Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

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The Begining Of My Journey...

respectful
respectful
Well..3 days after the core biopsy on my right breast, they discovered and told me, it was malignant, last night at 3:45. I already went for my Chest Xray, and still need blood work, and a EKG...then I need to see my Radiation Oncologist on March 2nd. Surgery will be the following week at some point, along with a Sentinal Node, (Something) I am very new to this, and a wire localization...???? Then Surgery. Possibly all in the same day...My head is reeling with things right now. But they discussed a new procedure called Mammosite 5 day Radiation Therapy, and my oncologist is going to discuss it with me on Tuesday. I have a few question.
How long was your lumpectomy surgery, and did you get put under twilight or general anesthesia?
They said it was an in and out procdure and I would be home the same day.....
Did you have the dye put into your lymph nodes..(What was that like, what should I expect, was it too painful?)I have heard horror stories of it, and am scared to death.
This is all the information I have been given so far.
Thanks for any help or answers you can give me. I guess my journey has begun.
ktharp423
ktharp423
Well respectful, my journey isn't too far ahead of yours. I'm actually going for a mastectomy on 3/2 and my doctor indicated I'd only be in the hospital for 2 nights.....it doesn't seem like much to me.

As for the dye I'm told that that gets injected before the procedure, since my procedure is scheduled for 7:15am on Tuesday I'm getting the injection on Monday. Apparently the dye follows the course of the cancer so the doc knows where and how much to cut.....sounds lovely hugh?

I guess I could let u know on Monday how the dye injection feels.
respectful
respectful
Thank You My Friend. :) I appreciate it so much and I hope your surgery goes well. Yes, please share with me your experience. This procedure doesn't sound at ALL Comofortable! I would appreciate any feedback on what it's like. :) UGH...((BIG HUGS))) GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!
tikasiamese
tikasiamese
hi ktharp. I went through all this during the holidays. I have DCIS stage 0 so they caught it early. I did go for the lumpectomy on 12/15. Its only an hour procedure, they will give you valium to help you relax and knock you out under moderate sedation general anesthesia. after the procedure, your oncologist will tell you not to lift anything over 10 lbs for about 10 days. I did a few times and had a few droplets of blood so it took longer to heal (which was WRONG!). I am by myself without support at home (except for the 1st 4 days, my parents helped me). I am currently under radiation therapy but its for 6 weeks 5 days a week (I now have 5 weeks, 4 days left). I wasn't given the opportunity to have the mammosite 5 radiation therapy (I didn't know about it until recently - if this happens again, god forbid - I will inquire about it).

My DCIS didn't affect the lymph nodes, only the milk ducts. I don't know how it would affect you. Yes, I was in great deal of pain the 1st month but it does get better.

Please relax, have an open mind and be positive. The mind is a great healer. You can do this!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Dear Respectful, I am 5 years out from my initial lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer due to a very small invasive malignant tumor and 1 lymph node with microscopic cancer. I had chemo and radiation treatments. I just want to tell you that I had also heard or read that the dye injection is painful. To be honest, I don't recall it being that painful. Think of it as a tool that gives your doctors the information they need to best treat you. I don't know if you are religious, but I found it most comforting to recite "The Lords Prayer" whenever I underwent my procedures. Tikasiamese is right, the mind is a great healer and remember you are in the company of many women who have gone through this and survived. You can do it! I always liked to hear positive stories about survivors when I was undergoing treatment, so here is mine and their are many more out there. Blessings to you.