Painful lumps, MRI and that What if feeling

[MelissaEppardCoach]

With a BRCA 1 status, and history of Stage 1, grade 3 Triple Neg. cancer, I feel a little cast to sea without clear direction as to how to best monitor my body for recurrence. I had a non-nipple sparing double mastectomy and oophorectomy, so I know I've done due diligence surgically. I know this genetic mutation leaves me susceptible to other forms of cancer too, and there doesn't seem to be a set protocol on how best to monitor a person like me. I recently noticed some thickening tissue around my scar area, and some tender lymph nodes. It worries me a little because it's right there at the site of the original tumor. The other side doesn't feel as lumpy and is not tender at all. It's so hard to know my body with this new anatomy. I'm getting an MRI this week to check it out. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced tender lumps near their scars or right along the side of the breasts?

[joann86]

Hi MelissaEppardCoach - any updates from the MRI? Please keep us updated- hoping the best for you.

[MelissaEppardCoach in reply to joann86]

Thanks for asking. I get my results this coming Thursday. I had hoped my onc would call before the weekend to say there was nothing to worry about, but I'm telling myself that just because he didn't call doesn't mean bad news. I appreciate your concern.

[Arumana]

Hi Melissa ,

How are you now? Any update from MRI? Take care.

[MelissaEppardCoach in reply to Arumana]

Thanks for asking. I get my results this coming Thursday. I had hoped my onc would call before the weekend to say there was nothing to worry about, but I'm telling myself that just because he didn't call doesn't mean bad news. I appreciate your concern.

[Arumana in reply to MelissaEppardCoach]

Hope everything will be fine. I know waiting for any tests result seems time stopped at one place. I've asked you a question on other page, is it ok for you to answer me? After your oophrectomy do u face any side effects? I going to do it In next month, but tensed about the side effects.

thanks.

[MelissaEppardCoach in reply to Arumana]

MY SCAN RESULTS CAME BACK ALL CLEAR!!! YAY!

I was already half way into menopause after 5 months of chemo, so the side effects weren't as intense for me as perhaps someone else. I take evening primrose oil, and calcium with vit D every day. 17 months after my surgery, I have to say I feel pretty good. The hot flashes were more regular the first year after the surgery, but are very few and far between now. No more night sweats really. My biggest side effect, is some vaginal dryness (just get yourself a good all natural lube like Sylk). Oral mouth dryness is a problem for me too, but the evening primrose oil and drinking lots of water helps with that. My libido isn't what it once was, but it just takes a little mental acrobatics. (if you don't use it, you lose it... so keep yourself in the game if you know what I mean... if this is important to you.) I know mental fogginess is a side effect, but I'm not sure what is residual chemo brain, or just turning 40. I've always been an ardent list maker, and now so more than ever. The most undesirable effect from the surgery was having my belly blown up with air. I felt very uncomfortable for a day or two just from that, more so than the incisions. If I had to go back in time and make this decision again, I wouldn't change a thing. It was so nerve wracking to keep getting cysts on my ovaries and wondering if I would get devastating news. I hope this helps. If you have some more specific questions/concerns, let me know.

[Arumana in reply to MelissaEppardCoach]

I am very glad to know that you got all clear mark. It's so relieving feeling. Thank you so much Melissa for your reply. you have given me very important information what I wouldn't get from any website. It is very helpful. I am also on chemo pause . I used to get hot flash while I was on chemo. Now I am ok but don't get sound sleep.

Did you have open or laproscopic surgery? I heard about that belly button popping thing related to laproscopy. I am planning to do open as I have fibroid in uterus. Yesterday I went for pelvic ultrasound ... Couldn't show the report to Dr ... So anxiously waiting for it.

wish me luck for my next procedures.

Take care. Love.

[MelissaEppardCoach in reply to Arumana]

I did have a laparoscopic oophorectomy. My gynecological oncologist was pushing for a total hysterectomy, but my regular oncologist said oophorectomy was fine and was the recommended prophylactic surgery for BRCA 1. I just felt like I had enough taken from me, and wanted to go the least invasive route. My belly button didn't pop out, but my belly was very bloated and uncomfortable. It gave me a heartburn feeling. Gently bouncing on an exercise ball helped to release some of that trapped air.

Good luck with your upcoming appointment and procedures! Feel free to reach out for support and to let us know how you're doing. <3

[Arumana in reply to MelissaEppardCoach]

Thank you Melissa .

[BklynCatwoman]

Phew! So glad the MRI came out fine.

[Twistedsis]

My painful lumps near incision site was a seroma, fluid filled cysts. They drained them but was never told to wear a compression bra and massage them. As time went on, it resolved and isn’t as tender. Good luck!