My mind is resting easy now that the tumor is out. A lymph node biopsy was done, and the lymphedema procedure was needed as well. I was at the surgical center for nearly 12 hrs! The second doctor that was to do the lymphedema procedure was not available until 1P.M. So, the first surgery that was scheduled for 10:15, was pushed to 11:45.
Two procedures were done when I first arrived. They put a needle into the tumor and injected radioactive dye. That hurt like <*#£! Then I needed two j-wires inserted to guide the surgeon to the malignant tumor and malignant lymph node. Those hurt like <*#£ also.
I only remember the anesthesiologist saying that she was starting my IV. I do not remember seeing the surgeon after the surgery AT ALL, but apparently I had a lengthy conversation with her.
Whew! Over with THAT part! Next...... radiation!
Thanks for supporting me! I could feel the love❣️
Best,
Colleen
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USIrishcolleen
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MyMiracle13,The surgery was not the hard part, it was the two pre-op procedures that hurt! First day of recovery was not bad either. I get to shower tomorrow, and remove the dressing that covers the “steri-strips!” Yay!
Thanks for letting us know. It sounds like you weathered a major ordeal! Congratulations on getting through it all! Radiation should be a "piece of cake" after the surgery. Take good care of you! Warm wishes, Cindy
Hi Colleen, thanks for sharing your success. I’m in nz where that tech might not even be possible but wondering so much about why no one has discussed trying to get rid of the neck lymph node I can still feel... always afraid it will metastasise up to my brain and would be nice to think of it as GONE. Can you tell me more?
Oh, great, so glad it's over and was successful! But, of course, sorry about the pre-op procedure...ouch! Thanks for updating us...
I wonder why they would not numb the area at least or sedate you to do the procedures especially when they sedated you for surgery . I know the last biopsy I had hurt like #$&# and the assistant asked the dr if he wanted more freezing ( she must have seen my discomfort) his reply “no” .
I have have 2 biopsies previously that had never hurt different area but no pain .
My thinking is why have pain ? When they can control it .
The first procedure was when they injected the radioactive dye into the tumor to see which lymph nodes my breast drained into. This procedure they did not use a lidocaine type anesthetic. It was the more painful of the two procedures. The second procedure they did use lidocaine and inserted two j-wires.... I needed two, one for the tumor and one for a lymph node that had tested positive for cancer early on. I literally had two needles (j-wires) in my breast, for a couple hours before the surgery started. They put a paper cup over them, so they would not catch on anything, my gown, for example. This was Stanford, and I thought it was a “primitive” way to care for these needles before surgery. 🤣 The surgery itself, I have no recollection of. I just remember the anesthesiologist saying that she was going to start my IV. Apparently I had a lengthy conversation with the breast surgeon after surgery, which I do not remember any of what was said. Amazing!
Glad to be done with the surgery, and the armpit is sore from the lymph node dissection. Pathology will take 7-10 days they said, but I think it will be sooner. Next..... 6 weeks of radiation, M-F, beginning when the wounds are healed.
It sounds a little primitive, a paper cup but I guess if it works ....😅. If they had given a bit of sedative earlier you could have had a great conversation with people performing the first procedures lol . They missed out , and unfortunately you had to suffer . I don’t understand their reasoning .
Congratulations Colleen ! I must say after my lumpectomy and full lymph node removal, the radiation for me was worse. Thought my right girl was going to fall off. Red and painful. It really depends on the person. The more flesh to radiate, the more the "boob fry". Everyone is different but you sailed through the first part ! Congratulations !!!! Julia
Hi Colleen, Just checking in on you during your first recoverydays.. I had a similar reaction to the wire.. Glad that is over. Hope radiation is as easy for you as it was for me... I just had to go with the fatigue and lazy it out, and when I could walk it out.. In your corner..
Thank you SO much. Waiting for pathology is nerve racking. A previously biopsied lymph node had cancer, so they did sentinel and axillary lymph node procedures. I am amazed at how easy the recovery has been. I am a bit sore, and it hurts to bend over and pick something up. Other than that, I feel pretty darn GOOD. I am glad that it is over though.
It is good to know that we are not alone while we wait. "Nerve wracking " is the resonating comment. I know facing the possibilities of situation can be helpful, but sometimes we just need distractions and comradearie too. In this together..
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Hand surgery went well
Ibrance, surgery, ibrance 
Surgery Date Next Week
