & Cytoxan - Chemo - Done 7/24/2008!
Herceptin for 1 year
Radiation starting in 9/2008
MUGA score 61.9 on 9/04/2008
33 Rads with boost - Done 10/13/2008
MUGA score 58 on 12/01/2008
MUGA score 59 on 3/16/2009
Herceptin for 1 year - Done 4/27/2009
MUGA score 64 on 6/22/2009
All scans - NED 6/24/2009
MRI - NED 11/10/2009
All scans - Still NED 8/25/2011
Still NED 2017!
I am calling this my pink journey
Follow my journey into the pink at my blog here
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07-13-2008, 11:45 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,142
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Surgery Tomorrow, Yikes !!
I was scared every time I had surgery. It is normal and very human to be scared. If you weren't your docs would probably think something was wrong with you.
I am a bit of a control freak. I had some surgeries with general anethesia and some with only local anethesia, so I could see what was going on !! After awhile I learned to keep my mouth shut and just listen and watch during the ones with only local anethesia. I learned alot. Smile. I also recovered faster, because I didn't have to worry about a drug hangover and I could get back to normal faster. I realize that method is not for everybody.
Ask God to guide and protect you through your experience. Ask God to help your docs to do their best. Take good care of yourself after the surgery and get well quickly. Everyone here is cheering for you.
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07-13-2008, 11:52 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Good luck tomorrow. Its scary, especially if you really haven't had many/any surgeries before but you will do just fine.
And remember, once done, you will not have any evidence of disease and that nasty tumor that started all the trouble will not be in your body any longer.
By this time tomorrow, it will all be over and you will be able to begin healing and back on the road to perfect health.
Hugs and kisses
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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07-13-2008, 12:20 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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Is there a weekend clinic available in your area? You might want to talk to a pharmacist if there's no other medical professionals available in town.
I remember the reaction I had 18 years ago when it was close to my scheduled brain surgery. They were similar to yours.
Do you have family with you? Are there friends or hospital volunteers available?
It's more scary if there's no nearby support available. Do remember that we are all here praying and rooting for you.
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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07-13-2008, 01:17 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 67
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Hey Jackie,
I do have family and friends around, and they are great!
Also have anxiety meds that I haven't needed until today, but I did take one and do feel a little better.
Just can't wait to be over this first step. I'm not usually such a baby, but this is tough.
Laurie
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07-13-2008, 02:40 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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I'm so glad you are feeling better. It is hard to adjust our roles from a capable adult to a 'helpless patient'.
The anxiety is real. I still remember the teary eyes of my oldest brother when I was wheeled into the surgical ward 18 years ago. The side effects listed for my craniotomy included: 1. Death 2. Coma 3. Left-side paralysis. 4. Cognitive defect....
18 years later, I am still here - added some pink ribbons to my shirt and made more friends all over the world.
Draw your strenths from your own experience also. Know that you can do this. Take your pill when in need.
And know that we are all here for you...
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
Last edited by Jackie07; 07-13-2008 at 02:47 PM..
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07-13-2008, 03:23 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,207
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Laurie,
Think of it this way: you have cells in your body that have misbehaved and tomorrow morning you are going to have that threat removed.
Also, when you arrive in the morning, if you still feel anxious, ask them to give you something for it.
It's important to have your family and friends around you at this time. Here's a nice ritual you might want to do tonight, it's totally self indulgent and will probably make you weepy but in a good way:
Gather all your friends around you in a circle, each with an unlit candle. One at a time, have them say a little prayer or a blessing or something about how much they love you, while lighting their candle. Have them surround you with this love and strength and carry that with you tomorrow. Then ask them to repeat their prayer for you in the morning, at the time you are headed for surgery.
When I had my surgery, I asked everyone to send me positive loving vibes at the moment my surgery was scheduled to begin. As it was, I was still waiting around at that time but I FELT this jolt of love hit me right at that time. I wasn't really thinking about it, and I got this I don't know, energy surge right in my chest. I remember thinking "wow, that was weird", then I looked at the clock and it was the moment I was supposed to be in surgery. I swear this really happened! And I wasn't on any meds at the time, either.
So take that for what it's worth, I'll be sending my love for you tomorrow.
much love
Chris
__________________
Chris in Scotts Valley
June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?"
9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++
10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response!
04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED
04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial
06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin
01/08 Progression in liver
02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial
08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1
02/09 Continue NED
02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED
12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver
07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:(
12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:(
03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial
5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!!
8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!)
9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3
11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc
11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go.
2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go.
3/13 TACE procedure
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07-13-2008, 04:09 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: moved to Lancaster, Pa in June, 2010
Posts: 576
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Good luck tomorrow. May God be watching over you during your surgery and recovery period. Best wishes!
__________________
Debbie in North Carolina
Diag 10/2006-high grade invasive ductal carcinoma- mastectomy L breast
2.5 cm tumor ER/PR pos-Her2+++
4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Taxol
Herceptin every 3 weeks until Jan. 2008
6/18/07 prophylatic mastectomy R breast
8/2007 started aromasin/stopped arimidex (side effects)
12/07 stopped aromasin due to side effects (now what?)
Finished herceptin 1/8/08
started tamoxifen for 2 years then will switch to femera
allergic to tamoxifen started femera 4/2008
June 20, 2008 portacath removed
Learnig to live life to the fullest!
Stopped Femera due to side effects
July 28, 2008 start trial for breast cancer vaccine
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07-13-2008, 04:33 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 981
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Laurianne,
I wish you the best on your surgery tomorrow. Saying a prayer for your anxiety and for an uncomplicated surgery.
Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi
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07-13-2008, 04:56 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Laurieanne, you've gotten some great advice from your sisters here. I can only add that you will be in my thoughts and prayers, especially tomorrow. Please sleep well tonight and know that we are with you.
__________________
For Nicola
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07-13-2008, 05:05 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: indianapolis, indiana
Posts: 1,544
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Good luck tomorrow!
__________________
dxd 9-04, lumpectomy,
st 1, gr 3, er,pr-, her2 +,
2 tac,33 rads,6 cmf
1 yr herceptin,
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07-13-2008, 05:41 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Laurie,
Good luck tomorrow with the surgery.
I'm praying for a speedy recovery.
Best, Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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07-13-2008, 05:52 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 78
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Hi Laurie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope you have a quick recovery and keep us posted. I'm very interested in hearing how you're doing.
__________________
G. Ann
DX 2/04, mastectomy, 2.5 cm tumor, grade 3
Her 2 positive, 60%, 3+/strong, ER/PR-
Stage 2, 0/18 nodes
TX 4 AC (no taxanes, no radiation)
Hysterectomy 10/04
Began Herceptin 1/06, finished 1/07
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07-13-2008, 06:00 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Hi Laurie,
Of course you have all those feelings that make you feel
upside down, it is only natural.
Try to relax (easier said than done) have confidence that you are ridding body of those nasty cells. I hope
your healing is fast and that you will relax after your surgery. The hardest part of this journey is the first
step. Pleae know you are not alone.
Hugs and Prayers being sent to you.
jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
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07-13-2008, 07:02 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Laurie,
You said "I'm normally not such a baby!" Oh my gosh honey, you surely aren't a baby. You are strong and brave. You are about to encounter a surgery that will start you on the path to recovery and healing - that dear sister makes you one strong, brave woman.
As the others have said......any surgery is frightening and "cancer" surgery makes it even more frightening because you are dealing with that big "C" word BUT as the others have said to you also - having this surgery is wiping this nasty stuff RIGHT OUT OF YOUR BODY.
So dear sister - you are awesome, brave and strong. You are "taking care of business" and all will be well.
God is with you......He will continue to give you all you need to move forward.
Prayers surround you dear sister,
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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07-13-2008, 07:50 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Good luck tomorrow Laurie. Your tumour will be gone and you'll be on your way to a speedy recovery. Try to take it easy, and keep ativan nearby. You will be fine.
all the best
caya
__________________
ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+
1.7 cm and 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested)
MRM Dec.18/06
3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere
Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08
Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years
Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012
BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative
Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal
Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so.
Reclast infusion January 2012
Oopherectomy October 2013
15 Years NED!!
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07-13-2008, 08:34 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: I live in Christmas, MI - located on the shores of Lake Superior.
Posts: 606
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I can't offer any advice that hasn't already been given...just wishin' you luck and I hope you heal quickly.
__________________
Barb
10/03 Radical Mastectomy 3 cm tumor - 1/17 Nodes Stage II B, Her 2 +++ ER-/PR- 11/03 4 AC 4 Taxol 12/05 Stage IV - Lung met , Bone mets - Carbo, Taxotere, Herceptin 9/06 - 2 cm brain tumor 10/06 - Tumor removal surgery - Herceptin Halted 12/06 gamma knife tumor base.1/07 Navelbine/Herceptin 4/07 Rads to R femur 5/07 Stereotactic - new 2 cm brain tumor 4/07 Start Xeloda 5/07 Tykerb added 7/07 Brain MRI clean 10/07 .055 cm brain met found. 12/07 Stereotactic -1 cm brain tumor Start Tykerb 11/07 Abraxane/Herceptin 5/08 Cisplatin, Gemcitabine/Herceptin 6/08 Stereotactic to 1cm 9/08 Stereotactic repeat (growth). 11/08 Pet Scan Good but new tiny met on L lung/dead Brain surgery (no cancer cells found/scar tissue) 1/09 Chemo restarted 2/09 Pet Scan Bad - R larger very active/active L active lymph nodes both sides of chest MRI- mets slight increase 2/09 Start Doxil/Tykerb Treatment
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07-13-2008, 09:30 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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Hi Laurie,
I also had a bilat mastectomy with reconstruction. This was done Nov 2006. It was a very involved surgery, but I was in good hands and everything single thing went well.
Please know you are not alone and have many wonderful good thoughts sent right to you from all of us.
I truely believe in the power of thoughts and prayers.
Have faith that you are in excellent hands and have a great support around you (us at HER2)....you will do fine.
Much love and hugs....
Maryanne
__________________
*** MARYANNE *** aka HARRIECANARIE
1993: right side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads
1999: left side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen
2006:
BRCA 2 positive
Stage I, invasive DCIS (6mm x 5mm)
Grade: intermediate
sentinal node biopsy: neg
HER2/neu amplified 4.7
ER+/PR+
TOPO II neg
Oncotype dx 20
Bilat mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction
oophorectomy
2007:
6 cycles TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin)
finished 1 yr herceptin 05/07
Arimidex, stopped after almost 1 yr
Femara
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