Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hi, I only had mammogram and u/s and was sent off to see surgeon. I didnt even realise that MRI's were an option until I joined here today.
- feeling kind of clueless
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Aviva5675- I meant to say welcome a few days ago... We have some similar bio facts in our profiles. I am 58, and I have finished menopause, tho, and have no family history of bc. Except in the 1930's I had a great aunt who was in her late 30's at the time, who had bc and died from it. Like you, I wonder how they even dx'd it in those days. Feeling grateful for all the advances of modern meds!
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To all of you facing surgery in the next few weeks, all I can add is relax. And keep in mind this is coming from the biggest worrier on the planet. As the day got closer I actually got calmer. You're that much closer to having a plan, which as everyone told me, is easier than not knowing. My first surgery was more involved with the wire placement and the SNB. But truly I felt pretty good by the second day, not even a lot of pain.
Because most of my tumor was DCIS (unknown at the time of first surgery) I had to have a second surgery three weeks later for larger margins - developed a blood clot as well, but that's another story. I found the second surgery was easier to wake up from, but I did have more pain, but nothing a Tylenol couldn't take care of. I probably got off easy on the pain, but I'm sure for most of you it will be easier than you imagine. The one thing that kind of freaked me out is that my entire breast turned brown, not just a light tan, but a deep brown. Thankful the surgeon assured me that was normal when I saw him. It just didn't happen on my first surgery, probably my breast was tired of being abused.
Best of luck to all of you. You'll do fine.0 -
Hi Lumpies!
Kkuziel - hi 5s to my Jan surgery sister! And Rad laser tag zapper! Yippee we are moving forward toward our 6 month post rads mammos
)) here's to summertime fun and healing!
Beccc81 - welcome yes, you do seem calm...warrior battle gear on our minds just go into auto mode and fight on...PTSD but you've got this warrior. This site has great info and questions to ask your BS and BC team so ask ask ask. But remember we are all different and while some of our options are the same some are different...so ask. It's important to feel comfortable and confident with your tx:)
Batcatlady - hope you are feeling better...less tender and still happy dancing:)
Michelleanz - paint that pink ribbon on your toes! Wear bright pink lipstick on Tuesday. You will be fine brave warrior:)
TeamKim - yippee front opening sports oh the simple things...a light weight exercise zip up top with inside pockets on the clearance rack will work:)
Aviva5675 - hang in there...breathe!
LX day is approaching...we are all in your pockets. Rest Relax have fun knowing that next week c will be gone...out of here...and you will have crossed over and the tension will be gone...you did it! Kicking € ! Rah! Lumpy Warriors:)
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Thanks Teamkat...I was wondering too- how did they know back in the 30s what was going on in there? Maybe there was a large lump they just dealt with by mastectomy then. I wonder how many women were treated (both senses of the term!) that way- when today it would be a different story.
Counting down the days til 2 weeks from Tuesday and the surgery. Trying to look in to tamoxifen, or an AI, and effexor to help with potential return of hot flashes/no sleep like before. Anyone come off hrt when diagnosed and then start effexor to counter the menopause stuff??
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Hi ladies,
Sorry I have been off line for awhile, but nontheless, I think of all of you everyday.
I am six weeks out from my second lumpectomy and will have my third radiation treatment tomorrow. ( I will recieve 30 total). I too had all of the same questions and experiences as most of you. I was petrified of the wire loc and the SNB needle as the biospsy blindsided me. It was a terrible experience and I was in pain for a week after! Everyone seemed so surprised about this, which didn't help my situation. I felt like I was a big baby or something. I ended up researching EVERYTHING after that so there would be no surprises anymore. I was not allowed to take a valium before the wire loc and SNB, but I would not even ask permission next time. I would just do it. Both were not too bad, but I have to say that I have never had sensitive nipples, so that HAD to be to my benefit. Also, I was not prepared for the tattoos they give you to prep you for the radiation. That hurt so bad, that I cried.
As you all know, I had a trauma with the IV that they did for the surgery and I am now dealing with a neurologist about that. It is a pretty serious condition and I found out that I may need treatment for the rest of my life. I will know in the next two weeks if I will be unable to return to my career as a hairstylist due to the trauma to the nerve. THAT was certainly NOT in the plan, but it is what it is.
You are all wonderful and beautiful. My heart is with all of you and I read all of your stories and pray for all of you. Getting Cancer is such a deeply affecting thing. Non-cancer people cannot possible understand what we all go through and it is such a relief and blessing to have all of you to vent, cry, laugh with.
XOXOXOXOX
Laurie
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Getting ready for pocket parties this week for Michelle, Kim and now Becca... So sorry you are joining the group but you will find the best women here who understand and support you.
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Off to the BS office this morning to pick up orders and schedule for my big day tomorrow, then to the hospital for the preregister stuff. So glad to feel all of you behind me -- thanks Chell45 for remembering this is the week....
Michelleaz: By tomorrow night this big hurdle is behind us and we know we have taken a big step to kicking C! Hugs and prayers.....
Becca81: Will be in your pocket later this week -- welcome to this board, tho I am sorry that you need to join us. The angels here are knowledgeable and helpful and always seem to respond at the right time with words of encouragement and inspiration.
Cindy -- You are the best cheerleader! Thanks for the support!0 -
Blessings and prayers to you Miss Kim! I just know that you will do great! We are all with you!!!
XOXOXXO
Laurie
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Aviva,
I was on Estrodiol at the time of my DX. I went off cold turkey of course. I struggle with the effects of the hot flashes, but I have yet to take anything to counteract them. I was petrified to go off of the HRT due to moods swings, hot flashed, night sweats, etc, but it has not been as bad as I thought. At this point I am three months clean from HRT and have decided not to take anything.
Everyone is different with how they react to their side effects though. I hope you find the right answer for you.
XOXOXOX
Laurie
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Becca,
I'm so sorry you have to be here with us, but I am glad you found us as it is a great support system.
I think most of us can relate to "feeling clueless" in the beginning. BC truly is journey. I have been through two LX and am beginning rads now, so if there is anything I can answer for you, I would love to. You can PM me anytime. There were a few things along the way that I was not prepared for and if I can help you on your journey, it would make me really happy.
Blessings to you,
XOXOXOXOX
Laurie
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Pre-ops and healers,
The anethesia was bad for me in that I get SO restless after. I tweak and can't sit, stand, or lie down. Right after we got from the hospital, my husband took me for a walk (pajamas, ice packs and all!). We walked and walked and walked until I felt like my body was settling down. It helped me tremendously! As far as the nausea....please tell your anethesiologist about that when he comes to greet you. It is SO normal and they will give you a cocktail in your IV to help with that.
As far as the healing, I too was told that LX were "no big deal" and that I would be back to work within a week. The funny thing is is that I am a hairstylist (no one asked me that BEFORE telling me one week). The reality of it is is that I am six weeks post op (from two LX) and I would JUST be ready to return to work now. (If if were not for my nerve problem in my arm). I was on pain meds for three weeks before I was able to go down to just Tylenol.
PLEASE do not worry. Everyone is different in how they recover and heal. My best advice is to give yourself the most amount of time that your life allows. The physical and emotional toll BC takes on a woman is personal and very different for each of us.
Love to you ALL!
XOXOXOX
Laurie
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Hi batcatlady1- I hear you! I had 1st surgery in June and second surgery July 9th and I am still icing and sore. Everyone heals differently. I felt like I was weak, but each day does get better. Move at your own pace.
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Well I just got my chemo marching orders (I knew it was coming for my aggressive tumor, just a matter of specifics), so I guess I'll find a thread over there & check back here less frequently... but thanks so much to you lovely lumpy ladies
Good luck TeamKim, Becca81, Aviva5675, & everyone else with a surgery coming up! Hope it goes smoothly & remember those ice packs!
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Batcatlady19 - we will be in your pocket in chemo land {{{squeeze}}}
Please keep us posted on your progress brave warrior!0 -
Hi all. I have been told I have breast cancer and need a lumpectamy and lymph node biopsy. I am having problems even telling anyone except family and husband. I also feel guilty that I am stage one and so many of you have stage 2 and up. I almost feel like what I have isn't really cancer. My husband is sort of treating it this way too. Is this normal?? Thanks Chefstef
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Hi Chefstef -- Welcome to the "Lumpies" (although we wish you didn't need to be here) -- this forum has been so great for me since my diagnosis (Dx). Like you, I was in denial at first (I feel just great -- how can I have cancer?). Gradually, as I began to learn more about the disease and about the treatments I will be receiving, it started to sink in. Reading the stories of the women here, with early/small DCIS all the way to stage IV is inspiring. I would suggest you use some of the resources on this site to educate yourself (and your husband, if he is willing). As you have questions, put up a post -- the angels on this site are very knowledgeable and they are also great at understanding where you are in YOUR journey and responding with support.
Your reticence about telling others is understandable. We are all different when It comes to the level of sharing. I have told a lot of people by this point, including some people I don't know all that well, but there are still friends who don't know. My coworkers know, since my treatments may well mean I need some coverage and extra teamwork from them. In general I have arrived at the attitude that most people want to help and support me, but I won't get that help and support if I don't tell them.
Be patient with yourself, and remember that time is on your side -- you have an early Dx and you can take the time to learn about and explore opinions about the best treatments for you. We are here on BCO whenever you need us!0 -
Chefstef - Welcome to the Lumpies! Glad you found this amazing lump of warriors, but so sorry about your diagnosis ugh c:(
This is a great site...stay here no mr goggle. Good info with great questions to ask your BC team. Now breathe...
C is not something any of us wants to hear or is ready to hear. Our head just implodes...we go on overload. I called the radiologist 3X that morning because I could not process.
Then ran to the BC Center and met with the head RN who invited me to the BC support group meeting that very hour...a great lifeline for me.
I read up on this site, made my list of questions, read The Breast Cancer Husband and highlighted the parts that spoke to me to share with hubby, got a ruler marked off size of t on it and told it my God is bigger than this.
Breathe...you will be fine. Cancer is cancer...no guilt...we are in this battle together!
Focus on today! Do not run ahead of yourself...no need to rehearse something you may ever have to do. Breathe...thankful for today
Read, ask questions, know that the waiting is the hardest, but use your wait to form a great BC team. Hug your hubby, enjoy your family, you can do this...we will be in your pocket (((squeeze)))
Now go blow some bubbles...wiggle your toes in the grass, and laugh
Sending calm confident thoughts and prayers brave warrior.
Cindy0 -
Hey ToriGirl!
Yippee. Happy Dance! Ooo Who . Hubby home!
Enjoy...hearts are smiling on you))0 -
Thanks for the kind words. I will breath. Monday I have my preop appointment and surgery is on the 14th. I would appreciate any advise on questions I should ask. Will I ever get over the not wanting to tell people? At the moment they are thinking only radiation so I won't lose my hair. Love to all. Chef Stef
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Chefstef - give yourself time...this is hard to process...and you do have many unanswered questions at this point which in some ways makes it hard to share. Share as you feel lead...and as needed...everyone is different there is no right or wrong. This topic is discussed on BC.org which may help you.
Again this site has a list of questions to ask your BS so make 3 copies...BS, hubby, you. Ask hubby to be your appointment buddy and record all the data. Set up a folder with your records to go with you. Note the names of all key staff, smile call them by name...honey will go a long ways. Ask BS for reference for MO and RO...meet with them. Ask questions...make sure you are comfortable with the tx plan.
Ask what breast will look like after lx, ask how many snb BS does, discuss clear margins, when and how will BS share results (this is critical...important so you have answers on basic path), work and recovery issues. Will onco type test be done. Cold caps prevent hair loss during chemo so don't worry.
As you get info update your profile with dx.
It is a lot to grasp...breathe
You got this warrior!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
thanks LaurieParr---Ill be finished weaning off the hrt this week. I have a prescrip for Effexor but will try and wait to start it to see how my flashes, etc will be/restart. Im very nervous about it, and in general returning to the less than great way I felt before starting last fall.
Read there are lists on the site to ask the bs- where can that be found? Also, are there similar lists to ask the RO and MO? Thats a bit away for me (lx is in 2 weeks), but Id like to start preparing.
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Chefstef - some ppl are more private, but I will say that I went public as soon as I was diagnosed & I'm SO glad I did bec. I've had SO much support & help from family, friends, & my wider community. Also, ppl have come out of the woodwork with their own stories of dealing with cancer, & it's been very encouraging. Ppl who had kept it to themselves for years finally opened up to me!
However, at work, I've only told my boss bec. I felt she needed to know exactly why I was taking so many hours off for dr. appts. & tests. I told my coworkers only that I'd be out for surgery, but not why. My job also lets me work from home several days a week so it hasn't been noticeable so far. I'm scheduled for chemo, but that will also be on days I work from home, so only my boss needs to know.
So when you feel like it, you might tell those you feel closest too. I bet they'd love to help, & you'll want the support. But you don't need to tell everyone. Good luck0 -
Hi everyone, I spoke to the MO nurse this afternoon asking questions about AC / T chemo and work. She indicated they suggest patients to take time off work during the entire treatment for AC and I'm not really sure that is necessary. I will be receiving AC 4 doses every two weeks...please share your thoughts.
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Aviva5675 -
Check out the main site breastcancer.org
Check out symptoms and diagnosis a list if topics will display on the left...towards bottom questions to ask...also questions are found under other topics too.
Most questions are for reviewing dx and path report and presurgery options, which still are good to ask MO & RO. Rads can only be given externally once so good to discuss upfront.
Main site explains each procedure step by step...lx&snd so reading info may bring questions to mind. Discuss clear margins and how/when you will have results of margins and nodes...you may be able to call 3-4 days after surgery for results rather than your 1 wk follow up.
Breathe...hope your hot flashes stay away...cool comfy thoughts.0 -
Candio.....look for a thread for the chemo treatment you are receiving. Everyone handles chemo differently but some ladies on the AC T threads may be able to share. But definitely take into series consideration what your Doc advised.
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Candio07- your doc is giving good advice, but everyone does handle it differently. I just finished 6 months of chemo and was so glad to be off work. My 4 AC treatments were spread out over 3 weeks, the first 2 weeks I was very nauseous, weak and tired. My blood counts always dropped way down low and I had to get a Neupogen shot the day after each chemo day.(SE of shot extreme muscle aches/flu like feeling). The third week was my "feel good week" and I was ready to start all over again. There are great meds now for nausea, so that may help you. I am 45, work in retail doing merchandising for Target...which includes heavy lifting, ladders and being surrounded by germs. No way I could have worked...but we all handle it differently, you may be one of the lucky ones. The last 3 months I was on Taxol/Herceptin, felt much better until the neuropathy set in my toes and heels. I did go back to work the last month of treatment, but def. not back to 100% yet.
With so many decisions, you just have to do what is best for you. We will all support and help you along the way!! You have joined ranks with many warriors, ready to fight the good fight and come out on top.
Chefstef- welcome to our group...you just take your time and tell only who you want to tell..def. ask your docs all the questions you can think of. I checked out every book I could find at the library and went to many cancer sites for information. It def. put my mind at ease knowing what to expect throughout my treatments. Cancer is cancer no matter what stage it is. I don't even know my stage, because I did chemo first. My RO just said you arent a 1 or a 4...somewhere inbetween.
Thank you all for your kind words. Tomorrow is surgery day...I think I am going to have some yummy dessert and paint my toes before the clock strikes 12. I will check back in with you when i am able.
Blessings to you all!!
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Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support -- have run through my checklist, gone over the itinerary (I have to navigate around a couple of blocks taking a shuttle between breast center (wire loc), nuclear medicine floor (SNB injection) and outpatient surgery pavillion.... Filled the pantry with all kinds of healthy snacks and juices.... ice packs are chilling in the freezer....... And I think I'm ready to go. I'll check in when I can!
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Thinking of you Kim and Michelle... Clear margins and 0 nodes wished for all.
candi07-- I didn't do AC, I did Taxotere/Cytoxan (TC). 4 rounds every 3 weeks. I worked thru it. I would take off Tuesday for infusion then feel crummy on Fridays and by Monday I was "ok". The 1st MO I saw was going to have me do AC but I really didn't care for his personality so I switched to another practice and loved my new MO. She took time and really explained things and never even brought up the AC, it was TC from the get-go. It may be comparing apples to oranges, I dunno. All I can say is that everyone handles it differently and it's up to you to decide what you want to do about working. For myself, I discussed it with my boss and he was great thru the whole BC drama. (Wait till he comes back from his conference to find out I'll be out 2 weeks in Sept getting the girls matched up again! LOL)0 -
Chefstef,
I am "only" DCIS and that is stage 0. Many people feel that this isn't really BC and is ony a PRE cancer and so therefore I myself have felt that "guilt" that you speak of. My husband also grabs on to the "stage 0" and hangs on to it for dear life. He and some doctors that I have come into contact with seem to "downplay" the cancer and it inferiates me! No matter what stage, we still go through the same emotions and "most" physical trials such as MRIS, surgeries, and some type of treatment after.
I will validate you and your feelings and I can assure you all of the women here will too. We are all pink sisters, no matter what stage.
XOXOXXOXO
Laurie
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