Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Peggy, you are in my thoughts today also! HUGS!!!
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Horsegirl...Bravo! However we choose to process our cancer is our own business, with the goal of healing.
BGardenia, Will be thinking of you on the 24th. So happy for you, that you believe in your decision!
Peggy, constant positive thoughts sent your way, and many hugs.
Have a good rest of the weekend, everyone!
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Barbara, good luck on your revision. I hope I didn't come across as anything but supportive of your decision.
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Peggy - Lots of miles between us... coastal NC all the way to the "great north".... have been sending positive thoughts your way, for strength and for peace.
Cooler weather is moving in for the first time. We will have a few days with temps dropping into the low 60s at night before summer returns. Delightful weather!
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And the hits just keep on coming...
I had a bad night's sleep Fri which I attributed to sleeping in a hotel bed, but that was nothing compared to last night. I flipped and flipped and was just miserable. Finally, at 4:30am I got really good and awake and realized that I felt like I'd been hit by truck! It took me about 20 min to find a thermometer and when I did, my fever was 103.5. Yes, ladies. Now my seroma breast is infected. I'm allergic to Advil, so all I can take is Tylenol for the fever, which isn't helping too much. I called the BS after the sun came up and she called in a big fat antibiotic around noon.
My breast is hot, swollen, and tender. This morning the seroma was again pouring out. I finally just got in the shower and mashed as much out as I could. I was going to go in to see the BS on Tuesday for the drain, but she wants me to come in tomorrow .
Ugh. I feel wretched. My fever hasn't been lower than 100.9 today, and most of the day I've been hovering in the 102.5+ range.
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Oh my goodness mlp! I am so sorry you are dealing with so much and now infection! My prayers are with you.
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It's been 2 months since my lumpectomy, and I still have a weird feeling in my upper inside arm and forearm. It's not pain, not quite tingling, there's no swelling, but it's a feeling that is always there. Can anyone tell me if you have this? (Or what it is!)
Today I also had a few shooting pains in my sentinel node scar area. So random. Is this normal?
Peggy - I was searching this thread reading if others had similar issues as me, and I noticed that early on you were the emotional stability and encourager on this thread. As I read, I saw that you are experiencing a really terrible time right now. I'm so sorry. I only got to know you from your posts, and my heart hurt for you the more I read. The reply posts to you were so loving and caring. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that people do care about you.
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Hi Sloan, Is this your first time to the Lounge? If so, welcome; we are glad you are here!! Good observation: yes, Peggy has been tirelessly giving so much support, encouragement, and major hugs to anyone and everyone. She has been the rock to so many of us, and now we are trying to be her rock-as her family of breast cancer sisters while she goes though a very difficult time. As you can tell, she is loved by so many around the country, and many places beyond.
My Lx was almost 2 months ago, and I still have some different feelings on the inside of my arm that I chalk up to nerve irritation. Same with the scars from SNB and Lx—it feels like I still have some absorbable sutures—and those suture ends, or the knots—probably move and hit an area that causes a sudden ache. But neither of those things worry me too much because I think they will lessen over time. FWIW, I'm seeing my new MO tomorrow; if I remember to ask, I'll pass on his answer.
Hope to see you around!
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mlp - wow, that infection just sucks. Prayers for some rest and those antibiotics to kick in.
Sloan15 - I've had numbness, pains, & even weird itchiness under and at the back of my arm from the sentinel node surgery. It's pretty common that the nerves take time to heal and may have changed sensation. Even for a year. I'd suggest you watch the pattern of what you are feeling. Worsening would be a reason to check with your doc before your next follow up. Do you have the "my chart" option for emailing your doc with this question. It never hurts to ask and not worth carrying the worry alone.
I'm about 2 months out from surgery and noted increased aching in my breast the past few weeks. Again, the nerves are getting better so I'm feeling what I was too numb to notice before. Good news/bad news!
BGardenia - happy for your confidence. That is the ticket - to make our own decision based on our unique situation. Glad filming is coming along - looking foreard to seeing it
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Sloan, I'm nearly 14 months out past my LX and that damn node site is still giving. Not often but it is definitely there. Still annoyed by bras, shirts that are now snug around the underarm (they weren't before) and sometimes even sweat. Of course, it doesn't hurt like after surgery but I know it is there at times. My BS said that whatever nerves have repaired themselves after a year are what I'll have. I have nearly the same feeling as the other underarm (noticeable only when shaving). So I'm thinking what you are feeling is normal. If it REALLY hurts then definitely let your BS know immediately.
Poodles, YIKES!!! What a mess! I'm so sorry that you are so miserable. Hope the antibiotics kick in quickly. I tend to take aspirin when I have a fever, Tylenol for most everything else. Good luck!!
Molly, I can't begin to imagine what it has been like for you having DS in hospice for 2 years. You are one strong woman! I'm exhausted after 8 days. And now one son has to go back home and to work on Thursday. I'm worried that he won't be here for the funeral and there's no way he could fly back. Just another thing added to the pile of SHIT. The boys had a nice fight this evening and I had a meltdown. They are just as stressed as I am but it was one thing too many. Life just really sucks right now. The support of all my wonderful BCO friends has been amazing and I thank each and everyone of you. I'm sorry I haven't responded to all the questions that I really do have answers for but I come home and my brain just stops functioning. Time to sit and do nothing.
HUGS!
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((Peggy)) stress brings out the ugliness sometimes. Take a deep breath and know your boys love each other and you and your DH. Nothing else matters. Sending peace your way.
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Thanks, Molly. Luckily it was just a snippy comment by one that the other took wrong. Neither could see what the other was feeling. Got that straightened out. I think neither realized how stressed they were. At least they haven't been telling me if they are. But we all are. Both were terribly remorseful and apologetic to me and each other.
HUGS!!
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Peggy: they may not realize themselves just how stressed they are. Glad they were terribly remorseful and apologetic....that's the first step.
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Thanks for the info. No, it doesn't hurt, it's just a weird numb or burn inside my arm. I told my surgeon, and she didn't seem phased by it, but she didn't comment on it either. I'm just wondering if any other lumpectomy ladies have this feeling. Thank you!
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I'll confess I do have...disccomfort? in my armpit despite not being 'axillated' at any point, so I'm not sure how mine compares to those of the lovely ladies who did have sentinel node biopsies or removals.
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mustlovepoodles -- gah. I hope things get better for you! That all sounds terrible!
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I'm 4 month out from my lx and didn't have any major difficulties with the lx and recovery and rt at all... But I still have hard spots, which is the seroma, I guess. And some discomfort now and then at my snb incision. And some slight shooting not-quite-pain sensations some times. Nothing major, but definitely not normal, either. I know that I had surgery in those areas! I'd still hate to think of getting a mammogram at this point... I've never had outright pain or a lot of discomfort, it's just that things are still a bit more sensitive than normal. I wouldn't have thought it would take so long for stuff to heal, but I guess it does!
Oh-- nerves will take years to heal up. For chemo-induced neuropathy, they usually tell us to wait for 2 years before we give up on healing. And some people report some very, very, very small improvements even after that... but I'd say--give the nerves up to 2 years.
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Cold Cap
Doctors attempting to get FDA approval for use of Cold Caps. . .
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Sloan15,I've had the zingers in surgical area and sentinel node site, but they have mostly gone away. And I have all the feeling back in my armpit, so maybe your nerves are reconnecting.
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I sure hope so! They are zingers!
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Greetings Outrunning
If underarm lymph nodes are removed as part of your surgery, or if you have breast reconstruction, a drainage tube may be placed under your arm. Their purpose is to assist in the healing process by draining away fluid that collects in the area of surgery. If you have breast reconstruction using tissue from your stomach area (called a TRAM flap) you may also have drains placed in the stomach area. Drains can be common for either full or partial removal of breast tissue, your doctor or nurse will provide detailed instructions depending on the type of drain used based on your surgery and healing process.
Simple written instructions for caring for the drainage tubes will be provided before you leave the hospital. Caring for these tubes at home is simple and quite safe. It may involve draining the tube and measuring the fluid. Your doctor or nurse will provide detailed instructions depending on the type of drain used. Tubes are held in place with sutures. Sometimes general body movement can cause discomfort. Remember to keep the collection container pinned to your clothing to prevent pulling on the tubing.
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https://www.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-stuart-linder
Dr. Stuart Linder, Plastic Surgeon
Drainage tubes are essential for removal of fluid under the reconstructed breast for up to one week. Jackson-Pratt drainage tubes of 7mm or 10mm diameter are used in my practice for reconstruction of the breast and abdominoplasty to remove serous fluid and blood from the implant pocket. They may help to prevent seroma formation which may increase the incidence of capsular contracture and scar tissue formation. When the axillary lymph nodes are removed, lymphatic fluid may form a fluild collection referred to as a lympocoele that is amenable to drainage.
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You may also wish to schedule a session with your Oncology Navigator who will provide a training/education session prior to surgery so you can view all the working parts of the tube, pump, etc. for draining. During this session you may elect to discuss and view reconstruction videos, books, and expander samples. Check with your oncology education office for scheduling. Knowledge prior to surgery regarding drains seems to be best, based on feedback from most patients after the surgery.
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Postoperative Drain Care Instructions
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Seroma Formation after Breast Cancer Surgery: What We Have Learned in the Last Two Decades
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC354284...
Wishing you all the best. . .
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MLP - ugh...that sucks so bad about the infection - how are you feeling today? Did they put the drain in already?
Sloan - I'm only a month out, but sometimes I get these really painful - uh, pains? Aches? I don't know what they are. And my SNB scar is still really irritable. But it's different from day to day. I was told it will take a great deal of time for everything to get back to feeling like normal. Oh, and welcome!!
Horsegirl - dealing is dealing - we all do it differently, and however you do it is the best way for you!!!
BGardenia - will be thinking of you on the 24th!
Peggy - please know we are all continuing to dance and send hugs your way! As it has been said before, you have been so supportive of all of us, let us now be your support!!!
Everyone - hope you had a decent weekend. I'm exhausted for no good reason other than I didn't sleep well last night. For absolutely no reason - kept waking up with the sweats. It was lovely.
Oh well - hopefully tonight I will sleep better. Nothing else going on on my end except waiting for my appointment on the 24th to get my Oncotype results (which I know are in already - the MO's assistant let it slip....but I didn't ask the score). Oh, and my insurance is giving my MO the run around about my getting a PET scan. They want a peer to peer review as to why I need it. I thought the answer to that was obvious, but I guess not? LOL 0 -
My first visit to this lounge. You all sound like a wonderfully supportive group. I would like to share my story and my support with each of you. My lumpectomy was done 6 days ago. I had been diagnosed for two months and was getting pretty antsy about getting the tumor OUT. I don't have final path reports yet. The BS is presenting at tumor conference in 4 days and I will see him after.
I am really curious about the sentinel node surgery. The incision has no stiches. I think it must have been glued. It is appears to be healed with a angry, red, raised scar.( Like keloid tissue except I don't form keloids ) Very little discomfort and no heat. The lump. incision looks good. Any body have anything similar??
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BJ....I believe the board is being cautious as to the amount of radiation you would receive from a PET scan. If your nodes are clear I'm wondering why your MO is considering a PET scan. My BSO did not recommend one and it looks like similar dx except my grade is higher.
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Peggy, hope you and your boys are having a "better" day, today. For what it's worth, under the best of circumstances, many families find it easier to argue and pick fights than it is to say goodbye. This is often seen with college students--home for a pleasant Thanksgiving visit, only to have the last few days spiking with tension before they have to return to campus. No one wants to fight, but we're not really taught how to be open about expressing our anxieties and sadness about leaving home.
I think this is especially true with guys! They want to be seen as strong young men, who could fix most problems and protect their parents. Your family is stressed (duh) to almost the max, and your boys have probably been filled with so many emotions (sadness, fear, guilt, rage, frustration, etc) because they cannot control any of what's been going on with their dad. So who better to release (or express) those pent-up emotions on, but a brother? They are equals (although most would argue that point-ha) but more importantly, they know that love will always be there, and they cannot get fired as a brother. (Well, there are family stories of me asking Santa if I could trade in my brother for someone new).
Hopefully, their fight and your meltdown did some good, in that it opened the pressure release valves (did everyone have a LOUD, long, sigh when it was over?).
I suspect they hadn't told you how stressed they've been because they didn't want to add to your stress. If you're anything at home like you've been here on BCO, then the boys have a very strong, loving, and nurturing mom. They might also be remembering their fears from a year ago during your breast cancer tx--yet another situation where they had no control--but those triggers can set off emotions!
Last month, I had signed up to participate in the beginners Dragon Boat paddle for cancer (I had been on an outrigger canoe team during college), but could not go because my father passed away. Back in my hometown after my dad's funeral, I saw my beloved outriggers and then, amazingly, the team started to arrive for practice. I talked with one of the old coaches from waaaaay back in my day. It was a bright spot in that sad visit, and I was inspired to try the Dragon boats again. So I just recently went to a practice, got there 40-min early because I didn't want to miss anything on my 1st day, but the winds were gusty and practice was cancelled. Walking back to my car, I started to feel that sad, heavy veil wash over me--the same veil that I felt for a couple of weeks after my dad's death. I didn't understand it then--just knew that I wasn't tearful because of a cancelled practice-but I later made the connection: my intention to paddle originated because I have cancer but was postponed because of the funeral, and the weather delay just triggered and tapped into those emotions. Hope this wasn't confusing--I have another doozy of a headache.
Anyway, sorry I rambled on for so long, and please don't feel like you have to respond! I know you must be exhausted. Just wanted to help normalize your sons' responses and send lots of positive thoughts and hugs your way.
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Welcome MamaBexar! So glad you found us, here in the Lx Lounge. The waiting is one of the hardest things about this whole process, and I'm sorry to hear that you will have to wait another 5 (?) days for your Lx followup. I wonder if there anyone who could give you preliminary results? It seems that most people hear back from the BS or Nurse Navigator about a week after surgery, but sometimes it takes longer or shorter.
Re: SN scar--mine was closed with internal absorbable sutures, then the skin was glued together and covered with tape. The tape itself looked like it was part of my skin, as it did take on that deep purplish color, and became wrinkled and hard. Suddenly, after a couple of weeks, it peeled off, like that sticky tape which holds the unwanted magnets advertising a law firm on the front of the yellow pages. Only it did not peel off in a nice clear strip, but it was rather gross. Go figure, right? haha.
Anyhow, once the tape was off, the site looked fine and was not raised. I tend to form keloids, and now seem to have a small one. Asked my MO's RN about it today. She didn't think it was the same "cording" phenomenon that sometimes occurs after SNB, but deferred to my BS. If your scar is angry and red, I might be wondering about an infection, but wait, you said it looks that way but is not warm or painful. So maybe just the tape looking the worse for the wear? Good luck and keep us posted.
Sloan, after talking with the RN today and wondering if I had a hematoma vs. keloid vs. cording vs. suture material, I found information about Axillary web syndrome (AWS) on BCO under Treatment and Side Effects that was interesting.
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MamaBexar My surgery was 9/9 and my sentinel node incision is the ugliest of three. It is raised and ugly. The other two incisions are basically flat and held together with clear plastic thread (because I found ends sticking out and trimmed them) and glue. I assume the node one held together the same. I didn't have any steri stripes over any of them because I got a blister from the strips after one of my two biopsies. Not sure that answers your question but I'm right there with you.
Peggy I've been thinking of you often. Sorry about the boys. I remember when my MIL died and FIL was just hanging on (although he lasted another 15 months) DH and SIL were at each other. I remember venting to a pastor-friend of mine. He asked who was the calm one in the family. I said "Sadly, Mom." But it doesn't take the loosing of the rock of the family for everyone to be unhinged. High emotions just spill out.
MLP I am so sorry you continue to have problems. Karmically unfair you should have to continue to deal with such problems
Sweetmamaj I have a friend who Dragon boats. Looks like lots of fun. On the list of things to try if I'm ever not working full time and doing three volunteer jobs.
As for me I'm feeling pretty okay. Approaching full range of motion with my left arm without much pain. But my head is still muddled. stopped the prococet on Friday because it made me all grouchy and anxious and Tylenol was enough for the pain. But still I feel in a fog. Gotta be on my game for at least two hours tomorrow. 30 minutes in the morning for a meeting about my son's IEP at school and 90 in the evening because it's Join Scout Night for the Cub Scout Pack and I'm the committee chair.
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Welcome Mamma bexar! My axillary dissection looked exactly as you described except for angry red. Mine was a pinkish red and looked like a cord until I was about 4 weeks post op.
Welcome Sloan!!
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Peggy, I'm sorry your boys went at it. Sad to say, this is very common with grieving families. I've known families come to actual fist fights while their loved one lay dying. Heck, when my father died, one of my sibs tried to start something up with another one. I made it my business to sit them down and basically commanded them to straighten up (the advantages of being the first child!) My one goal during that time was that the 5 of us get through the experience without permanently ruining our sibling relationships. I hope everyone can find a way to manage the stress without injuring the others around them.
Two doses of Keflex and I feel about 70% better today. At least I was able to sleep well last night--I was just about desperate for sleep. My seroma is making a mess. Went to see the BS. She looked at it with ultrasound and decided that there really wasn't enough in the pocket to warrant placing a drain. She emptied what was there and--gross! I won't describe it, except to say that it was some seriously messed up stuff! So now she has put steri-strips on the incision in an effort to get the incision to close, and she wants me to go back in on Wed (2 days.) DH took me out to lunch afterward with my 22yo daughter and that was very nice, except about halfway through I felt that fever-chill come back and suddenly I was so exhausted I wanted to just lay down on the floor. You know its bad when I don't even want to eat my chocolate mousse!
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Thanks to each of you for the greetings and the information. Very reassuring. The" ugly red "is most likely tape. I am not very nervous about the path report. BS said that he was pretty sure of clean margins and sentinel node. Big question for me right now is to rad or not to rad. At my age (77) there is a lot of doubt that it is necessary.
Outrunning, We are at about the same timeline. What do you say we keep comparing. I am really rooting for you . I was a cub scout den mother about a 100 years ago.
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Outrunning and Mama, My family is into scouting BIG TIME! For several years, I was committee chair and DH was Cubmaster and den leader. For years, we had positions in both Cubs and Boy Scouts. My youngest is now a boy scout, so we now only have our boy scout positions.
Peggy, I am glad to hear from you. You and your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. You and the boys are under an incredible amount of stress. Hugs, my friend!
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