Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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That must be very sweet - I wonder if I'd get anywhere trying to teach him to do that. His 'trick' is figuring out how to chew a hole in the bag of treats and help himself to them. He used to do that with the bagged dry cat food, too, back when that's what he ate. It didn't matter if he had a fresh bowl - he'd rather help himself to it via his homemade dispenser. Now that he has canned food, he contents himself with chewing open the treats.
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Birdgirl11, what a rotten score requiring a tough decision. I know it's easy for me to say, but I'd seriously consider chemo. That's what I had decided I would do if my score came back in that gray zone. That's a huge drop in your chance of recurrence. But YOU have to decide what is right for YOU. No one else can decide that. Listen to what other ladies have to say who've faced this awful decision. Listen to your MO. Then weigh it all. Whatever you decide, don't second guess yourself. Just go with it wholeheartedly and don't look back. Keeping you in my thoughts with loads of hugs.
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Hopeful, Taffy is VERY food driven. She watched #1 doggie sit for her treats and caught on quickly that if she was a "good girl" she'd get a treat too. It IS sweet. I give her pieces of her dry food as a treat. She also has torn open bags of food - with her teeth, previous owner completely declawed her. She is on extremely expensive dry rabbit-based food for her skin condition. She will eat ANYTHING I put in her dish. Never had a cat that loved everything like she does.
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Birdgirl11...just wondering if your MO said it would bring it down BY 3% instead of bring it down TO 3%? I read on the oncotype roll call dx forum of someone with a 18 onco score and they were told it would bring it down BY 3%. I have an onco score of 24 and was also told that with chemo I would lower my recurrence by about 3%. I know that all BC's are different and I am new at this so I hope I'm not confusing you.
You should ck out the oncotype roll call forum...
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birdgirl I noticed that you are her2 positive. In that case I would do the chemo. I am also grade 1 and doing chemo, but that's because it was In one of my lymph nodes plus my tumor was bigger than your's.
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Thanks for the comments, they are greatly appreciated. I had mistakenly entered my Her2 status as positive, but I am negative, sorry. Also, my MO told me chemo reduces recurrence by 75% to 80% in my case, so that's where the 3% came from, but I think I will double check that. I am leaning toward chemo, even though it scares me, but I don't want to look back and have regrets about not doing everything I could.
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Hopeful -
I sit and type all day on a computer at work. The first week and half after surgery, I didn't feel like getting near one. However, after that I went back to work. My surgery was on my right side and other than a little pain under my arm since I press my arm against my incision, I really have had no pain. I did place a pillow between me and the desk at the beginning just to keep from hitting my breast against the desk but that only lasted about a week.
Also thanks everyone for the advice about the glue. I soaked it in neosporin last night and this morning got it very wet in the shower. I was able to peel most of it off this morning. I have to say it really looks much better now that all the dried blood is gone and I can actually see the incision.
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Thanks for your insights, Jeanelle. And I'm glad the incision's looking so much better now. Heal well!
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Jeanelle, So glad you were able to get most of the glue off. I know I felt better once it was off... it was pulling and driving me nuts! The other thing my MO said was not to pull too hard when removing so I wouldn't damage the newly healed skin. But it sounds like your glue will be off soon!
Birdgirl, Your concern about whether to have chemo touches my heart. It is an important and difficult decision. Most importantly, it is your decision. It's one I had to make... and that I am revisiting now that I have my Oncotype Dx score.
I will share my experience. My sentinel node was positive, but was very close to micro-mets. Micro-mets would indicate no chemo, while positive sentinel node would indicate chemo. My MO recommended TC chemo, but the decision was mine. The Oncotype Dx test was ordered and I started chemo. I chose to do chemo because I am young (for BC anyway) and have 3 minor children. I intend to live another 30-35 years. I need to know that I did everything I could to kick cancer out and make sure it doesn't come back! Because I am "young", I don't have any other underlying medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the chemo. It is tiring, I am losing my hair and dealing with side effects. But I am doing okay; the treatment is tolerable.
However, I just got my Oncotype Dx score... 10... I am at "low risk". Tamoxifen will lower my risk of recurrence by 9%. Chemo and Tamoxifen will lower it my 11%. So is it worth it for 2%? Maybe... There are risks to chemo, after all. My DH wants me to continue with chemo. I am concerned about the long term effects of doing chemo, but want to do everything I can while I am young and healthy enough to fight cancer aggressively. I will discuss this next week at my appointment with my MO and do further research. I intend to continue chemo, unless I find information that would convince me that it's not worth the 2% benefit. It will also help be decide whether to do 6 cycles or stop at 4 cycles.
Please revisit your numbers with your MO. Get a hard copy of the report for your records. There will be a graph on there that will show you your prognosis and benefit. Wishing you the best as you make your decision!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Poppy
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Hi All -
I had a wonderful response all written in earlier but because I forgot to log in , it was lostminnthr shuffle. Hopefully I can remember everything from before. Yes I do have quite the concoction of cancer types inside of me. The main tumor size was actually a bit larger than what she had originally thought at 1.2 cm. It was a combination of invasive (ductal), lobular, ductal invasive cancer in situ, and finally lobular invasive cancer in situ. I am trying the msoft sock inside my bra. I have the special clasp in front bra made by American Breast Cancer company that have the little pockets in it. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be doing much to help.
Some of the different types of cancers have different grades.I Don' know how include all the diffeferent types in the area of my specifics. Maybe I will ask one of the moderators for help.
MarieBernice6234
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birdgirl ...double check with MO about your % risk reduction. My onco is 21 and the difference in benefit of using chemo vs not using chemo was very small.. both my MO & RO were very positive I did not need chemo. It is YOUR decision but please be sure you have your data correct & don't rush into decision. Hope this helps & best of luck... we have SO many decisions! BC is very overwhelming.
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Birdgirl111 -- wanted to throw this out there for you
I was also Stage 1, grade 1, but my lump was 1.5 cm, and I was post-menopausal
Now I was treated before oncotypes were a standard of care, and my mo and I discussed this.
She told me that she wouldn't even get me the test because for stage 1, grade 1, the dangerous side effects were more of a risk than the chance of recurrence.
Did you and your doc discuss this issue? Because the chance of heart failure or leukemia is also about 3%, if I recall.0 -
Birdgirl, if at all possible, consider getting a mammaprint test too. It avoids the dreaded gray area: the result is either yes or no chemo, nothing in between. If chemo is indicated, then you can have it without regrets. If chemo isn't necessary then avoid it at all costs: there really are SE, and some of them aren't necessarily transient nor mild. The test costs, so if you can't scrape together the funds see if you qualify for a research study.
Peggy, be sure to check out what support the American Cancer Society offers. They do provide rides for cancer patients to treatment: if a supportive survivor was available to drive you that might feel like a big difference.
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Palameda, My needs are care for my husband. When he is at home, I cannot leave him alone. He has Parkinson's, heart problems and short term memory issues. I worry that he will fall (he has even when I'm there). He doesn't always think straight and that causes great concern. Aside from that, he can't get in and out of bed by himself and is up many times during the night (and so am I). He is not independent at all. So it's not my cancer that is the real problem - it's just one more thing to cope with. But I am going to a support group meeting next week. While DH is in rehab I'm free to do some of these types of things and I intend to do so. Thank you for the suggestion!
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Hi fellow Lumpies
I am now a year out from radiation and my RO said I am healed and recommended I see a Plastic Surgeon for fat injections in the divit left from where the cancer was. Has anyone else had this procedure done? I have an appointment to see the PS on Oct 22. 0 -
I greatly appreciate everyone's take on chemo vs no-chemo. At this point I am leaning toward no-chemo due to heavy SE not outweighing the benefit. Also looking into getting the mammo-print. As ICanDoThis suggested, before the onco test, chemo would not have even been considered for my situation. Not that the onco can't be helpful, it's just not the entire picture.
PontiacPegg - continued prayers for you to have the strength for each day and blessings as well. You are one tough cookie!
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Birdgirll11, thank you. Can't tell you how much your support means. We all just slog through doing what we must and I'm glad I can do it. But getting rest IS lovely.
Your chemo vs no chemo choice is a bitch. Whichever way you decide, don't second guess yourself. Go with it. HUGS!!!!
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I will be having a lumpectomy on Oct 28th with SNB and nipple removal. Reading the posts to catch up but any advice greatly appreciated. I am 43 so Tamoxifen is also recommended after all the radiation. Won't know about chemo until after pathology and oncotype test if needed. That seems to be the most common question everyone keeps asking...are you gonna need chemo??? And why don't you just get an upgrade? I never wanted an upgrade, and now that I have cancer and they're threatened I find myself hanging on to them with more emphasis! Anyways, thanks for listening!
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ForHisGlory, don't let anyone pressure you into having more surgery than you need. From the Dx on your profile, a lumpy is what is called for. That's what your surgeon has recommended I'd think. It's easy for those not walking in your shoes to tell you what to do - it's not their body. It's YOURS! What did your BS say about chemo? Mine told me from the first visit that she thought it would be unnecessary and that was verified by the oncotype. You'll do just fine. Are you having reconstruction done? HUGS!!
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PontiacPegg, I had a meeting with a PS today and will have some reconstruction done after radiation. THey won't give me a clear answer about chemo yet, but it's looking like I won't have to have it unless the oncotype test changes things! Apparently I have access of nipple on the unaffected breast and they will be able to use it to make me match!
Yeah, they left the choice of surgery up to me, but pretty much approved that lumpectomy was all that was necessary! 0 -
ForHisGlory, your BS knows what's what. Granted things can change but usually they don't. Nice to know they can "match" you when they reconstruct. Probably wise to wait until after radiation. So far I can't say radiation has changed anything and I'm nearly done. Not terribly attractive but not ugly either. At 69 I don't feel the need for further surgery and I couldn't manage the logistics of it with me caring 24/7 for my disabled hubby whom I can't leave.
You'll do well!
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Forhisglory, best advice possible is to breathe. Nothing has to be decided immediately. Diagnosis makes everything feel surreal and the first response is to want to get the nasty thing out ASAP. The best decisions aren't made in panic mode! At this point I'd advise you to talk to one of your docs and get either sleeping pills, anti-anxiety or anti-depressants. Really. Unless you're in the amazing 10%, your mind is racing all over the place and at 2 am waves of anxiety threaten to overwhelm you. It's normal, and it won't last forever. Being as calm as possible and getting enough sleep are paramount right now.
Also, right now go shopping for stretchy sports-type bras a couple sizes too big. Get your nails done. Get a pedicure. Treat yourself kindly whenever possible. See what can be done for making sure nutritious meals will be around post-surgery: it's ideal if you don't have to cook. A casserole brigade sounds great: just make sure you get lots and lots of good protein (friends might be well meaning, but provide more starch than your healing body needs if you don't warn them in advance!). Find some good books to read, or maybe find some tv series on dvd's or to stream.
Whatever happens give yourself space to be you. Don't try to live up to anybody's opinion of how you should act. Some people bounce right back after surgery, some don't. It seems to be impossible to predict, but it's important that you allow yourself whatever time you need to heal.
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Hi ForHsGlory -
I couldn't agree more with the responses given just above my post here. Get the sports bra, the kind the clasp in the front ABC (American Breast Cancer Care puts out a nice line of these bras. Whether or not you ask for the ani-anxiety or sleeping pills to use at home, I would definitely recommend that you request something for the day of the SNB. It would definitely help to take the edge off. I regret that I didn't do this, assuming it would be part of the routine in the surgical holding area. I will certainly make sure I get one if I ever have to go through something like this again.
MarieBernice6234
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How are things going, MarieBernice?
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It's two weeks after lumpectomy...and I'm feeling pain in the side of breast, in waves. Maybe it's related to getting my period soon? My breasts always hurt before that, but it hurts more in the lumpectomy breast. The waves part is confusing. And it's like a muscular pain rather than a stabbing pain, and I can't quite isolate where it hurts either.
Ugh!
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Thanks ladies for all the advice! I will be hunting down those sports bras you're recommending. I do have a low dose Xanax here I will ask if I can take one the morning of. My surgery and node biopsy procedure is all in the same day. I'm thinking the wait for surgery after the radioactive stuff is put in will be the worst part.
I have a history of anesthesia related seizures and that makes me the most nervous. The dr has specific instructions from a neurologist so I'm hoping they are kept to a minimum. My last surgery was horrific because they didn't listen to me and I had them for 2 hours on the operating table as they woke me up...I have done everything to be prepared this time! As a result I will be an overnight patient.
Have a good day everyone and happy healing!
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Hello ForHisGlory,
I had my nipple removed due to place of cancer site and now I'm doing my last three radiation booster visits. My breast is very hard at this time after all that radiation. The tip of my breast is changing and the radiation doc says it will take a long while for the area to heal before I can really judge the outcome. I did not go with chemo, my Onco score was 19 the gray zone....For me, the SE's were to great.
My BS told me lots of women that kept their breast after nipple removal are getting 3-D tattoos for nipples. I am on the wait and see how it ends up before I make my final decision. Like you, I wanted to do what needed to be done to keep my breast . Good luck my thoughts are with you...
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Fionascottie,
I just found out Friday that there was cancer in the third margin they took in the re excision. So, chemo starts on Wednesday. My doctor did give me an rx for Atavan. I am getting my port put in Wednesday morning, and chemo Wednesday afternoon. I am getting Cytoxan, and Taxotere. The MO wants me to go off of my Crohns meds, I have not heard if the GI agrees with that. For Crohn's I take Imuran (azathioprine), which is an immune suppressant. The MO wants to start right away, since this whole process has been drug out over a few months. She said they found cancer lurking where they didn't think it would be. So, I don't even have time to think about it. Treatments are every 3 weeks , 4 treatments. So, I will go home in between treatments. For the last 2, I will stay in Milwaukee. Glad to know that you did ok with the chemo, it sounds like you had a much stronger treatment than I will have, so hopefully, my Crohns will stay in remission.
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Jeanelle,
I had glue on my incision sites, and it took a long time for it to come off, I put calendua on it after 2 weeks, and that seemed to help it loosen up. My surgeon said I could peel it off after 10 days, but I just didn't feel comfortable,doing that so I just let it come off slowly, using the cream.
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Well, the update from Friday is, that they found more cancer on the re excision. The surgeon said they did not expect that. They thought the tumor was all taken care of, but evidently some cancer cells have spread. I will be starting chemo on Wednesday. 4 treatments, 3 weeks apart.The port goes in on Wednesday morning, chemo is Wednesday afternoon. They decided to wait to do a mastectomy until after the chemo.The MO told me that they can't wait much longer to do the chemo, because the cancer is aggressive, and there is a time frame for chemo. My husband will go with me to Milwaukee for the first chemo, and if I have to stay in Milwaukee for more than a week, a friend will come to stay with me. I am hoping to come home between treatments. It is all happening so fast, that I don't even have time to think about it. I only have 2 days at home, and then I go back. I planned on going to ride my horse today, but the barn owner has a bad cold, so I don't want to take a chance of getting sick.. I just don't know how I will get everything done before I leave on Tuesday.
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