Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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NDGrrl, you must be going crazy with all this. Thank heavens you have a wonderful new PS. I hope that the lump is nothing to worry about but I'm with you - I'd want it out. I'm so glad that your hubby is going to drive you. Hopefully he has a compassionate employer. And moving on top of it all.
MANY HUGS!!!!
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I have the 2010 version of Dr Love's book and plan to buy the new one when it comes out. It is so informative - even when some of the information has been changed by newer treatments or thinking. I inhaled the book in one weekend shortly after my diagnosis and found it extremely helpful. HOWEVER, I found BCO ore helpful on the nitty gritty details of my approaching Lx - buy bras, do this, try that. And I was quite prepared for my Lx day because of everyone here. It's been a year and I still am so very glad I found you all!
HUGS!!
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I was prepared for my lx because of you Peggy. :-)
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Aw, thank you, Tresjoli2! I'm glad I could pass on what I learned and that it helped you. We are in such a scary place after we get our diagnosis and learn we will have surgery. There's so much to learn and so easy to not ask the questions that will be most helpful in coping. Are you doing all right with chemo? Managing to live your life well? The most important thing is to just be positive!
HUGS!!!
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Poppy/Pontiac thank you for the heads up about the new edition of Love's book I'll take a look at it (husband works at an indie book store, so that's handy!) I think I'd kind of had at the back of my head that lumpectomy was the lay term for partial mastectomy.Now to stew about what BCBSM's definition is. It *is* insurance's job to say NO as often as possible.
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Queen, even the old edition of Dr Love's book is worthwhile. But if you're buying, wait till September! Why not call BC and find out what your benefits are? They might surprise you. And isn't there a nurse supposedly available from BC to help you out? Maybe talk to her first.
Gentle Hugs!
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Me too!0
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PontiacPeggy: Relaying the suggestion of a phone call to BC to my husband; we probably should wait until after our followup visit with the surgeon to determine what, precisely, what I'd need to have reconstructed. (And BCO is being snippy about limiting my private messages; sending along my email will need to wait until whenever the next cycle is, but I'd like to be on the mailing list!)
I'll see if any local libraries have the older edition.
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I think you can request unlimited PMs from the Moderators. My bad for not enclosing my info. I'll send it now and you should be able to pick it up tomorrow at the latest.
Probably a good idea to wait till you know what you need for reconstruction. That was a "duh." (Hitting head a million times).
Do check with the libraries. It is definitely worth a read.
Gentle Hugs!
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Yes! I checked the 2010 edition of the book out of the library. With renewal, I had it for 6 weeks straight. That gave me plenty of time to read it. I kept in mind that information from the most current studies were not in it. It was very informative. The best advice I got from it was that it's a normal reaction when diagnosed to say "take it all off... now!" but you have time to think and make decisions that are medically sound and that you will be happy with later.
Your doctors should let you know what reconstruction options are available for you. I had my consult with a PS before my original surgery. We discussed what he could do so I could make better decisions about my first surgery. We also developed a plan of if this is found, this is what he would do; if that is found, this is what he would do. Everything from lx with minimal recon, to BMX with new foobs. It really left me with a feeling of being more "in control" of this BC cr@p.
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Poppy/Pontiac: I worked as a public librarian in a previous incarnation; multiple copies of Love's previous editions/books got handled to pieces. I remember making a point of insisting on TWO copies of the 2010 edition, and a third in reference (couldn't be checked out) because so many women had come to me in tears begging to know when it would come back. Never thought I'd be one of them!
I probably should have asked about reconstruction options way back in May when I was diagnosed, but I had "OMGcancercancercancer!" brain freeze and couldn't manage to choke everything out. Well, time now!
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Queen, it never occurred to me that I'd want reconstruction. I'm small and I assumed that I'd not be much smaller. And I'm not. I also haven't been interested in facing more surgery. When you're barely an A, padded bras are always at the ready when I need shape. My cancer was at 6 o'clock and somehow the surgeon managed to make sure I still have "plumpness" on top. I didn't quite have the "OMGcancercancercancer" brain freeze. I was thinking, OMG, not something else to pile on me. I was caring for DH by myself and had been for nearly 4 years and I was exhausted beyond words. If he had been in the nursing home, like he is now, I would probably have had your reaction.
HUGS!!!
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Please tell me no one EVER said "God never gives us more than we can handle!" to you!
Reactions vary! Both as to initially and whether one wants reconstruction. Fear of more surgery, and more surgery recoveries, is a huge deterrent--I had two rather involved ones last year, and now this!--but I suspect I'm going to want to correct not only size and appearance in my nothing-at-all, but....um....searches for reasonably polite euphemism: movement differential. Anyone remember Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I could only wish I was that good looking in spangles, but I suspect that surgical scarring and radiation will leave the left stiffer than the right.
Here's to hoping that the worst we have to worry about is how we look in a bathing suit! Off to check out the reconstruction threads.
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Queen, if someone had said that to me, I wouldn't have had the energy to even reply to it. I just did what the BS said, then the RO (radiation while DH was in the hospital with surgery and then life-threatening pneumonia). That is when I realized that I couldn't care for him anymore. But I never was able to focus on the cancer, DH was my total life. Then when I finally got rested and less exhausted after he went into the nursing home, I realized how close to a breakdown I'd been. I do know I probably never would have put him in a nursing home if it hadn't been for the cancer, so in a weird way, it was a very good thing. Life is very strange.
I haven't noticed any lack of movement in my bad girl from the radiation. Both breasts seem to feel and bounce the same (well, as much as they CAN bounce anyway). Many women even things out, have reductions (or enhancements) after the Lx. So go for it!
HUGS!!
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Bleep! I just bet you were close to a breakdown! it mightn't have seemed strange or unusual--if that's what you were used to, that's what was normal for you. But chronically ill husband plus cancer? I can understand why you didn't have the shellshocked reaction.
Good to know that about comparatively unimpeded movement...what weird questions come up sometimes.
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Queenmom, Isn't Peggy the best! She's my hero, but she doesn't like me to say that... she says she doesn't see herself that way. But she is kind, thoughtful, strong, optimistic and always willing to help... and she's been a blessing to me!
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Oh, Poppy, you are far too kind. I'm no hero. Just a woman doing what has to be done, like we all do. But if I've helped you, then I am blessed.
HUGS!!!
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Hi, Oh ya I am going nutty over all this. Seems I get done with one thing and then its something else, I just want to put this all behind.
I am really scared about having surgery while awake and thinking maybe I made the wrong decision but then I remember I had that wire localization with no numbing at all and I did ok. I also had a stereotactic biopsy and that was numbed up- YUP the shot did sting for a bit but then it was ok. I picked up my Ativan today so that should help me not be so nervous.
I am probably going to end up with a larger dent then when they started to fix this to start wth. I am so glad I have a new PS. Maybe this one can get it right. After they took the fat off my tummy in Nov, I ended up with swiss cheese hernias that were noticed when I needed to have my ovaries out. Makes me wonder if the PS didn't help create them as they were right in the same spot he took the fat. My poor belly button never did stop hurting after he took the fat. its ok now since I had the hernias fixed.
We are moving- We have our home sold here and sign the final papers July 15h and the one we are buying 4 hours from here we sign on July 17th . I have been trying to sell things and pack things and get the kids to take their things. I am working up til the day we sign over our house as I do not have another job lined up yet though I do have 3 jobs wanting to interview me when I get there. not sure I want any of those jobs- LOL
So having another surgery just isn't what I wanted or needed again. GRRRR.. but I just also want it gone. Its growing and hurting and my bra rubs it.
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NDGrrl, you are overloaded. You must feel crushed with all that's going on. I think you'll do okay with being awake during surgery. The numbing shots will not be outstandingly fun (what an understatement!) but the rest should go okay. If it were me, I would keep my eyes closed. BTW, I did have numbing when they put in the wires and after the lidocaine started working, all was fine.
If you wind up with a dent, maybe someday you'll have it taken care of. Too bad that you're going to be inconveniently far from your PS. But one step at a time. Let's get that lump removed. Wonder if it was caused by the fat they used?
Good luck getting your kids to take their stuff. It was only 3 years ago that I got rid of MOST of their stuff. They sold their Legos. I still have some things. I'm going to let them figure out what to do with everything when I kick the bucket. I feel that's only fair! But since you're moving I can understand wanting to not move stuff that you really don't care about anymore. Are you pleased to be moving? Nice that you have job interviews waiting.
Let me know if I can help lighten your load - it is far too heavy.
HUGS!!!
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Nigel..
Ndgrrl.....I could have written your post. Just went through exactly the same thing with my old lumpectomy sight. Had surgery this week Monday to have it all removed. (Dead tissue) PM me if you want to talk or have questions.:)
Artsee
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Hello, Ladies. Four of us in Michigan got together today and, as usual, had a great time. Lots of laughs and strong friendships.
Left to right: Maureen, me, Carolynn and Mary (who is holding a sign saying "hi" to two who weren't able to be with us: Nancy and Jo).
If you're in Michigan or within reasonable driving distance of Jackson, Michigan, let me know. We'd love to have you at our next meet up. The vineyard is serene and we think it's perfect for us.
Thank you BCO for bringing us together!
HUGS!!!
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I'm handling chemo pretty well. Allergic reaction to the first dose but now under control. I'm having a hard time with no periods (you'd think I'd be happy) but that was to happen with or without chemo. Hair started falling out today. But other than some fatigue and heartburn, no major side effects and I'm working full time. I actually worked in the infusion chair this week because something major was going down at work.
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Tresjoli2, glad you are doing okay. Must have been scary having an allergic reaction! Not sorry about your periods
But am about your hair. That is such a visible reminder of what you are going through (like you needed any reminder!). Way to go that you are able to continue working. I'm in your pocket (notice that weird feeling? me bouncing around).HUGS!!!
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Thank you everyone for the wonderful support. It is so nice to know that if you were in my shoes you also would want that lump removed and not just watch it. It is growing larger I showed it to hubby tonight and he agreed.
Life is a bit stressful at this time but it will soon be over and I can move on. I am excited though scared about the move. I am now nearly 5 hours from our kids and the thought of being only an hour from them is wonderful. Plus I am going to be a GRAMMA !!! Son and his wife are expecting their first in January, my first grandbaby so being close enough to babysit the lil one is so very exciting!!
I have been in this area for 23 yrs so it will be lonely for awhile and hopefully not too difficult to make new friends. Town we are living in is about 1800 people and the town we are moving too is 1600 so both small. 0 -
NDGrrl, I envy you moving closer to your kids - that will be wonderful. And CONGRATULATIONS on the upcoming grandbaby. That is beyond amazing. I'm sure you'll make friends right away. Small towns seem to be good for that.
HUGS!!
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ndgrrl, Congratulations! Being a gramma is the best!!!!
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Midgiemoon--I am so sorry you are sick. I hope you feel better soon. How many radiation treatments will you have?
Silly question to everyone--how are creams and lotions going to work when there are marks and stickers everywhere? I asked the tech on Friday and she said cream would have to be applied with a Q-tip between the marks. Really???? They don't want me to use anything until after I have problems with my skin. So far, so good but I have had just 3/36.
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SailorBev, glad I had tattoos. No coping with markers that can wash off. I didn't use anything until after about 19/33 Rx. I hadn't even noticed the redness (it was really faint, more like little pinpricks at the hair follicles). I used Aquaphor and that worked just fine. Good luck!
HUGS!
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Saikorbev,
I also have 36 radiation treatments, and have 4 in the books. I am pinking up, and a bit tender!
I am wiped out, I think I spent too much time in the sun yesterday combined with a boat load of fun activities. Content on the couch after a 2 hour snooze. My temp is still a little high, but lower than this morning.
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Rads stickers... I had them at the end for the boost series. MY skin held up really well until I tried to get two of the stickers off. Must be some secret that I didn't know!
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