I'm currently sitting in my Mom's hotel room. She just got done with surgery for a mastectomy this evening, 9-3-08

Now the surgeon tells me that some "lymph-nodes" were removed because they were bad. She goes on to say that she can't say anymore because that's the Oncologist's job.

Anyone out there know what she can't tell me??

And what's with the insurance compay's rule that you go home the next day with drain tubes still in you??? WTF!!!

Any help would be appreciated. Logging off now. Going home as Mom has fallen asleep, will log back in win it get home.

Hi Sweetie,

Well, your mom could have lymphoma. It doesn't mean she does, it means she COULD.

Here's the deal. You apparently have a wonderful mom that has loved you so rightly that you love her back the samely!

Do you know how rare that is?

Medical prowess has become awesome these days so what your mom, the doctors or anyone else is or isn't telling you doesn't matter near as much as you loving your mom, embracing the joy that comes from that relationship, and living it to its fullest for as long as you can.

Don't worry your days with mom away. We are ALL here just a bit, to share our love with those who we can. Take her love, give her love and enjoy the time...and when she lives to be a hundred and two years old, STILL KEEP DOING THAT!!!

Cancerous breast cells often travel to the lymph nodes and the cancer spreads that way. The lymph nodes are all over the body and collect the fluid that leaks out of tissue and returns in back into the blood stream. If the fluid can't return back into the body, the tissue swells with water causing edema. Since the nodes were taken out, the tubes are there temporarily to aid in drainage and prevent infection.

[edit on 3-9-2008 by ghaleon12]

Prayers for Mom.

My sis was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had a Mastectomy two years ago. They also removed several nodes until they were confident the threat was gone. She's good as new today.

Don't be too alarmed, The Oncologist probably has to wait for biopsy results and the surgeon could have been more tactful.

Just take care of mom like she will always take care of you I hope Mom has a speedy recovery.

My wife had breast cancer and a radical mastectomy ten years ago and she's still here! Right now your biggest job is to maintain your perspective and give her the help and support that she needs.

At about the same time that my wife was undergoing chemo treatments I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. I spent my time worrying about her and she spent her time worrying about me. The point is just that your mom is probably more worried about you right now than she is about herself, love does that to people. So, again, your job is to be helpful, loving and to do whatever you can to help her without giving her reasons to worry about how you are coping.

Find someone that you trust and who you know cares about your well being and talk to them so that you have a source of support. Stay positive! It will hlep both of you cope.

Lastly, my wife had a very bad reaction to the chemo and the anti-nausea meds they gave her didn't touch the nausea she was experiencing. She told the docs that she'd rather die than continue to feel so sick and, amazingly, they immediately came up with a second anti-nausea drug that really worked. No more nausea for the rest of her treatments. So, if there are nasty side effects from her treatments don't be shy about advocating for her, it will make a difference.

Good luck. We'll be thinking about you and your mom!

How would calcium do anything? And due to HIPPA, the doctor won't be able to tell you anything even if you're family, unless you have written documentation saying otherwise.

well this special calcium (coral calcium) helps to alter the bodies ph level to a point were disease, including cancer, is unable to live in the body

its also very funny that one of the worst things to do when you have an illness is think negatively, yet thats what everyone does.

positive thinking, laughter, joy will go a long way, the power of the mind is more immense then of the physical

Thank you all for your replies.

I always feel better with knowledge gained from the people who know.

Been a long day, am going to sleep for awhile.

Again, thank you all for your thoughts and wishes.

Good night.

My best advice to you is that you won't get the best advice around here.

Ask your mother's doctor(s) if there are more than one ask them all.

She's your mother so you have the right to know about her illness, treatment, prognosis, unless your mother herself told the doctors not to tell you about it.

Don't take any advice about miracle cures and dismiss real medical cure.

There is no scientifically proven miracle cure.

Breast cancer is cured only by.
- Surgery and/or
- Chemotherapy and/or
- radiation therapy and/or
- Hormonal therapy

Good luck.

I am so sorry wolf421e. I will have just sent you and your Mom a prayer. Chemoradiation has a good outcome. No two ways. You and mum are in for a rocky road. I'd say more, but thought better of it. Peace, prayers, and love and light.
From me to you. I've just been 'hangin' on for six months. Hep C from my occupation. Hepatic failure. And a mojo infection that seems to have my number. ATS has allowed me to spend my end days amidst of friends.

[edit on 9/4/2008 by jpm1602]

Honey,

I wish nothing but the best for your mom!! And you! I hope you get a good night's sleep and we will all be here for you in the morning.


The technology is very advanced now, just know that, and your mom has a good chance of full recovery.

I will pray for mom and you and your family and you will see, it will all work out.

God Bless!!!!!

Hang in there Wolf, prayers for you and your family.

As Valhall so beautifully stated in her post, Love & support is key whatever the outcome.

As far as advise or explanations on the medical scenario, not much help there.
I lost my sister to cancer a few months ago after a long, long battle. She lived in another province which made incoming information not always reliable.

I found the doctors at the facility she was in, less then helpful on several accounts, but the end result was still the same.

Keep positive and find out as much info (web,books,credible people etc) as you can.