Post surgery, what questions to ask
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
hi Jane, I think judy is right,doctors just want to make sure before diagnosis but I think they should have told you regardless. How is the surgery site is it still oozing ?
Rosa
Rosa
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
Jane don't jump to conclusions, you can send yourself mad by trying to double guess what the doctors are thinking. I do it all the time even though I am telling you not to lol. The doctors may simply want a clearer picture of what is happening in your chest and the urgency could just be that they want to know before your appointment so that they have a clearer picture of your diagnosis and what treatment you may need. My lump was rather large and very close to the chest wall which meant that they wanted to do radiotherapy even though I had had a mastectomy. Often if you have had a mastectomy they don't do radiotherapy so that they have something up their sleeve to do if the cancer returns. Before they can know what treatment is best for you they need to know exactly what they are dealing with. It's better that they check it all out closely rather than just assume certain things.
Keep trying to get on to the surgeon, it's pretty poor that you can't get the answers you are looking for.
I hope you can manage to relax a little over the next few days, just try telling yourself that worrying is not going to change anything so you may as well try to enjoy the down time, difficult I know with that damn leaky armpit and your mind playing havoc.
Take care of yourself
Keep trying to get on to the surgeon, it's pretty poor that you can't get the answers you are looking for.
I hope you can manage to relax a little over the next few days, just try telling yourself that worrying is not going to change anything so you may as well try to enjoy the down time, difficult I know with that damn leaky armpit and your mind playing havoc.
Take care of yourself
DX Sep 09, LB mast with axillary diss. Grd 2 Ductal Carc. 50mm diam. Margins clear. 1/13 nodes. OR+ PR+, HER2- . FEC x 3, Taxotere x 3, RADS x 30, Tamoxifen, DIEP reconstruction April 2011, Femara 2013, Oophorectomy 2013.
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
Hi Rosa, No one has said anything about an ultrasound. First I knew was when they called to confirm. Some doctor faxed thru an urgent request form to imaging today. I asked if she new what it was in relation too and all she would tell me was it was marked urgent and requested by Dr Leah. It had all my details on the form.. Name Addy DOB. Medicare No. so I don't know.
17/3/2017 IDC NOS -, E-Cadherin + ER + PR +. Lumpectomy & Sentinel Node removal 30/3/17
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
hi Jane, I must say your treatment from your team is not very good,but let's not jump to conclusions,perhaps your results have come back early but they would have to tell you what's going on,did you know you were having an ultra sound?
Are you able to talk to your bc nurse? Maybe you can try talking to your gp in the morning,if result are through she will have them as well as surgeon
Rosa
Are you able to talk to your bc nurse? Maybe you can try talking to your gp in the morning,if result are through she will have them as well as surgeon
Rosa
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
Bruising is now appearing where "THEY" have all been pushing to release the fluid.
Had a very strange call today.. Imaging called to confirm a booking for Ultrasound on my left chest cavity wall... is this my worst fear.. Have my results come in early and is their sick way of saying "Hey, we found more". but instead of waiting for the appointment next week.. they book ultrasound and don't tell me? I've tried calling the specialist for 3 days and all I get is that he's in surgery.. After the call today, I called to speak or see my GP and wouldn't you know it.. She was unavailable. Don't know what to make of any of it... Oh well, I guess another slap in the face was due
Had a very strange call today.. Imaging called to confirm a booking for Ultrasound on my left chest cavity wall... is this my worst fear.. Have my results come in early and is their sick way of saying "Hey, we found more". but instead of waiting for the appointment next week.. they book ultrasound and don't tell me? I've tried calling the specialist for 3 days and all I get is that he's in surgery.. After the call today, I called to speak or see my GP and wouldn't you know it.. She was unavailable. Don't know what to make of any of it... Oh well, I guess another slap in the face was due
17/3/2017 IDC NOS -, E-Cadherin + ER + PR +. Lumpectomy & Sentinel Node removal 30/3/17
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
hi Jane,with my lumpectomy I had no pain,only needing normal panadol,I did have nodes removed but I went home after 3 days with drains they were removed after a week,so my bandages were clean and removed after a week.
School teacher has said the same as I would say,when you get results from surgery you will be told what treatment you will need,because my cancer had spread to my lymph nodes I needed chemo,if it had not spread I would of just needed radiation,but I had high dose chemo,4 rounds then several months of weekly ones,then radiation.
Sorry to hear you have been in so much discomfort,I hope it settles soon. And I hope you only need radiation,
How are you coping? Are you sleeping better?
Rosa
School teacher has said the same as I would say,when you get results from surgery you will be told what treatment you will need,because my cancer had spread to my lymph nodes I needed chemo,if it had not spread I would of just needed radiation,but I had high dose chemo,4 rounds then several months of weekly ones,then radiation.
Sorry to hear you have been in so much discomfort,I hope it settles soon. And I hope you only need radiation,
How are you coping? Are you sleeping better?
Rosa
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
Oh jane, i dont know what to say. I had a mastectomy which included drains so didnt have the wetness problem. I do remember the loss of lymph nodes was worse than the loss of boobs but i had all mine taken so not sure how different that would make the situation. Keep on telling your breast care nurse that it doesnt seem right and you are unhappy. Dont give up and make yourself heard. I dont recall others having this issue and it doesnt seem right to me. It is a miserable time and you seem to be having a lot of problems. I hope some comes on soon who had a similar operation.
DX Sep 09, LB mast with axillary diss. Grd 2 Ductal Carc. 50mm diam. Margins clear. 1/13 nodes. OR+ PR+, HER2- . FEC x 3, Taxotere x 3, RADS x 30, Tamoxifen, DIEP reconstruction April 2011, Femara 2013, Oophorectomy 2013.
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
How awful Did you have drains in post surgery? It sounds as if they needed to remain a little longer.
The node removal site is always more painful than the breast surgery itself. I can remember how uncomfortable that was but I didn't have all that fluid leaking. Or swelling. I would think the breast care nurse should be aware of Lymphodaema.
To answer your original question, at my post surgical appointment I was informed about clear/unclear margins (did they get it all) and received pathology results about what type and grade of breast cancer I had. Also whether the nodes removed tested negative or positive for breast cancer cells. All this information determines what if any further treatment is advised.
I hope things improve asap
The node removal site is always more painful than the breast surgery itself. I can remember how uncomfortable that was but I didn't have all that fluid leaking. Or swelling. I would think the breast care nurse should be aware of Lymphodaema.
To answer your original question, at my post surgical appointment I was informed about clear/unclear margins (did they get it all) and received pathology results about what type and grade of breast cancer I had. Also whether the nodes removed tested negative or positive for breast cancer cells. All this information determines what if any further treatment is advised.
I hope things improve asap
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
Thx for info.. I'm day 7 post op and past 4 days have been pretty bad.. Breast is great, clean..sore but hey I just had surgery It's what I expected. Under arm has been pouring fluid for past 4 days. It's clear and doesn't smell but it pretty bad. Have to change dressing every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Spent 4 hours at ER on Monday and all they did was poke it and squeeze until it emptied, dressed it and sent me home.. 2 hours later everything was soaking again. Went to GP and they did same thing.. 2 hours later I was at ER again. breast care nurse contacted them and organised for surgical registra to see me and maybe put drain in. Waited there for 6 hours.. they poked and squeezed and emptied it so when doc came she just looked at me and said but it's dry 0 treated me as if I was there because I had a slight runny nose. This morning I wiped (gently because everything is throbbing and sore) a little of the sticky stuff and the steri strip popped and it gushed.. ended up for 1/4 cup fluid on the floor. Home nursing is coming soon to look at it. I am really scared because wound it wet all the time, I am going to get infection. I am swollen from head to toe.. yes my face, fingers arms legs feet and toe, to the point in hurts to walk. Told breast care nurse if this is the treatment I am going to receive for the next however long.. then I can't do it. Right from the discovery of the lump, nothing has gone right. it's one drama after the other and I can't do it anymore. I am spent. physically and emotionally
17/3/2017 IDC NOS -, E-Cadherin + ER + PR +. Lumpectomy & Sentinel Node removal 30/3/17
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
possibly I will be of little help BUT here I am 75yrs old and 12yrs ago I had identical op. to what you have had. I can remember being told they were pleased as they caught things early; but never the less I was to take tamoxifen tabs for 5 years to help kill off any cell they might have missed etc. I am one of those people who is prepared to take whatever is advised so did the 5yr pill pop a day and also for 10 yrs had mammagram yearly at breast clinic.
I had radiation but did not need chemo.
Can remember under arm was the worst of the whole thing. Mine came right of its own accord.
I wear a cilicone [ops don`t think thats spelt right] inside bra on my left side [lumpectomy side] as that boob sure is smaller than right one. This cilicone cup was paid for by health department - I am in New Zealand - so Aussie could be different.
I was offered a reduction of my right breast but I refused and happy just with the cup thingy that makes sides even under top garments.
I am now completely discharged from breast clinic however I keep an eye on this site [because it has been so good to me when I needed to vent ]
As I have said, I am not sure if this is what you want to hear but my suggestion also is to take someone with you to any appointment. My late hubby used to say "you hear what you want to hear" but "I hear what is actually said"; and he was quite right.
I had radiation but did not need chemo.
Can remember under arm was the worst of the whole thing. Mine came right of its own accord.
I wear a cilicone [ops don`t think thats spelt right] inside bra on my left side [lumpectomy side] as that boob sure is smaller than right one. This cilicone cup was paid for by health department - I am in New Zealand - so Aussie could be different.
I was offered a reduction of my right breast but I refused and happy just with the cup thingy that makes sides even under top garments.
I am now completely discharged from breast clinic however I keep an eye on this site [because it has been so good to me when I needed to vent ]
As I have said, I am not sure if this is what you want to hear but my suggestion also is to take someone with you to any appointment. My late hubby used to say "you hear what you want to hear" but "I hear what is actually said"; and he was quite right.
Stage 1; Grade 11; bc. ER/PR positive; lumpectomy and rads. Finished 5yrs of tamoxifen on 1/11/10
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
possibly I will be of little help BUT here I am 75yrs old and 12yrs ago I had identical op. to what you have had. I can remember being told they were pleased as they caught things early; but never the less I was to take tamoxifen tabs for 5 years to help kill off any cell they might have missed etc. I am one of those people who is prepared to take whatever is advised so did the 5yr pill pop a day and also for 10 yrs had mammagram yearly at breast clinic.
I had radiation but did not need chemo.
Can remember under arm was the worst of the whole thing. Mine came right of its own accord.
I wear a cilicone [ops don`t think thats spelt right] inside bra on my left side [lumpectomy side] as that boob sure is smaller than right one. This cilicone cup was paid for by health department - I am in New Zealand - so Aussie could be different.
I was offered a reduction of my right breast but I refused and happy just with the cup thingy that makes sides even under top garments.
I am now completely discharged from breast clinic however I keep an eye on this site [because it has been so good to me when I needed to vent ]
As I have said, I am not sure if this is what you want to hear but my suggestion also is to take someone with you to any appointment. My late hubby used to say "you hear what you want to hear" but "I hear what is actually said"; and he was quite right.
I had radiation but did not need chemo.
Can remember under arm was the worst of the whole thing. Mine came right of its own accord.
I wear a cilicone [ops don`t think thats spelt right] inside bra on my left side [lumpectomy side] as that boob sure is smaller than right one. This cilicone cup was paid for by health department - I am in New Zealand - so Aussie could be different.
I was offered a reduction of my right breast but I refused and happy just with the cup thingy that makes sides even under top garments.
I am now completely discharged from breast clinic however I keep an eye on this site [because it has been so good to me when I needed to vent ]
As I have said, I am not sure if this is what you want to hear but my suggestion also is to take someone with you to any appointment. My late hubby used to say "you hear what you want to hear" but "I hear what is actually said"; and he was quite right.
Stage 1; Grade 11; bc. ER/PR positive; lumpectomy and rads. Finished 5yrs of tamoxifen on 1/11/10
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Re: Post surgery, what questions to ask
hmm, obviously I've done something for annoy you guys.. sorry about that.. Thanks.. See ya
17/3/2017 IDC NOS -, E-Cadherin + ER + PR +. Lumpectomy & Sentinel Node removal 30/3/17
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- Your Maj
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Post surgery, what questions to ask
Hi All, So it's now 5 days post Lumpectomy and Sentinal Node Biopsy (Removal). First - I have full sensation in my nipple !! I was worried because until today I had no feeling.. no tingle no nothing. I have limited feeling in my breast. Most of the left side of my breast still has dressing on it and is swollen so I really don't know what to expect when it's taken off. I don't know how many stitches or anything. I recall asking a nurse in the recovery room how much they took and I "think" she told me I would be at least one bra size smaller on that side. Every so often I get a real stinging pain but mostly it's still numb. My underarm.. That's a whole different story. The pain is all the time. I can't sleep in my bed because movement hurts like a ... Anyways, last night the pain change to the back of my arm. Most of my upper arm is numb but then the burning started and it's swollen. The sleeve of my tee is enough to set off the burn and pain.. It's a little better today so hopefully it will pass. Hubby went back to work today so it will be interesting. I've not driven my car yet.. Anyways, on to the main reason for my post. My results are due back Friday but as it's Good Friday, the whole waiting thing is happening again..He's not open Sat or Sun.. Monday is a public holiday.. Tuesday he's at another surgery so Wednesday 19th is the soonest I can get results and just quietly I am really worried. I need help with questions to ask the specialist. Obviously the top of the list is " Did you get it all?". I know if his response is No, I will lose all thoughts and walk away with no questions answered. I have started a list but anything you guys can add would be great
17/3/2017 IDC NOS -, E-Cadherin + ER + PR +. Lumpectomy & Sentinel Node removal 30/3/17
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