Re: So much for optimism.......

[Guest guest]

Dear Lynn,

One step at a time...baby steps if you have to. Lots to absorb in such a short time period.

I will have reconstruction some time next year, probably spring or summer, after completing radiation (had double mast. 6/3 w/26 nodes removed/6positive). Currently have (2) chemo treatments left (4 - AC / 2 Taxol) 2 Taxol to go!!!! Wasn't recommended before radiation because of damage to skin.

Get as many opinions as available to you...that UMass Clinic sounds very informative with many experts participating in one course of action.

Positive, positive, positive...don't let those "negatives" interrupt your recovery!

Best,

[Guest guest]

Dear Lynn,

One step at a time...baby steps if you have to. Lots to absorb in such a short time period.

I will have reconstruction some time next year, probably spring or summer, after completing radiation (had double mast. 6/3 w/26 nodes removed/6positive). Currently have (2) chemo treatments left (4 - AC / 2 Taxol) 2 Taxol to go!!!! Wasn't recommended before radiation because of damage to skin.

Get as many opinions as available to you...that UMass Clinic sounds very informative with many experts participating in one course of action.

Positive, positive, positive...don't let those "negatives" interrupt your recovery!

Best,

[Guest guest]

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck with the next surgery.

Hugs

Jeana

[Guest guest]

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck with the next surgery.

Hugs

Jeana

[Guest guest]

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck with the next surgery.

Hugs

Jeana

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Hang in there. I had node involvement and am doing fine 14yrs later. I know

its discouraging and upsetting. You are in my prayers.

I did not have reconstruction but a lot of the ladies did and I am sure they

can help you.

Hugs

marianne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

http://www.cancerclub.com

So much for optimism.......

>

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Hang in there. I had node involvement and am doing fine 14yrs later. I know

its discouraging and upsetting. You are in my prayers.

I did not have reconstruction but a lot of the ladies did and I am sure they

can help you.

Hugs

marianne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

http://www.cancerclub.com

So much for optimism.......

>

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn, I am so sorry about the news....my arms are around you, my prayers going out for you...

It sounds like you are in good hands Lynn.....I haven't had reconstruction,

but have had a reduction.. So I am no any help...my reduction was easy.

Lynn, you will be ok.I feel it in my bones. I don't have clinical things I know about with this crap......but I know you have me and all of the rest.

My GF just had a mastectomy, and did well.........and continues to do well.

I wonder why there is so many different ways Drs do things? I had cancer in my sentinel nodes.so they took more nodes out, they were clean.. they did this all in surgery.....they did a dirty exam of the first nodes and when they came back positive.......she went and took 9 more nodes. And they were clean.....but my margins were good...so I just dont understand why so different..

I know for one things.....I don't like smurf blue boobs...so go for a natural color......thats about as clinical as I can be..Did you smile Lynn?

I hope so.....

Big Hugs

Judy

-- So much for optimism.......

Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in thedumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couplespots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I needto have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He tookso much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly beany left.I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancerclinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) allget together and discuss the best course of action in my case.Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too. Too many decisions - my head is spinning.Lynn

[Guest guest]

Lynn, I am so sorry about the news....my arms are around you, my prayers going out for you...

It sounds like you are in good hands Lynn.....I haven't had reconstruction,

but have had a reduction.. So I am no any help...my reduction was easy.

Lynn, you will be ok.I feel it in my bones. I don't have clinical things I know about with this crap......but I know you have me and all of the rest.

My GF just had a mastectomy, and did well.........and continues to do well.

I wonder why there is so many different ways Drs do things? I had cancer in my sentinel nodes.so they took more nodes out, they were clean.. they did this all in surgery.....they did a dirty exam of the first nodes and when they came back positive.......she went and took 9 more nodes. And they were clean.....but my margins were good...so I just dont understand why so different..

I know for one things.....I don't like smurf blue boobs...so go for a natural color......thats about as clinical as I can be..Did you smile Lynn?

I hope so.....

Big Hugs

Judy

-- So much for optimism.......

Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in thedumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couplespots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I needto have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He tookso much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly beany left.I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancerclinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) allget together and discuss the best course of action in my case.Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too. Too many decisions - my head is spinning.Lynn

[Guest guest]

they can "torture" your flesh, but you will be Lynn always..........a wonderful creature, a Woman, with capital W. Nobody can take away your identity.

Of course your head is spinning.

If you are a believer, remember that fear don't came from the Lord, but from the evil one, and if you are in fear you are under "attack".

If you are not a believer, remember that fear is a fog for your brain, and you cannot think and take the right decisions.

So.

Regroup yourself. Deep breath, and keep going. It is hell, but you can make it, as thousands of women before you. As all the women here in the list.

Be strong, show them who you are.

hugs, blessings, prayers and love

LucillaLynn wrote:

Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in thedumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couplespots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I needto have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He tookso much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly beany left.I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancerclinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) allget together and discuss the best course of action in my case.Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too. Too many decisions - my head is spinning.Lynn__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks nne, It's stories like yours that keep me going. I will

hang in there.

Lynn

> Lynn,

> Hang in there. I had node involvement and am doing fine 14yrs later.

I know

> its discouraging and upsetting. You are in my prayers.

>

> I did not have reconstruction but a lot of the ladies did and I am

sure they

> can help you.

> Hugs

> marianne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

>

> Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

> also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

> http://www.cancerclub.com

> So much for optimism.......

>

>

> >

> > Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> > dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> > spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> > to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> > so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> > any left.

> >

> > I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> > clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> > get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

> >

> > Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> > Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

> >

> > Lynn

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks nne, It's stories like yours that keep me going. I will

hang in there.

Lynn

> Lynn,

> Hang in there. I had node involvement and am doing fine 14yrs later.

I know

> its discouraging and upsetting. You are in my prayers.

>

> I did not have reconstruction but a lot of the ladies did and I am

sure they

> can help you.

> Hugs

> marianne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

>

> Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

> also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

> http://www.cancerclub.com

> So much for optimism.......

>

>

> >

> > Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> > dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> > spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> > to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> > so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> > any left.

> >

> > I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> > clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> > get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

> >

> > Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> > Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

> >

> > Lynn

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks nne, It's stories like yours that keep me going. I will

hang in there.

Lynn

> Lynn,

> Hang in there. I had node involvement and am doing fine 14yrs later.

I know

> its discouraging and upsetting. You are in my prayers.

>

> I did not have reconstruction but a lot of the ladies did and I am

sure they

> can help you.

> Hugs

> marianne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

>

> Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

> also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

> http://www.cancerclub.com

> So much for optimism.......

>

>

> >

> > Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> > dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> > spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> > to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> > so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> > any left.

> >

> > I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> > clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> > get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

> >

> > Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> > Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

> >

> > Lynn

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you Judy. Yes, I did smile, which is EXACTLY what I need. No

blue smurf boobs for me either!

Lynn

> Lynn, I am so sorry about the news....my arms are around you, my prayers

> going out for you...

> It sounds like you are in good hands Lynn.....I haven't had

reconstruction,

> but have had a reduction.. So I am no any help...my reduction was easy.

> Lynn, you will be ok.I feel it in my bones. I don't have clinical

things I

> know about with this crap......but I know you have me and all of the

rest.

> My GF just had a mastectomy, and did well.........and continues to

do well.

> I wonder why there is so many different ways Drs do things? I had

cancer in

> my sentinel nodes.so they took more nodes out, they were clean..

they did

> this all in surgery.....they did a dirty exam of the first nodes and

when

> they came back positive.......she went and took 9 more nodes. And

they were

> clean.....but my margins were good...so I just dont understand why so

> different..

> I know for one things.....I don't like smurf blue boobs...so go for a

> natural color......thats about as clinical as I can be..Did you

smile Lynn?

> I hope so.....

> Big Hugs

> Judy

>

>

> -- So much for optimism.......

>

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, I already don't have a nipple anymore, so THAT'S not a

consideration. But every bit of information I receive helps me

clarify my thinking some. So KEEP IT COMING!!!!!!!!

Lynn

> Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho I had a partial

mast, and I

> wish I had gone for the whole kit and kaboodle. I have a breast that

doesnt

> fill out a bra and the nipple is pointing straight up while the

other is letting

> nature take it course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol

Anyway good

> luck with the next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

[Guest guest]

Well, I already don't have a nipple anymore, so THAT'S not a

consideration. But every bit of information I receive helps me

clarify my thinking some. So KEEP IT COMING!!!!!!!!

Lynn

> Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho I had a partial

mast, and I

> wish I had gone for the whole kit and kaboodle. I have a breast that

doesnt

> fill out a bra and the nipple is pointing straight up while the

other is letting

> nature take it course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol

Anyway good

> luck with the next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

[Guest guest]

Lucilla you are PRICELESS. I just love your attitude. Just when I

need a pep talk, you come through. Thank you!

Lynn

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lucilla you are PRICELESS. I just love your attitude. Just when I

need a pep talk, you come through. Thank you!

Lynn

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm 3 weeks out of my mast. -- Will be shopping for a prosthesis soon

I guess, and I think I know where I'll go. I was thinking up to nown

I can rig something with a chemise and bunched up clean old nylons

but it only looks OK under huge dark-colored T-shirts. I also seem

to have a new breast under my armpit -- it is a bummer. I can't

afford such bras and an expensive prosthesis, and I have to go back

to office work. A small crisis. I'm just sharing because you sound

exactly in the same place I am but I'm just beginning after my mast.

Any other suggestions from your vast experience--are the cheap

falsies ok? Do I really need the expensive one? I am an average-

smallish size. Thank you.

Janie

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho

I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and

kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple

is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it

course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck

with the next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

>

[Guest guest]

I'm 3 weeks out of my mast. -- Will be shopping for a prosthesis soon

I guess, and I think I know where I'll go. I was thinking up to nown

I can rig something with a chemise and bunched up clean old nylons

but it only looks OK under huge dark-colored T-shirts. I also seem

to have a new breast under my armpit -- it is a bummer. I can't

afford such bras and an expensive prosthesis, and I have to go back

to office work. A small crisis. I'm just sharing because you sound

exactly in the same place I am but I'm just beginning after my mast.

Any other suggestions from your vast experience--are the cheap

falsies ok? Do I really need the expensive one? I am an average-

smallish size. Thank you.

Janie

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho

I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and

kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple

is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it

course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck

with the next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

>

[Guest guest]

I'm 3 weeks out of my mast. -- Will be shopping for a prosthesis soon

I guess, and I think I know where I'll go. I was thinking up to nown

I can rig something with a chemise and bunched up clean old nylons

but it only looks OK under huge dark-colored T-shirts. I also seem

to have a new breast under my armpit -- it is a bummer. I can't

afford such bras and an expensive prosthesis, and I have to go back

to office work. A small crisis. I'm just sharing because you sound

exactly in the same place I am but I'm just beginning after my mast.

Any other suggestions from your vast experience--are the cheap

falsies ok? Do I really need the expensive one? I am an average-

smallish size. Thank you.

Janie

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho

I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and

kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple

is pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it

course with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck

with the next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

>

[Guest guest]

Don't lose your optimism!!!!!!!!!!! A good friend just got the same

news about a month ago and she is doing well. She decided not to have

the mastectomy and had more tissue removed ...I personally would have

had the mastectomy but she is several years older than her husband and

I believe that made a difference to her. I had one and it has never

bothered me. Go to the " expert " clinic and get advice but in the

meantime, keep the optimism....it won't hurt you and pessimism will

just keep you " down in the dumps " . Doris

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

[Guest guest]

Don't lose your optimism!!!!!!!!!!! A good friend just got the same

news about a month ago and she is doing well. She decided not to have

the mastectomy and had more tissue removed ...I personally would have

had the mastectomy but she is several years older than her husband and

I believe that made a difference to her. I had one and it has never

bothered me. Go to the " expert " clinic and get advice but in the

meantime, keep the optimism....it won't hurt you and pessimism will

just keep you " down in the dumps " . Doris

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

[Guest guest]

Don't lose your optimism!!!!!!!!!!! A good friend just got the same

news about a month ago and she is doing well. She decided not to have

the mastectomy and had more tissue removed ...I personally would have

had the mastectomy but she is several years older than her husband and

I believe that made a difference to her. I had one and it has never

bothered me. Go to the " expert " clinic and get advice but in the

meantime, keep the optimism....it won't hurt you and pessimism will

just keep you " down in the dumps " . Doris

> Had my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday, and now I'm down in the

> dumps. Seems my margins were not good enough (1 milimeter in a couple

> spots), and my sentinel nodes showed cancer cells in them. So I need

> to have more surgery. He recommends a mastectomy this time. He took

> so much breast tissue last time, if he takes more there will hardly be

> any left.

>

> I think I'm going to go to UMass next week for what the call a cancer

> clinic. The experts (oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons etc) all

> get together and discuss the best course of action in my case.

>

> Has anyone had reconstruction done? I have to think about that too.

> Too many decisions - my head is spinning.

>

> Lynn

[Guest guest]

, are you sure that medicare no longer pays for them? Also, you

might want to talk to the lady who fits both me and Cheryl for our

prosthesis and bras...her bras are not that expensive unless the price

has changed in the last month or two.

Lynn I am sorry to hear this news. You know tho

I had a partial mast, and I wish I had gone for the whole kit and

kaboodle. I have a breast that doesnt fill out a bra and the nipple is

pointing straight up while the other is letting nature take it course

with. You know hanging down the belly. lol Anyway good luck with the

next surgery.

> Hugs

> Jeana

>