Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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MarieBernice, oral chemo (estrogen)? Hmm. I'd have thought perhaps tamoxifin or arimidex. Have you found out if your tumor is estrogen positive or not?
You certainly have had a lousy year. Two broken ankles hurt just thinking about them.
Your course of tx resembles mine. Diagnosed in June, lumpy in July and rads in September. October brings arimidex.
My IDC was 9mm and when they did the path report found another 9mm DCIS - surprise! Clear margins on both. The BS removed 3 lymph nodes (1 had 2 "babies" attached).
Be sure to read all the articles from the home page of breastcancer.org. Many of your questions will be answered there. Also helpful is Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. It has everything you ever wanted to know and more about your breasts and breast cancer. It is slightly out of date since it was last updated in 2010 but most of the information is still valid. I still refer to it (after having sat down and read it from cover-to-cover in one weekend).
I don't recall hearing that the radiation remains in your body. I do know that once an area has had radiation they don't want to do that area again.
You'll do just fine and we're all here for you. Keep posting your questions and we'll answer them all.
Sorry you're joining us. HUGS!
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Hi Marie, Welcome to the Lumpies!
The nuclear medicine injection was easy for me. An injection of lidocaine (small pinch, brief and light burning sensation), then the nm was injected. Didn't feel that one at all. I had two areas of concern, so the same process was done in the other location. It was way easier than I had convinced myself it would be.
The lymph node removal can result in some swelling of the arm, breast and side. It could lead to lymphedema, a somewhat rare but serious condition. (You can find info on this on the breastcancer.org website.) This can happen much later, after surgery. The help minimize this from happening, I request blood tests, blood pressure and so on be on the non-lymph node dissected side.
Have you had a consult with a radiation oncologist? They could answer a lot of your questions, which I know put me at ease. There is also info on this board and on the breastcancer.org website that you might find helpful. You should find out the type of radiation treatment you will receive.
Poppy
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Ha, we were all typing at the same time!!! My DH kept interrupting me.... probably because he wants dinner!
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You're right, Poppy! All of us had busy fingers pounding away
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Nancy2, I also had a lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection with only one incision. I thought it was weird at first. And yes it is because your node was near your tumor. He showed me how when a person lies down things shift and many tumors may be closer to nodes than we think. Less than a finger length away. We are lucky we only had one incision! If you read these boards you can see that very often the node dissection and removal causes more issues because of irritation. He is an excellent surgeon and was asked to write up new standards for the board of breast onocological surgeons with this as a new recommendation.
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thanks sassy seven. I have to say my BS did an excellent job with my lumpectomy and I had a 2.8cm tumor it turns out. She had to cut into the muscle but the only things different now are the incision and the breast is just tiny bit higher than the other one, but the shape is the same as it was before surgery.
I am glad I just have the one incision though I too thought it weird
Nancy2
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What's with the limited # of PM's per day? I sent 2 this morning and when I went to send my 3rd I got the message I'd exceeded my limit for the day? If I'd known that I'd have sent my major one first.
Psalm: I have a long message to answer your questions. I'll PM it tomorrow, otherwise send me your email address: connie_norheim@hotmail.com and I'll answer today
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Thanks Puffin!! I had the same thing happen to me, and I emailed the site and they "fixed it". Will try to send you pm and see if it goes thru..
Sassy I noticed your diagnosis... were you treated with the Femara to shrink tumor before surgery? It just caught my eye that original BC was Nov 2013, and if that was the delay I was thinking that is pretty awesome that the Femara worked that much that quick... (encouraging news on this journey)..
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I've tried to send PMs last night, as well as a few minutes ago, and they wouldn't go through. I don't think they have fixed the problem.
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Hi Puffin2014 -
Sorry about the confusion on the estrogen point. What I should have said was the "chemo" would be comprised of a medication to STOP/BLOCK the feeding of estrogen as it is ER+ cancer. They probably will not use tamoxifen as I am post menopausal. I will have to look at the lymphedema threads here. How did you tolerate the radiation therapy.
Thank you for the guidance.
MarieBernice6234
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Just had surgery about 2 weeks ago. I go in for my follow up on Wednesday. The surgery went really well. Clean margins, no cancer in the lymph nodes (only 3 removed). However, now I am still in pain. It was just under my arm which I expected but now it is my entire breast. I also found a hard lump that is actually between the 2 incisions. I'm definitely going to speak with the surgeon about this when I see him but wondered if anyone else had had this happen?
Thanks so much!
Jeanelle
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Hello Jeanelle, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry you have to be here, but very glad you've found us.
We're sure that others will be chiming in soon with words of support and to share their experiences. In the meantime, please do keep your physician apprised of what's going on. You may also want to check out our Lumpectomy: What to Expect page on our main site.
Warmest regards,
The Mods
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I had my lumpectomy on 9/2/14 and I got all clear margins and all 6 lymph nodes they took out were clear. I see the oncologist on Thursday for my treatment plan.
Nitengirl1 - I also am having reconstruction for the same thing, but I am waiting for my treatment to be done before I do as I already have implants in (prior to surgery). I am currently wearing a prosthesis to even things out.Jeanelle - I also am having pain after surgery, it just started a few days ago. Mine is more a sensitivity to touch, feels like pins and needles kind of when something touches me. I called the Dr.s office and was told mine was nerve hypersensitivity. I hope yours is nothing more than that. Please call your Dr. for peace of mind.
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Psalm,
You're right, I did have a delay (due to other physical issues) before having my lumpectomy. So we took advantage of the time to try to shrink the tumor. Unfortunately the numbers as reported in the profile settings are misleading. They kept telling me it was about 3 cm so that's what I reported here for my first dx. And measuring this tumor has been a bit all over the place between ultrasounds, MRIs and by hand. Bottom line is the Femara didn't shrink it that much, if at all. When diagnosed in Nov 2013 it was 2.3 x 1.8 x 1.5 per ultrasound. In Feb '14 MRI showed 2.4 x 2.2 x 1.5. It became more irregular over time, which was a good thing evidentially. In April it was hard to tell, and in June they didn't want to say but approximated it at 2.5 x 1.4. So I kinda think it grew. HOWEVER, when they biopsied the tumor after surgery they found that it was 80% active cancer and 20% dead cancer. Kinda like a sausage with the fatty areas being dead cells.
Anyways so I did not have the response we all were hoping for. It scares the holy SH*T out of me to think that this has been floating around in me for years and even with the Femara not a lot of cancer cells were killed. So they are doing a ONCOTYPE DX on the original (Nov 2013) biopsied tumor to see if I need chemo. Hope to get results in a few weeks.
I hate to burst your bubble. I think it works better on a lot of other people. But I do know it can be slow going.
I bet your MO has some good success stories for you.
Take care
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Sassy_Seven, that was quite the odyssey. I didn't think they gave AIs for shrinking tumors. I thought they gave them to prevent growth. My impression is that rads and chemo shrink and then AIs take over to make sure the cancer cells don't do anything (like multiply).
Here's hoping the oncotype comes back good!
I started my rads on the 2nd. Ten down, 23 to go. So far so good. I'm exhausted but I'm hard pressed to tell what's causing it - overload of caring for hubby, his kidney cancer surgery today or the rads or all 3.
Take care!
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Hi Pontiac Peggy -
Thanks for all the responses. I do really like this site. It is basically the only that my oncology nurse practitioner recommended that I should look at. Yes my cancer is estrogen positive. As of right now, I have not met with the radiology oncologist yet. On Mondays, I think my center has rounds - a representative from all the modalities are at the clinic available for patients to meet with. So far I have not been able to do that. I have obviously have met the surgical oncologist. I may try to see them next week. I would like to learn more about this process. I don't like to have things sprung on me. The chemo - aromatase probably won't start until sometime in December. Tomorrow I am going to meet for the first time, the Social worker for the oncology unit.
I am a Social Worker as well, but at this time I have decided to not fall into the trap of acting as my own advocate. I am sort of freaked out about the big chances that such a small cancer is starting to create.
MarieBernice6234
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Sassy... I noticed that my measurements per Ultrasound and even MRI were actually a little larger than the actual surgical path specimen.. but I would think dead cancer cells is a plus too, to have only been on it a few months especially.. I'm looking at it as encouraging progress in its part of the whole scope of our treatment, just nice to see something working in the right direction!!
jeanelle.. talk to your surgeon, but dont stress as it is normal for a seroma to develop in the cavity where tissue was removed, fluid accumulates there then kinda solidifies and will slowly decrease over time. I had 2 lumpectomies, 2 weeks apart, and I am larger now than I was after first surgery due to seroma, and I can feel the knot somewhat too.. I saw my BC surgeon TODAY for 2 week followup and he assured me it was all well and that with time breast would get smaller... hope this is all that you are experiencing as well.
Pont P, it's a cumulative effect of all 3 I am sure... you just keeping on counting those tx's down and stay as tuff as you are..encouraging to those of us with a lot less on our plate so to speak... you are one tough cookie!!
MarieB.. this is an awesome site with a wealth of knowledge... don't think you can go wrong here... I have learned SO much in such a short time already... hang in there.
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Jeanelle I had surgery July 30 and am also very sensitive at my snb site and also where my lumpectomy is. I just had a re- excision Sept 10 at the lumpectomy site and its even more sore now. I have pain that radiates to my nipple and drives me crazy because its so painful. I dont have any lumps though. I would talk to Doc about that. My experience is they tell you that the lumpectomy shouldnt hurt that bad. I want to ask how do they know, have they had one?
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Pontiac Peggy, shrinking was the goal in my case, in addition to stopping future cell growth. My MO played a major role in the development of Herceptin so I tend to believe him. :-)
Psalm, dead cancer cells are my favorite kind! Just didn't want to mislead you.
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BTW, Pontiac Peggy, how do you do it all? You should be exhausted! Do you have someone to help you?
I hope your husband's surgery went well. Good luck with your rads!
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Nancy2581, Before my surgery, my surgeon told me, really emphasized big time, that both the nodes and the breast tumor would be removed from a single breast incision, and I'd have NO underarm incision. But I woke up from surgery with an underarm incision anyway. I think my surgeon just didn't look at me carefully on my pre- surgery visit when he said he'd do just one incision. (or maybe my sentinal nodes ended up being higher than he'd epected?) My tumor is (was, I hope I can truly say) just a bit below the midline, and thus was in the lower outer quadrant. So, while you really weren't asking to hear from someone like me, I'm just writing to assure you that removing nodes and breast tumor from a single breast incision is a standard breast surgery technique, when applicable. (I didn't realize from your other post, that I'd answered, that they actually did find one of your nodes to be positive. I'd just imagined that the three nodes you said were removed were all three sentinel nodes. I can see now why you're particularly nervous about that remaining bump under your arm. I really hope that shrinks soon and the docs give you a reassurance that it is just a reactive swelling! Hopefully, they'll tell you that that kind of swelling at 2 and 1/2 months post surgery is so common and normal that there's no need to do any check, but maybe, if they had any doubts, they could do an Ultrasound just to make sure and reassure you??)
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MarieBernice, I believe that most of us here do not consider aromatase inhibitors "chemo." It is hormonal therapy. They are more like a maintenance drug. Chemo is entirely different. You might want to read the informative articles breastcancer.org has on both topics.
Sassy_Seven, you have quite the impressively credentialled doctor. I'd believe him, too! Dead cancer cells are the only good ones!!!
You do what you have to do. No, I don't have any help. My sons were able to come in when I had my lumpy and took care of DH and that was the first break I'd had in nearly 4 years. Four years ago it wasn't quite so demanding as it is now.
DH came through his surgery okay. They had to remove his kidney - they couldn't safely remove the cancerous tumor any other way. One positive thing is that I am able to get a good night's sleep while he's in the hospital and that's lovely.
Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts - they are appreciated.
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Thank you everyone for your kind words and information. I did call and speak with the NP in the surgeon's office, sent them pics of the incision site and lump. They had me come in and see the NP this morning. She looked at both incision sites and was thrilled with what she saw. She said that they are healing nicely, especially the one under my arm. There is no sign of infection and she believes the lump is just fluid build up and not an infection or any kind. The breast is very bruised and that with the size of my breasts (44F), I am probably just needing more support. She said that both of these things are probably causing the pain. I broke down and ordered via the internet 3 different bras to try. I have spent a fortune on bras in the last month....LOL
Thanks again! This is definitely a great site.
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Happy Hump Day Lumpies!
Welcome...gosh so many have joined our lounge,..it is a great place to be!
Mari - Happy Dance! Yippee all smiles:))) can I squeeze into your suitcase! Have fun you so deserve R&R!
Jo - hee hee BYE...luv your humor and Happy Dance for you...click click my red heels:)))
Debby - in your pocket {{{squeeze}}} speedy healing and congrats you did it! Fingers&toes crossed for clear margins&nodes!
Nancy - ugh, you have had a rough time...hope things calm down and seizures go away. The zapper zingers take time for the nerves to calm down..,it will get better
MarieBernice - breathe, your time will come. Ask questions and record answers are brains go.... LX SND rads and HT is common unless nodes are positive than chemoland...so a step at a time. We will be in your pocket {{{squeeze}}} you will be surprise how great you feel after...the relief it's done. Read thru what others have done to prep and then go out and soak in the love of family and friends...you can do this! You will be fine!
Jeanelle - yeah, glad you had your team check out the girl. Gosh we show her to everyone...want to see...yes, it takes time for the swelling and purple yellow bruising to improve...the fluid to absorb...time heals!
Sassy Seven - great team! Only the best...:)))
Peggy - (((hugs))) you go gf! How's hubby weight lifter! Hope you got. Good night sleep...how long will he be in the hospital...praying.
Imheretoo - wow, all in one...speedy healing...and in time ask when to massage the scar area with vit e to soften and help with that hard scar lump...get to know your girl again...have to admit I waited until after rads...gave the girl a break...she now is peaches&cream.
Psalm - the deader the better...death to c cells!
Shout out to all!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Nancy,
Sorry to hear about your seizures. No wonder you are so worn out. I also think having two surgeries takes a lot out of you too. I know I was exhausted after my re excision. Hope you are getting lots of rest and that your report comes out with clear margins.
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RMlulu - I had to laugh when I saw your response. I never was one to be very modest but now days, I think I have shown the girls to more people than I can count. I actually woke up with it feeling pretty good. I bought a surgical compression bra that I slept in last night. I wore a sports bra today but it is just a little too big and didn't do much good. More bras are on their way. I swear I will find the right one some day!
I head off to my first visit with the MO on Monday. The BS said they would go over the Oncotype testing and the discuss the remainder of my treatment. I know it is stupid but I had a bit a breakdown yesterday when they were setting up the appointment with the MO. Just hearing that I was meeting with a Oncologist really drove the fact that I do have cancer home.
I am so happy that I found this group!
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Jean Neale I wore a Genie bra for 3-4 weeks. Now I'm wearing no bra. I'm barely an A cup so it isn't much of a problem my girl doesn't mind
I still find it hard to believe I have breast cancer, maybe because I never felt or had a lump and the cancer was only 9mm. Strange, isn't it? 0 -
Don't be too hard on yourself. I had a 'break down' several times during the active treatment time. It has been 3 years since my diagnosis, and things have taperd down. Just on Letrozole now. The gals here are fantastic at helping each other go through the challenges of fighting BC..
Vickie
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Jeanelle, Post surgery, with all of the phone calls and doctor's offices calling to make appointments, I broke down too. I had them talk to my husband from then on. I let him make the appointments and tell them how I was doing. It was just too much.
I also ugly cried when I took off the dressings for the first time and saw my new breasts. I was just overwhelmed with what I was having to do to fight cancer. The new breasts looked fine. I think we keep our feelings in, maybe aren't even aware of them, and sometimes they just need to come out!
I bought all sorts of bras, in all sorts of sizes. I wanted to keep my breasts still. My favorites are the Genie bras and a completely soft and stretchy bra by Bali.
Good luck at the MO. You will receive so much info about your treatment options and develop a treatment plan. You will most likely be eligible for insurance coverage of the Oncotype Dx testing.
Gentle hugs to all of you!
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