Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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I hope that helps it start loosening up, Nash. Enjoy the yoga - is that something you've done for a while? I've wanted to but haven't ever really gotten into it. I like working out at home, so have to really make a push to get myself to a yoga studio if it's ever going to happen. I know there are yoga cds, too, but think it would be best to at least start with a class.
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Hopeful...I've been doing yoga for years. I go to our local YMCA which is about 10 mins from my house. Even though I've been doing yoga for years I stick with the beginner classes. They are great for balance and stretching and for relaxation. I have to be in a class environment or else I'll find every excuse in the book not to do it at home. We actually have a workout room in our basement that my husband uses but I'm not that disciplined.
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That must be nice having the Y so nearby, Nash. It sounds as though you get a lot from it. Thanks for the very informed perspective on the classes, too.
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Nash...I should do yoga, but I am really not disciplined! My daughter is so strong when she does her poses...it amazes me!
Stretching really does help...I even have a pulley system from my pt that I use but have not been doing it like I should...I think rads also tightened things up too.
Still need to be aware of things that could cause lymphedema...adjust yoga poses where your arm is not used as much like for certain positions...handstand type things...but asking a pt about that would be a good idea...I was told to wear my sleeve when kayaking or doing repetitive motions...so I did that the other day. I haven't had lymphedema issues but I believe we are always at risk for a flare up. Hang in there ladies and have a great day! Rosie
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Had my follow-up appt today and looks like I'll be starting Femara. Peggy and Hopeful looks like you've been doing good on it so far....hoping the same.
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I'm sure you will do well on femara. Lots of women do. HUGS!
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Good for you, Nash. I hope it works out as well for you as it has for Peggy and I.
Granted, I've only been on it a month but have honestly not experienced a single side effect. I take it at night, just before bed, so that IF there's any drowsiness or dizziness, it's not an issue. Frankly, with my issues with sleep since dx, I welcome anything that helps me fall asleep.
Again, hope it works out very, very well for you, Nash. Keep us posted.
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Nash and Hopeful, I take my Arimidex in the morning. No drowsiness from it as far as I can tell. I've only been on it a month also.
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Hi! I take my Arimidex in the morning as well.
Wanted to throw something out there - - had my follow up with surgeon last month and she asked how I was doing on it; told her I wake up in the morning and my ankles are so stiff, feels like I am walking on stilts for a little bit and also at work, if I sit for long periods of time when I get up I am really stiff.
She told me to take GLUCOSAMINE!!!!! I have to say, I have been on it for two weeks and there is a difference for me. If you are feeling joint pain, I suggest you give it a try. I would say my stiffness has decreased about 75% - no joking.
Now....maybe it's the timing, maybe my body was starting to get used to the Arimidex but I started noticing a difference within a few days.
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Thanks Dogsneverlie....I happen to have some on hand so I'm going to start taking as a precaution...can't hurt.
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DogsNeverLie, are you taking Fosamax, too? I haven't had any joint issues but it's only been a month. I'm on Fosamax. Glucosamine sounds like a good idea. I may just add it to my mix if it plays nicely with the Fosamax. Glad it worked so well for you!!!!
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No Fosamax - just Arimidex. It was maybe about a month before the joint pain kicked in I think - can't remember!
I am hoping the glucosamine is working and I am not imagining it!!
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Thanks for the heads up on glucosamine, Dogs. If I run into any joint pain I'll give it a try.
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Hi all, in a week and a half I will be having a lumpectomy. I will have to get the wire inserted and the dye injected. I will be having at least 3 nodes removed. I did chemo first and MRI shows that my tumor is totally gone. I was wondering, on average, how long is the recovery time. I am a mail carrier and it is a physical job. My surgery is on my right side and I use my right arm a lot for work. I just need to know how much time I need to take off. Thanks!
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MeToo14....Everyone is different in recovery time but I was told to give it about 2 weeks. I still took it easy with that arm even after the lumpectomy because I had internal radiation soon after. The lumpectomy site itself was not bothersome it was where the node was removed. I only had 1 node removed. You just don't want to hamper your healing by pushing yourself too soon.
Just wondering,if the tumor is gone what are they removing with the lumpectomy?
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I will be two weeks on monday
I am a RN and I took 4 weeks off, I'm thinking 3 might have done the trick. The right arm is just sore to lift amd the node incision is what is the most bothersome.
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I was off work about 1 1/2 weeks. I came back and only worked about 1/2 a day that first week and then full time the week followinig. I have a desk job and was able to come back and not do too much for the first couple of weeks.
Good luck with your surgery!
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Hi All -
Sorry I haven't written in a few days, I was busy trying to do some work at home. As it turns out, I did mention my complaints to both the oncology nurse and my oncology doc. Two different professionals and two different answers. The doctor was starting to believe that it was some reactions. The oncology nurse not so much. So what I did was to call my surgeon and present my story and concern. My surgeon stated that she didn't deal in "absolutes" and time tables. The clinicians tend to think in absolutes. i said that unlike the doctors an technicians, I know my own body more than they do. I live with(in) it. Finally some one who understood. Thesurgeon gave me options for controlling my side affects - Hydrocortosone 1 % cream on the itchiest side of my breast and Jeans cream on the other half - that was the option that I ended up with. It has been working beautifully. My itchies haven't bothered me much to speak of for a few days.
MarieBernice6234/
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Nodes and lumps!!! Two weeks since lump/nodes removed. The underarm area is a bit more swollen now compared to last week. Too much movement yesterday cleaning the house. Was fitted for a compression sleeve ( flying this Sunday). It arrived today and I was taught how to get it on. Left the PT office with it on for ~ 3 hours and my underarm/node area was less tender this afternoon/evening. ( Note I have no arm swelling.)
My two cents... consider a compression sleeve when you are healed enough for it. Got to think it might help you given your daily activities.
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Thanks for the advice everyone. Though I no longer have a tumor they still need to remove nodes and a tissue sample where the tumor was to make sure there are no active cancer cells. Hopefully I get a good outcome, I'm nervous.
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to MarieBernice6234 and others -i am starting radiation next week - what is Jeans cream? Does putting it or any other type in the frig help?
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Checking in to catch up with everyone, it's been awhile. I am on the tail end of this BC journey, so ALL of you, have hope, as this will be you soon too! Had my Lx and SNB on 6/3 and rad ended 9/10. I had some SE from rad, but wanted my recurrence rate to be as low as it can be. My report is now <1 to 2% per my RO and BS!!! I'm elated wuth that kind of news!! I've had my follow up appmts with MO and BS only 1 remaining with RO next week. Happy to say that my scars look nice and flat, some brownish skin still but I'm using my Vit E cream 2x day for a year, per RO orders. I believe him that it will help with continued healing (inside and out)! I'll have 6 month appmts with BS who will follow me from here out, and annual mamm. No hormone therapy since I am ER- PR-. Works for me and I feel glad for that. Hope that is good news (from what I've read). Well (((( hugs)))) to all of you and you will get through this.
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MeToo14, I would discuss with your surgeon the recommended recovery time given what you do for a living. Lymphodema isn't something you want to deal with. I am not allowed any injections, IV, or blood pressure cuff on my right arm for the rest of my life now that I have had nodes removed.
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Hi Yikes1 -
My treatment center recommends using Jeans Creme - www.jeanscreme.com while undergoing radiation. Actually I was advised by my radiation oncologist to start using 2x daily the week before radiation started. There is another called My Girls -mygirlscream.com. Either one would be acceptable. Both are available over the counter and are not covered by insurance. Either one will also do a good job on your scar lines, as well as protect the other area that will be treated. I, personally would hold off the Aloe or other things that you have in your fridge until they are needed. Just remember not to put any on for 4 hours prior to your treatment. Also, no deodorant on the side that is getting radiation and no shaving either. Hope it goes well for you.
MarieBernice6234
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Hi Sjacobs 146 -
How is it going for you? Are you still getting chemo? Things are okay in general here. I am not wearing the front closure bras as much because the clasp hooks bother my right girl which is very sensitive. Hope you are well as can be expected while in this process.
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice, thanks for checking in. Just has my second chemo treatment on Friday. This week will be rough, but by week 2 I'm better, and feeling quite normal on week 3. My hair is all but gone, but I have a nice wig, and some hats and scarves. Timing of treatments is working out well, I should be feeling good for Thanksgiving and Christmas, last treatment on Dec. 29.
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SJacobs, glad you are coping well with your chemo. Wonderful that the timing is good for Thanksgiving and Christmas. HUGS!!!
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So my Femara is sitting at Walgreens waiting for me to come and get it.....thought I'd give myself the weekend off before starting.
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Nash - not to tell you what to do, but Femara just isn't that scary; give it a chance. Besides which, if you're going to have immediate SEs, why not have them on the weekend when you can cut yourself some slack? (Although my BS's NP did tell me that any side effects other than allergic responses (rare) can take a couple of weeks to show up.)
At any rate, good luck with it and I hope it's very effective for you.
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SJacobs - glad to hear you've got the chemo pattern figured out and are getting through it o.k. (although, of course, very sorry you have to do it at all). How many rounds will you be doing?
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