Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hello everyone I just had my first dose of chemo today of 4 (because my oncotype came back high)All is well
Candio Im also on the July chemo thread. I really learned alot there too. Im pretty sure any question you have they would answer or have it posted. Any chemo thread would be good.
Chefstef I know how you feel so many women going through so much worse than me. It really hasnt felt real. Although I started chemo today and when I loose my hair I will cry like a baby. The side effects of chemo will make a little more real too.
Anyway LaurieParr said it well doesnt matter what stage you are at cancer is cancer. We are all here for you.
TeamKim I had a lumpectomy and I iced it, didnt have to take any pain meds. It really went well even shot in my nipple for the sentinel node removal didnt hurt. all lymphnodes clear amen. I even had to have a second one because my margins werent clear enough. that went fine also. Hope all goes well with yours Im sure it will.
Rmlulu I learn so much from your post thank you
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LaurieParr, what you said about feeling like a fraud too really helps, I am so greatful to all the brave women such as yourself who can stand up and say 'this is what I am going through, but let me help you too'. You are all so inspirational,
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Hi everyone. Had lumpectomy last friday 7/26. Lymphnodes clean. thank you Lord. Aside from numbness under armpit have just noticed (or heard really) sloshing around in my breast. It's like all the stuffing in my boob liquified. Any one know about this? I plan to call my nurse navigator at the diagnostic center later this morning, but thought someone might know about this. hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks.
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So glad to have found "the Lumpies". Just had my lx yesterday. Felt awful with nausea in recovery even though I told Anesthesiologist about nausea in previous surgeries and I know they gave me zofran. The good news was that when I went home I drank tea had some toast and drank tons of water it went away. I feel great today with just some light pain. I am taking tylenol. The worst part now is waiting for pathology reports. I too have only shared my dx with immediate family and two friends who have both experienced cancer. I hesitate to tell my closest girlfriends because I don't want it to change the way we interact and I fear that it might. Noone in our circle of friends have had any type of cancer. I know I will be more open once I get my final report. Thanks for all the sharing and caring on this site.
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Congrats peanutsmom and canuck46! Michelleaz, how did it go for you? Wishing everyone speedy healing and the best pathology reports!
I had my Lx yesterday too -- clean margins and nodes are clear!!! Sore today (mainly around the drain) but pain meds are doing the trick and I feel blessed to have found all you Lumpies to see me through this journey!
Canuck, that stinks about the nausea -- I'm glad it cleared up once you were able to eat something at home. I was worried too, but they gave me something before I woke up and I didn't have a moment of queasiness. Mostly I was thirsty and starving cuz my surgery wasn't til 2:30 pm and I had been fasting since midnight. Like all the rest of my worries, that one didn't materialize.
THANK YOU to all of you angels for your encouragement, info, prayers, and advice -- I am so lucky to have found my way here!0 -
I have a question. I am preparing to have my lumpectomy soon and waiting on the surgeon to call me back with the surgery date. Can you tell me what to expect after the surgery, as far as what is the best type of clothing to wear (specifically, should I purchase some button down shirts and does it feel painful to have to pull on your shirt to get dressed?) What type of bra should I purchase, or can I wear my current ones?
Also, were you able to sleep in your own bed when you finished the lumpectomy or what made sleeping more comfortable for you? How soon were you able to resume normal household routine as far as cooking, cleaning, etc.
Thank you for the information. I really appreciate any responses.
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Peaunutsmom2 and hobbesla4 yes i had the sloshing too i had fun with it by having other hear it and it grossed them out (sorry if that sounded aweful) its just fluids after surgery that will dry up into the tissue. no worries.
When I had my lumpectomy everything went well no nausea form anesthesia no pain so didnt take pain meds. Iced real well i think thats what helped. Didnt change anything except didnt pick up heavy items. I was off work a week but depending on your job and when your surgeon releases you to go back you most likely wont have any problems. We are all different on how our bodies and mind handles everything.
I didnt buy any new shirts or bras didnt need them. Also like teamkim said alot of our fears dont even materialize.
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Peanutsmom
What you feel/hear is probably what they call a seroma. Normally, the body will just absorb it. If it increases to the point of being painful it can be drained (I had to have mine aspirated 2 different times). Mine too, is now filled up again but not uncomfortable. I am about 22 months post surgery. My RO says he has some patients that have the seroma for 5+ years. They really rather the body assimilate it, less chance of an infection.
Good luck with your healing. IT DOES GET BETTER WITH TIME>>>
Vickie
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Hobbesla4-- Welcome to this board -- you will find some great advice here as well as support which comes to you from others who "Get it." I had my Lx yesterday, and here are some answers I have....
I am finding that front closing tops are best. I can move my arm on the surgery side, but it feels better if I don't disturb it too much. At the suggestion of an angel on this thread, I bought some button-front pj tops. Paired with yoga pants, they are soft and comfy. I have some front closing sports bras on hand in various sizes, but they also sent me home after surgery in a front closing bra that the hospital provided. So ask your surgeon -- my BS said just get some supportive sports bras to wear, while my PS (who did some rearranging during the Lx) provided the bra I wore home. I expect to wear the one provided by the hospital until my appointment with the BS on Monday.
I have made a little nest for myself in our recliner, and I slept there last night -- very comfortable. The BS and PS stated that I should sleep on a 30 to 40 degree angle, so the recliner is perfect.
As far as healing time and returning to work, everyone is different. Depends on the extent of the "lump" that is removed, your type of work and your fitness beforehand, as well as any number of factors. If you read through the posts in Lx lounge, you will find lots of helpful info. I encourage you to browse and continue to ask questions. Good luck with your journey! We are here for you!0 -
Hi ya Lumpies
Welcome Hobbesal4 & Canuck46
glad you found us but sorry you must join us.
Congrats TeamKim ...yippee clear margins and nodes ! Watch the arm...amazing how much better you feel after lx&snd ...game on
Ooo who 22 mos post lx! Vickie...yes, it gets better each day thanks for the encouragement!
Peace777 - pushing through chemo and working! Yes, all is more doable than our fears and doubts think. Our inner warrior is there each day!
Hobbesal4 - post lx&snd prep...button front pjs, front zip sports bra 2X larger (Walmart cheap), front opening top. I slept in our bed with pillows. Made a little area/cocoon just for me ...recliner during the day. Biggest thing is watching the arm...don't over do. Discuss arm with BS and hubby present and your limits. Get a TINY little clutch to use...baby that arm...the SND is tender for awhile...find an easy hairdo so blow-dry is not an issues...hubbies are not stylist. Pamper yourself and learn to say NO and learn to say YES help please...especially if you have kids. It's your job to focus on your health and healing. It's ok to be #1.
Let s know your date...we will be in your pocket!
Canuck - sending calm confident thoughts and prayers for healing and clear margins and nodes.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Just had lumpectomy yesterday. I was told to get sports bras that fastened in the front and to wear it 24/7. Also button front shirts or blouses or tops with front zippers as they don't want you to raise your arm over your head. Also not to lift anything over 5 lbs with that hand. I am really feeling well today with minimal pain and not needing any pain meds today. I know we all have different experiences and I wish you an easy one tomorrow. Prayers with you and so great to share information.
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Yay Teamkim, canuck and all the rest,
So glad to hear you are on "part of" the other side now. You sound so strong and well. You have been in my prayers.
Waiting for the pathology is terrible, but we will keep praying!
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Yay. TeamKim & everyone else who made it thru the surgery! It's not quite as bad as it seems, right?
Re: shirts - I wore a button-front shirt of my husband's for day of the surgery, but I didn't want to buy stuff I don't normally wear, so for the past week & a half, I've worn big old sloppy tees & tank tops that don't require me to lift my wounded arm above my head. Also, if you had SNB & depending on where that incision is, you may find that fabric irritates it - I did, so tank tops were more comfy on some days. I also have not gone to my office, just working from home a little bit. If I needed to look good, I might do differently
I'm headed out tomorrow for a conference a 1-hour flight away from home. It's something that I've been going to for years & years, & I would hate to miss it. I go with friends, incld. my BFFs (one who was there in the hospital) so they all are looking out for me. My husband is worried, but dammit, I do not want cancer to stop my life! I'm worried I won't be able to focus at work when I go back to the office next week (I couldn't focus before bec. I was worried about surgery). But I need to get back into the 'normal' swing of things somehow. Wish me luck!0 -
Batcatlady --
So glad to hear from you and that you feel well enough to travel! Be kind to yourself and don't overdo -- sending hopes that your time with friends is healing and fun. You inspire me because I am still hoping (or rather planning) to get on the plane and take my son to college on Aug. 19. Let us know how the trip goes, OK?
You are right, it seems like it goes better than our worries let us anticipate. Good news always helps the healing too! Happy travels!
--Kim0 -
Kim -I had my LX/ALND (1node was already known to have cancer). Didn't love the 2 wire locs. ouchie, the shots hit a nerve or something. Aside from that no nausea but warned anesthiesiologist ahead of time to give me something extra for it. I am most sore where the ALND was done. Wore my PJ's, slippers and breast cancer ball cap to surgery and painted pink ribbons on my toes...nurses loved it!! Should have path report on Friday.
Peace777- heard the sloshing today, that you were talking about...so weird...wonder who I can gross out. LOL.
Batcatlady- enjoy your conference and time with your friends, you deserve it.
Hobbesla- welcome to our group, but sorry you have to join us. Some button down shirts or PJ's will def. be more comfy after surgery for at least the first week, raising my arm too high right now pulls on stitches under my arm. I slept in my bed on my right side and put pillow behind me so I couldnt roll onto my surgery side. Dr. told me to lay off household duties for a couple weeks..no vaccuming, loading dishwasher, folding laundry,etc. I bought a cheap front closing bra from Walmart, but it wasn't in bag when I checked yesterday before surgery, just my luck...so for now Im wearing this stretchy corsett like thing i was sent home in from hospital.
Canuck- glad to hear you are feeling better now after LX, I am also waiting for path report to come in. welcome to the lumpies!! I hope your friends are supportive of you if you decide to tell them. The more I talk about it, the easier it gets. I work at Target and told the whole store, they now all have pink ribbons on their name badges for me. I am now closer than ever to my co-workers and best friends, it is so uplifting.(even with my 1 inch long hair that has grown back after chemo, they still accept me.)
Thinking happy healing thoughts for us all - Michelle
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Glad to hear everyone is doing ok. I'm 2 weeks post LX and been getting sharp stabbing pains in the incision areas. Anyone else have this problem?
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Hi all. This is off topic but I need help. I live in NH and just heard some horrible things about the general surgeon that was to do my lx. Does anyone out there have recommendations for someone at Dartmouth or Boston? I didn't feel comfortable with the surgeon anyway and this clinched it. How often do they usually have to go back to get clean margins? She has been known to go back 4 times. Seems excessive. Thanks for any help.
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Candi07
I think I know the pains you are refering to. My RO told me when I asked him why I was having pains like that, it was because of the 'mutilation' done inside the breast with the surgery and the nerves that were damaged were repairing themselves. It was better after a few weeks, and after a few months only an occassional twinge. I know that sometimes it felt like a knife was being shoved in there. IT WILL GET BETTER!!
Vickie
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I have a question...had my hair cut to maybe half an inch,took my shower today,and it was full of hair,coming out...is shaving it my only thing to do...??? thanks
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I pray for all of you and your struggles. I think of you all of the time.
I met my new MO today and he is WONDERFUL! He was so awesome that I wanted to cry. He validated everything the other doctor was an ass about and made me feel great. He will see me again after my radiation is over (25 more treatments) and then will put me on Tamoxifen probably. I questioned that based on my hysterectomy past, but he explained why Tamoxifen would be best for me regardless of the ovaries being gone. He taught me things I didn't know! Wow! Ha ha ....I thought I knew everything!
The other thing is that my original OB (the one that MADE me get the mammo that found the DCIS) randomly called me again to check up on me! He wanted to know where I was in this journey and assure me that he was there for me in any way. He said he prays for me every day! I was just so touched. He is amazing.
My daughter is half living with us for now as she has gotten Vertigo and her pregnancy has taken a rough turn again. She cannot be alone and so she sleeps here while her husband is at work. She throws up and gets terrible nose bleeds at least 6-10 times a day and is so weak and dizzy that she can barely walk. Needless to say, it has been very hard and chaotic around here. The baby seems to be ok and so we are so grateful for that.
Nick (my son) is doing great. He got clearance on his elbow from the Orthopedic and will just have to make it stronger with PT. It is a relief. He drives me everyday to my treatments and it has really bonded us even more.
I had and EMG nerve study done on my arm yesterday (that was NOT fun) and the neuroligist said that the good news is is that it seems to be just a partial tear (from the last IV) and not a full one. I will have the full results in three weeks and we will go from there. The treatments were increased. The discomfort is terrible, but the meds help.
Well, that is my update. I pray for all of you and thank you for your friendship.
XOXXOXOXOXOXO
Laurie
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Oh Laurie -- I am so sorry for the chaos that whirls around you. You are so strong and brave to find the positive notes to highlight.
I am praying for you --- for the speedy resolution on the nerve issue and for smooth and easy conclusion to your remaining rads. So glad the new MO is a fit for you!
I am praying for your daughter and the precious baby she carries. It never ceases to amaze me the level of pain, discomfort and sacrifice we mothers will undertake out of love for our little ones. May this difficulty be over quickly so that she can enjoy the preparations for her baby. I spent most of my first trimester on IV fluids because of extreme morning sickness, so I feel for her ((((hugs))).
I am also praying for all the men who surround you: DH, DS, and DSIL (dear son in law) -- may they be the rocks you and your daughter need to lean on and the inspiration to your courage. (And may that pitching arm heal better than ever!)
Blessings and calm, caring hugs to you all....
--Kim0 -
Hi, all,
First post here. (On lumpectomy post) I am 50, many years of breast issues, 4 children...I had a ductal excision and lumpectomy on Monday for bloody nipple discharge. My galactogram showed nothing 6 weeks ago but on Monday before surgery was "abnormal" per rad and breast care doc. It was now blocked. I don't understand how that happened in 6 weeks. I get results on Monday.
I had the surgery at about 11am. I was a bit sore and very itchy. Not too bad really...the soreness. Today, Thursday, I woke up with no soreness or itching! I slept with a sports bra ok n the first two nights but did not last night. (Bra kept me awake...too uncomfy.) ...so I put a flattened (cheap bed pillow!) just under my breast, lying on my side. It worked. Standing for long periods seems to cause aching...gravity really isn't our friend! I will update my results.
Cat0 -
Hi all -- 48 hrs after Lx, and I feel pretty good today. Pain is mainly around the drain --fluids are getting clearer and much less, so I hope that drain is removed on Monday when I see the BS. The incision for the SNB is kind of tender too. I am down to 1 Norco every 6 hrs, and may try to just take Tylenol during the day tomorrow. Got up enough courage to take off the stretchy bra thingy they sent me home in and look at my bad girl. Very bruised and battered, but I can see that the PS worked some magic with the "rearranging." No wonder the surgeons were so happy after the 2 hour marathon (DH reported they seemed very pleased). Having some weird sensations in the nipple area, not the sharp pains or zingers, but more like a buzzing sensation.... weird. So all seems to be on schedule and I am thinking of all my Lx pocket buddies -- I am expecting final pathology results by tomorrow.... Hate the waiting place where so many of us are right now. (((((Hugs))))). -- Kim
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teamkim,
Glad you are on the mend. I didn't have a drain. Thought I would. My sensation is like the let-down feeling a new mommy might have...and the buzzing. Yes, weird. My bruising is slight but the nipple was pulled over like most do the procedure and glued. I look like Frankenipple.
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momcat and teamkim- glad to hear your are on the mend. I feel no pain yet where LX was performed only where the axillary lymph node dissection was done. Dr. didn't put a drain there and it is starting to swell up. Hopefully this is only surgery swelling and will go away on it's own. Otherwise I have to get needle aspirations...ick. Now that my 48hrs are up, it's time to hit the shower...woohoo. Path report tomorrow.
Laurie- sending you prayers and hugs for you and your family!! You are such a strong woman and have endured so much already. I only wish the best for you.
Kayezzy- day 10 into chemo my hair was coming out in handfuls...I couldn't stand it anymore and just shaved it off. Even the little stubs that were left finally fell out too until it was completely smooth. My kids liked rubbing my head after that, thought it was cool. That was in January, it started growing back in May and now is about 1 1/2inches long. My avatar picture is the day I shaved it off.
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Michelle,
I hope the swelling goes down soon and on its own. Mine is more swollen than the unaffected breast. Just weird that I can't see my nipple on that side when I look straight down. Let us know the results when you can, ok? XO0 -
Hi Lumpies
Laurie - yippee, a MO that listens and cares for you....so worth the wait. You will receive excellent care My you've got a busy schedule full of challenges...but a new baby on the way elbow healing and your arm slowly making a come back whew! You will rock rads...hydrate eat well and moisturize the girl take care warrior.
TeamKim - yeah, feeling better and path report tomorrow a good TGIF
Michelleaz - a long journey, luv the avatar, be good to yourself ...watch the arm...housework shopping all can wait for the lx&snd to heal. The SND seems to pull so go easy arm swelling takes time...
Cat - maybe a softer front bra or very soft cami...like the pillow swelling takes time...girl will change colors but will look great a few weeks out and better each week:)
Chefstef - there are some nh warriors on the rad recovery thread. Good surgeons do go back for clear margins. Is there a BC center were you can attend a support group or meet with the head RN to discuss BS? My BS wanted 1 cm margins...was willing to accept 0.5 cm against the chest wall...ask BS what is goal and what breast will look like after. There are many Lumpies whose BS went back for clear margins...so ask.
Sending confident thoughts and prayers for clear margins&nodes, speedy healing, calm happy girls, no zingers, swelling easing, and dreams love and laughter!
Stay strong Lumpies
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
To all you wonderful people - thank you for prayers and encouragement. It means so much to be able to share feelings and get answers from peope who truly understand. You are all an inspiration to me. Still awaiting pathology report and praying for clear margins. I am thankful for this community and humbled by your courage.
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Wanting to shower, but don't know if I have to keep the drain site dry? Lack of detailed instructions after surgery (or else they told me and DH but we don't remember). So left a message at the BS office and waiting for callback -- I was hoping to distract myself with this shower thing, but just gave myself another phone cal to wait for.... Hmmm....
On another note, switched to just Tylenol instead of Norco this morning -- so far so good. Praying all of us Lumpies have clear path reports today -- you are all in my thoughts!0 -
I had a lumpectomy 7 weeks ago to remove a the evil one from the 6 o'clock position of my left breast. There is still a small hole on the underneath side of my breast right where the breast connects to the abdomen. I have D cup breasts and at 43 yrs old they kind of rest on themselves in that area. I am having trouble getting that last spot to close up because it is always a little warm without good airflow in that area. I am keeping a little gauze tucked in there to keep it dry.
I was spraying it with hydrogen peroxide twice a day and putting a light coat of antibiotic on it. My chemo nurse told me they used to recommend that a couple of decades ago but now they know that hydrogen peroxide is stopping the healing process by killing off new forming cells so I have stopped that. I clean it with soap every morning in the shower and then leave it alone the rest of the day.
Anyone else have this problem? Recommendations?
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