Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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I don't have to breathe through anything, just take a normal deep breath and hold it for 15-20 seconds. They had me do several practice breaths during the CT, and at first I was taking too deep of breaths, they had me retry, doing just a normal deep breath and that was what they wanted.
RO had originally told me it could be 3 weeks if my nodes were clear (this was pre-surgery), and I was afraid that the onco score of 27 would change radiation to a longer time, so was thrilled to learn it would still be only 3 weeks, so much easier on the skin too.
I only live a mile from radiation so I won't have to drive a long time each day.
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That sounds like the technique I've read about, Puffin. I think it's very encouraging that such a minor, inexpensive change can have such important implications for avoiding damage. I wish they'd develop some of those for chemo's side effects!
You're even closer to your rad. facility than I am - thank heaven for small favors, hmm? Good luck with it - keep us posted.
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I am going to Milwaukee, WI. The cancer center does have a lot of support. I will be staying 3 blocks from the hospital. The place I am staying is a house for people for cancer that travel to Milwaukee to have treatments. I will talk with my MO about being there alone. I have the added problem of having to deal with Crohn's which could make chemo a problem. I already take immune suppressant drugs daily. I am kind of scared about the whole chemo thing, but I don't have much of a choice. I live in a very small town, and the closest MO is 1 1/2 hours away. My doctors in Milwaukee said it would be better to be there, where I have a team for the cancer, and a team for my Crohn's. Thanks for the comment, I am trying to get all of the advice I can before I start treatment.
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That's a tough row to hoe, Peggy. You'll have all of us there in your pocket but there's nothing like being in your own home, your own bed, and having a loving hand to reach out for in the night.
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PeggyG, That sounds like a wonderful plan! I hope the Crohn's doesn't give you problems. We will be in your pocket!
Poppy
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PeggyG6020, I completed 6 rounds of chemo 2 weeks ago. My treatments were every 3 weeks. The actual treatments were not bad and my MO had a standing order that I could have Ativan before treatment if I wished. Because I was receiving 4 drugs, my treatments usually lasted most of the day....from 9 until 3 or 3:30. So I welcomed the Ativan and found that I was able to relax and nap a good bit of the time. One side effect I I am still dealing with is diarrhea , but it did not bother me on treatment days or the day after. Steroids were part of the chemo routine for several days so I attribute the calmer digestive system to that. Speak up about any unanticipated side effects. It sounds like you have drs. ready to see that you have the best possible experience and your GI dr. will actively help manage the Crohns.
I also preferred not having my husband or anyone sit with me. My husband did take me to my treatments, but he took his laptop, etc. and worked from a space set aside in the lobby of the hospital and just checked on me from time to time during the day.
The thing to remember is how effective chemo can be in the cancer battle. I thought my 6 treatments would never end, but they did! And they did the job! I found out last Friday that no tumor showed up on a recent ultrasound or mammogram...just the marker left from the biopsy. Surgery and rads are still ahead, but chemo really did its job. Good luck to you. I hope your chemo goes smoothly and that it is over before you know it! Ask your brother to come if he will be a comforting presence. Let him help. And take care of yourself!
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Hi All -
I had my lumpy one week ago today, and have been off the narcotic medication for at least 3 or 4 days. My pathology report is in the process of being completely finalized as of late yesterday. At that point the lymph nodes were microscopically clear as well as the margins are microscopically clean too. Last week the surgeon felt strongly that would be the case, but it means a whole lot more when it comes out in the report.
At the same time though, last night and today the site is even more pain than it was right after the surgery. There are still steri-strips on both where the nodes were removed and the tumor was taken from. How does one know if the areas have been over used? I don't think it is anything serious going on. I do see my surgeon today. Next I will have to be setting up an appointment with a radiation oncologist, what type of things should be looking for when selecting one?
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice, my BS gave me a couple choices and recommended the one I chose. Every single oncologist I have has been recommended by someone else and I've been extremely happy with all 3! Lucky me. Most important is that they all are someone you can talk to and feel comfortable with. Mine have very different personalities. My RO is laid back, sassy and bright as hell. Love him. My MO is a bit older than me (hard to believe
) very open and knowledgeable. My BS is sharp, gentle and very positive. In fact all 3 are extremely positive.The steri-strips on my breast stayed on for nearly 6 weeks. The ones in my armpit came off lots sooner. I was extremely lucky that i took only 1 pain pill (immediately after surgery) and used regular Tylenol after that if I needed anything. I don't think I'd worry about pain right now. I think it comes and goes. But do ask your BS today. It's always nice to be re-assured.
Glad you're doing good even if you hurt a bit. Just don't overdo!!!!!
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I have a question for those of you that had surgical glue placed over your incision. I am now 5 weeks past surgery. The glue on the incision under my arm has pretty much all come off (with a little help from me when it got really loose). The glue on the incision on my breast looks like the day they put it on. It isn't peeling at the edges or anything. How long did it take for your glue to come off of this incision. I'm tired of looking at it. LOL
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great thread! I have a question for those who've walked this path before me.. .did any of you get a large, hard lump from the blue dye injection? My BS warned me about possible blue coloration (possibly permanent) but wow am I sore, swollen as all get outs and hard as a rock for at least 3 1/2" at injection site! My original lumpectomy was 9/4 and this surgery was re)excision of 3 margins and SNB which wasn't don't at time of lumpectomy. Anyone else get this reaction? If so, did anything help it resolve? I faithfully used ice for first 3 days...made zero difference in swelling! My breast is double the size of the other one...yipes! I see BS thus afternoon so if anyone has suggestions I can run them by him then.
thanks...zha-an
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Just returned from my follow-up for lumpectomy on 9/25. Thankfully no surprises in my path report. Clear node and margins. Next step will be internal radiation sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. I am very lucky that my BS is and oncologist BS so I get immediate answers from him and have fewer docs to see. I also had a follow-up right after in the same office with a lymphedema specialist just to make sure no problems.
MarieBernice....I noticed more discomfort recently than at the beginning. But I think it's just the healing taking place. The incision from the node removal is more bothersome than the lump site. I took a recommendation from another forum and placed a soft sock in the area under my arm and between by bra....makes it more comfortable. In the evening while watching TV I'll prop my arm up on a couple of pillows to put some space between my arm and the incision areas. When I sleep I place a travel pillow (one of those "u" shaped things) that has a very soft cover under my armpit to cushion the incision site.
Hope your follow-up went well.
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jeanelle
sounds like your surgeon used some serious dermabond or other glue! My first incision wasn't glued and fell apart at day 8. My re-excision last Wednesday was dermabonded and the outer edge has already lost part of glue and opened up a tiny bit. I plan to ask my BS to reglue if possible when I see him this afternoon. From my research before surgery it does sound like your glue is lasting beyond the norm. If you know what type was used you can go on manufacturer's website to check avg disolve times! Perhaps keeping it as long as possible while you do radiation might be a good thing...
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zha-an
I'm not sure what they used but boy does it have sticking power! I called and talked to the NP at the BS's office. I didn't even get the question out and she said "This about the glue isn't it?" I laughed and said yes. She told me I can pull it off at this point and it won't damage the incision. They told me it would start wearing off around day 7-10. They were wrong about that. The underarm incision just started coming off about a week ago.
I am a little afraid to leave it on during radiation for fear if it does come off then, it will take skin with it.
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Nash: congrats on the clean nodes and margins, such welcome news to have it official.
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Nash, always good to have it "on paper" that everything is clean, clear and perfect! Now you can breathe!
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Nash, fantastic news!
MarieB, fantastic news! Can't wait to hear your final report!
Jeanelle, I didn't have the glue stick around too long for my original surgery, but did for my port placement. My SO recommended that I slather lotion over the glue and let it sit. It softened the glue enough that I was able to peel it off. After a hot shower was also recommended, but the lotion worked for me.
Poppy
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Hi, Nash -
Congratulations on all your good news! I'm very happy for you. I also appreciate the suggestions re: small pillows & socks.
Heal well!
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I'll check with my BS, of course, but am curious about what experiences others may have had working at their computers after LX and ALND? My surgery (next week - gulp) will be on the left side. I'm taking time off from work, of course, but normally keep up with family/friends by email and wonder if that will present much of an issue after surgery.
I'll keep sessions brief, of course, and am used to watching my posture while working. Any other experiences and advice will be appreciated.
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Hopeful, just listen to your body. I didn't have any issues and mine was on my left side. I'd have died without my laptop
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Hi All -
Well my follow up was the finalization of the results that the pathologist was working on yesterday. All the margins, inked and shaved are clear. She actually only got one lymph node, it was so big and "juicy" her word not mine, it looked like the size of two. It looks like some of the microcalcifications were in the process of changing. One thing I wasn't expecting was that I had a combination of cancer types - invasive ductal, lobular, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ. She doesn't think it would alter the course of treatment per se. The BS and I discussed the necessity of sending out a sample for an oncotype. It seems like all the types of cancer that were present had different grades. So it is hard to actually represent it in the area below where all my other particular information is located. The clerks that schedule the radiation and medical oncologist appointments will call me tomorrow to set up my appointments. That will be my next step.
My BS said that there is still a fair amount of swelling in that breast, and fluid.due to the location of the tumor, it is sort of weighing down the breast - hence more discomfort. Other than that it is healing just fine. Has anyone else here had a mixture of cancers instead of just one.
MarieBernice6234
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Hopeful82014...good luck with surgery next week. I took a xanax the morning of...it took the edge off. It's all the waiting and unknowns that are so stressful.
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Congratulations Nash on your good news. Way to go!
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice, Wow, that's the whole menu of BC they found. I think you can keep adding Dx's - as many as you need. I think I'm still swollen - hard telling since my incision started at the 6 o'clock position to just below the nipple and the BS removed a largish chunk, so I'm pretty saggy now. But I'm comfortable so it doesn't matter. Just glad everything is clear. I had both IDC and DCIS - the latter was a surprise to everyone, it hadn't shown up anywhere. So I was glad she took out more than seemed necessary.
Just sit back, relax and heal. You've got a good start on your road to killing the BC!
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MarieB,
My pathology report findings indicate: DCIS, IDC and LCIS.
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Hopeful82014, they gave me a valium when I reported for surgery and I took it! Ask!
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Nash and Peggy - thanks so much for info, advice and warm wishes. All are VERY welcome. I do plan to have both the laptop and my iPad in the bedroom, since each one has its strengths and weaknesses.
Nash, I may well take a 1/4 of an Ativan, although it hits me pretty hard. I'm not sure what they'd think if I drifted off during my localization appt.
MarieBernice - 'Juicy' is the word they use about my node, too. (I just hope it's only the one that they'll be referring to in the future.) They say it with such relish, though!!
I think you earned some kind of award for 'greatest number of mixed dx in a single procedure', MarieBernice. Maybe the mods can fix it up so that you can get all of those into your tag line? I'm so glad your margins are clear and it's just the one node. Take some deep breaths and go back to getting healed and rested.
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Hopeful, I never take anything so a valium (and a low dose one at that) was more than enough. Just to take the edge off. Check with your BS first. I didn't stay in my bedroom at all, except to sleep. I was very happy "living." And that was from the time I got home after my lumpy. I did rest. I let everyone wait on me. That was nice!
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Thanks, Peggy. I probably won't take anything in the end - but I will check. I'm kind of a control freak.
I'm not too concerned about the LX - it's the ALND. Personally, I think I'll be climbing the walls after a day or so but we'll see. My husband works pretty long hours so it will be primarily the cat who'll be available to wait on me. So far, I have yet to convince him that it's worth his while to change the CD or bring me a cup of tea, but he's really sweet about snuggling and keeping me company, to say nothing of warming my feet.
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Glad you have a fur baby to keep you company. I've been able to teach my kitty to SIT for treats. As for tea or CD changing - not gonna happen. #1 doggie would be soooo glad to do it if she could
Do take the mild valium if offered. You'll still be in control - just mellower.
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Hey everyone, I am in need of advice and thoughts. Met with my MO for the first time expecting to hear our game plan. He said because my onco score was 20, I could either opt out or in for chemo, but that rads and tamoxifen would be guaranteed. So the big question - should I do the chemo or no? He said I currently have a 12% chance of recurrence within the next 5-10 years with just rads and tam, but with chemo that would drop to 3% chance of recurrence.
Thoughts?
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