Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
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Welcome Franky! Glad you found us Lumpies, but oh wish you didn't need to join us...ugh c:(
Now, I have a B&D so to help heal the girl...cami with the girl exposed to air and cami caressing her for support, but to ensure no skin on skin contact for healing. Also spend as much time as possible lying down so she just doesn't touch anything...not too easy with kids or working, but it makes her happy. Just nothing that rubs and wears there...cotton balls to create a protective gap of air ...give her space and air.
We'll be in your pocket during adventures in chemo land (((squeeze)))0 -
Because you all helped me SO MUCH, I wanted to share what worked for me after purchasing lots of stuff that I ended up not using. Purchasing online at Amazon.com, eBay or wherever, allowed me to shop from home. I'm a B cup.
1. After returning home from surgery (lumpectomy and Biopsy of 3 nodes), I removed the sports bra and used a 6 inch ACE wrap with EZ clips for many weeks instead. I needed help at first. I bought 2 so I could launder one and wear the other. The pillow I got in one of my "goodie bags" was helpful to keep my arm away from the SNB site. It is very soft and measures 10x6x3 inches. Also comfortable was my bed rest pillow with arms while sitting on my sofa. I spent very little time in bed.
2. When I had to go out, I wore my most comfy bra purchased one-size bigger and added a Wick-em bra liner to protect the under boob area from the bra band.
3. Front open bras weren't helpful to me during radiation as any bra can be fastened in front and slid around. I also wore an old Vanity Fair bralette (style #19-040 still available on eBay) with the liner. My arms were pretty mobile.
4. Fruit of the Loom cotton tank tops were itchy even after multiple washes, so I splurged on a Hanro Touch Feeling Tank style #1814 and the T-shirt #1815. I wore the T- shirt inside out to avoid seams touching my SNB site. They're full price at BareNeccesities.com, but if you're not in a hurry, eBay seller maxmrosi has them at 1/2 price. They wash and dry nicely, so I initially bought one of each, but now have quite a few.
5. For cooling relief after radiation Thera Pearl round cooling pads and were great, though a bit fragile. Soothies Gel Pads don't need to be refrigerated and I used them for months if my tank underarm edges bugged me. Love them, but crazy to be buying breast feeding accessories at age 61!
6. Sween Body Powder was awesome during and after radiation. Very fine and a bit nicer than regular corn starch.
7. Cream: I tried everything, but Aquaphor mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with Cetaphil cream was as good as anything and less greasy than Aquaphor alone. My skin was very irritated, but never broke down thank goodness.
8. It's been almost 3 months since I finished rads and I'm still wearing loose tops, most with patterns, over Hanro tanks.
I am so glad that I chose lumpectomy + rads instead of mastectomy. Wishing you all a full recovery!
Lynn0 -
Because you all helped me SO MUCH, I wanted to share what worked for me after purchasing lots of stuff that I ended up not using. Purchasing online at Amazon.com, eBay or wherever, allowed me to shop from home. I'm a B cup.
1. After returning home from surgery (lumpectomy and Biopsy of 3 nodes), I removed the sports bra and used a 6 inch ACE wrap with EZ clips for many weeks instead. I needed help at first. I bought 2 so I could launder one and wear the other. The pillow I got in one of my "goodie bags" was helpful to keep my arm away from the SNB site. It is very soft and measures 10x6x3 inches. Also comfortable was my bed rest pillow with arms while sitting on my sofa. I spent very little time in bed.
2. When I had to go out, I wore my most comfy bra purchased one-size bigger and added a Wick-em bra liner to protect the under boob area from the bra band.
3. Front open bras weren't helpful to me during radiation as any bra can be fastened in front and slid around. I also wore an old Vanity Fair bralette (style #19-040 still available on eBay) with the liner. My arms were pretty mobile.
4. Fruit of the Loom cotton tank tops were itchy even after multiple washes, so I splurged on a Hanro Touch Feeling Tank style #1814 and the T-shirt #1815. I wore the T- shirt inside out to avoid seams touching my SNB site. They're full price at BareNeccesities.com, but if you're not in a hurry, eBay seller maxmrosi has them at 1/2 price. They wash and dry nicely, so I initially bought one of each, but now have quite a few.
5. For cooling relief after radiation Thera Pearl round cooling pads and were great, though a bit fragile. Soothies Gel Pads don't need to be refrigerated and I used them for months if my tank underarm edges bugged me. Love them, but crazy to be buying breast feeding accessories at age 61!
6. Sween Body Powder was awesome during and after radiation. Very fine and a bit nicer than regular corn starch.
7. Cream: I tried everything, but Aquaphor mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with Cetaphil cream was as good as anything and less greasy than Aquaphor alone. My skin was very irritated, but never broke down thank goodness.
8. It's been almost 3 months since I finished rads and I'm still wearing loose tops, most with patterns, over Hanro tanks.
I am so glad that I chose lumpectomy + rads instead of mastectomy. Wishing you all a full recovery!
Lynn0 -
Because you all helped me SO MUCH, I wanted to share what worked for me after purchasing lots of stuff that I ended up not using. Purchasing online at Amazon.com, eBay or wherever, allowed me to shop from home. I was a B cup, B minus on the right now though.
1. After returning home from surgery (lumpectomy and Biopsy of 3 nodes), I removed the sports bra and used a 6 inch ACE wrap with EZ clips for many weeks instead. I needed help at first. I bought 2 so I could launder one and wear the other. The pillow I got in one of my "goodie bags" was helpful to keep my arm away from the SNB site. It is very soft and measures 10x6x3 inches. Also comfortable was my bed rest pillow with arms while sitting on my sofa. I spent very little time in bed.
2. When I had to go out, I wore my most comfy bra purchased one-size bigger and added a Wick-em bra liner to protect the under boob area from the bra band.
3. Front open bras weren't helpful to me during radiation as any bra can be fastened in front and slid around. I also wore an old Vanity Fair bralette (style #19-040 still available on eBay) with the liner. My arms were pretty mobile.
4. Fruit of the Loom cotton tank tops were itchy even after multiple washes, so I splurged on a Hanro Touch Feeling Tank style #1814 and the T-shirt #1815. I wore the T- shirt inside out to avoid seams touching my SNB site. They're full price at BareNeccesities.com, but if you're not in a hurry, eBay seller maxmrosi has them at 1/2 price. They wash and dry nicely, so I initially bought one of each, but now have quite a few.
5. For cooling relief after radiation Thera Pearl round cooling pads were great, though a bit fragile. Soothies Gel Pads don't need to be refrigerated and I used them for months if my tank underarm edges bugged me. Love them, but crazy to be buying breast feeding supplies at age 61!
6. Sween Body Powder was awesome during and after radiation. Very fine and a bit nicer than regular corn starch.
7. Cream: I tried everything, but Aquaphor mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with Cetaphil cream was as good as anything and less greasy than Aquaphor alone. My skin was very irritated, but never broke down thank goodness.
8. It's been almost 3 months since I finished rads and I'm still wearing loose tops, most with patterns, over Hanro tanks.
I am so glad that I chose lumpectomy + rads instead of mastectomy. I also feel extremely grateful not to have had a more serious problem. Wishing you all a full recovery!
Lynn0 -
Path report in - Clear Margins no more surgery!! yippee. But I also had an axillary dissection because we already knew one node was positive, they found a second positive node. Not sure what to think, dr. said we will discuss options at post op appt. Aug 9th. So to be continued...since I already went thru chemo not sure if I will have to have more or if rads will keep everything in check.
Hope everybody else waiting gets awesome news!!
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Lynnincolorado...Great info! I am a first-year person, too. You helped several ladies, I bet!!
Michelle...clear margins! YAY!!! I called and my results are in but the doc wasn't there so they told me I have to wait and found at my appt next week. Meh.:/0 -
This is a great resource! Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice.
My excision was on Monday. Very close to the chest wall. Finally feeling myself today but sleeping a lot. Very unusual for me.
One big mistake I made was wearing my regular bra on day 3. Not enough support and I paid for it that night. I didn't think support would be a big factor for me because I'm tiny (A cup). Even today when I remove my bra, I see stars. Might be due to location of lumpectomy. Live and learn!
P.S. I purchased Amoena bras #2167. Comfy and supportive.0 -
Lynnincolorado -- great info! I will print out and use this when rads start for sure.
Michelleaz -- great news about clear margins! Enjoy your weekend and do the dance of joy!
Momcat -- Hang tight and think happy thoughts......I am still awaiting results as well. Got my questions answered about the drain and enjoyed showering, which distracted me for awhile. :-) My BS is not in the office on Fridays, so she may call me tomorrow...or I may need to wait til I see her on Monday......hate this waiting...ugh!
Franky -- glad you found us, and welcome to the Lumpies. I am interested in the responses you get because I have a large incision below my breast from the reconstruction done along with the Lx. So far it is OK with the glue, but when I took everything apart today I discovered there is one piece of tape from my drain dressing that was stuck to the glue below my breast. I didn't want to disturb it and open the wound, so I had DH cut the tape around it and left the little piece there -- I thought it might come off in the shower, but it is stuck solid. So at post op appt I will see what to do. Anyway, Franky, I can imagine what a pain (figuratively and literally) it would be to have that one spot that won't heal up. Hope you are able to solve the problem soon (the cotton balls suggestion was great, RMlulu!).
To everyone facing surgery next week, I am sending hugs -- I had so much anxiety before, and it turned out to not be as bad as I thought it would be. So breathe and enjoy your weekend -- you will be great!0 -
Hope everyone is doing well. I got my surgery date yesterday. It is September 3. Right now, I am just doing things to prepare for the procedure (as far as scheduling appointments, etc.) I had biopsy done last week on Wednesday and it seems like I have been so fatigued since then. And being diagnosed with DCIS this week was unexpected. I am not really able to sleep well at night since then, but I guess it is just something I have to get used to as my new normal.
When you were scheduling for radiation, did you need to have some sort of radiation consult appointment before the actual radiation began? I am confused about that, because they are telling me that is necessary. What occurs at the consult appointment?
Thank you. Wishing everyone a great weekend.0 -
Just got the call -- margins clear!!!! Both areas of cancer, the DCIS and the IDC were larger than the biopsies had shown, but the extra imaging plus a significant hematoma from the 2nd biopsy provided guidance so that clear margins were obtained. Happy Happy!!! Thanks to all you Lumpies for your support this week -- on to post op, rads and meeting with the OM..... Love you guys!
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Oh, so glad!! I continue to keep you and everyone here in my thoughts and prayers!
Cat0 -
hobbesla4:
Yes, they usually have a 'dry run' time before starting rads. If you have the internal, Brachey therapy a balloon is inserted by the BS a few days before, and then they determine the perameters they want to use (2 times a day for 5 days) This is what I had done.
For external, I believe they 'tatoo' marks on the breast for where they want to aim the rads. I think you can probably google breast cancer radiation for more complete information.
GOOD LUCK. I had a GREAT RAD.Team, still see RO and MO every 6 months.
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Team Kim: Hooray for the clean margins report....Good luck on future treatments..
Vickie
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Hobbesla4,
Buy a supportive bra...that's my best advice. And take one step at a time.0 -
hobbesla4- I can sympathize with the not sleeping. Sure wish I could turn my brain off at night! When I first saw BS to discuss pathology from biopsy and treatment plan they also set me up with RO who answered my questions about treatment, side effects etc. It was scary but I did get lots of answers from RO and all the people who posted here who have been thru rads.
TeamKim - YEAH!!!! Great news! I am still waiting and hope I hear something on Monday. I will be following yor journey and wish you an easy one.
I learn more and more good info from you all and I appreciate all your comments and support.
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Hi Lumpies
Yippee Ooo whoo! Happy Dancing
)). Sending healing thoughts to lumps who crossed over and celebrating path reports...fees great to know where you are and move forward.
TeamKim - all clear...sweet words:) rest recoup relax you did it!
Michelle - clear margins...no more surgery darn that #2 node 8/9 appt will be here soon:)
MomCat - weekends & BS out ugh:( another wait...focus on healing Monday will be here soon enough...:)
Hobbesal46 - yeah, 9/3 lx now you can breathe...make time for yourself stay focus on today don't get ahead of yourself. Sleep comes when you can just stay in today...grateful for today and believe you will be ok, because you will!
I saw my RO prior to lx due to questions on MRI and reviewing options...lx or bmx. Can only radiate girl once so wanted to discuss all my options. After lx, you will meet with RO to discuss tx and then meet with tech for mapping and then a simulation to ensure that all is ok and ready to go. Tats are the size of a freckle didn't hurt help with alignment. Rads don't hurt, fast, light is zip zap 20-30 secs with time between to breathe. Rads is more mental grind getting on the table each day, but very doable. Ask RO what you may use to prep skin with moisture....ask does radiation make my butt look bigger ...I did stickers, funny countdown something to make me relax laugh not be to serious about laser tag. My skin did excellent my rad team rocked. You will be fine brave warrior...a day at a time
Canuck - visit the spring/summer rads or start a Fall 2013 Rads thread strength in numbers:) I will bump a older thread that explains rads. Remember always ask ask ask when we are prepared we fight better:)
Yippee the weekend...time to relax
For those recouping...after stitches come out (2wks) try and make the 4-6 wks prior to next tx step a NO c zone! Told everyone ask now because it us off limits these next weeks.
Give your mind, body, spirit a break.
I didn't discuss just got on with life...really did help to take a vacation from c:)
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Welcome Teachers
I can so relate to chest wall lx...yeah to comfy bra for support and good sleep:)
I still wear 2 for walking and exercise...girl says no to bouncing...so my special bra with a chicken fillet for under girl support. So glad I went for a fitting and got the right stuff to make her more comfortable. I thought fittings were for mx&bmx but Lumpies they can help support our girl too!
Happy Weekend:)0 -
RMlulu,
Added you as a friend here...you are too funny! Your spirit makes me smile! ;-D
Cat0 -
Ok so my lumpectomy and total duct excision were done on Friday and I am so relieved to have it over and done with. I have a DD cup and its only been 2 days and I can already start to see a difference now some of the swelling is disappearing. I feel guilty for being so shallow as so many women have lost theirs but I really loved mine before, and well... their mine
My surgeon wants me back in on the 13th so hopefully if I havent heard anything in the meantime, ill know by then!
How long did it take for your results??0 -
Becca81- Glad to hear you are healing well. It does feel so much better once the Lx is complete -- a major hurdle overcome! Congratulations!
Results -- They sent the "chunk of tissue" to pathology during my surgery for some analysis, establishing that the nodes they removed in the SNB were negative and that margins on the tissue specimen appeared to be sufficient. This information was provided to my DH before I was out of recovery. The final pathology results took 3 days, and I will get a copy of the written report at my post op meeting with the BS. Genomic testing is still to be done and takes about 2 weeks according to my BS.
I am 5 days out from Lx today, and ventured out of the house for the first time last night for dinner at a restaurant -- yummy! Still a little sore when the Tylenol wears off, but all seems to be mending well. Hope all of last week's Lumpies are doing well -- you are in my thoughts!0 -
I had mine on Monday and see the surgeon for a follow and results tomorrow.
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momcat1962
Wishing you good luck in your reports tomorrow..
Vickie
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Thank you so much, Vickie.
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Hi Lumpies
Here's to a great week! Ooo who!
MomCat - fingers&toes crossed for path results:)
TeamKim & Michelle- yippee post-lx meet and path report in hand! Power in knowing!
Beccc81- hope swelling going down..sending calm confident thoughts and prayers during your wait and healing.
Now I've got a B&D...looks good in a bra and clothes...no regrets...I can feel touch embrace...yah, me and my girl are in a committed relationship and we are working things out.,.not shallow at all. We fought to keep them...some chemo, lx, rads, HT, yah a committed relationship ))
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Momcat,
We are on the same schedule. I'm hoping we are both celebrating tomorrow at this time!0 -
Ok Lumpies...lets get our Happy Dance shoes ready ... pocket party dancing Ooo who!
Any special requests...teachers, TeamKim, Michelle...beccc a twirl for you too!
I gotta feeling its gonna be a good good day week life!
We got this Lumpies.0 -
Huh?
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Well I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy a week and 3 days ago. No cancer in lymph nodes yay. Dcis stage 0 still . The margins were ok but they think it was too close to the edge so I may be having another surgery to widen the margin in a couple areas . I had a long sorta oblong shaped area removed: about 7.7 cm! I'm glad I can keep my breast .
So, another lumpectomy surgery to widen the margins then radiation therapy.
I AM ER- and PR- so if my HER1 or 2 (whichever it is ) test is Negative, ill be Triple Negative , and that scares me .0 -
Curiously did anyone ever get tiny little blister-like things after surgery, im now 3 days post op andnoticed three tiny little blisters, looked like milk duct leaking at first except I had mine removed
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I had a lumpectomy on 3/15 followed by 6 wks of Rads which I finished at the end of May. My question is, how long does it take to feel normal again or will I ever? My boob always feels hot & sore and I thought it would be much better by now. I'm not having any other problems & my surgery areas healed up quickly although they are still numb.
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Zephyr1929,
My experience is I have a new normal. Numbness is from cut nerves. I had internal rads, but my BS and RO both said it would take many months for my boob to feel somewhat normal because it had been mutilated inside. That turned out to be true. Had surgery in Oct 2011 and rads Nov 2011. Had apiration done twice in 2012 (because of seroma fluid buildup in boob). Much better now.
This beast certainly changes our lives, but life does go on....thank goodness..
Vickie
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