Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
I remember the numbness lasted quite a while. Had the surgery at the end of Sept. and still had some numbness in the sentinel node area at the end of rads which was mid March. Now it is gone...not sure when that happened.
0 -
Ridley -- welcome, though I know none of us want to qualify to be here, still the support is like no other. I had two locations within the same quadrant, one DCIS and one IDC, surrounded by more DCIS. BS was able to get it all with clear margins and node was negative, so I hope the same for you. I had some commitments and travel plans that my team worked around... felt like a bit of a broken record telling everyone of my scheduling concerns, but all were understanding. RMlulu is right -- those breaks are precious. Will be thinking of you -- it will be fine!
Batcatlady, thanks so much for the travel tips -- we are flying to NY, then driving to upstate, so will have a little bit of both. Think I will pick up a travel pillow to prop myself up. I am thankful for DH and DS. to serve as a buffer against the bumps and porters for all luggage. I am sleeping in a recliner, so haven't tried to lay on a bed yet... Hoping with another 12 days of healing it will be a bit more comfortable. You are so thoughtful to offer suggestions!
Lovewins and Michelle -- sending calm healing thoughts your way. Go get em Sisters!!!0 -
Good Evening,
Aviva, please don't be so hard on yourself. The grade 3 boat isn't where you planned on being, but there's lots of us here. Sucks. Yes there are plenty of people worse off, but that doesn't mean you're supposed to be ecstatic. We're on a cruise we didn't want to go on, and some people have cabins further down, but none of us planned on this trip. Oh well, margaritas in my cabin tonight!
I think we all recover from our procedures at different rates, and its kinda hard to predict. We've all got to be kind to ourselves, and give our bodies and minds whatever they need to get through this.
TeamKim, you may want to consider buying your son a bed pillow on this coast, and using it in addition to a travel pillow. We drove over a mountain last weekend and the jostling of the curves actually hurt as I bounced along (no real bouncing permitted in the sports bra) on the curves (who knew staying upright in a car used pecs). On the way home I wedged myself into the door with a couple of pillows and was right comfortable. You may look like a teenage girl carrying your pillow through the airport, but that's not the end of the world.0 -
I am stunned by the bravery and strength of all of you. I had (2) LX and I was down for 2-3 weeks before I BEGAN to ween off the pain meds. I cannot believe that most of you were on Tylenol after 2-3 days! You guys ROCK! What strong women you are!
I am so happy for all of the reports of clean margins and such. I care about all of you very much.
Stay strong,
XOXOXOXO
Laurie
0 -
Ladies,
Has anyone tried Coobie Comfort bras? Happen to pick one up today in a seaside shop. Ahhhh! So comfy! Like a sports bra but more flexible. My incision is in the crease under my breast and I am having a very difficult time finding something comfortable. Ordering more on Amazon now.0 -
I will have to look for this! I can't wear underwire because the wire rubs on a rib I broke twice many yrs ago. Kind of a little knot on that rib.
0 -
Looked at coobie bras online, LOL they don't come in my size. My first surgeon, I realized later, was trying to get me to do a reduction of my good girl at the same time as the lx in the bad girl. I don't think she thought it possible that anyone would be willing to endure ddd's if they had a choice! I was so dense I didn't get her undercurrent. How funny. I'm just so used to having these things I can't imagine not. I'm not a particularly "big" girl, I just grew these appendages! I did go to Athleta and buy a couple new sports bras today, they're almost my size, at their biggest cup. A suggestion for anyone on their way into this process, buy more than one style of bra. I'd bought 2 of the same model, but when wearing them 24/7 they start to chafe (at least when you're this size!). I've been wearing silky undershirts I got at Costco at night under my bra to protect my skin from the welts. Hmmm, maybe I should have had a reduction at the same time, but I can always do one later after seeing how much shrinkage rads brings. ;-)
0 -
PatAlameda,
I did think the sizing sounded funky but because I'm tiny (barely A cup) it works for me. The Comfort bras come in small, medium, large, and plus sizes and claim to fit cup sizes A through D. But the other Coobie styles are one size fits all. How can that possibly be true?! But in the hope of being comfortable, I'm going to order a couple different styles.0 -
Did anyone in our group have an Axillary lymph node dissection like me? the scar is 3 inches long in my armpit (not sure if Sentinel dissection is similar) and not sure how I will ever wear a bra again the few times I have gone out it rubs right on the scar and there is swelling above it. Think I may need some aspiration done at post op this Friday. But if anyone has suggestions for bra support just give me a shout out..I return to work Aug 20th. I have still been icing everyday when it feels like I have overdone it. (life of a mom). I am going to search if there are any threads for ALND's.
Glad to hear everybody is hanging tough...we are warrior women!!
0 -
I mad my lumpectomy and SND last but have been reading though this thread for a while. I bought genie bras and they really worked well. I wore them all through treatment. I could also take a small ice pack and put it under my bra and no one knew. It worked great even while at work. I also wanted to let you know that the scar under the armpit does get better eventually. While it was healing I would put a pillow under it and that worked well. Once back to work I forgot my small pillow once and I used a roll of paper towels.
It does get better. About a month after surgery and before chemo started my DH and I went on a 14 day Caribbean cruise. This was the first vacation we went on without the kids (16, 12 and 10). We had booked the cruise about a week before I found the lump that started it all. This was exactly what I needed and I am glad that I was able to go.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I will also keep reading and try to answer questions you have.
Take care everyone and hugs to everyone!0 -
MichelleAZ - there is a alnd thread.
My lx&snd were both 3 inches and swollen and tender for a time. Bras are difficult ...because they all cut across the underarm in just the wrong spot even with my custom fit with my lx prosthesis. After rads cooked them down incisions look good, but underarm just is a pain. I do use cotton balls ha ha! For a longtime a very soft sock under girl and along the shoulder strap to give room and support. I do wear a cami with a shelf, but I let the girl out to air. My lx was at hi noon but that area is easier in getting the fit.
I wear a geni bra 1x larger and then my custom fit bra (insurance covered) over it for walking and activities girl just needs the support and lift.
Let us know what you find that works...healing helps...so give it time.0 -
Hi MichelleAZ, surgery day buddy (hug) -
So sorry for the ALNB pain -- I lucked out with "just" the SNB, but mine is sore enough that I can just imagine! Your poor girl!
At the post op, BS suggested buying Kotex pads to put under the rub points. I have a 4 inch incision below my breast in the crease, and there is no bra on earth that doesn't rub there! Yet, "wear a bra 24/7" they say! I had a fat packet of gauze pads left over from DS's wisdom tooth surgery this summer (lol) that is very soft and kind of fuzzy. I have been using squares of that to put in various spots. Don't have to tape them down, the bra holds in place. They feel so good that I was thinking of making some little custom pads out of them (stuffed with quilt batting) for the spots that need the padding longer term. I read somewhere that pieces of flannel work well for this as well.
Hang in there, kiddo!!0 -
Thank you for the suggestions, I do have a genie bra but it is tight from the weight I put on during chemo. So I will order some new ones in a bigger size and experiment with different padding under the arm, that can hold up to my physically demanding job. You all are awesome!! Thanks again.
0 -
Can I jump in here? I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removed on Monday. Initial path report said node was clean and margins clear. Was 1.5 cm. my followup appt is on the 14th.
Pain/soreness was big yesterday, but that was the day after. Today I haven't taken any pain meds - still sore but tolerable. Much better than yesterday.
My "problem" today is that I need to remove the dressing - and that really ooooks me out. She only used glue since I react to steri strips. The gauze looks clean, but it looks dark under the tape.... How do I do this without getting sick to my stomach? There's a reason I didn't become a nurse.... What should I expect?
Also, half of my breast is numb - I'm assuming she had to cut some nerves when removing the tumor. Will this ever come back?0 -
Welcome SophiaMaria!
Congrats on clear nodes and margins. Glad you are feeling ok and discomfort is tolerable. Understand the challenge to remove dressing...I was a chicken...
You can ask a friend whose a nurse...or have a friend nearby...then go into bathroom and dim the lights...sit in a chair in front if the sink and slowly work the dressing off...
I did a lot in the dim lights of bath until I got over my fear to look. Think it helped that it did not hurt...if you still have issues go see your BSs nurse...they will help too!
You can do this you've come so far
(((Hugs)((
Cindy0 -
Hello Ladies...so happy I found this thread it has been such an inspiration. Thanks you for your thoughts ans prayers.
Had my lumpectomy today and I can't believe how pain free it has been. So many wonderful people there to help me through it. I am gaining much respect for the medical staff.
The IV was hard...3 tries but the wiring was a breeze and also the node injection. They were unable to put my port in because the spot they put it in didn't work....will have to go back for that. The worst part was when I woke up after the surgery I just felt extremely weird and couldn't help crying. But after awhile I felt better. Guess I was holding alot in trying to be strong and it just all came out after it was over. That's ok...I made it through. She was not able to give me any info as to if it is in my nodes or margins...I will know in 5 days. Praying for a good result. I ended up having two masses taken out nsure if the 2nd one was cancer because they found it on the MRI. The BC said she took out in total about the size of a kwiwi. I am amazed because I am in no pain at all! None. Very thankful.
my right hand is numb...not sue why because they removed tissue grom my left breast. I have read here this is pretty normal.
What surprized me the most was my when the nurse told me how wonderful my +1 was and how thoughtful and caring he was about me. He is the strong silent type. Although I would never wish BC on anyone....it is teaching me alot.
God bless all you ladies...I may not know all your names yet but my prayers go out to you.
0 -
Lovewins: The crying is related to the anesthetic that they give you. I react the same way and cry after any procedure. It's a reaction to the drugs. The numbness for me gradually got better and now is gone completely in the breast , under arm, lower arm. It is gradual though. I think it took about 8-9 months to go away completely. My surgeon told me that the initial pathology after surgery is tentative and sometimes changes. I was clear margins and nodes but 5 days later 1/3 nodes had micro mets. She prepared my at preop so it wasnt a total shock. Perhaps your surgeon waits for final pathology to give you a report. Good luck with recovery
0 -
lovewins - so glad this is over for you and I know how hard the wait is for path report. My prayers for good results. I am waiting for appt with BS Monday and am a nervous wreck! I just have to remind myself to breathe!!! We are all here for you. Hugs, M
0 -
Hi lumpectomy lounge ladies! I am wondering if any of you would be comfotable sharing your decision-making process with me. I have had a lumpectomy, clear margins, clear nodes, pretty good aesthetic outcome, and am now really struggling with the decision of whether to have more surgery (single or double mastectomy) or stick with lumpectomy and radiation. No doctor will "recommend" anything to me--they all say it is my choice, and a mental health choice, basically. I have been over and over the risks of new cancers, local recurrence, risks of radiation, etc, and I just can't seem to sort it out. On the one hand, obviously having a mastectomy or even a double is the very best chance I won't get another cancer. On the other hand, the chance that I will seems pretty low (I've been quoted 3-6%, as long as I take Tamoxifen, which i will) and I'm just not sure it makes sense to have so much surgery to improve what are already pretty low odds. My cancer was invasive IDC but very early (8mm), low-grade, and much more like a cancer older women get. I'm 42, which is my only risk factor--no family history, BRCA negative.
I feel like there are many things in life we all have a 3-6% chance of having, but we don't have surgery or avoid things on the off chance they might happen to us. But then I also feel like why would I choose not to take the path that gives me the lowest possible chances of more cancer.
All thoughts and ideas much appreciated. Hope you are all well today.
0 -
kika...I am very new here but I will share my thoughts with you. It was explained to me that their was really no difference of my chance for reocurance between the two choices or maybe they said very slight difference. I was terrified of a mastectomy as I had never had surgery before. Do you have much time to make your choice? From what have read here they say that once it's done you can't go back...I have peace with my choice and realize that if anything happens in the future I may have to have a mastectomy then. I pray you will find your answer and the peace along with it.
0 -
Welcome kika2013 - glad you have found us, but so sorry that you are here...ugh cancer:(
Our choices are difficult. I bumped a thread for you: IDC double mx or lumpectomy on the first page about the 5th post by Bessie...great question to ask yourself. Sorry that you are still in turmoil over choices...find one that brings you peace and then move forward...don't look back and don't second guess yourself. Trust yourself.
Breathe, focus on today! Your cup is full...enjoy life you will be fine brave warrior.0 -
Hi Kika,
I was given the same option as you. I have chosen to have a lumpectomy now, but will definitely being thinking through whether to pursue a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I didn't feel I had enough time to fully understand the implications of a mastectomy and reconstruciton before I had to make my decision, as I had a long journey to confirm my cancer (IDC x 2 in one side). I also wanted to have some time to sit with how I feel about being monitored so closely after surgery (I have lots of calcifications/cysts/etc. on both sides). I feel good about my decision now, and hopefully will have clean margins and clean nodes as well (surgery is in two weeks.)
Good luck with your decision. I can empathize with your struggle. I'm a data-driven person, and I would really like there to be a clear answer or a clear recommendation. I can only add to listen to your heart and your gut and try not to second guess yourself.
0 -
RMlulu, thanks for the bump. I actually have read that great post by Beesie. I was on here about 5 weeks ago with this same issue, then decided to opt for the lumpectomy bascially because I couldn't make the decision so wanted to leave my options open. And here I am....still facing the decision! I feel more able to deal with it now because I'm not worried about getting the cancer out, but the choices/issues are still the same. Thanks.
Ridley, as you will see above, I made the decision to have a lumpectomy initially for the same reason as you. I was having real trouble deciding what to do and processing the options while also worrying that too much time was passing with the tumor still in my breast. Unfortunately I'm not finding the decision any easier now, but at least the cancer is out and I'm much calmer on that front! Good luck with your surgery. Mine was very easy and I wish the same for you.
0 -
Kika,
It is a very hard decision, isn't it? When I met my surgeon initially, I was very scared. He told me during the meeting that I should strive during treatment to make decisions which are based on facts and less on my emotions. (When I first met him, I wanted to just consider mastectomy and nothing else, because all I could think of was wanting the cancer out and not having to worry about it ever again.)
I am scheduled for lumpectomy on Sept. 3. I am worried, but at the same time, I will be glad to have it removed. Trying to stay positive and be proactive about my health also.
Best of luck to you.0 -
Ladies,
I have a "sensitive" issue for which I hope someone has a tip. Since my surgery, I have been in a bra 24/7 and now have extremely sore nipples. Almost like chafing but no visible condition. Any remedies?0 -
Hello Lovely Ladies. I have a quick question. I had two lumpectomies on both of my breast on July 1st. My question is about scar tissue. My scars are hard and lumpy. While trying to preform my monthly self exam as i wait for my mri later this month, i find it hard to pinpoint anything on the sides from the lumpectomy areas (for instance, i have another lump about an inch and a half from my site of the lumpectomy that i hadn't noticed before). Is this normal or should i ask for the scar tissue to be looked at.
0 -
Teachersbc123 -- I have the nipple sensitivity too, but it comes and goes. I find that switching bras (various fabrics) and sometimes covering the nipple with a little square of flannel can help, though it is temporary relief. It almost seems like a nerve thing (like the buzzing sensations and the zingers), and mine is worse in the evening. What are your thoughts, Lumpies?
0 -
Hi Lumpies
TeamKim - baby diaper rash cream with neosporin to keep it clean...forgot your lx is fresh...call your BS and ask, but for now neosporin with some A&D use quip so sterile...ugh this stuff:(
Sunny - welcome you are too brave...I have not done a self squeeze since this started. I do gently massage girl with emu oil and mederma to help scar fade. Incisions are hard tender and still a bit swollen...not sure about new bumps ...so I would call and ask BS.
Past bedtime off to shower and then zzzzz0 -
Awesome! My surgeon indeed recommend me to use mederma! Ive been also using a stick of cocoa butter. Thanks!
0 -
Is/did anyone elses skin start to peel off? The skin on my areola and nipple is peeling off and looks a little oozey and bloody like in a horror movie. DH says it looks ok, probably apart of the healing process.... Im not so sure, ideas?
0
