Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hi RMlulu -- A former Oregonian! Yes it is gorgeous around here. This last week has been pretty hot and steamy, but the humidity is now back to normal and we should have a beautiful day here for the 4th with temperatures in the high 70s. Bliss! No, haven't finished rads yet--I'm a little over half done right now. So far, so good though, with barely any noticeable skin changes yet. Since I only have 8 more whole breast zaps to go before I start my 8 boosts, the RO said it was pretty unlikely, given how my skin looks at the moment, that I'd have anything really significant develop. Still lubing and aloe-ing all the time, though, given that (as he reminded me) the skin issues are cumulative and I'm not out completely out of the woods yet. Thinking positive, though!
Happy 4th of July everyone!
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Hello everyone, I haven't been much since I've return home June 20, 2013 from the surgery. Unfortunatly, I've developed Cardiomyopathy and now on 20mg Atorvastatin, 3.123mg Carvedilol and 2.5mg Lisinopril. They said it one of the side effects for being on chemo mainly Herception. My doctor stopped my all treatments and had me start the Tamaxifin. I am doing pretty good with minor issues...I call it my "NEW" norm. Such as both my big toes are numb, my toenails are black still falling off, my finger nails are lightly black and feel like they are lose but I keep them very short (my right hand thumb nail is black). I guess I have a while before all the chemo is out of my system for my toenail and finger nail get back normal. My hair is very thin and curly (I had super think; bad lock like hair before chemo) so I am super excited my hair has changed a lot! I wear no wigs now as I don't need one anymore and I donated them to the P.A.L.S. cancer group here on my island. The doctor said I can move forward and start slowly to get back into things I was in before cancer, so next month I go back to the Bermuda College to finish my Accounting Program and I will gratuate December 2013. I am excited that I can finish what I started. As for work well that will be on the back burner for a while. Still having issues with my back and still taking morphine but I am in no rush to work but don't mind helping my husband now and then at the family business. Well I hope everyone is doing well. Happy 4th of July to you!
RMlulu Thank you for your kind words. That's a good way of thinking about the buzzer like in Red Lobster (its the same buzzer lol) but at that time I didn't like it at all. My husband says the same thing about my new breast but I really need to get it together and let go. I will...one day...soon.
LaurieParr Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I wish you all the best too.
Eikatho Thank you so much too for your kindl words. I am doing my best these days. Trying to get back on my feet slowly.
Nuama Thank you so much for you kind words.
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35 Smiling - Yeah, home! There's no pace like home:) and Bermuda! Ooo whoo.
Sorry that you've had problems with SEs from chemo. Yes, our new normals. Adjustments...you have had a journey since last August. Hope you are able to settle back breathe...pinch yourself and slowly jump back into the things that are dear to you! Finishing college yippee! Go girl! Proud of you:)
Sending happy healing thoughts and prayers!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Laurie - I would make copies of that letter and send them to whatever doctors referred you to him. Sending it to his office will do nothing. I would have walked out the second he turned his back to me and got on the computer. This is outrageous! Never let a medical person treat you like that - everyone should take note of this!
I hope you find someone who treats you with the respect you deserve. Good luck on your journey!!0 -
Laurie, have you found a new MO yet?
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Laurie,
I am sooooo sorry you had to go through that frustrating and insensitive experience. that doctor should not be in this field! I hope you can find a better more sensitive onco. I too will not go back to the onco assigned to me after my mastectomy. He was not as insensitive but he told me as well that I didn't have cancer since it was only DCIS and the only thing I can do now to reduce my chances was to lose weight. I left feeling confused and feeling like I can't say I am a cancer survivor. The doctors should not be doing this to their patients. Why did we need a mastectomy if we didn't have cancer!I am sorry,
Hugs
Nissi
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Nissi,
Please don't pay any attention to such a remark. YOU DID HAVE THE DREADED BC, even if it may have been small, cancer is cancer regardless of size!!
I hope you are feeling better physically and mentally by now.
As 'sisters' we are all pulling together and are going to beat this horrible disease.
Vickie
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I decided to take the plunge and have scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon to have 'the girls' worked on. I did everything the dr's told me to... lumpy, chem, rads so I deserve to have even boobs!
Have any of you had reconstruction yet? What are some things I should ask the Dr? I want to have the non-C side reduced and lifted to match the C side and maybe see if he can fill in the divet left by surgery. I don't ever remember a time when I was happy with my chest, maybe this will give me a new outlook.0 -
My surgery is at 6:00, below the nipple. You cant see the scar and there were no indentations. The C side nipple droops a little and the size over all is slightly smaller but nothing worth surgery for me. The node incision is slightly indented but so be it.
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I am just shy of 4 weeks after my lumpectomy surgery. My 2cm tumor was at 6 o'clock on my left breast and I had an oncoplastic sugery where they cut an anchor-like (upsidedown T) incision on the underneath side of my breast, removed the tumor and pulled the pieces together. (also cut around my areola to move the nipple/areola up so it would be back in the middle) I am healing pretty well but have 2 round sores on the vertical part of the cut that are having trouble healing. These were where the steri strips didn't quite pull and hold the sides of the skin together due to the oozing while I was healing (no drain - everything was spotting out of the lower/heavier part of my breast). The one closest to my areola has finally scabbed over but the one that is closet to my body (underneath side of breast just as it connects to ribcage area) is still an open sore. I have D cup breasts and even with the lumpectomy the remaining is a C+. At 43, my breasts are still in pretty good shape but sag a bit. So....this area stays a little shadowed, warmer than the rest and can be damp.
Anyone else have trouble getting an incision (or sore) in this area (underneath breast) to heal? Any OTC or prescription tips to apply to it? I have been spraying it with hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean and to try to dry it out.
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My incision was below but the surgeon used surgical glue. Same thing used 5 years ago when I had parathyroid surgery. No scab or oozing or healing issues.c cup.
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Thank you everyone for the advice. The pain is getting better!
LaurieParr - OMG what restraint you have. I think I would have cold clocked the bastard. I am really sorry you encountered such a jerk! I really hope you report him or something. No one should be treated that way. I was pissed off reading your story. I hope you find a doctor that will make up for the horrible one you had.
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I am so sorry to hear about the horrible treatment that you had LaurieParr! I probably would not have handled it as gracefully as you did! *hugs* I am very lucky so far and have had wonderful, caring people for my treatment. I hope this never happens to you again!
So this is my first time posting. I was diagnosed on June 7th and my first Lumpy (this term makes me giggle, TY) is tomorrow. I have a really good prognosis and my Dr is optimistic that we will not find anything in the lymph nodes.
And yet, even though I know that this is just a speed bump in my life I am a wreck. My emotions are all over the place and I cry a few times a day. I cant seem to control it. My husband says I dont have to and if I feel like crying then to cry. My brain gets it but my body does not. I am so extremely lucky though. I have an amazing husband, loving wonderful grown daughters and son along with a young daughter and four gorgeous grandchildren. My life is full and joyful.All in all there are a lot of funny things that have/will happened (I find lots of things funny):
- For instance the MRI, I have to put my boobs where? lol.
- Then the injections of the Nuc Meds and the blue dye, my left boob is going to be radioactive and blue? Wasnt there a Star Trek episode of blue women? I think i'm going to hug all the people I DONT like today
- I have to "frost" the "bad boob" today with lidocain with a stick. Then wrap in saran wrap! LOL!
- I have named my left boob the "bad boob".
Thank you for listening to my rant. I am so incredibly grateful for this forum, it has helped me to realize I am not alone in this struggle and that what I am feeling is normal and okay.
Peace and hugs to you all!
Rebecca
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GIGI
Welcome to our sorority, (none of us wanted to join, but are here anyway).
I love your sense of humor!!!!!. You have a very wise husband to tell you that you don't have to control the emotions. I too have been through that (also had great support from hubby), I could be sitting at the computer and suddenly the tears would just flow. LET THEM FLOW. I understand there are healing components in our tears.
Good luck with your up coming treatments. Sounds like you have a good BS. Keep us posted with your continuing care. Remember, if/when you feel a need to rant and rave we are here to support you..
May God Bless you!!!
Vickie
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Gigi-Rebecca Welcome to the Lumpies:). A great band of brave warriors and we will be in your pocket tomorrow (((squeeze)))
Breathe, keep your sense of humor and soak in the laughs hugs and giggles of your family and friends...great medicine:)
Yes, our worlds and words change so fast after that dx call, but tomorrow you will cross over and the tension and shadow will leave and Friday or Saturday you will be surprised how great you feel and realize that you have not thought about c and the shadow is gone. You have a plan of attack and you will be moving forward.
Tomorrow, confirm how when you will receive results of your nodes and margins!
Dont be surprise if you cry with your results...there is so much that we hold deep inside...and the path results release that...it's gutterial ...just knowing:)
Your hubby sounds wonderful:) yeah for his sweet support!
Now, did you get your hair done? Front opening tops! Zip front 2X larger sport bras, dove soap, journal, music,
You will do well and be fine!
Sending calm confident thoughts and prayers!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Dear Vicks1960 and RMlulu, Thank you so much for your loving and kind words of encouragement! I will keep you updated and thank you so much again. You made me feel better. *hugs*
Rebecca
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Welcome Gigi and franky. Sending good thoughts & healing energy on your surgery day, Gigi!
Franky, I had oncoplasty also, on both breasts (only had cancer in one, but PS did the other one at the same time to even them out since I went from about a saggy-D to a perky-B+/C-). I recall also having a couple of crusty/mildly-draining spots at the verticle part of the anchor incision on my lt. breast, but didn't put anything on them. It took about 6-7 weeks for that to heal up, and it took about 8-9 weeks for the scabs to finally fall off my nipples (mine were both completely removed and later reattached as free skin grafts -- not sure if you had the same thing.) I would check with your PS about using the hydrogen peroxide -- not sure if that's a good idea or not (I've read some debate about the wisdom of using it after surgery). My sag was basically all gone after my PS was done, so didn't really have any hidden/warm spots where skin would rub so my drainage might not have been as severe as yours, but still worried about it a little bit. You sure don't want to get an infection there. Maybe neosporin or one of those dermal patches like Tegaderm might also help?
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Ladies....I'm sorry I have not been on in awhile. I just read all of your notes. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Love all of you. I am at a loss for words about what you are going through. Please know that my heart feels what my mouth can't find the words for. I celebrate your victories and I grieve your set backs.
Gigi....my prayers are with you. This journey is so very difficult in so many different ways. We are all here for each other, so you are not alone. Ever.
I have yet to be assigned my new MO. It is supposed to happen in the next few days. I did however meet my RO yesterday and WOW!....he is amazing! A total 360 from the insensitive MO. I wanted to cry during the entire appointment because he was so informed on my case (without even glancing at my chart), kind, and soft spoken. He spent so much time with my husband and I and explained everything. He asked me a million questions and I feel like he truly cares about me. He decided on full breast radiation for 6 weeks. My husband was stunned. (Here we go...going backwards again. ) He truly thought I wouldn't need radiation at all.
He goes back to his denial over and over. He said to me today.."I don't understand why the whole breast if you only had a small area of PRE cancer." I wanted to explode. We had a hard time yesterday. A big part of me feels like my husband doesn't think I should act like a woman with BC. I told him I felt that way. Of course he retracted, but it was too late. He said, "Why wouldn't they just do partial breast radiation?" I said that I wasn't sure, but that I would ask the doctor. I told my husband that he obviously had his reasons. My husband said, "I don't trust doctors." I said, "WHY would he decide this full treatment if it were not necessary???" He said, "It puts more money in their pockets." I am sad. I feel like he thinks all of what I have gone through has been overkill. I end up yelling at him, saying "You haven't read ANYTHING...you haven't ASKED anything, you haven't researched anything, but yet you feel you can make these "off the cuff" statements to me?" Then he retracts and says, "No, I'm just so sad you are going through all of this. I just don't want you to go through any more that is unnecessary." *SIGH* What BC does to a family is horrific.
Thank you for listening yet again. Love you all.
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Hi Laurie -
Glad you had a good appointment with RO:). Yes, this BC is so hard on us and our love ones...especially hubby...he can't fix...he can't protect..hard to adjust to the new hero...superman&lois lane.
I had 28 whole with 5 boosts to tumor bed...remember my chest wall margin was less than desired but clear. No regrets. The longer protocol is kinder to the skin...less grays each zap. My rad team rocked:). Hydrocortisone and emu oil...ask RO what they prefer you to use to moisturize skin and start now...
My co pay was $45 and then no more ...great insurance...kept when I retired...pricey but oh so worth it and my BC center is an excellent NCI non-profit too.
Have RO explain the reduction in recurrence rate protocol provides for you...goal never again...destroyed as far as east is from the west.
Give hubby a hug, he's just trying to protect his princess from the dragon...how to train your dragon...watch out for those flames.
Breathe, you will be fine brave warrior!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Thank you Cindy!!!
Big hugs to you!!!0 -
Longtime reader, first time poster (ok, just reading for the past couple weeks, but hey, I listen to a lot of NPR
).My surgery is Monday 7/22 & that part freaks me out more than the possible chemo &/or radiation afterwards. Hair grows back, tits don't! Heck, I used to shave my head into a Mohawk, so I kinda know what I'll look like, no big deal. But cutting a chunk out of my boob? Ew, not cool.
I've been reading all about recovery & hoping it'll be easy, but I'm a wuss & hate pain (who likes it?). The biopsy hurt for 4 days, I was always icing it & taking pain killers & wearing ugly non-underwire bras.
And I can't get my mind off this stupid thing. I'm so distracted at work & home. All I can think about is CANCER. Gawd, it's so annoying! I try to do stuff I love, but my mind wanders back to this THING. Maybe it'll be a little better when it's cut out of me? Sure, there's the rest of the treatment, but there won't be the damn lump.
Thanks for letting me vent, I'm sure my spouse & my friends are sick of hearing it.
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Yea ,i know what ya mean..I went for my yearly mamagram the last of march,and then had biopsy,lumpectomy operation,and now i just had my first chemo ,last tuesday..everyone says it will be over before you know it,and i had this friend that is doing great.Dear goodness ,they have not a clue what i have been through..and still .I just hope and pray i get through the next three that are coming..yes its doable,but dern i hate being so sick.Also thank you for coming on,and you can ask anything,and hopefully get answers...you are not alone
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Hi Lumpies!
Welcome batcatady&kayezzy66. Glad you found us, but sorry you must...this cancer
Breathe, 7/22 will be here soon and once you cross over there will be relief....moving forward in attack mode. Ask your BS to show you pics of what your breast ay look like after lumpy.
Use your time to get hair done, purchase front opening tops, cams, front zip sports bra 2X larger, enjoy your self and family.
Focus on today no one like pain...most likely you will experience little discomfort and only take some pain meds the first 24-36 hours. And I'm a bigger any than you! promise...I couldn't even bring my self to look without the lights dimmed.
Make sure you confirm with your BS how and when you will receive your results for nodes and margins!
Breathe and go on out and play. Blow some bubbles giggle LOL!
You will be fine brave warrior!
Kay - people say stupid stuff...they can't deal, put a bandaid on it with a kiss. But our Iives have been rocked! We are in the trenches...shell shocked and fighting...grace...:)
Breathe, you will make, not easy, not the best 6-9 months of life, but it will pass and you are a survivor!
We are in you pockets (((squeeze)))
Lumpies stand strong together...feel the crowd we got your back
Cindy0 -
I hope someone can help me. I had a lumpectomy on 5/20 with sentienal biopsy. All 3 nodes were clear. Grade 1 Stage 1b diagnosis of right breast. Just started my radiation today but 2 weeks ago after my simulation, my breast swelled, turned red and the incision site indented. I took antibiotics and went to see surgeon (my surgeon was on vacation) and he said that it's a seroma and to place warm towels on it. I was worried about not being able to start radiation by during my dry run, they xrayed the area and said that it was ok to radiate. My breast swelling and pain are gone but the indentation still exists. I am concerned about this. Before the simulation, it was fine. I'm not sure if the breast exam caused fluid to build up or not. My question is - Is it normal to have a big dent ( under nipple near aerola) adn have the nipple area hard? I'm not sure if this is because scar tissue is forming. Also, should I be putting vit e or massage the area? I'm clueless and feeling deformed at this moment.
Any advice I can get I would greatly appreciate.
Thank you
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Question, anyone have chemo first then lumpectomy? I have finished my chemo and I called my surgeon to find out healing time after lumpectomy/ALND and they said 1-2 weeks. My work wants to know when to expect me back, will I really be back that quick after surgery? my surgery is july 30th.
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Hi Betty - ask your BS & RO!
My breast is still swollen months after lx and rads has decrease but still there and tender. There is a dent or dip near the lx, but expected from missing tissue.
I moisturize my girl ...miderma hydrocortisone emu oil ...I use a q-tip or finger and gently massage area. Did after lx, before rads, during rads, after rads...skin needs it:)
Always do show & ask:) gives peace of mind.
Is there a BC support group at your center? Or a RN from your center that could look and reassure you? Ask and share what you learn.
Sending positive thoughts for speedy healing and calm thought for rads!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
michelleaz,
I didn't have chemo before my lumpectomy, had mine afterwards. Depending on how chemo is still effecting you, expect to take a full week off, at the least, after surgery. If you are having ALND instead of SLN biopsy, you may need an additional week at home. My lumpectomy healed really quickly, but the SLN caused nerve damage and pulled muscles. I took a week off and still had another week when my arm was fairly useless. I could work regardless. Depending on your job, you may need more time off.
It's really important that you don't overuse the ALND arm in the first weeks after surgery. You need to do your exercises, but it's important that the area has a chance to heal.
So sorry that you have to join us.
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Thank you RMlulu!
I was going to ask my RO and the nurse there today. I will probably call my BS after the talk with the RN. This whole thing has been taxing. I am always worried about what is going on.
Thank you for the advise. I will moisture my girl too. I was not sure if I could use mederma cream or not. I will ask what i can use.
Thank you again
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Thanks everyone - I'm going for a mani-pedi with my best friend tomorrow. At least my nails can look pretty if my rack is gonna be out of comission for a while, HAH.
Scheduled followups w/surgeon & oncologist, expect to get full pathology a week after surgery. Not doing the oncotype test bec. the grade & Ki-67 number is so high, estrogen so low, & I'm young(ish), that oncologist has enough info already to recommend chemo. And I'm totally OK with that. I want to throw everything possible at this disease.
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Cindy,after reading what you said i began to think....i do alot of that...lol..and you are right ,i need to breathe,and dwell on what im gonna do when this chapter is over with...this too will pass,and im gonna have a big party...thank you
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