Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Sisters
Thank you so much for your messages of concern. I really just wanted to let you know that you might not need to pay for the expensive test yourselves. ($4,200). I am NED since late 2011, but that doesn't help my daughter and granddaughter.
Again, THANK YOU!!!
Vickie0 -
Peggy, That looks like an interesting study! I hope many here check it out. BTW, You are an amazingly strong woman!
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Vicks, hugs and prayers for you, your daughter, and granddaughter.
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Vicks - Prayers and good thoughts going out to you, your daughter, granddaughter and entire family.
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thanks poppy k. I don't feel that strong these days. I hope that some of the ladies here will be able to participate.
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Vickie - many good thoughts to you and your family.
Nancy
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Vicks, my heart goes out to you. Having had two sons with cancer, I know that horrible ache in your heart. Thinking and praying for peace for your whole family.
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Jo6202
Thank you so much for your note. Life is not fair, but God promises He will not forsake us!!
Vickie
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Actually I should be thanking many of you for your kind notes. I wish each of you the best life has to offer.... THANK YOU
Vickie
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Hi Poppy K -
I agree with you, that the entire experience could have been handled a lot smoother. At least we didn;t have the fire alarm go off during the whole thing. Despite feeling really depressed right now, ever since the surgery, I am trying to pull myself out of it. The surgeon thinks that upon her determination, the margins are clean, She didn't really suspect that the lymph nodes will be involved. Until I know everything for a fact then there always is that chance. The part that really concerns me is about the possibility of chemotherapy, in its strictest sense of the word. Now that step one is over, I want to start learning about the radiation and how to prepare for that. As of right now, I have not met with either the radiation oncologist, or the medical oncologist. Unfortunately, my pathology report wasn't back yet yesterday, it will probably be back on Monday. Somebody from the surgeons office will call me on Monday with the results instead of waiting until Tuesday which is the day of my follow-up appointment.Meanwhile it is just a matter of hanging in until then.
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice,
Glad to hear from you. You should talk to your BS about your feelings of sadness. Many, many people dealing with cancer are on antidepressants. I was having such a hard time that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make good decisions about my treatment plan. Things greatly improved since I started taking Zoloft (a low dose). I know I won't be on it long term, just until I get through the cancer battle.
Regarding chemo and radiation: Check out the pinned info on the topics chemo and radiation here on the boards. And at breastcancer.org. There is so much good information that will help you prepare your questions for you appointments. Also, the doctors won't start either chemo or radiation until you completely heal from your surgery. So either way, you will have some time to wrap your head around the next step.
I went into surgery prepared to have surgery and radiation. Once I found out my node was positive, I knew I would be doing chemo. I hated the idea of having to do this.... but I am going to do everything I can to get the cancer out!
Wishing you clean margins and negative nodes! Hugs!
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Hi Poppy K -
I am already taking a fairly good sized amount of Zoloft as it is. In addition, I take the generic form of Depakote, which acts as a mood stabilizer. I suppose I would begrudgingly take the chemo. That isn't a given though.
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice, Gosh, you've just had major surgery, surgery as an effect of getting the dreaded diagnosis: "cancer." Of course you're depressed! The first several months after finding the lump are fraught with stress and tension and fear. Yikes. And of course uncertainty about the future, both distant and immediate. All you can do is concentrate on the now and focus on getting better.
With grade 1, and such a small tumor you're unlikely to need chemo. However, if it's recommended, then you'll cope with that decision then. Right now you're worried about what China pattern to pick out for your wedding to the guy who's probably going to ask you for a date. I'm not trying to minimize your feelings, heaven knows I was a mess of fears last year, just to suggest that you let them pass through you and get on with letting your body heal.
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Well said, Palameda. We need to cross each bridge as it comes. And do what is necessary to cross it.
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Before having cancer, I always thought the "battle" was physical. And there is a part that is, but now I'm learning the battle is mostly mental. Keeping up with all the information and procedures that are happening, not being fearful, depressed and anxious is the hardest part! Staying positive and hopeful is the true battle. And in this I pray for all those going through this battle with me. Dealing with all this emotionally and mentally is tough!
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Hi Poppy K -
I am already taking a fairly good sized amount of Zoloft as it is. In addition, I take the generic form of Depakote, which acts as a mood stabilizer. I suppose I would begrudgingly take the chemo. That isn't a given though.
MarieBernice6234
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Birdgirl, it certainly is mostly mental. If we can stay positive then the physical will be doable. My daughter-in-law had chemo with her colon cancer. She had terrible side effects but she always stayed positive, saying that it was worth it since the chemo was killing her cancer!
Mariebernice, I was surprised I didn't need chemo - not that anyone thought I'd need it. I figured my oncotype would indicate it, so I was mentally prepared. Very relieved when I didn't need it.
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Hi MarieBernice6234...sounds like we are on the same path. After my lump on 9/25 BS said clear margins and lymph nodes. However, my post op is this Tuesday and I am afraid of some surprise from the path report. My biggest fear is chemo. If no surprises, then I'm suppose to do internal radiation. I am so ready to get thru this. I do take xanax in the evening and it seems to help. I stay busy during the day and that helps too...and I keep reminding myself that the cancer is out. However, I'm already worrying about it coming back!
I have been reading the boards on 5+ years survivors and they stories are uplifting. This whole this sucks...but we'll get thru it!
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While I hope those who are dreading chemo don't need it, please know it is manageable if you do. That said, I'm not thrilled about the possible long-term effects, but I put that out of my mind for now. I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you!
Linda
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Hi Nash and Linzer -
Now, I have two more questions. How soon does the Oncotype test result become available? Would it be before my follow up appointment which will be on Tuesday. On the oncotype am I looking for a higher or lower the number to avoid getting the chemotherapy.? Also, what is external radiation and does it require surgery to implant the pieces. Not exactly what I would have opt to do!
MarieBernice6234.
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MarieBernice, I've been told that the Oncotype takes 2-3 weeks, so, unfortunately, it probably won't be available at your follow up appt. next week. You're definitely looking for a lower score. (Others may have had different experiences with the time frame.)
External radiation is radiation from outside the body, so nothing is implanted. You might want to read the info on radiation on this site - as I recall it was pretty helpful. You should have a consult with a radiation oncologist who should be happy to answer all your questions and explain what to expect. Mine was very helpful. It's a good idea to do some reading before hand, so you have an idea of what you need to focus on in your consult.
If you don't have chemo you'll probably start radiation in 4 weeks but the consult would be before then.
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Hello,
I found my cancer site in the shower too...my right nipple did not protrude like my left when it got cold. I was also 8 months out from my last mammogram. My inverted nipple was my only sign I did not have a lump or at least I could not feel one. I now have no nipple and part of my areole has been removed. The top of my breast feels like there's a golf ball imbedded where the tip should be. I am almost done with my radiation one more week but the following week the boosters will start and the RO isn't sure how many and at what depth the boosters will be. I'm kind of nervous because he says they will be painful with a direct hit at the nipple area and he is not sure about how bad I will burn/ blister due to all my side effects so far...good luck with you ...we are all different
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Amen..... The battle is tough enough physically but it is hard to hang on emotionally too. Life goes on all around us and I seem to find I'm still stuck in the OMG I have breast cancer mode. Daily radiation treatments don't help me get out of this funk nor all the side effects I've experienced with the radiation.I'm hoping the aromasin will not just continue my poor attitude and I can feel normal again.
Best wishes...
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Thanks so much for the Understanding Your Pathology brochure. My oncologist did go through my entire pathology report with me, and even made notes for me, but I still had a hard time absorbing all of the info. I am overwhelmed with all of this right now. I had a lumpectomy, with SNB, they took 2 margins, and thought the second was clear. But, there were about 10 cancer cells lurking in that 2nd margin. So, I had a re excision. I am hoping that is clear. I had the Oncotype, and my score was 28. I am going to have to have radiation, chemo, and hormone therapy. I am most worried about chemo. I did read a post on here that said, it's not that bad. I also have Crohn's, so chemo can really mess up my remission. I have my oncologist and GI doc in the same facility, so we are going to sit down and figure out what will be best. I will be staying 5 hours away from home, by myself, during treatment. I'm a little worried, but my older brother (1 hour away from treatment facility) said he would be willing to drive up for all of the chemo treatments. What I thought would just be a lumpectomy, turned into a little bit more! I have been up and down, and trying to stay strong. This is such a wonderful place for information and support.
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PeggyG6020, what a ride you've had so far. Damn the margins and oncotype. Your Onco and GI docs will keep you in good shape. You're in my thoughts!
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Good luck, PeggyG - I know it must be really daunting to be dealing with all of this so far from home. Thank goodness for your brother!
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PeggyG, it must be very hard on you to be so far from home. Do take your brother up on his offer. I can't imagine going through chemo alone. I also have other health issues and my GI doctor had lots to contribute to my care. It's good your doctors are working together. Good luck and stay in touch.
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PeggyG, I can't imagine going through chemo by yourself. I would definitely take up your brother on his offer. After chemo, it was hard for me to keep track of my meds... so write everything down, when you took it and how much. Write down your side effects. Call your MO if the meds don't help. For example, my anti-nausea meds had to be changed.
Where are you going for treatment? What state/city? Many locations have volunteers to help you (drive you to appts, run to the grocery store, sit with you).
Poppy
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MarieBernice: It took 3 weeks for me to get my onco score back. It's scored from 0-100, I was told 10 and under no chemo, 30 and above definitely chemo, and between 10 and 30 "we'll discuss it". Mine was 27 and there was little to discuss.
I had my radiation simulation this morning. They're going to do the deep breathe and hold it for 20 seconds procedure to protect my heart and lungs on the left. I have 3 black tattoo dots, the one on the left "bit" a little but not bad at all. I start next
Monday, and only have to do 3 weeks. I was really excited to hear that,
hope it keeps the skin problems to a minimum.0 -
Puffin, it's interesting to hear that you're using the breath holding technique. I have a note to ask my RO about that, as I first read about it 2 days after I was dx.
Lucky you to be able to do only 3 weeks - maybe that's your cosmic reward for having to do chemo. To me the radiation seems like the least daunting aspect of treatment but 5.5 weeks of daily visits will get a bit old. At least I won't have to drive too far - what about you?
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