Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Thanks for all the good wishes. Home about 7:30. Percs. Working well.a little stinging with the isotope injection. Darn was looking forward to blue pee LOL. BS said no surprises . Just took 1 node. Should have results Thursday at follow up visit. You guys are great. Best wishes to the other post ops. Recovering this weekend!
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So glad you're home, Pat. Definitely rest and pamper yourself for the next few days. And, as you well know, take it easy for the next week or two. Nice that you're comfortable. Sorry about the no blue pee
Now off to bed with you!HUGS!!
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PontiacPeggy -- Being a main care-giver for someone like that is a tremendous amount of work and stress. We had a live-in care-taker, but she still wasn't strong enough to lift my mom on her own, so my 80-something year old dad had to help, or I did, when I was there. On my own, I couldn't do it! And my mom was just around 5' tall--not a big woman...! My father's mother had Parkinson's, too, and she was in a nursing home for a long time. My mother cared for her for about a year-- trying to get her to walk a bit--but it really was too hard for her, even when she wanted to help (she had my sister and I to take care of, also). I think we were lucky that my mother didn't need a lot of care (she was usually calm and had a bit of dementia, so pretty much sat in front of the tv all day --and there was my dad, care-taker, and me as much as I was around... but if my Dad's health had changed at all, we'd definitely have needed a nursing home, too.
My SNB incision started to bother me yesterday. I think I was moving my arm around a bit more as I was feeling better, so it started rubbing a bit and being irritated. It's better today, since I'm being a bit more careful!
The incision really is very small--just an inch... and there's no numbness around any of my incisions, so I'm lucky in that respect... and not feeling pain--just some very slight aches in the beginning or when things pull or push a bit (usually if I take off my bra or lie down to sleep).
My BS only took 2 nodes... I think because I had never shown any signs of cancer there--even with the dye and whatever other tracers they used (they might have also used the radiation-thing on me too, but I'm still a bit hazy on the details--I know I got the dye because I was totally awake for the blue pee!). I'd worry that my BS didn't check enough nodes, but he's one of the guys who pioneered the SNB, so I truest he knows what he's doing with that!
UpstateBee -- I hope your Oncotype test comes back as low-risk! and that your 2nd Op. confirms the decisions. Chemo is do-able, it's just a LOT more time and treatment that anyone would be better skipping if not necessary! Good luck!!!
My blue pee was REALLY noticeable-- a shocking bright blue! for all of the day after and only got to be a less shocking blue the next day. It was kind of freaky that it was THAT intense a blue color... I definitely wanted it OUT... They were telling me some people had their breast and even their faces turn blue because of it-- so I think they must really use a LOT of dye!
One thing about having had chemo, I don't worry about shaving my underarms...! I have no hair anywhere (just some fuzz left on parts of my head... my eyebrows were still falling out weeks after chemo!). *sigh*
PatRN10 --- My best to you for a quick and easy recovery!
Tresjoli2 -- Don't let the HER2+ / "aggressive" label get to you. The doctors don't stress that aspect so much because treatments like Herceptin have made the HER2+ dx much less of a problem than it used to be. However, higher grade and HER2+ usually does mean they might throw more treatments at you... depends on a lot of factors.
Since you're triple pos, that helps since they also have targeted treatments for that, too, so it might not be as big a factor for you (I'm PR-, so less treatments that will work for me). Don't worry about the labels! Even my doctors don't talk about my cancer being aggressive! That's the problem with reading through all the technical stuff in my Path report-- they label things in their own way and the doctors aren't there to explain it... I was just freaking a little at my change of grade--but as others have said, it doesn't make much of a difference in treatment for me.
Your tumor is smaller than mine, which should be good. And they are only guessing at the grade with the biopsy (they have limited number of cells they can check)--so your grade could change with your Path, too--hopefully stay the same or be a 1. You can't tell until the Path. And it shouldn't change your treatment either way!
Good luck on Monday! I'm sure you'll be fine.
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We really are lucky to be able to just do LXs...! It's so much less surgery than MXs... quicker healing and all that. Plus having our breast pretty close to what we had before BC. Many people don't even notice any difference, which is great! (So far, my breast looks pretty darn "normal" considering I had a 3cm tumor and small breasts. I still have to do radiation, which can tighten the skin and all that, but changes still should be minimal after that!)
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April25, you're so right about the lifting. Hubby is 6'2" and about 200 lbs. I learned many back-saving techniques by watching his therapists and really concentrating on how to safely do most of the lifting. And it worked since I never had back issues - even after 4 years of lifting him. Parkinson's is an awful disease.
I find I have to remember to regularly stretch my SNB arm or it tightens and gets uncomfortable. My Survivorship NP said that I'll be doing that forever. Nice that you're not numb. The only time I noticed that was when I shaved my underarms (sounds like that isn't an issue right now for you!) When your hair grows back in, let me know if you're numb - I'd be interested in hearing. Are you done with chemo? Does Herceptin cause hair loss, too?
Try not to drown! #1 son lives in SoCal and he said all the weather people were screaming that it's going to rain, the roads will be bad and WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE! I told him to make sure his life insurance was paid up
But I gather the flooding was treacherous. HUGS!!
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thanks April25 that was exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I was starting to sweat a little. And I can't really talk to anyone I know. No one IRL has cancer, and they just can't carry the conversation. I work with scientists with PhDs in genetics and even with someone who worked on herceptin...but they get uber technical on me and start shoving papers at me that I don't read. My doctors just kept telling me how great it was that I was triple positive. So when I started seeing aggressive made me nervous. My path report said high nuclear grade, but that might have been the dcis.
My front closure bra should be here today. I just want this part over with. My mom and dad are coming into town tomorrow
I got my period yesterday, and since I had to immediately stop my birth control it is heavy and it hurts...and I can't take anything. Erghhhhhhhhhh. Ok mini whine over. Pretty soon I won't have periods...
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Tresjoli2, Aw you poor dear! Cuddle up with a heating pad. You certainly are entitled to whine. We ALL do. It is very hard when you don't have anyone to talk to. We're here and glad to listen or tell you what we've experienced. Glad your parents are coming. Keep us posted!
HUGS!!!!
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April, I wouldn't worry about not enough nodes. MY BS only took 1 node out on me yesterday. he had explained that everyone's SN's will be different depending on how our lymph chains are set up and how they pick up tracer/dye. Some will need several removed and some just 1 or 2. Until he explained this, I never realized thst lymph chains could vary so much.Pat
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Tresjoli2 & April - Yep, I'm sorry to say my background puts me closer to those paper pushing genetics folk! Triple positive is a better situation (other than being blissfully ignorant of any of this!) than my single positive. Thanks again April for your way with words... and Tresjoli2 sounds like your extended support team is at the cutting edge of all of this.... Maggie
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Maggiecat don't get me wrong I love my scientists and they mean well. :-)
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Hello All...I had a lumpectomy yesterday with 4 lymph nodes removed. That part of surgery went as expected. Being brought out of anesthesia was, evidently, not a smooth trip. I had a respiratory reaction that compromised breathing. In recovery my oxygen level was quite low as was my bp. They kept me overnight. I'm home now. What I find is that my two incisions are manageable with Motrin. However, my body feels like I was hit by a truck; thighs, back, torso, neck, and upper arms. Have any others had this experience?
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So glad it's over for you, MariaTeresa! And very sorry that you had such a crap reaction to the anesthesia. At least you are home now! Hope you'll feel less like a truck by-product tomorrow. HUGS!!!
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Maria Teresa. I had same yesterday . No anesthesia reaction but can relate to the truck hit feeling. Pain ok with motoring but took stronger pain med and felt better and able to relax. Hope u feel better !
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MarieTeresa, I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, too, which resulted in an unexpected over night hospital stay. My surgery was about 4.5hours long. The first couple of days I felt awful... hit by a truck sums it up. Once those first few days were over, I felt much better. Hope your recovery gets easier.
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Good Morning,
I'm trying really hard not to take offense to the phone call I just had with a co-worker, her sister just died from lung cancer on Saturday and I feel horrible about that and told her that if she needed anything to please let me know, she then said that I should be happy that I'm not like her sister, I was shocked and still am, how do you respond to that, if at all? I understand that she is grieving and is upset but I'm not going to apologize for still being alive and taking care of myself.
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6Doggies, I think you should just ignore what the grieving co-worker said. She's obviously having a hard time coping with her sister's death and is lashing out or not thinking before speaking. Of course you shouldn't apologize for being alive etc. And it was hurtful. You did the right thing. Give her time and hopefully she will return to being the nice person she used to be.
HUGS!
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Hi, everyone, my name is Laura. I don't even have a stage yet. I know I have IDC, and I'm HER+, everything else negative and I had the FISH test. I apologize, still trying to learn the lingo. My LX is scheduled for June 3, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Haven't met my oncologists yet. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can to better understand and prepare myself. I'm scared. I have found that it is easier to talk to people who are going through or have been through this. This is my first post .0 -
Welcome, BobLajo! Sorry you're here but you have found a warm and informative place to have your questions answered. One thing that helps is to make your profile public. Check off the Dx and proposed treatments that you know about (your estrogen & HER2 status, type of BC, etc). That is so helpful when we answer your questions. Women who have a similar diagnosis to you will be able to specifically answer your questions.
There IS a lot to learn. I suggest that you read the articles here on BCO. There are specific ones for your hormone status. You might also consider picking up Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. It was written in 2010 so some of the information is dated. But most of it is still pertinent and it really gives you a lot of information and helps you understand BC.
We understand you are scared. We were when first diagnosed. It helps when you start on your treatment path - then you are DOING something to get rid of the cancer.
We're always here to answer questions, hold your hand, be a shoulder if you need one and listen when you want to rage. Each of us has done them all and this is a safe place for you. Stay positive! That's the most important thing in your unwanted journey.
HUGS!!!
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welcome Boblajo. Sorry you are here. We are your BC sisters. We are going through treatment or have completed tx. I finished chemo 9 weeks ago and am getting Herceptin only. LX on Friday. Learn as much as you can about your disease and treatments. We are here for you!
PMR53
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Welcome Laura... There's good info in the HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer threads. And you may have noticed several Her2 + California gals currently posting. TTfan is in the Oakland/SF area. April25 is in Southern California. I'm enrolled in the ATEMPT clinical trial for early stage node negative Her2 +++ BC. There's an active thread in the HER2+ section. It might be an option for you. Think you'll find wonderful support here! Maggie
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Hi Boblajo, Welcome to the thread. There are many helpful people here. I agree, there is a lot of lingo to learn! The docs will be able to give you an accurate stage after your lx, when they find out if the cancer is in your nodes. I suggest you read the info available on this website and write down any questions you have so you won't have to try to remember them when you see the doctor. Do you know if you are having a sentinel node biopsy as part of your surgery? And it's normal to be scared! I'm in SoCal. What part of Cal are you in?
6doggies, Wow, sometimes people just don't think. People have said crazy stuff like that to me, too. I try to cut them a break, but sometimes it is hard to give them a pass.
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Boblajo....Hi and welcome to the lounge. I know you are scared...I was very scared too when I was fist DX'd. You'll be surprised at what you can do. Hang in there you're in the worst part right now. Things do get better. (((hugs)))
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Laura, Nash is so right. You are in the scary part. And yes, you can do this! You'll find, like most of us have, that you have inner resources and strengths that you didn't realize were there.
HUGS!
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Hi Everyone.
Welcome Bablajo, you will find a great group of gals here and do not be afraid to ask anything. They have helped me out so much. Wish I had found them before my DX.
Peggy, you talked about having to stretch your arm you had nodes removed and was told you may have to do that forever. I am glad to know that it is the norm because I noticed that I am tightening up and worried about it as I have been busy moving my daughter and also getting my house ready for sale so lots of arm use and I do not think Yoga today helped though I did wear my compression sleeve for yoga, forgot it for the rest. Do you just do that wall finger walk? I had 9 nodes removed because they could not find the sentinel node so removed 9 and I peed blue for a week. I had spots of blue on my breast where they had been giving me shots. I wonder who got paid to massage my breast to get that dye to move!! What a job!! I used to get embarrassed at that thought, but now as my sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months after me, we hear the word clinic and we feel we need to tear off our tops even if we are in there for a toe!! LOL- she's too funny sometimes!
Take care everyone and enjoy spring if you have it. We got snow again!! UFFFF.. Icey horrible roads with cars in the ditch- A school bus even rolled but luckily the kids were not picked up yet and driver is ok. 55 MPH winds breaking down trees, tornadoes spotted in the state, ground covered in snow, farmers worried their crops are going to freeze. North Dakota got to love it or die trying is my motto!! LOL
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NDGrrl, I mostly raise my arm and then move it over my head - kind of like a ballet pose - and stretch it. This pose gets the arm, underarm and down the side (which I find can tighten too for some weird reason). I don't have a compression sleeve. Those nodes just keep on giving - UGH - 9 is a lot (but at least they were clear. I love your sister's saying. Hard to stay embarrassed when you have BC.
Your weather has been awful. My grandmother and her husband lived in the Dakotas back around 1910-12. I think Pollock SD but not positive. My grandfather fancied himself a farmer. He wasn't and they went bust. Gram said it was a hard life - she was a large town girl from Iowa. Anyway, hope summer finally arrives and stays. Fingers and toes crossed for the farmers and ranchers - such a challenge with this year's weather.
HUGS!!
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well I had my lx yesterday. It was a long day. I got to the hospital at 8:30am and didn't leave until 9pm. Procedure went fine, they were easily able to identify my sentinel node, though I'm not sure how many nodes they took. My problem was the anesthesia. They tried to use a less invasive breathing tube and I really needed the full deal. As a result my surgery took much longer (3 and a half hours) and it took almost two hours to wake up. But the procedure went fine. I ended up having three wires placed. Vicodin for pain. If I stay still I'm ok. I tried to move around this morning. Bad idea. Off to rest
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Tresjoli2, Sorry you had to go through all that but glad you are able to rest. First day back to work for me post Lx on Friday. Take care !pat
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TresJoli2, That's a bummer about your very long day, especially the anesthesia challenge. At least you are fine even if uncomfortable. Definitely take it easy and rest. Ice your incisions (not continuously though) and that will help. A supportive sport or Genie bra can help keep things from moving. I know you're very glad it's over.
HUGS!!!
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Rest Rest Rest Trejoli2, it will get better. {{{HUGS}}}
Welcome Laura, I came here a few days after being DX and was terrified, but everyone really has it together and shares good advise here. All going through it together, just some a way further ahead of the rest of us. You will learn the lingo really quickly unfortunately.
Phew, Oncotype 11 !!!! So relieved by that number. They would not give me the results yesterday over the phone, but I had them send them on to the Boston doctor so I could get it tomorrow since I don't meet my MO again till next week. But today I went for my radiation mapping and the RO asked about it and when I said they had it, but wouldn't give it to me he said "hold on, I'll call him now and get it because it could render this useless." And he got it. He spoke to the MO briefly and said he said to go ahead, he would not be pushing for chemo based on the result!
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Barbara, Great news! You must be breathing again with that low Oncotype score. Now get those rads done!
HUGS!
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upstatebee what wonderful news! I am so happy for you with that score
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