Question:
were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. All 24 were negative…So I guess I am doing OK; just wish they had not removed all those lymph nodes! I am glad that all went so well. I know how you must be feeling knowing that two of the sentinel nodes were positive, but the fact that all the others were negative is a very good sign. As far as removing more lymph nodes, I am not sure that is done any more. I think only the first two levels are removed. Your dr. may still recommend a more aggressive treatment protocol based on the positive sentinel nodes, but that is very doable as many of us here can attest. Radiation was more of a hassle only because it was daily and I had to go 45 miles way each way to get there. Chemo was also quite doable, and not at all as bad as anticipated. I had 3 relatively easy pregnancies and found that the effects of chemo were less than those of the pregnancies. They have some very good anti-nausea drugs available today. Pregnant mothers are even given some types of aggressive chemotherapy. I hope that you are more comfortable now and heal quickly. Take care and wishing you, belatedly, all the best!
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I know, I should take it to email if I’m gonna get silly like this. Nah.
Profound and succinct. Why can’t I be like that? Mary – adding it to my commonplace book … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim
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Wonderful! I have the champagne on ice, and I’ll drink to that.
Good. I’ll let you know on the date, until then practise. Sure glad to hear you have had no problems with lymphedema. I was kind of worried having so many nodes removed.
‘No’ problems is a matter of attitude. I’m not *without* some lymphoedema, it’s not bad and I don’t allow it to impinge on my life. My pc has been playing up and I haven’t got round to answering all my mail. I shall. Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Joan Mary
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and will have the drain out tomorrow. Still a lot of soreness under the arm and other places, but I just take Aleve for it. Trouble sleeping at times. Have you tried an ice pack for the soreness. I found that worked wonders. If I had any discomfort re. sleeping I was prescribed Ativan. It worked very well for those times I needed it. It is important to start exercises and do them regularly as soon as they permit it to insure good range of motion and reduce interference of possible scar tissue formation. It’s good to hear that you have alot of support. Enjoy it but don’t let it interfere with your sense of comfort re your own independence. Sometimes it helps others more than you–i.e. doing what they can in a situation which is also frightening to them. Often times I think that the effects of a b.c. diagnosis may be worse on everyone else close to the patient than on the patient herself. Chemo wasn’t the worst of the experiences with all this nor for others with the new anti-nausea meds which are quite effective for most. It wasn’t overly fun but much easier than a bad case of the flu and as I said before I felt worse during pregnancy for the most part. If you do have chemo there are many here who can assist you and there several other on-line support group areas as well. You can find others with info for just about everything related to breast cancer on-line. Again, take care and wishing you all the best {{{Hugs}}}
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. All 24 were negative…So I guess I am doing OK; just wish they had not removed all those lymph nodes! I am glad that all went so well. I know how you must be feeling knowing that two of the sentinel nodes were positive, but the fact that all the others were negative is a very good sign. As far as removing more lymph nodes, I am not sure that is done any more. I think only the first two levels are removed. Your dr. may still recommend a more aggressive treatment protocol based on the positive sentinel nodes, but that is very doable as many of us here can attest. Radiation was more of a hassle only because it was daily and I had to go 45 miles way each way to get there. Chemo was also quite doable, and not at all as bad as anticipated. I had 3 relatively easy pregnancies and found that the effects of chemo were less than those of the pregnancies. They have some very good anti-nausea drugs available today. Pregnant mothers are even given some types of aggressive chemotherapy. I hope that you are more comfortable now and heal quickly. Take care and wishing you, belatedly, all the best!
Thanks for your good wishes, and all the information, Kaye. I am healing and will have the drain out tomorrow. Still a lot of soreness under the arm and other places, but I just take Aleve for it. Trouble sleeping at times. I will be seeing an oncologist about any treatment I will need after radiation; he will study the lab reports and decide, I believe. I will have radiation as soon as I have healed enough. It isn’t too far to go, so can probably drive myself, although my sister usually insists on driving me everywhere. I also have a son who lives with me, so I won’t need to drive, but I could if necessary. I hope I won’t need chemo, but it looks like I will. {{{Hugs}}} Joan
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lymphoedema, it’s not bad and I don’t allow it to impinge on my life. Lymphedema happens in varying degrees. I had it within days after surgery. It remained quite mild for the first year or so and then worsened. And, although it has worsened, it is just more a ‘pain’ or bother than anything else. It does require treatment of some kind–to keep it stabilized–and that treatment varies. I haven’t let it stop me from doing the things I want to do–even if I shouldn’t 
I decided to tackle the cleaning of our outdoor patio last night and used both arms to their full extent. I will probably pay for it, with increased swelling for awhile. But, I bandage it almost daily anyway–although leave my hands uncovered–except for sleeping. Life is to be lived, and I can’t bother with too many inconvenient restrictions. I don’t allow blood tests though but I do lift and carry things. I have to do that for work. I suppose I could get disability but that would result in less income with no further contribution to my retirement fund (which I do realize may not be something I will enjoy but will go to my family) and then after 18 mos. my insurance would end and, besides, I like working… Anyway, lymphedema happens. It happens to those who don’t follow the restrictions, and it still happens to those that do. It also doesn’t happen to some who don’t follow the restrictions. Medical understanding about it is still in the dark ages. It is one area that you may want to consult with others about but get more than one opinion. Hopefully, though, it will not be any problem.
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Sure glad to hear you have had no problems with lymphedema. I was kind of worried having so many nodes removed. I think the fact that they were negative reduces the risk of lymphedema from happening. Hopefully, this will be something that you will never have a problem with and/or if you do, it will be very mild. Hope you are healing without much discomfort!
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Before surgery, I was using one of those stretch bands for upper body strength, and the doctor said she thought that would be a good thing to do, later on.
That sounds like an excellent thing to begin getting your strength back, when ready. Good idea! Ann T. (who is now wondering where she put her exercise bands . . . .)
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am anxious to get rid of the drain, and on with radiation. I want to start exercising as soon as the doctor says it is OK. I am wondering if swimming would be good. I think there are some public pools in my area, such as YMCA, I might look into joining. I don’t know about risk of infection, though. I understand about the drains & getting on with it! While very manageable, the drains *are* rather annoying. You have a good idea to get your doc’s approval before you start a new exercise program (I’m almost certain your incision will need to be fully healed), and you might want to check with the radiation onc before you join the Y, to see if you can swim during radiation. You wouldn’t want to be laying out the membership $$ and not be able to swim! I’m thinking the chlorine may be too drying/harsh to the skin to be managed during radiation, but I don’t know. Anyone know? Beyond that, and making sure you have sufficient strength and range of motion when you start, swimming should be good.
I will wait for the OK from my doctors. I used to love to swim so hope I can do so again. (However, it makes me ill at ease to force my fingers to type that . . . I *hate* the water, and in January began swimming lessons — I tell my friends this is because I looked up "idiocy" in the dictionary and saw a picture of a rower that couldn’t swim <g. So, I’m now swimming 2-3 times a week, and still think it *quite* icky. Making good skills progress, though, which is the point. But I digress.). Good luck on finding an exercise program that works for you!
Before surgery, I was using one of those stretch bands for upper body strength, and the doctor said she thought that would be a good thing to do, later on. Joan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ann T.
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Warning: Nothing of any redeeming or useful value follows, nor anything relevant to Joan’s post that began this thread, other than quotes from what you’ve already read in Mary’s previous posting. It’s just pure nonsense. I’m in a mood.
I love you when you’re in a mood. But i would, wouldn’t I? <BG All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else. Yes, and they’re not in nice little rows or lines either, despite what the diagrams seem to describe. Oh, mine were in little rows. Very neat rows. On a hard bench. Hands folded, knees together, wearing tiny white gloves and successfully supressing giggles because of the gravity of the situation. <G The surgeon was Quite Shocked.
The exception proves the Rule … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise. You’re describing me! A couple of weeks after surgery I fell on animal (goat and poultry) deposited-on gravel and scraped all the soft, tender skin on my affected forearm. I couldn’t be bothered finding the nearest A&E for antibiotics because I ws so thrilled to be back to Real Life (at a mediaeval village) and so I just plastered it with Savlon (First Aiders can now faint!). Nothing happened. Since then I’ve been bruised, scratched, bitten, stung, carried heavy weights dependently (horrors!) and lifted and carried lots of other heavy things and sawn branches and put up canvas tents (and taken them down wet through). Shhh! Quiet! Someone will figure out that — despite the fact that I’m in the US, you’re in the UK, listmembers have met both of us and have photos to prove it, you’re married & I’m not, we have different birthdays — we’re actually the same person! After all, we’ve never been seen in the same room . . . .
Oh blast! Our/my secret’s out … well it was nice while it lasted. You forgot the swimming bit, I love the water but couldn’t do all that rowing or whatever it is … I’m not suggesting that this is The Thing To Do but it’s my life and I’m not going to lie on a chaise in a darkened room. Would there be bonbons? Copious bonbons? I’d consider the chaise if there were copious bonbons.
I’m make exactly the sort you love. I wouldn’t eat anything I don’t love. I keep a sort of Commonplace book with wise words I collect from several sources – many from here. One is: "Life is not a journey to the grve with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming …. WOW … WHAT A RIDE!!!" Don’t know where that came from but above it is a very wise set of words from one Ann Thorsen. Huh? I didn’t say that. I don’t think. Or is that not what you meant?
No, you said: "I *think* I’ve learned something from this: I have some control over the worry part, so why do it? The unanticipated things will always be unanticipated, so why worry about them, either? One day at a time; approach things with curiousity and an open mind!" It’s worth repeating. I might’ve said "mumble" and scratched myself somewhere indelicate: I’m normally quite careful to avoid being profound, inspirational, . . . or even fundamentally coherent, for that matter. This post a case in point!
Well yes, but in a moment of forgetfulness, perhaps when the itch had temporarily gone away, you let something drop which others found inspiring … <more snips, this set leading to quite an abrupt transition But I’m here! And in a few weeks I’ll want you all to toast my six years 
)))) Get the champagne in NOW- everyone! YayYayYay! I’ll drink to that!
And I expect bon bons. (I know, I should take it to email if I’m gonna get silly like this. I’ll try to Do Better Next Time.)
Ann, you couldn’t do better! Your doppelganger, Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ann T.
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I’m confused…you were told: Two of 3 sentinal nodes were positive, so 24 level one AND 2 were removed, but all 24 were negative. — There appears to have been some kind of (communication?)– error ’cause something sure doesn’t add up here, or were there a total of 27 removed with 24 negative? It’s a shame so many had to be taken — I’m sorry.
Yes, a total of 27 were removed. Two sentinel nodes were positive; one was negative. So she proceeded to remove 24 nodes, and these 24 were all negative. I have the report, and that is what it says. ….24 out of 24 axillary nodes all negative for metastatic disease…It also says the tumor type is infiltrating ductal cell carcinoma. Histologic grade: Grade III, poorly differentiated. Tumor size: Maximum diameter of invasive carcinoma is 0.8 cm. All surgical margins are free of tumor. In-situ carcinoma is present and makes approx. 5% of the tumor. In-situ type: solid pattern. I don’t know what all this means, but I think it is favorable, as she said it was good news. She says the size of the tumor is much smaller than it first appeared. Don’t blame you for wishing they weren’t, though. SEEMS a bit excessive, although I’m sure your surgeon thought it was best. — Know that things WILL improve –and heal more quickly –once the drain is out, so hang in there.
I know you are right, so am trying to deal with it as best I can. Sometimes have trouble sleeping when the prescription for Lortab just doesn’t work. It is better being home than the hospital, though. Joan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Namaste, Lady8
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. All 24 were negative. I still have the drain until Monday, when she will take it out. It is really sore and uncomfortable, but I am taking Lortab at night to sleep. A nurse comes by twice a week to help. I will see an oncologist on the 24th to discuss treatment after radiation. So I guess I am doing OK; just wish they had not removed all those lymph nodes! Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care
I guess that is why they were all removed. My surgeon is very conservative; she did say people vary in the number of nodes they have, so could not tell in advance how many I had. It just seems a lot to me, but she has a good reputation and is very thorough. She told me if any of the sentinel nodes were positive, she would go ahead with the axillary node removal, so the 24 additional nodes were removed. That is 27 total. It was so nice to hear from you again, Mary. Joan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good of you to keep us up to date, thanks. And gentle hugs … Mary {{{Hugs}}} Joan
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else. Yes, and they’re not in nice little rows or lines either, despite what the diagrams seem to describe. As I understand it – and I’m very happy to be enlightened – the nodes are numerous and packed in – surrounded by – protected by – fat. Some, probably the ones very high up, are very small, pin head size. In my case, again as I understand it, the whole lot, fat and all, were scooped out very high up. I believe – because I can still feel the sensation – that the scoop went as far as under my collar bone. I could be wrong – it has been known (G) – but when I suggested this to my surgeon he said that was the case and was surprised that I understood that. When I asked WHY the lot was removed, what made him take everything out, he couldn’t give a scientific reason, he just said, "experience". That was good enough for me although I did resent it at the time. But what might have been the case if he’d left some in? I don’t know. I don’t suppose anyone KNOWS. I trust him. I have no option – but I’m still here Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise. You’re describing me! A couple of weeks after surgery I fell on animal (goat and poultry) deposited-on gravel and scraped all the soft, tender skin on my affected forearm. I couldn’t be bothered finding the nearest A&E for antibiotics because I ws so thrilled to be back to Real Life (at a mediaeval village) and so I just plastered it with Savlon (First Aiders can now faint!). Nothing happened. Since then I’ve been bruised, scratched, bitten, stung, carried heavy weights dependently (horrors!) and lifted and carried lots of other heavy things and sawn branches and put up canvas tents (and taken them down wet through). I’m not suggesting that this is The Thing To Do but it’s my life and I’m not going to lie on a chaise in a darkened room. I keep a sort of Commonplace book with wise words I collect from several sources – many from here. One is: "Life is not a journey to the grve with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming …. WOW … WHAT A RIDE!!!" Don’t know where that came from but above it is a very wise set of words from one Ann Thorsen. And the used-up-worn-out bit is coming on fast. (Yet one of the women in my support group believes she triggered lymphedema by squeezing too hard when opening a difficult jar lid, so who knows. But still another had many more nodes removed than I, does everything — e.g., climbing trees! — and has had no problem.) Oh – I forgot about climbing trees. I don’t do that much but I do climb ladders to gutter height to cut down ivy from the side of our house! I’ve done it since my surgery and every year I wish the surgeon could see me – he’d be proud of me! Despite some of the lymphedema cautions one reads, I definitely lift more than 10-15 pounds with the affected side. . . I lift about as much as I physically can, short of injury risk. I know for sure that I’ve lifted at least 40 pounds with the affected side, with reasonable frequency — no problems. Me too. Don’t go pushing yourself hard until you’re fully healed from surgery and radiation, though! No – but the prescribed exercises are very important. If I hadn’t done them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do now. And it’s not a one-off, I have to stretch every day. Also, I STILL can feel some – er – not exactly pain but sensations in my back and side and occasionally my arm aches. But I’m here! And in a few weeks I’ll want you all to toast my six years )))) Get the champagne in NOW- everyone!
Wonderful! I have the champagne on ice, and I’ll drink to that. Sure glad to hear you have had no problems with lymphedema. I was kind of worried having so many nodes removed. Joan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mary
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I know, I should take it to email if I’m gonna get silly like this.
Nah. Tim
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I am anxious to get rid of the drain, and on with radiation. I want to start exercising as soon as the doctor says it is OK. I am wondering if swimming would be good. I think there are some public pools in my area, such as YMCA, I might look into joining. I don’t know about risk of infection, though.
I understand about the drains & getting on with it! While very manageable, the drains *are* rather annoying. You have a good idea to get your doc’s approval before you start a new exercise program (I’m almost certain your incision will need to be fully healed), and you might want to check with the radiation onc before you join the Y, to see if you can swim during radiation. You wouldn’t want to be laying out the membership $$ and not be able to swim! I’m thinking the chlorine may be too drying/harsh to the skin to be managed during radiation, but I don’t know. Anyone know? Beyond that, and making sure you have sufficient strength and range of motion when you start, swimming should be good. (However, it makes me ill at ease to force my fingers to type that . . . I *hate* the water, and in January began swimming lessons — I tell my friends this is because I looked up "idiocy" in the dictionary and saw a picture of a rower that couldn’t swim <g. So, I’m now swimming 2-3 times a week, and still think it *quite* icky. Making good skills progress, though, which is the point. But I digress.). Good luck on finding an exercise program that works for you! Ann T.
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Warning: Nothing of any redeeming or useful value follows, nor anything relevant to Joan’s post that began this thread, other than quotes from what you’ve already read in Mary’s previous posting. It’s just pure nonsense. I’m in a mood. All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else. Yes, and they’re not in nice little rows or lines either, despite what the diagrams seem to describe.
Oh, mine were in little rows. Very neat rows. On a hard bench. Hands folded, knees together, wearing tiny white gloves and successfully supressing giggles because of the gravity of the situation. <G The surgeon was Quite Shocked. Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise. You’re describing me! A couple of weeks after surgery I fell on animal (goat and poultry) deposited-on gravel and scraped all the soft, tender skin on my affected forearm. I couldn’t be bothered finding the nearest A&E for antibiotics because I ws so thrilled to be back to Real Life (at a mediaeval village) and so I just plastered it with Savlon (First Aiders can now faint!). Nothing happened. Since then I’ve been bruised, scratched, bitten, stung, carried heavy weights dependently (horrors!) and lifted and carried lots of other heavy things and sawn branches and put up canvas tents (and taken them down wet through).
Shhh! Quiet! Someone will figure out that — despite the fact that I’m in the US, you’re in the UK, listmembers have met both of us and have photos to prove it, you’re married & I’m not, we have different birthdays — we’re actually the same person! After all, we’ve never been seen in the same room . . . . I’m not suggesting that this is The Thing To Do but it’s my life and I’m not going to lie on a chaise in a darkened room.
Would there be bonbons? Copious bonbons? I’d consider the chaise if there were copious bonbons. I keep a sort of Commonplace book with wise words I collect from several sources – many from here. One is: "Life is not a journey to the grve with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming …. WOW … WHAT A RIDE!!!" Don’t know where that came from but above it is a very wise set of words from one Ann Thorsen.
Huh? I didn’t say that. I don’t think. Or is that not what you meant? I might’ve said "mumble" and scratched myself somewhere indelicate: I’m normally quite careful to avoid being profound, inspirational, . . . or even fundamentally coherent, for that matter. This post a case in point! <more snips, this set leading to quite an abrupt transition But I’m here! And in a few weeks I’ll want you all to toast my six years )))) Get the champagne in NOW- everyone!
YayYayYay! I’ll drink to that! (I know, I should take it to email if I’m gonna get silly like this. I’ll try to Do Better Next Time.) Ann T.
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Yes, a total of 27 were removed. Two sentinel nodes were positive; one was negative. So she proceeded to remove 24 nodes, and these 24 were all negative. I have the report, and that is what it says. ….24 out of 24 axillary nodes all negative for metastatic disease…It also says the tumor type is infiltrating ductal cell carcinoma. Histologic grade: Grade III, poorly differentiated. Tumor size: Maximum diameter of invasive carcinoma is 0.8 cm. All surgical margins are free of tumor. In-situ carcinoma is present and makes approx. 5% of the tumor. In-situ type: solid pattern. I don’t know what all this means, but I think it is favorable, as she said it was good news.
If I’m interpreting the above correctly, your tumor was fairly small, had "clear borders" and has a small percentage of active cancerous cells. All of that is about the best news you could get (short of the whole thing being benign). If I’m wrong about anything, I’m sure Tim will correct me. Congratulations! – Tony Love & Light Tony
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I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else.
Yes, and they’re not in nice little rows or lines either, despite what the diagrams seem to describe. As I understand it – and I’m very happy to be enlightened – the nodes are numerous and packed in – surrounded by – protected by – fat. Some, probably the ones very high up, are very small, pin head size. In my case, again as I understand it, the whole lot, fat and all, were scooped out very high up. I believe – because I can still feel the sensation – that the scoop went as far as under my collar bone. I could be wrong – it has been known (G) – but when I suggested this to my surgeon he said that was the case and was surprised that I understood that. When I asked WHY the lot was removed, what made him take everything out, he couldn’t give a scientific reason, he just said, "experience". That was good enough for me although I did resent it at the time. But what might have been the case if he’d left some in? I don’t know. I don’t suppose anyone KNOWS. I trust him. I have no option – but I’m still here Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise.
You’re describing me! A couple of weeks after surgery I fell on animal (goat and poultry) deposited-on gravel and scraped all the soft, tender skin on my affected forearm. I couldn’t be bothered finding the nearest A&E for antibiotics because I ws so thrilled to be back to Real Life (at a mediaeval village) and so I just plastered it with Savlon (First Aiders can now faint!). Nothing happened. Since then I’ve been bruised, scratched, bitten, stung, carried heavy weights dependently (horrors!) and lifted and carried lots of other heavy things and sawn branches and put up canvas tents (and taken them down wet through). I’m not suggesting that this is The Thing To Do but it’s my life and I’m not going to lie on a chaise in a darkened room. I keep a sort of Commonplace book with wise words I collect from several sources – many from here. One is: "Life is not a journey to the grve with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming …. WOW … WHAT A RIDE!!!" Don’t know where that came from but above it is a very wise set of words from one Ann Thorsen. And the used-up-worn-out bit is coming on fast. (Yet one of the women in my support group believes she triggered lymphedema by squeezing too hard when opening a difficult jar lid, so who knows. But still another had many more nodes removed than I, does everything — e.g., climbing trees! — and has had no problem.)
Oh – I forgot about climbing trees. I don’t do that much but I do climb ladders to gutter height to cut down ivy from the side of our house! I’ve done it since my surgery and every year I wish the surgeon could see me – he’d be proud of me! Despite some of the lymphedema cautions one reads, I definitely lift more than 10-15 pounds with the affected side. . . I lift about as much as I physically can, short of injury risk. I know for sure that I’ve lifted at least 40 pounds with the affected side, with reasonable frequency — no problems.
Me too. Don’t go pushing yourself hard until you’re fully healed from surgery and radiation, though!
No – but the prescribed exercises are very important. If I hadn’t done them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do now. And it’s not a one-off, I have to stretch every day. Also, I STILL can feel some – er – not exactly pain but sensations in my back and side and occasionally my arm aches. But I’m here! And in a few weeks I’ll want you all to toast my six years )))) Get the champagne in NOW- everyone! Mary
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else. Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise. (Yet one of the women in my support group believes she triggered lymphedema by squeezing too hard when opening a difficult jar lid, so who knows. But still another had many more nodes removed than I, does everything — e.g., climbing trees! — and has had no problem.) Despite some of the lymphedema cautions one reads, I definitely lift more than 10-15 pounds with the affected side. . . I lift about as much as I physically can, short of injury risk. I know for sure that I’ve lifted at least 40 pounds with the affected side, with reasonable frequency — no problems. Don’t go pushing yourself hard until you’re fully healed from surgery and radiation, though! Glad to hear your pathology news was generally good — one might prefer completely negative nodes, but other than that, it sounds about as good as it gets! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Ann T.
Thanks, Ann. That is very encouraging. I am anxious to get rid of the drain, and on with radiation. I want to start exercising as soon as the doctor says it is OK. I am wondering if swimming would be good. I think there are some public pools in my area, such as YMCA, I might look into joining. I don’t know about risk of infection, though. {{{Hugs}}} Joan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
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I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care
All mine were removed, too, and only one negative. I only had nine, which as Tim pointed out is more of a physiological coincidence than anything else. Still no lymphedema for me, despite fairly extensive radiation on that side, and a variety of bumps, bruises, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, and a heckuva lot of repetitive resistance upper body exercise. (Yet one of the women in my support group believes she triggered lymphedema by squeezing too hard when opening a difficult jar lid, so who knows. But still another had many more nodes removed than I, does everything — e.g., climbing trees! — and has had no problem.) Despite some of the lymphedema cautions one reads, I definitely lift more than 10-15 pounds with the affected side. . . I lift about as much as I physically can, short of injury risk. I know for sure that I’ve lifted at least 40 pounds with the affected side, with reasonable frequency — no problems. Don’t go pushing yourself hard until you’re fully healed from surgery and radiation, though! Glad to hear your pathology news was generally good — one might prefer completely negative nodes, but other than that, it sounds about as good as it gets! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Ann T.
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I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. All 24 were negative. I still have the drain until Monday, when she will take it out. It is really sore and uncomfortable, but I am taking Lortab at night to sleep. A nurse comes by twice a week to help. I will see an oncologist on the 24th to discuss treatment after radiation. So I guess I am doing OK; just wish they had not removed all those lymph nodes!
Better out than in sometimes, Joan. All mine were removed and all were negative. I don’t care Good of you to keep us up to date, thanks. And gentle hugs … Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – {{{Hugs}}} Joan
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I saw my surgeon today, and she told me that two of the three sentinel nodes were positive, so she removed level 1 and 2 lymph nodes, 24 in all. All 24 were negative. I still have the drain until Monday, when she will take it out. It is really sore and uncomfortable, but I am taking Lortab at night to sleep. A nurse comes by twice a week to help. I will see an oncologist on the 24th to discuss treatment after radiation. So I guess I am doing OK; just wish they had not removed all those lymph nodes! {{{Hugs}}} Joan
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I’m confused…you were told: Two of 3 sentinal nodes were positive, so 24 level one AND 2 were removed, but all 24 were negative. — There appears to have been some kind of (communication?)– error ’cause something sure doesn’t add up here, or were there a total of 27 removed with 24 negative? It’s a shame so many had to be taken — I’m sorry. Don’t blame you for wishing they weren’t, though. SEEMS a bit excessive, although I’m sure your surgeon thought it was best. — Know that things WILL improve –and heal more quickly –once the drain is out, so hang in there. Namaste, Lady8
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m confused…you were told: Two of 3 sentinal nodes were positive, so 24 level one AND 2 were removed, but all 24 were negative. — There appears to have been some kind of (communication?)– error ’cause something sure doesn’t add up here, or were there a total of 27 removed with 24 negative? It’s a shame so many had to be taken — I’m sorry. Don’t blame you for wishing they weren’t, though. SEEMS a bit excessive, although I’m sure your surgeon thought it was best. — Know that things WILL improve –and heal more quickly –once the drain is out, so hang in there. Namaste, Lady8
The number of nodes taken reflects the number present: some people have a lot, some just a few. I don’t think the total itself is particularly good or bad – its a clearance, which is what they do if a sentinel is positive. It would sound as if there were 25 of 27 nodes negative. Two positive is reasonably good news, of course -none- would be better.but it could be a lot worse. Tim Jackson
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