Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Pontiac- Kind of what i was thinking...:p
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tgtg, I, too, was so happy to find another writer who tends to "long form" the same way I do
Sometimes I feel as if folks are shaking their heads and yawning as I do go on and on, but it's second nature to me.Peggy, lying on my belly for a prolonged time would also be a big problem for me because of my neck issues, mostly. I haven't been able to sleep on my stomach for years! And then since I separated my left shoulder, I can't sleep comfortably on that side either. I can't figure out why procedure tables upon which we're required to lie on our stomachs don't all have that hole cut out for the face like a massage table does. That would be so much more doable! I kept telling them that when I had my biopsy, but I still had to lie on the flat table and just get through it.
Trudi, whenever I think of Devon Horse Show, I think of that happy sort of baby blue color that is used so liberally around the Dixon Oval. And bright, sunny days (even though in some years it has poured instead). Maybe because the show is in the spring, it always seems very spring-like to me. It's almost the beginning of the show "season" for those who do that sort of thing, so it's full of hope and possibility. That seems like a good note on which to say good night to all you brave and hopeful ladies here tonight.
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Panthrah
Kay, love your long posts and Tgtg's also. Good night to you, too!
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panthrah....can't think of a better place than Cabo to recuperate!!! Great plan.
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Nash54- Yeah I think I can make the best of being waited on. hrm.. do i need to learn how to say " another ice pack please" in spanish
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Yesterday the news was reporting on genetic testing for $249. Just read this new post and wanted everyone here to see it:
JohnSmith wrote:
This information was posted in the "Clinical Trials, Research Studies, News" section, but since some never venture into that portion of the forum, it warranted a thread here.
A California based start-up called "Color Genomics" (or simply "Color") is offering a $249 saliva test kit for breast and ovarian cancer.
It analyzes these 19 genes: ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, NBN, PALB2, PMS2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, TP53.
The test includes the CDH1 gene. Like the well known BRCA gene, CDH1 is a "tumor suppressor gene". Without this gene, a cell has a higher chance of mutating. CDH1 is responsible for encoding the E-cadherin protein. The hallmark of Lobular BC is the lack of E-cadherin.
Color is not yet able to ship test kits internationally. Within the U.S. they can't ship to Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, or Rhode Island, as each state has different regulatory requirements around genetic testing. This may change in the future.
As a side note, my wife had the same exact genes tested last year, but spent over $2000 out of pocket, since insurance only covered a portion.
Color Genomics website. (Either go to new articles for link or google it. It won't work on this copy.)
Media articles:
Startup Pledges To Cut Cost Of Breast Cancer Genetic Testing From $4000 To $249
(Please pass this on. I've posted on Jan., Feb. and March Chemo group. If you live in a state that is listed, have the kit sent to a friend who can forward it to you. I am doing that for my niece in Florida.)
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thanks Peggy. I will check those out today. I have always worn padded bras so will see what I can do to make me feel like I still have a figure
Warner bras are okay but at times the left side bothers me where scar is
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Florida, I go back and forth on padded bras. Sometimes I want to appear busty as the outfit looks better (or I want to appear sexier). Others I just want to be me. I hope you find the Walmart camis work. Just remember to size up as they are junior sizes. But they are nice and long. HUGS!
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Florida and Peggy, I never before have had so much to say about bras! Hahaha But let me just say that I am sort of in between on the padding issue, as compared with Peggy. Since I am really small-breasted and also tall, fairly thin but definitely with more of my weight carried below the waist than above, I have always felt that I need "something" on top to just kind of balance out my figure—kind of the same way I feel about wearing very short hair (need at least medium length hair since I have very fine hair and a smallish head)—so it really is kind of an aesthetic thing with me, more than necessarily wanting to appear busty (no way that's going to happen anyway) or sexy or whatever. At the same time, I really hate having thick, heavy, or stiff padding in my bras. I want it to "feel" natural even if it isn't quite. I wore underwires for years just because I really didn't know of any wireless bras that would work for me, and felt that some of the Victoria's Secret "lightly lined" bras were about right, padding-wise. Needless to say, I was jolted out of this rut by my Dx and lumpectomy, and then rads—all of which required adjustments of various sorts in the bra dept. I can't quite seem to get on board with the idea of wearing camis, though I can see certain situations where they might work. I've been pleasantly surprised, with much searching, to find that there are wireless options that seem to work for me, even with the scar and dent on my left side (which I'm still on the fence about considering doing any plastic surgery to improve later this year or sometime). The wireless bras are more comfortable with the location of my scar, which is on the underside right where an underwire would rub, and the ones with the "lift" padding like some of the Warner's bras stay in place better and kind of even out things with this new boob of mine. I'm going to try a V.S. wireless "t-shirt" bra next, mostly because it has straps that can be worn cross-back, supposedly (big plus for me with my separated left shoulder), are again "lightly lined," and I believe also have that little lift ridge on the inside bottom of the cups. Might work, might not—should come in the mail today, so we'll soon see!
Florida, not sure the position of your scar, but the sensitivity should get better as you have more time to heal. My surgery was a bit over 3 months ago now, and though the scar is still a bit tender, it's much better than it was (now that skin is settling down from rads, still a work in progress, with still a little swelling overall and soreness in boost area). It does get better.
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Kay, I'm 9 months out from my lumpy. The problem is with the SLNB incision, I believe, not the lumpy. I've always had issues with underwires but had found a brand I could wear that was really padded. Now I can't wear them very long. My pretty really padded bras are racerbacks and some are convertible. It's the SO (juniors) brand at Kohls. I'm determined that I'll be able to wear them again but we'll see. The camis I wear from Walmart are cottony and close to shapewear without being a shaper. I'm thin with a really big waist so I appreciate the slimming effect.
Just hope we all find bras that work for us!
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Peggy, I get that. Since I didn't have the SLNB, I can only imagine how annoying that is. It isn't clear to me whether Florida also has the SLNB incision (?), so maybe that's a factor for her, too. I think I did check out the SO/Kohls bras (online, which obviously isn't as good as in person), but depending on how padded "really padded" is, I might feel it's too much for me. Racerback would be great, but for now I'm staying away from underwires. If I ever go back to them, I have a boxful (lightly lined, racerback) from my past life (i.e., pre-DCIS). I'm not throwing them away, but we'll see if I ever wear them again. I will say that my waist, once pretty small, has been gradually enlarging—one of the many downsides of this whole getting older thing, right? It makes me glad for stretchy materials and waists in pants and jeans that hit slightly below the actual (enlarging) waistline. Of course, there's nothing stopping me from trying to drop a few pounds and working out more, is there?
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I'm actually working on that, Kay - reducing the waistline. I also wear lower rise jeans but I'm finding some of my previous comfy ones aren't quite as comfy anymore
. My weight hasn't changed in 10 years or so but the distribution has. I've never had a waistline, just straight up and down. The SO bras are VERY padded pushups. Give you about a B cup. They're pretty and rather inexpensive. Now to think some more about how I'll whittle down the waist. Got it....Sweatin' to the Oldies!
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Peggy, I'm impressed. I'm always kinda, sorta working on it, too. Just about to go downstairs and do a workout on our elliptical machine, usually walk with dogs but too rainy for my taste today, often ride my horse but not today, though I did groom him, and I'm kinda sorta gonna start doing some mat exercises that are especially good for strengthening riding position, but should also work somewhat on the waistline. We'll see how that goes.
V.S. bra came today and is awesome! For me, anyway. Super-comfy, good fit, and the cross-back straps are great for my shoulder problem. I think I will end my quest now
It's the wireless t-shirt bra, if anyone's interested. Costs more than some, but those straps are worth it.0 -
Kay, that bra doesn't come in 36A. You lucked out. Glad it's perfect!!! Who cares how much it cost?? It works!!!
I'm the same way but I'm determined. I do have a goal - looking good to visit the boys in June! I bought a Richard Simmons DVD - Disco Sweat. I like yoga but I think I need to move more to whittle the waist down. I'll let you know how it is. Found it at Amazon.
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Actually, I just checked, and I believe it does come in 36A.
https://www.victoriassecret.com//bras/shop-all-bra...
My 34A was sold out in the gray color, but available in the other colors. I'm wearing it now and finding it very comfortable. However, it does have a bit of "boning" on the side that some of the reviewers minded. It doesn't bother me at all, but possibly could irritate an SLNB scar?
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Kay, when I went online yesterday or the day before, I didn't find anything in 36A. But I'm fairly happy with what I have right now. Maybe sometime I'll stop in to a Vickie's and take a look-see. I'm just happy you got one that is perfect. Woo HOO!!
HUGS!!
BTW, here's a picture of me and DH celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary tonight. We did not drink a bottle of wine, there was only a small amount
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Peggy, happy anniversary!!! That's so sweet to see you and your hubby, and the bottle looks festive even if most of it was not consumed on the occasion. Photos can be so startling in their way; you look thinner in the face, and with longer, straighter hair than in your profile pic. But anyway, quite beautiful, and both of you have lovely smiles.
It's funny to be wearing another Vickie's bra when I thought I was done with them for good. As long as you're happy with what you have, that's what matters. My issues really have more to do with my shoulder than my lumpy, so I think I'm pretty satisfied with this one. Ready to stop thinking about bras AND boobs for awhile!
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Thanks, Kay. My face is thin and always has been. Pulling my hair back and new glasses seem to emphasize that. I love long hair and am growing mine back out. So much easier for me (with my total lack of talent) to care for than shorter hair. Chuck does have a wonderful smile but it's hard for him now to know when he's smiling with the Parkinson's. All facial expressions are hard. he doesn't realize he isn't smiling or that he's frowning most of the time.
No more boobs!
HUGS!!!
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Happy Anniversary, Peggy and Chuck. Forty-nine years is quite an accomplishment! Next one is golden!
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Yes it is SweetHope! How are you feeling?
HUGS!
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Happy Anniversary Peggy!0 -
Happy anniversary Peggy!!! WOW 49 years...that is something to celebrate. What wonderful memories you must have. The pic is lovely. Thank you for sharing.
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This is my first post and pretty much in this forum because I don't know where to start. Can't seem to find a good fit for me. I feel almost silly coming here after reading through everyone's posts since I am not looking at a mastectomy or chemo. I just feel so far behind the 8 ball on all this.
I found my lump myself about 4 weeks ago and saw the doctor 3 weeks ago. He sent me for diagnostic mammo which I had 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had a double biopsy on right breast on 14th. Diagnosed on 17th. Saw Oncologist first time on Monday the 19th. Saw surgeon on Tuesday the 20th. Having MRI tomorrow the 23rd. Pre-Op appt Friday the 24th. Lumpectomy and some kind of lymph node removal (didn't know to even ask) on Tuesday the 28th.
I am trying to learn as fast as I can what I need to know but managing everyone else's reactions to my diagnosis is taking all my energy (getting where I cringe if I have to tell anyone and I haven't told many)- well that and trying to figure out what to tell work. And try to figure out how I'm going to keep working and go through all this.
So, I am overwhelmed and just need some basic info on trying to plan this out a bit. What is realistic for returning to work after the lumpectomy if every goes right? (I am a technical sales consultant - retail but can limit weight and movement as needed but on my feet whole time) Can't plan for exceptions so just starting there. What are realistic limitations that i can give my boss? He is willing to work anything out, I just need to give him some idea to plan around tentatively. Looks like about 2.1 cm; Grade 2; Ki-67: 12%; ER 80%; PR 10% HER2 - of course that can change after the surgery but I'm going with the info I have right now in planning.
Second, I am ER (80%) so they talked about Anti-estrogen meds (???). I am HER2 - so it looks like I hopefully am not looking at chemo. The second biopsy site was a lymph node deep in the breast and that was negative but they are going to check more. Under the ultrasound yesterday they looked normal though. I am looking at radiation of course. Probably the longer term one involving the whole breast. I read a post how they are finding that the 3 week treatment is just as successful in Canada as the 6 week.... has anyone heard anything about that? I'm only 51 so I want to make the right call and not short change myself. Do you think I will be out of work during the whole time or that I might be able to work part time? I really have no idea what to expect there.
It seems like everything I read is either a wonder woman rah-rah-rah that you can do it all or pure terror stories.
Any info will help this baby-step breast cancer start-up.
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Happy Anniversary Peggy! Love the photo! You make a beautiful couple!
Dyan, Sorry you are having to deal with this. I was diagnosed at 49, with 3 boys at home. Most women can return to work after a few days, depending on the job and extent of the surgery. I recommend you find out how many nodes they want to remove. Your doctors should be able to give you an idea of when you can return to work, since everyone's surgery can vary so much. There is helpful information on breastcancer.org. Here's a link for info on lumpectomies, including what to expect,
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy
The most helpful question I ask my docs is "What number should I call when I have more questions?" All of the info the docs give you is new and can be overwhelming. Once I got home and read the info they gave me, I would always have more questions.
I found it overwhelming to tell people and try to manage their reactions. I asked my husband to handle phone calls for me. Once I had the results from my lumpectomy, it became easier to tell those I wanted to know. I had more definite information.
Most women work the entire time during radiation. At my center, people would come in before work, on their lunch hour or on the way home. You should meet with a radiation oncologist.
BTW, I met with 2 breast surgeons, a plastic surgeon and a radiation oncologist prior to my lumpectomy.
Stay away from Google, and focus on the info available on breastcancer.org.
I'm sure others will respond soon. It's late here on the west coast! Feel free to let me know if you have other questions. You can send me a personal message if you think that would help!
Poppy
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Happy anniversary, Peggy! Just came online and saw that wonderful photo of the two of you! And we can only wonder how happy and golden those smiles will be next April, when you celebrate "the big one!"
On a less pleasant subject, Peggy--keep working on it. Here's some advice on the topic from a physical therapist friend: "Exercise alone doesn't help anyone lose weight--portion control is the only reliable way to lose weight." Of course, that's hard to do when facing a delicious slice of cake or a second glass of wine, but he's absolutely right! I re-learn his lesson every time we go to Japan, where portions are WAAAY smaller (and their content way healthier) than here--I come home at least 5 pounds lighter and feeling so much better. Then the trick, of course, is to not regain those 5 pounds! So far, so good this year--but we've only been home for 10 days of temptation!
Dyan--sorry you have to be here. As you read the posts, bear in mind that some women have been dealt worse blows than others, and need the outlet for support. If you could do a census of every lumpectomy candidate out there (not just on the boards), you'd probably find that a large number of us are a lively, active bunch of women who are not deterred by the diagnosis and whose lives have not been too interrupted by treatment. Just remember to live in the present, to keep your peace of mind. Living in the shadowy future of "what might be" just causes needless--and detrimental--anxiety. Poppy has given you much good advice, and I especially second what she observed about radiation--I had an early morning slot for my 35 treatments, and most of the women there then were on their way to work right afterwards, while I went to work out at the gym, since I'm retired. My rad onc (a recent bc patient herself) wisely reminded me even before rads started that, since I was adding an hour of commuting + treatment time to my usual day I should compensate by taking an hour out of my day. Good advice! TG
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DyanBrooks, welcome to the group no one wants to join. You've found the right place to answer all your questions (keeping in mind we aren't doctors but patients with lots of varied experiences).
Most of feel pretty good within a day or two of our surgery. I felt good right away. I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk and I really didn't want to either. As long as you aren't on pain medications other than Tylenol or similar, you should be able to go back to work in a few days. Do take time off though. It's important to give your body the rest it needs to heal from what some people seem to think is minor surgery. And in a way, I suppose it is. But your body is working overtime to heal and needs you to take it easy.
Radiation, I found, was more time-consuming than anything else. It doesn't take very long for the treatment itself but you have to get there, have the treatment and go back to wherever. I had no problems with radiation. Just make sure you have a big tube of Aquaphor to put on your skin (you can get it anywhere). I had the traditional six week whole breast radiation treatment. Some fatigue is normal
If you are post-menopausal, you will likely be prescribed an aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex. I've been on it for 7 months with no problems. If you are not, then probably Tamoxifen which most women tolerate very well.
You can't do it all. None of us are Wonder Woman. But we muddle through. One book that could be helpful (I found it so) is Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. While it was published in 2010, most of the information is valid. A new version comes out this fall but I think it is worth getting this version. Good, plain-talking about the whole breast cancer experience.
If you are able, please fill out your profile and make it public. That makes it easier for us to help you since we know what your Dx is, etc. You will get answers from people who have walked the path you are walking.
Above all, think positive! Don't anticipate side effects or problems - most of us don't have them. And even if we do, they are mild and very manageable.
You'll get through all this - not too much choice about it, is there? It's doable. Keep reading the wonderful information on this site and learning all you can. Write your questions down so you don't forget them when you have your appointments. It's hard to know what to ask when you don't know anything. It sounds like you've made great progress in the knowledge department.
We're here for you.
HUGS!
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Tgtg, I don't need to lose weight so much as to lose inches. Firm up those very flabby abs. I'm 5'7" and 135 lbs. I really don't like desserts and rarely have them. I do have my one glass of wine most nights. And I do eat rather healthy. Hopefully, Richard Simmons will help me tone up. it ought to be funny watching me try to dance to anything - I have two left feet, maybe even 3. How I've managed that I'll never know since I was in band for 11 years up through high school and I have a good sense of rhythm. I'll let you know how it goes.
Pretty amazing to lose weight on vacation. I suspect that may not be the case for me when I visit the sons in June.
Thanks for the good wishes. I find that I don't look too far ahead with DH. Parkinson's is such a crappy disease and its course is very uneven. I take each day as it is.
HUGS!
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Dyan, I second what everyone else has said, and will just add that I did have the shortened course of radiation. Mine was 15 whole breast treatments, immediately followed by 4 boosts to the tumor bed area. The whole thing, with weekends off, took slightly less than a month (started March 3rd or 4th, finished March 30). I believe in every other way it's been found that the shorter course is entirely comparable to the longer course, and that being the case, I was definitely happy to get it done faster. I got through it pretty well, with some expected skin effects (but not really severe) and some expected fatigue late in the course, which increased when I caught a virus one week out of treatment but which was just about resolved within about 3 weeks of finishing.
I felt pretty good by the day after my Lx, and was back riding my horse 6 days after (though still babying a sore boob and careful to wear a comfy, soft and supportive bra). I kept exercising throughout both surgery and rads, and that's helpful, I think. People's experience varies, but I do think most people are able to return to work shortly after surgery (several days, at most) and keep working through rads. Depends a lot on your individual job requirements, of course, and your individual response to treatments. There's lots of support here, which is invaluable. It's overwhelming, especially at first, so try to breathe and take it one step at a time. Ask questions and vent as much as you need to.
tgtg, you're so right on the need for portion control to lose weight. That's so annoyingly true
But exercise is so good for us in every other way, and probably a little of both is in order for me (like Peggy, not overweight but unfortunately redistributed as I get older!). The Japanese do eat so much better than we do! Luckily for me, I love most of the foods that I imagine (?) are included in the Japanese diet, but the portion control definitely does take self-policing. And the second glass of wine, well . . . Peggy, I could never dance to Richard Simmons. I would be falling over laughing too much. Will you do that in privacy, or with a friend??
Parkinson's is indeed a crappy and unpredictable disease, as is our SIL's MS (now in an unexpected, very crappy phase) or the ALS that a wonderful young man who is a veterinary partner of our daughter's is dealing with. Ugh. It's very hard to look ahead with these awful diseases, so best to live in the moment—which is something we all should do, of course. I wish many happy moments for you and Chuck.
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Kay, whatever made you think I would actually do Richard Simmons with a friend? Good grief! It'll be bad enough with just me! We'll see if I'm laughing too hard to dance! I will not be posting a video
Maybe I'll show progress with my tape measure or just post it.These neurological diseases are devastating. Very unpredictable and so little to be done for them. Hope your SIL goes into remission quickly. ALS is awful. I'm doing my best to live in the day. DH is seriously depressed right now, realizing that he is never coming home and that he can't travel with me to see the boys. Not much I can say to cheer him since I cannot care for him at home. I'm having a serious pity party right now. I'll get through it - just having one of those days.
HUGS to you and the family.
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Yes, neurological diseases are devastating. I understand his depression. I met with my lawyer with a few questions about applying for Medicaid for my mother with Parkinsons. I need financial help for her care and hoped to supplement to keep her at home. My lawyer said he didn't want to discourage me, but from his vast experience with Medicaid in Indiana, he told me to expect little to no help in keeping her at home. He advised me to use what funds of mine I have to support her and get on waiting lists for the "better" nursing homes close to family and friends. That knocked the wind out of my sails. It basically means that no matter what I may try, she will end up in a nursing home. For over ten years she has said no nursing home for her. In the county she lives in there are limited decent (not good) choices, all with long waiting lists. I left to fly to Oregon with her thanking me for keeping her at home with her current caregivers. I don't know how or when to tell her.... I feel so guilty that this is where we are. This is a bigger issue for me than my breast cancer.
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