Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Thanks for that info, ndgrrl. I'm glad to hear you're so much more comfortable AND happy. I hope all the grafting takes! Best to you in 2015.
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Hi all,
I attempted to go the FG route (have posted before) but insurance would not cover it - seems it is covered for mastectomy but not lumpectomies, at least my version of BCBS would not cover. I hope my fellow lumpies do not get angry with me but personally, I understand why more consideration is given to women who have to have the mastectomy; I think about how upset I am about my left breast and can only imagine what women with mastectomy procedures go through.
Meanwhile, my surgeon wrote out a prescription for the mastectomy bras - it's a good option if you are not sure what you want to do. I did not go for the fitting because after I met with her she sent me up to the PS and we have scheduled a lift and implants in February. Quite a difference from FG but he was great at explaining the options to me - - I could have done one implant and a reduction on the healthy breast but I would have been really small and I have a broad frame - as it is I am at MOST a B cup; probably even an A cup so I did not want to be smaller.
I have worries of course but I am hopeful this will all work out.
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I disagree entirely about the mastectomy vs.lumpectomy treatment coverage and do not find that an appropriate issue to even raise on these boards.
In some cases, mastectomy is chosen rather than lumpectomy (and for reasons valid to that woman). In some it is a necessity. Similarly, no woman WANTS to need a lumpectomy and the grief and need to look -and feel- normal is just as strong in women with lumpectomies as mx. Take a look at some photos of lx. results and tell me that the woman feels any less imposed upon than a woman with a mx.
Just my .02 cents, but I do feel strongly about this.
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It is my understanding that this issue is covered by both federal and state law. Most insurance covers reconstruction to achieve symmetry, regardless of whether the "good" or "bad" breast is operated on. One of the websites that explains state laws is: http://breastreconstruction.org/breast_reconstruction_insurance_coverage.html
Information on the federal law, Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, can be found at: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/managinginsuranceissues/womens-health-and-cancer-rights-act
Personally, I think whatever a patient choses for her/his body, should be covered.
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Thanks, Poppy.
I hope your rad. went easily today!
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Hi, I was concerned that the fat grafting would not be covered from my BCBS also but the plastic surgeons office said it is reconstruction because of breast cancer and not elective plastic surgery so it has to be covered by insurance and it was. My insurance company never said a word about it since it was reconstruction.
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Hi All, Lumpectomy scheduled for 1/27. Question: how long do you think "normal" recovery takes?
Best of luck to everyone. {HUGS}
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Carriek, I think recovery time will depend on here the tumor is located and how much tissue is removed. I took the day of the surgery and the day after, and was back to work. I have an office job with little to no physical activity required. My tumor was located near my arm pit, so they didn't have to cut through much Breast tissue. I also tend to tolerate anesthesia well.
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Carriek, I had surgery on 9/2 and was back to work by 9/10. I have an office job and probably could have gone to work before then but just felt I needed a few more days to pull myself together before going back.
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As the others have said, depends on the location and extent of the surgery primarily. I was fine the next day, and the day after that was back at the gym doing cardio and legwork. But my small tumor was at 11 o'clock, about 5 cm above the nipple, only one node was removed, and I needed no pain meds afterwards, Good luck on your surgery--you'll do fine!
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Hate to be the thorn in this rose, but I am still recovering from my ALND of Nov. 12. I am just now celebrating two days off of pain meds. BS says it should be better by four months...chit! I've only been out of the house for short jaunts as riding in a car is too jiggly (a seroma at lumpectomy site). I am fat and 65 and that is the reason for this ALND complication.
My mother had a radical mastectomy at age 92 by the same surgeon and never needed a pain pill! If she was employed, I'm sure she would have been back to work within days...go figure!
You look trim and young and should have an easier time of recovery, but please read up on all aspects of this surgery. I wanted to treat my cancer aggressively but if I knew then what I know now, I would have not agreed to the ALND.
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Carriek...I was fine the day after but I took it easy for the weekend. My surgery was on a Friday and I was back to my regular routine by Monday. I don't work outside the home. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.
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Hi All -
My lumpy area is finally starting to decrease in redness. My hair follicles are less burned or damaged as before. I have a question though. Some of the areas that have started to peel looks weird. If any of you have seen the ad on social media about the woman who is 70 years old and peels the skin off her face to look younger underneath. It really looks weird. Has anyone else had this experience?
MarieBernice6234
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Carriek, I also was fine right away. Took a pain pill because I thought I should at the hospital in recovery. I took Tylenol (regular) at night to insure I slept but I wasn't in pain. I don't work outside my home, but at the time I was the full time caretaker for my DH. My sons came in and took care of him. I wasn't allowed to lift more than 10 lbs for 3 weeks and DH definitely weighed more than that. I found the SNLD more annoying than anything else - because it's in the way! You'll do just fine! HUGS!
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MarieBernice, I didn't have anything to peel from my rads so can't answer. You might consider posting on the Fall 2014 Rads LINKY. Someone there might have some thoughts for you.
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Thank you ladies. I really appreciate all of you. ;-)
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Marie....even though I had internal rad I ended up peeling after 3 weeks. I just kept it slathered in Aquaphor and it took a couple of week to clear up. It was like a bad sunburn.
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SweetHope
Still recovering and in physical therapy, 16 months post surgery to regain full function of arm and fingers (lost full function of both middle fingers due to surgical nerve damage). Cording was/is painful, recovery has been slow, but getting better. Size, age and physical activity was not a factor for me. Fitness instructor and 3 mile a day speed walker before BC. Just starting to build muscle back in surgery arm. Cancer does not discriminate.
Carriek30
What is normal surgery recovery? Surgery is unique to each of us.
Surgery recovery: size and location of tumor, other tissue involved (chest wall, rib bones, underarm tissue); number of nodes removed (if there are complications with node removal, seroma drainage or lack thereof, nerve damage from node removal) can impact loss of nerve function down to hand and fingers; other organs close to the tumor (heart, lung, etc.); cording of the arm and/or tumor bed areas (physical therapy recommend to resolve, could take several months to 1 year of specialized therapy). These are just some possible complications, not that you or anyone else will experience them, but being aware and having a discussion with your surgeon is best prior to surgery so there are no surprises after the fact and they forgot to advise you. Not all cancer medical specialists are experts at surgical side effects or complications. Keep a daily log of any symptoms you may have after surgery, contact your surgical team if you have any concerns or experience any of the side effects identified in the links below.
If you have an opportunity to attend cancer education classes at your BC center, take advantage of them. Gain as much knowledge as you can prior to surgery. Knowing your options before you start the process can be empowering.
Surgical support bras are key to healing and recovery. Insurance should cover the size changes as your body adjusts throughout the process. Comfort is important, support helps you heal with less pain.
Wishing you the best possible outcome of your surgery procedure. Hope the information assists you with knowledge that is valuable to your recovery.
Cording:
http://stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64/topic/739344
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Fascial-cording/show/259250
Seroma:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3542843/
Nerve damage (surgery or medications)
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/neuropathy
http://www.cancercenter.com/community/managing-side-effects/nerve-damage/
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Yoga Girl, Gentle (((hugs))) to you. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I was at the gym 5 or 6 days a week before this happened, so I know how active you were....I never saw a fitness instructor sitting down. Thank you for all the info.
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Hi!
I am scheduled for a lumpectomy/node removal on January 12. I know that many ladies wear sports bras while recovering from their lumpectomies. Is there any particular kind you would recommend? Thanks for any insights you can give me regarding this.
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ElaineTherese, I wore Genie bras. I am very small (barely an A cup) and they worked well for me. I'm a 36A and wore the Large size. Sports bras were not comfy for me although many women find them great.. Many HUGS!!!!
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ElaineThere: I wore the sports bra that I had except I put on an undershirt first….then the bra over when I exercised. This helped me to keep the friction down when walking.!
Good luck with your surgery!
Have a great day!
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ElaineTherese - You might check to see if your hospital or another nearby breast center has a fitting service. You should be able to select from several styles that would suit your post-surgical needs. Most such services will bill your insurance for you.
I've not had my lx. yet but purchased 2 zip up sports bras back when surgery was originally scheduled and have found them very useful post-biopsies. I'm not large but I have found the increased areas of support helpful. They also have little pockets for drains that I've used to hold small ice packs at times.
Good luck on the 12th. I hope all you margins and nodes are clear.
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Elaine I also had the zip up bras that I bought off of amazon. I liked them so much I bought two more. I was given a compression zip up bra after surgery and was told to wear it for a week
Nancy
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I liked the Genie bra, too. I have a long torso and they did not pull on my shoulders. I kept the foam padding in them for added pressure and cushion. (((Hugs)))
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I bought front zip sports bras in two different sizes at KMart, because I didn't know how swollen I would be. I have large breasts and the most important thing post surgery was keeping them still. I liked the Genie Bras later on, but they didn't keep my breasts still enough right after surgery.
Find out where your incision will be so what ever bra you buy will not have seams that will rub the incision.
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Bras, compression garments and ice packs; post surgery recovery
Hospital/clinic fitting service is recommended prior to surgery so they have your measurements for post surgery recovery prior to leaving the medical facility. Insurance billing process is different for every medical facility (check to make sure prior to surgery so there are no surprises). If you need additional fittings and bras as your size changes, recommend selecting the facility that does all the paperwork for you (less stress not having to file multiple paper packages).
https://www.liberatormedical.com/mastectomy-fashions/lp/mastectomybras.php (to give you ideas on what is available)
surgical bra (they don't provide much side support or lift); it was an odd experience to wake up and find my surgical breast in a new location, my armpit, not good. None of the nurses noticed until I pointed it out:
http://www.saveritemedical.com/product/post-surgical-bra-medium-34-36-b-d-da-702.html
compression bra (after your surgical area heals for a few weeks):
http://www.parkmastectomy.com/product/ABC-519&Store-Code=PM&Category-Code=Compression-Garments.html -this bra was my first selection after surgery (nude color only) side panels, 91% cotton, 9% spandex. Had to get something that provided side breast support. Ladies you know what I'm talking about when you are lying on your back and your breast rests in your armpit.
http://www.thepinkbra.com/anita1094.html#.VKT1_E1gPmQ -this bra was my next purchase (needed even more support during and after rads) as it has a Velcro strip in the back (stays in place) so you can add a post op belt for extra support; belt also has Velcro in the front so you can adjust as needed throughout the day (see photo diagram for close up), available in black or white. 85% cotton, 15% spandex. German made. Available in 15 countries.
Depending on where your surgical site is, will determine what type of bra is most comfortable with the correct support. For me the Anita brand compression bras without breast cup seams are very comfortable and provide much needed support for larger breasts. They have pockets for added support and lift or inserting ice packs. Ice packs were my best friend post surgery; during and after rads. I would use the ice packs I get at the dermatologist (these are twice as thick as the BC issued ice packs, be sure not to put next to skin without a piece of cloth) put in a cotton ankle sock then put the ice pack in the pocket of my compression bra. The shoulders are wider, it zips in the front with added hooks and eyes; also has wide Velcro straps for adjusting just the right lift for tender skin on any given day; and come in several colors. If they don't have the color or size you need in stock, they can special order, allow 1-2 weeks for shipping to your BC center.
There are also custom compression bra companies that will make bras to fit your specific body, check your BC fitting facility to see if there is such a store in your state or country. Verify with insurance to ensure they will cover.
Fitted for a compression arm piece (node surgery) and compression hand piece (finger nerve damage), this helped my circulation and pain levels so I didn't have to take a great deal of pain meds. Can't say enough good things about compression garments and ice packs for recovery and pain control. These were covered as a reimbursable for me, but each insurance plan is different.
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema/treatments/sleeves
Hope this helps with preparing for surgery and after care.
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HAPPY NEW YEARS Pontiac Peggy -
Is LINKY the name of a person on the fall rads board or does it mean something else?
Mariebernice6234
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MarieBernnice, "llinky" means click that word - it's a hyperlink to something else. If you hover your cursor over it, it should change to a hand. click and go to the link
Happy New Year to you, too!0 -
HI Pontiac Peggy -
Thanks for the information.
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