Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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you girls are so funny. This has been a fun..and active thread lately. There was a time it was pretty quiet, but not anymore.Thanks for the smiles
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Lisa, I think we're a little off from normal
Always glad to provide smiles. We all need them!!!0 -
Thanks for all the well wishes. Head is spinning again and the wait game once again continues. Just wish my doctors were not so far away- driving in ND winter is not always fun.. My GP is an hour away and my cancer doctor and whoever my OB GYN will be is 2 hours one way.. double YUCK!!Ok- enough of the whine I need some wine..!! LOL
Thanks for the laughs too
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NDGrrl, That's a lot of driving. Damn. Waiting is awful. Your mind works overtime and it's so hard to shut down. Obviously, several bottles of your favorite vino would improve things! HUGS!!
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ndgrrl, your post really caught my eye. I have been on tamoxifen now for only 2 months now and both months I have had terrible pains in my ovaries. It doesn't last for more than an hour or so I assume it was just me ovulating. Yesterday it happened again and was so intense, I had to sit down and was wondering if I needed to call the doctor. Was yours a constant pain or like that. I already have problems with getting cysts on ovaries. When I was diagnosed with BC, they were watching a cyst on each one but that sort of got pushed to the side when all of this happened. Thanks for your insight!
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ndgrrl--I'm sorry to hear your latest news and hope your docs will solve the problem quickly and with greater sensitivity than they have shown so far. I feel for you and those long drives--and in a North Dakota winter at that.
Your RO certainly seems to have aced that med school elective that Peggy talked about, "Tactlessness 101"! Luckily not all docs take it, though, and there are some good stories to prove that too. After palpating the remaining bit of scar tissue at my lumpy site, my RO (also a b.c. survivor) and I had a good laugh when she commented, "Well you certainly don't need plastic surgery with this in there!"
jeanelle--sounds as if you should call your doctor now, and remind him/her that the cysts were sidelined by the b.c. diagnosis. And if he/she pooh-poohs the situation, assert yourself and see someone else for another opinion.
Hoping for the best for both of you. Trudi
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Nice to see all of the posts, and the needed smiles. This cancer journey just really sucks sometime, and it's wonderful to have you all close by--even if not physically close. After reading up on my latest wrinkle, I'm sitting at my desk trying not to fall apart, and no appts. for the next 2 weeks, and again it's the waiting, the not knowing...
I'm lucky my doc's are very good, and want to hear what I have to say. Had a choice for my oncologist, and chose the woman who prefers to be called by her first name, and seems very caring--and knows her stuff. So at least the next step of my journey will be with wonderful folks. Is anyone moving onto chemo? Sounds like most of you are just need RADS, which is good, good thing. Just wondered if anyone was going to be moving to the chemo discussion boards with me...
Pegg...I was thinking that pink or purple would be fun. maybe bleach blond with pink tips??? Sadly, my girls are both far away at the moment, but I was planning on making it a celebration when the final shave had to be done. My GF's will be right there with me, makeup, mani, pedi, lunch, I'll wait to cry when I'm home with my DH, no doubt. The upside is I wont have to fiddle with my hair in the morning, and no helmet hair this summer, assuming I have the energy to lift up my bike and go for a ride.
Thanks for being here everyone.
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Shaz, where are you? Is your arm giving you any trouble?
Bikerbabe, I am in chemo. I think I missed something, because I thought you were still waiting, UGH!, for results and no decisions were made yet? If you just want to test the waters on different chemo threads, jump right in. I love my Starting Chemo January 2015. These warriors are amazing! You will get a true sense of what chemo life is like. Of course, I am prejudice 'cause I'm on it a lot. Feel free to ask questions or give comments. I know it is a lot of reading (a month's worth of typing) but you will notice our progression from Soooo scared to Hey, this is Doable.
Bad Cancer Patient, Observations from the Chemo Chair started out as a way to vent on thoughtless to downright abusive treatment from others. We veer offtrack all the time, but our goal is to be Bad Ass.
Bring pictures....Nothing brightens up these sad pages like a colorful, personal photo.
See.
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Bikerbabe, I am finished with chemo. My trip through chemoland was completely unexpected.... by me as well as the doctors. My infusions started in September and ended in November. It's a rough trip, but doable... and not at all like in the movies. The type of chemo drugs used will make a difference with SE. I had Cytoxan and Taxotere. There is an excellent thread for those on this regimen. Here's the link: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/800978?page=130#idx_3882 It is a current thread even though the name is "Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013". IF you end up needing chemo, you will be able to do it. BTW, no visits to nail salons during chemo due to the infection risk. And depending on the regimen, hair loss isn't a given. However, with CT hair loss occurs on day 12-15 after first infusion.
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BikerBabe, I do like the bleached blonde with pink tips. A great look! Perhaps you will manage to avoid chemo. So hard to plan when you don't know anything, isn't it? As Poppy said, you'll have to avoid mani-pedis with chemo
Your outlook sounds strong and positive - that's good. It makes it easier, I think. Just remember NOTHING HAS BEEN DECIDED!!! Enjoy your break and do lots of fun things! HUGS!!!!!0 -
Sweet Hope, what a cutie!!!!
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yes bikerbabe, join the thread for chemo starting your month, prob feb and also join the threads starting the month or 2before you. It was a lifesaver for me. My chemo was 1 yr ago, starting 1/13/14 and I joined the dec and jan chemo group and really "hit it off" with the dec group and have stayed with them and we are still very active and close and post often. It's really scary, you're right, but you know, it's not like we all thought or like in the movies. There's not the sick throwing up all the time, pale, weight loss appearance anymore and if your symptoms are difficult to manage then your doctor needs to do something different because it is not like that any more. Most of us are vibrant, we work, we exercise, we go out with friends, we shop, we cook, we take care of kids, we rock the bald or scarf or hat or wig look! We need some taking care during this time but not all the time. Surround yourself with loving people, ask for help when you need it, take help when it's offeredlike for meals, shopping, someone to clean your house. Laugh when you can and even at your yourself. Take pIctures of yourself during treatment and others (like your favorite nurse) to remember how far you've far you've come when come when it's over. Looking back, I did well during treatment. It made me strong and resilent and I still embraced those traits and all always will. Oh ya, and get the books kicking cancer in the kitchen (ramke and Scott)and the cancer fighting kitchen(Katz)and the chicken soup for the breast cancer survivor, and the breast cancer husband is great for husbands dealing with this stupid disease
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Lisa, Definitely taking photos is an excellent idea. I have been taking pictures right along (sadly, I didn't think of doing a "before" my lumpy). I just did my 6 month post-Lx/3 month Rx. I also have been writing a diary when something occurs. It's for no one but me. But I wanted to have my thoughts recorded, just to see how far I'd come. HUGS!
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I confess that I took a photo before my first biopsy. As it turned out, that first set of biopsies left no marks once healed. The second set did (dark scars and dimpling) so I'm glad to have proof that it wasn't always that way. I'm hoping my surgeon can tidy up after the radiologist.
I'm always happy when to read of so many getting through chemo relatively well. I do, however, know several women who are really struggling with it - strong, fit, positive women, so let's not minimize how tough it can be. I think it sets up a false expectation that this is just another thing that women sail through - you know, kind of like childbirth - and move on from. Chemo is a valuable tool but the experience varies for everyone, as does the effectiveness and the long-term side effects.
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Yes, I have been taking pics, and I have a plan to take pics with all of my bald friends, and you know there are tons of old, bald biker dudes--who are the nicest people I know. I'm not afraid of the chemo, and I am 99% sure it is in my future. I scared the cancer has gotten out is lurking in places yet to be discovered. With the LIV and now the extracapular extention on the node, just has me frighten.
I do plan to make a book after all this done. Shutterfly? or something like that, makes if really easy. Guess when my DH is watching the Superbowl (go Pats!), I'll catch up on a little reading as suggested.
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And yes, Sweethope, the pic did make me smile, thanks:) I'll be in New Orleans this July for a conference, and am looking forward to returning to your city. My previous visits have been a lot of fun.
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https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/735873?page=425#idx_12729
bikerbabe, I'm still doing chemo waiting for my lumpectomy. I did four months pregnant, now finishing up my weekly taxols --5 more to go. The hair was a big deal to me, and I've used cold caps to keep my hair through the really rough chemo A/C as well as taxol. No hair loss. Check out the link above if you are curious...
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Gatomal - thank you for stating that hair loss WAS a big deal to you; so many people act as though it shouldn't be. IF I have to do chemo I would most seriously consider cold caps. I'm glad your experience with the caps was so successful. Hang in there through the rest of the taxols - and good luck with all of it.
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I received the call from the Nurse Navigator today. They found a 6mm invasive component on path report. So, I guess that means another surgery to inspect the lymph nodes. I have a consult scheduled with the BC on Thursday morning and I guess we will see what the next step is. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear, but trying to stay positive.
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I'm so sorry to hear that, Lisa. That must be really disappointing. It's also tough to have to wait nearly a week to even find out what the next steps might be. This is not a good way to go into the weekend.
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Lisa, that's a bummer. You must feel so deflated. Keep in mind that what they found was small! I think you're right that a SNLB is called for. While it's annoying, and waiting for the path report difficult, you can do this! My Dx turned out to be the opposite. They knew I had IDC 9mm and found 9mm DCIS. Nodes were fine. So think positive, hard as that may be. HUGS on the crap report. But better to check everything out now.
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Lisa, I'm just guessing here but I would bet your nodes are o.k., since it's such a small section of IDC. Crossing my fingers for you.
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Thanks all. I was looking back at my MRI report and nothing showed up in my lymph nodes, so I'm sure that's what they will find. Just sucky having to go through another surgery. Bills are starting to pile up! One day at a time! I'm glad I found this place, so that I can let it out. Haven't said anything to anyone but my husband and boss at work since it will most likely mean more time off. Thank God for FMLA and sick time built up!
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Lisa,
Sorry to hear that and I understand - I've been through this too. Started with DCIS, but mine was Grade 3. After lumpectomy I got a call on Friday night from my BS with the IDC news.
Good luck, let's hope for the best.
BB
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Hi Shaz and all Others who Recently Had Surgery -
I am glad to hear that everyone has returned from the hospital, and that things went well in the end, Just heed the advice, get lots of rest and use the ice fairly liberally, Don't do any lifting either. I had a lumpectomy recently and was told not to lift anything heavier than 1 gallon of milk. Keep reaching out for help and support.
MarieBernice6234
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Lisa, Sorry your path report is leading to more surgery. It is a small area, so hopefully your nodes will be clear.
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Hmmmm, maybe I should take a picture of my good looking RO resident! ;-)
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Sure, Poppy! We could use a little cheesecake on this thread.
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Ugh, Lisa, sorry you have to go through another surgery! Bet you're right, though, and it will just be a minor bump in the road. Thinking of you.
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I had my surgery yesterday. The path report waiting begins. The new surgeon was only planning on taking a little from each side of the original biopsied area. She told my sister that the tissue in the area was collapsed (from the previous biopsy) and she had to take a larger amount. Has anyone heard of this happening? I have been googling to try and get information on how this happens and what exactly it means. I can't find anything. I was sick all day yesterday and the surgeon is off today. If I can't find anything I will call her next week. But hoping someone here might have heard of this happening. Thank you.0
