Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hi Lumpies!
Batcatlady19 - yippee! Clear margins and nodes...happy dancing
. Hugs to you and great family! Don't over do...take care...enjoy the relief and rest and heal.
Nyama - your at the finish line:) yippee dragon boat here you come...ready to ring that bell and twist and shout!
TeamKim - welcome! You've got a jump on this roller coaster ride! Ask your BS and BC where you will have your procedure not only to confirm Xanax but what numbing cream they WILL apply to your nipple. Mine slathered in cream and my girl was numb for the bee stings and the tech offered for me to squeeze his hand which I did. Think it's a good idea to wait and see how the girl looks after all active treatment...then make any adjustments
Fly yes fly...2 weeks after lx stitches out and on plane...check your bag...don't touch and take a very small SMALL purse and a pillow to ensure you keep that arm up and rested:)
Yeah, off to college a big event...take tissue in case ds sheds tears:)
You're doing great brave warrior!
Ride the ferry to the fun zone have a balboa bar or frozen banana then head to the wedge to watch sunset and moon on the surf...OC childhood sailing surfing...ha!
No Crab Cooker in TX.
Gigi - no c zone and soak in the love! In your pockets:)
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Annette 47, Lane4 & Cindy --
Thanks for the info and encouragement..... I feel like lots of friends will be with me in spirit for the whole journey!0 -
TeamKim--
Ppl respond to anesthesia differently. My husband had surgery 5 years ago & was very nauseous & groggy afterwards so he was worried I would be too. But it came out if it pretty quickly & was just tired & sore.
The aftercare instructions I got said clear liquids only for the 1st hour when you get home, so water, clear broth, ginger ale, 7up. If those stay down ok, then you can try simple stuff like crackers. If that's also ok, then real food. A friend had made us a big ol Mac n cheese which was the perfect food for me, easy to eat & a small portion was filling. But any fave food that's mild not spicey should be fine0 -
Thanks Batcatlady -- you are so sweet to respond in the midst of your own aftercare! My DH doesn't do well with anesthesia either, so he is concerned for me. I haven't had it since my laparoscopy nearly 20 years ago. It wasn't a problem then, so I am hoping to be like you. Take good care of yourself.... ((((Gentle hugs ))))
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bat...congratulations for making it through surgery. I also got clear margins the day of surgery but my surgeon had explained to me pre-op that this sometimes changes when they analyze the tissue samples in pathology. Sure enough I had some micro mets in 1/3 lymph nodes. Not large enough to call cells but some irregularity. This is what sent me to the decision for chemo as well as onco score of 21 and grade 3 cancer. Don't mean to be a downer but just know that everytime you go to the doctor it never fails that they have something new to tell you......Hope yours turns out clear and better than mine. Happy thoughts.
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TeamKim- looks like we have the same surgery date 07/30
I'm getting nervous, but you lumpies have shared so much I know basically what to expect. Met w-BS today said she decides at time of surgery if I will need a drain for the ALND. My question is If I have a drain what would be the best type of clothes to have on hand? and someone before mentioned getting a danskin bra 2x bigger. is that so it supports but doesnt put too much pressure? BS said to wear a snug fitting bra.
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Hi michelleaz --
Glad to go into battle with a Lumpies buddy in my pocket -- I am getting nervous too... Go through times of feeling confident and times of feeling terrified. Thank God I found this forum since the stories you all have shared are helping keep me calm.
My PS told me yesterday that I will have a drain 😦. So good questions, michelleaz -- I didn't think to ask what I should wear. My Pre-op instructions from the PS say something that closes in front and no jeans. I mostly have t-shirts, so I think I need to pick up some soft front-closing tops.
My BS said I just need a supportive sports bra, but my PS said that they will send me home in a bra that is softer than my jockey sports bra, I assume a surgical bra, which he said I will wear night and day the first week. Hoping it has a place to hook on the drain. The Jockey sports bra has a seam under the breast, which I am guessing will be uncomfortable once I have an incision there. I also bought a few of the $8 Walmart bras that close in front in various sizes -- wore those after my MRI-guided biopsy.... Wore the one that fit, then put one two sizes larger over the top and put the frozen gel pack in between to ice. That worked out well for the biopsy first couple of days.0 -
Kim and Michelle, They sent me home with some kind of velcro contraption that turned into a bra (it was magic, I swear!) and it had little pockets in it for drains. I lucked out and didn't need any. WHEW! I was very nauseaous when I woke up and my nurse told me that was common with breast surgeries for some reason. They put something in my IV and it passed quickly and it was the only problem I had. By the time I got home that night I was ravenous. My son made homemade chicken noodle soup for me and I had 2 bowls plus a PBJ sandwich. And my mom told me all I'd want to do is sleep LOL!!
BatcatLady--Happy dance that surgery went well and all is clear
Good to read about others info on the symmetry. I experienced a lot of what everyone is saying... swelling after surgery made it unnoticeable, rads caused a bit of fluid to build up and now everything has settled down. I'm finally going to see a PS next week about getting evened out. What bugs me the most is not the cup difference, but the nipples aren't even anymore and omg is it noticeable when it's cold! lol0 -
Hi Lumpies
Breathe! 7/30 will be here soon and you are ready! We are all in your pockets (((squeeze)))
Some centers send you home in a bra others what you came in...so ask. I wore exercise pants and a 2X larger front zip sports bra and front zip top and sparkle flip flops. I did not wear anything for weeks that did not zip or button in the front. So many tops have pockets inside which works well for drains.
If you are unsure about nausea ask your BS and surgical RN to give you something for it...safe not sorry.
My girls is still changing a bit swollen on side but I have not done my ledbed LE exercises the past few days to move it. B&D I can live with...:)
Enjoy yourselves ...hair, medi/pedi, cute post lx outfits, family, friends, happy zone!
You got this brave warriors0 -
Definitely ask beforehand if your hospital will give you stuff - mine gave me nothing but an ice pack to go! I'd heard about the little pillow, but the hospital said they never did that. I was padded up with a dressing & put back into my bra - I wore a front-hooking sports bra, much more convenient than the usual style, if you can find one. Not a larger size tho. Today, I switched to a different bra (still not a larger size) bec. that 1st one compressed a lot & the dressings tapes were starting to itch.
I'm ok with wearing giant Tshirts & tank tops (it's hot here) instead of button-downs, but then I'm hanging around the house0 -
My hospital gave me nothing but two cups of coffee from the cafeteria while in post-op and a wheelchair ride out the door. Since I don't wear a bra to begin with, they didn't bother with it. But I was not in any pain otherwise, just achy.
Wait! They did give me a little padded thingie with velcro that fits around the seatbelt strap.
Carol
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Oh yeah, you MUST treat yourself and go for the pedi! My nail lady painted a pink ribbon on both big toes for good luck and all the nurses loved it. I didn't have my nails done because she wasn't sure if the polish would affect the oxygen sensor. She said some of her clients have had to strip the polish off one of their fingers the day of surgery because of it.
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Guess Ill jump in and say hello everyone!
Diagnosed 2 weeks ago with DCIS, grade 3, not sure the size. Found the microcalcifications on routine mammo. Went for 2d look and ultrasound. Then cnb in two places, right breast. 6oclock and 11 oclock. DCIS is at 6 oclock. Dr hooked me up with referral bs , totally lucked into an awesome guy.
Got an MRI, met w/bs- explained everything, recommends lumpectomy with oncoplasty at the same time. Will also remove tissue from 2d area while in there. Saw ps yesterday- he seems good too- explained the reconstruction procedure. If tumor is too close to nipple he will not be able to save, can do reconstruction of one later with tattoo...
This will be followed by radiation (external, 5x for 7 weeks), then maybe tamoxifen.
Im 55, no hx in family tho did find out today my great-aunt had a breast removed in the 1930s, howd they even know back then? Anyway, in menopause, upset I have to come off the hrt. Might do Effexor for symptoms, depending how they return.
Surgery sched for Aug 13- hate to wait that long but guess its fine. The ps seems to think recovery will be short and easy. Sounds worse to me, week to 10 days at least? I work full time, at a desk all day but move my right arm to the side all day answering a touch screen phone...Am kind of nervous about the recovery.
Have been checking out the boards here- never met a message board I didnt like (hello Disboards!). Everyone sounds supportive and full of info!
Aviva
ps Im er+/pr+/her2+
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Aviva5675 - welcome and glad you found us Lumpies, but sorry that you must join us.
Aug 13 will be here soon enough...until then breathe!
Firm up your BC team...ask each your questions...BS, PS, MO, RO
Find out what services your BC Center offeres and avail yourself of them.
Purchase a front zip sports bra 2X larger and tops.
Think thru your job duties and motions make adjustments and discuss with BS.
Then go and ae fun...blow bubbles, play, laugh, enjoy family and friends!
You will be fine brave warrior
We'll be in your pocket!0 -
Hello everyone, I'm one week post lumpectomy. Is it normal to still have pain and swelling? Even my areola is swollen...should I be concerned or is this normal?
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candi07,
The pain and swelling is normal. The pain should get better in the next week, but you may stay swollen for a few more.
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candi07
The pain and swelling are normal. My RO told me the sharp pains I had after surgery was from the nerves that had been 'molested' during the surgery and it took several weeks for it to subside.
This too shall pass.
Good luck with your recovery,..
Vickie
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Thanks RMlulu! My bs is great- he said after Ive healed a bit he will hook me up with the RO to plan the radiation.
Im a super-planner/reader-up-er--- and Ive done alot so far but find myself stopping after awhile, I guess too over whelmed with information. I know I understand what is happening to me- I am making plans for care etc, but I think some how Im in denial/shock- why arent I flipping out? I guess at some point the emotional reality will hit, but for some reason so far Im staying steady. I think because my dx is 'relatively' low on the scale, for lack of better words, maybe I am telling myself its not CANCER - extra loud volume/death knell/life changing for the worse, etc.
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I took one look at the HIDEOUS garments the well-meaning nurse showed me, and decided that I could do better. My take is that I now understand the need for counseling. Who designs this stuff, and yes I do care!!! So I got two black soft cup bras, and then soft, sexy camisoles to fit over. The camisoles had a tight lace bottom which held the drain nicely. I pinned it to the seam on the inside.
That worked, and I still looked great when I went out. I forget what I wore over for the trip home.
I just gave the camisoles to a friend in need, and I repurposed the bras for cycling and skiing.
While on the topic of underwear, I found the silk next-to-nothing bottoms were a wonderful morale booster during chemo. By then, I was back in most of my regular bras and doing weights to keep my pectorals perky.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. The point is that it IS possible to go the sexy route. - Claire
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Just have to complain (here bec. you'll understand & I don't want my family & friends to worry) - but damn, I'm annoyed by the post-surgery pain! It's got to be from the SNB, the tumor was on the bottom of my breast & that's not sore anymore. But the top side & my armpit are frickin SORE! Still taking Vicodin & using an ice pack & sleeping is aggravating. Using my arm (it's my right) gets tedious, & forget about putting on deodorant - hurts to touch my armpit. Yes, it's only been 3 days, but ugh I am tired of this! I'm impatient! I can't believe all those women (some friends too) who said they went back to work after a few days. I can barely lift a book much the less my laptop.
Thanks for letting me vent 0 -
batcatlady, I know exactly how you feel. I'm one week post surgery and still have pain and swelling can't tell if its from the lumpectomy or sentinel node biopsy. Also, pain in my deltoid same surgery side. I was thinking I would be one of those women who bounced back in a few days, even though I know everyone is different. Hang in there I believe it will get better soon.
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Hang in there healers! It's funny the things you forget about till you read someone is going thru it. YES I remember the post surgical pain under my arm in the snb area and I also had a stiff arm and wondered what in God's name they do to us while we're knocked out. I think the boob feels better faster because of the molested nerves (I love that phrase!). Wait till they start coming back to life. Holy moly do you get some zingers in the nipple area! Then I went thru a phase where the nipple was super sensitive. I'm a rightie and my surgical side was the left so I lucked out a bit there.
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Hang in there batcat -- of course we understand! From what I have read and heard, around 1 week is the turning point. We are all behind you 100%. Sending healing thoughts and hugs and prayers.
Candi 07 -- you hang in there too; it is nature's way of forcing you to take it easy and pamper yourself. Let us know when you start rounding the corner -- you & batcat are blazing the trail for those of us due for surgery next week.
(((💖)))
My PS said, after he wrote the 10 day prescription for Vicodin, "this is not a painful surgery but just in case..." Who does he think he is kidding?
I imagine all are different with pain depending on the location of the exision, in part.
I had a few zingers from my 1st biopsy (stereotactic). I think because they were drilling relatively close to the nipple. Ow!
Took the bandage off today from the 2nd biopsy (MRI) and I am bruised solid in a myriad of rainbow hues from about 2:00 to 6:00. The location of this one is closer to the chest wall and no zingers, but a lingering dull ache which I still feel one week later.
The SNB seems to be the most painful part as described by many. Ugh! I am such a wimp -- getting nervous just thinking about it!0 -
Took off the dressing last night & that hurt like crazy - all the tape! And the whole area is bruised & battered looking. Followup appt. today went well, dr. said everything looks normal & I can start arm exercises.
Also got the full pathology report. Nothing changed except the size, tumor was a little bigger than they thot so it's up a stage (was close anyway). Nodes still clear, margins still clean.
To everyone else who's healing (or going in for surgery), ice packs are our friends Thanks everyone for your support, really means a lot.0 -
When I had my partial Mastectomy (doctor's and hospital's name for it) 4 days later I had to have a 2nd surgery. I had developed a hematoma and the breast was SWOLLEN, huge. BS told my husband he had never seen such a large one, anyway with the 2nd surgery he drained/scraped 1000ccs of blood and other fluids. It took a long time for the color to leave. 10 days later BS inserted the Brachytherapy balloon for the RO to use to treat me. That is a balloon shaped thing that is inflated with a saline solution that the radiation rods are inserted through cathaters on the outside, this targets the area where the tumor had been removed. After 5 days and 10 treatments the RO removed it. Have had to have seroma aspirated 2 times since then. Last time was about Thanksgiving time 2012. I think Seroma fluid has filled the boob again, but is not causing discomfort this time, just fullness...Follow up diagnostic mammos and and my PC, MO RO checkups they say I have no evidence of disease. I am on Letrozole, since Nov 2011, some SEs but bearable... Mentally things are better as time goes on. I hope this experience is of some consolation to some of you and gives you hope that 'treatments' do help and get better as time goes on.. Good luck to each of you sisters....
Vickie
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Batcatlady and Candi07- hang in there we all send you hugs and healing thoughts!!
Teamkim and I will be feeling your pain next Tuesday...and I will probably have lots of questions for you, thank you for sharing what you are experiencing it helps to know what I may possibly be dealing with. I am having 2 tumors removed plus an ALND which from the sound of the SNB isn't going to be fun. I got a front closing bra today, but no luck finding comfy shirts that button. So I bought a really cute pair of Pj's with a button up shirt that I will wear to hospital with some shorts. I love chell45's idea of painting a pink ribbon on my toes. Think I am ready!!
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Hi 5's, michelleaz--
I'm ready too...We got this! Love your idea of the buttonfront PJs, since I have had trouble finding any soft tops that button as well. Rest up sister warrior! -- TeamKim0 -
Hi, I started to have spontaneous bloody nipple discharge on 18th May and had my first mammogram (not nice huh) and an ultrasound, I was told that it was too dense and glandular to see anything andwas sent to BS. BS said I needed to have a duct excision, approximately size of an old film cannister removed from my right breast. Since then a lump has been found hiding behind dense tissue near nipple (5:00) and BS said I now need to have the lumpectomy but its fine because it is approximately where the duct excision would be so I get a two for one. Thankfully the BS said I will need to be put under as it will be an open surgery. My surgery is booked for 6 days time on the 2nd August...I have had no diagnosis at all yet
Wow... I just read what I wrote and am completely mystified how calm and rational I sound!0 -
@becca81 -- welcome to the "Lumpies", tho I am sorry you need to be here. I have dense tissues as well, and my 2nd diagnosis was only found on MRI. Is that how they located your lump? You probably feel like you have been poked and prodded in a million ways so far. Hang in there -- you have found fellow warriors!
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