Best Of

Re: Decision about lumpectomy or mastectomy

(I posted this in "Considerations…" but I believe it belongs here.) Hi everyone, recent dx of IDC, Stage 1B, Grade 2. I'm trying to decide whether to have lumpectomy or bilateral MX.

I initially thought the medical advantage of MX would be I'd never risk BC again, no worries, no mammos, no sonos, etc. But at the first appt with breast surgeon, I learned that Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome lasting long after surgery has healed is not uncommon. I'm a wimp when it comes to pain! Lumpectomy healing is much simpler/ faster.

For me, there will be many lifestyle advantages to going flat—on hot humid days, and at the gym, staying cooler, and no sweating into a bra. No bouncing when jogging. Then when I want, I can wear falsies. (I do recognize that it will be a long journey to get used to seeing myself without breasts. But I can do that.)

I have to learn more about what radiation would be for me if I choose lumpectomy. My sister had 6 weeks, 5 days/week, but she was 49 years old. I've heard now it's only 5 days! Another factor is that I don't get sick leave. No work = no paycheck. So lumpectomy would have faster recovery. BUT I'd never get the lifestyle advantages of going flat, and I'd continue to have risk of new BC. If I get BC again, I'll regret NOT having MX. If I have significant Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome, I'll regret having MX.

My plan is to keep reading and talking to people, including doctors. I have an appt in two weeks with a plastic surgeon who will be part of the surgery to ensure I'm smooth with less scar tissue. I plan to make appts with my regular GYN and the breast surgeon I saw once. I wish the decision was easier! I went into my first appt with breast surgeon 100% sure I wanted bilateral MX. I knew NOTHING—I actually thought I could go back on hormone replacement therapy after MX.

k123456789

1

So scared- expansile mixed lytic sclerotic density Found on ct scan

I went into the er for kidney pain, and we did find a stone. But in that scan they found “2 areas expansile mixed lytic sclerotic density in the right anterior 6th and 7th ribs. These are new from 2023. Suspicious for pathologic lesions.” And I’m scared. So scared. I got home from the er Thursday night and called oncology. I’m 7 years basically out from stage 2b triple negative grade 3, no nodes involved….and you guessed it…the rubs in question are right behind where my tumor was 😮‍💨😕😅 I’m trying not to panic. But I want info and truth. Does anyone have any info or stories or just anything. I’m 36. I’m a mom of a five year old. I dont want to do this again 😭

turbokitten88

1

Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call

hi all. Newbie here for HR- HER2+. Had my first TCHP cycle on Wednesday 7/9. I was feeling ok for the first couple of days but now starting to feel more nausea, stomachaches and lack of appetite. My mouth/tongue also feels dry and can’t seem to taste very much. Will this eventually get better? Do most feel better after a week of chemo? I’m living alone so I feel a little scared not knowing how to navigate through this.

blackcat5

1

Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call

@blackcat5 hello!
I’m sorry to be meeting you through this forum, but we’re here for whatever you need.
What’s your diagnosis and age?
Chemo isn’t easy, but you won’t feel bad all the time… your body recovers between infusions. For me, the worst days were around days 4 to 10, then I’d feel much better.

As for tasting things, unfortunately in my case I had problems with that throughout the whole chemotherapy. There were very few days when I could taste food normally. But you’ll find ways to cope with everything, you’ll see.

It’s not easy living alone during treatment… do you have friends/family who can give you some support?

I wish you lots of strength — you’ll see that it’s over faster than you think… now that I look back, it feels like the whole process went by in the blink of an eye.

catarina_fm

2

Re: ER-, PR-, Her2+ Roll call

hello @blackcat5. So sorry you are on this crazy train but you are on the right place. I always felt worst days 4-10 and really got to feeling better just in time for my next treatment. My side effects changed over time but everyone does react differently. Like catarina, I do hope you have a network to lean on because you may need them. This group is a lifesaver because THCP is different than some others with different type of BC has a different experience. We are here for you. Take your nausea meds even of you just have a whiff of nausea. Your tastes will change amd your mouth may hurt. Do your best to stay hydrated. Get fluid infusions a few days after treatment if hydration is hard(i had to). Come to this forum anytime you have a question or concern and we will help you. Sending you love and prayers. D

djschmidt1

2

Re: Stage III Cancer Survivors ...Five + Years and Out.

Twelve years for me. I had a local recurrence at the 5 year mark after stopping hormone therapy but have been NED for seven years after a lumpectomy and more AIs.

graceb1

3

Re: Morning Anxiety 6 Years Post-Treatment

Lovelau, I’m six years out too and still think about cancer every day. Over the last 3 years I had so many unresolved aches and pains that I’ve convinced myself the cancer is back and just hasn’t been found yet. I’m sure I sound pathetic but it’s the truth. What gets me through the day and moving forward is finding my “joy”…my family is my absolute joy and I don’t want to waste any day I have with them. My husband knows how anxious I am but my kids do not have a clue. So, regardless of how much time I have left they know how important they are to me and that has become enough.

smc123

2

Re: Morning Anxiety 6 Years Post-Treatment

Hi lovelau,

We're so sorry you're experiencing this anxiety. We're sure others will be by shortly to weigh in with their experiences also.

In the meantime, we wanted to share this helpful info with you from the main Breastcancer.org site:

We hope this helps a little and that you find some relief soon. Please let us know if there's anything else we can do to help.

Gentle hugs,

--The Mods

moderators

1

Re: I’m on hospice - anyone else?

@chicagoan I’m still actually eating. I’m just lessening how much at a meal so I don’t overstuff. I had a half a tuna sandwich for lunch. That seemed to be okay. I just won’t do multiple things at a time. My chip-eating days are over. Lol. I love my chips. I’m also trying to wait a little longer between meals to where I feel a little more hungry.

kbl

2

Re: Cats, cats, cats

Koi went to a new home yesterday. He still was not very confident in open spaces but I am hoping he will get better. He has come a long way and I know the people that adopted him. They have lots of patients, love, and he will be spoiled. I think I even miss him. His brother's are going to an adoptio fair and there is a family that wants to meet them. I soon may have a quiet house again with my big guys.

brutersmom

2