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Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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Comments

  • Fephna
    Fephna Member Posts: 45


    Welcome PRB1956 I have also felt I was loosing my mind. The shock of the diagnosis then so much info at one time. It's overwhelming. My best suggestion to get comfortable with your decision is to talk to your dr and ask as many questions as possible. A second opinion might make you feel more at ease to. The other ladies said everything I would about family history and tests. The more info you get before surgery the easier your decision will be. Best wishes :)

  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 95


    Hi prb1956 - I spent at least a few weeks debating lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, and can so relate to flip flopping. I decided to go with a lumpectomy for a number of reasons - my surgeon was comfortable with that approach, I didn't feel that I had time to completely research what I would do with recon if I were to do a mastectomy, and I thought that it I had to do chemo, it would be a less major surgery to recover from. In addition, as others have said, you can't go back from a mastectomy, but can choose a mastectomy later,


    As it turns out, my pathology from surgery turned out to be a lot more complicated than I expected. So I am now going ahead with mastectomies and recon. However, I don't regret going with a lumpectomy to start with. That approach gave me time to do more research, understand my pathology (and have it reviewed by another hospital), and for my team to regroup and discuss my case.


    Good luck with your decision.


    Ridley

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501


    Hi Lumpies


    PRB1956 - welcome to the Lumpies! A lump of diamonds :) Bessie post is the greatest...good questions to consider and ask your team. If your BC center has a support group go share and ask your questions...I got great feedback and perspectives to hear consider.


    For me, at first, I was take them off, but as I met different members of my team, considered Bessie's points, talked with women at support group, and really worked through it...I knew that at heart I wanted to save my girl if possible, I knew that radiation was required (chest wall) so mx would not let me escape rads...but really I'm attached to my girl...we have a history and she's worth fighting for...I'm glad I did:). You will know in your heart what is right for you. And sometimes our path/MRI will make the decision for us...just don't second guess yourself and don't look back!


    Ridley - we make the best decision with the info we have! You have a great team to guide and assist you...I did a no-c zone vacation after lx&snd because I needed a post surgery MRI to determine move on to rads or go back for mx/bmx...waiting is hard, but knowing is power. You did good warrior!


    Forgive me Lumpies my brain is covered in paint! Hoping my construction zone shapes up soon...I don't handle a disturbed nest well, but I do love the end results. PT noted paint was still on my fingers and even a few spots on pink toes! I'm truly a gifted painter...I should just roll in the tray and dance on the wall! Just cleaned up and now time to massage the 3rd girl and incisions! Need them to be soft for mammo late Nivember! Yippee squash :)


    (((Hugs)))


    Cindy

  • bounce
    bounce Member Posts: 215


    Hi Ladies


    Where did everyone go?


    Just to say hello and update - I went for a brisk walk on Monday night and decided it was time to let my arm swing freely instead of walking with my hand on my hip stuck out a bit to give my armpit a break the way I have gotten used to doing.


    I felt fine and really enjoyed the walk. Tuesday I woke up to a very stiff arm - I could hardly raise it above shoulder level. It took me the entire day to stretch it out and get it back up.


    So Wednesday I asked to see my surgeon who had a really quick look and said everything seems fine but I may have a tendency to form thick scars - she suggested I make sure to use my arm to its full range of motion so it doesn't tighten up. She said I could use Waleda Arnica Oil and I have been doing so and find it really soothing.


    Here is a link to a picture of it:


    http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/arnica-massage-oil.aspx




    The doc said just to put a few drops of the oil directly on both incisions and rub it in gently and all around the boobie.


    Its only good to use once the incision has healed closed - not too soon after lumpectomy.


    Its a bit expensive but a little goes a long way. I will try and find out if I can use it during rads or not.


    Since being diagnosed I haven't bought myself anything new. I keep thinking I might not be around to get much use out of anything new. :-) After I bought the bottle I figured I must be starting to have some faith that I'll be around at least long enough to use up most of it.


    It really makes me feel good. Calm and soothed.


    I am waiting for my Oncotype test to come back (hopefully the MO will be correct in saying chemo is not necessary) and for my first rads appointment. I feel like I am taking a vacation back in the real world instead of being in cancer land.


    Now if my armpit will just behave ...


    I am off for another dose of soothing oil.

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501


    Hey Bounce


    Can see you just B-bopping down the street ...great for healing...yippee investing and affirming your future is bright...glad the oil is soothing and helping...we baby and protect our girl(s) :D


    We be in your picket waiting for you oncotype results. Enjoy your healing time brave warrior!


    (((Hugs)))


    Cindy


    Now a big commitment would be a new puppy, a new house, a dream car...or following through with the dream you are keeping on the shelf...now us the time to live life! Don't hold back get out there and grab it!

  • summergal
    summergal Member Posts: 65


    Oh, Bounce. You brought tears to my eyes. The things we have put ourselves through mentally...wondering if we'll be around to be worthy of investing in a bottle of expensive, healing oil...so bittersweet.


    I made an appt to have my hair cut and colored tomorrow...first time I'm doing anything nice for myself since before my dx in June. I'm excited to sit in that chair and have someone fuss over me!!


    And, thank heavens for healing and small miracles...I slept on my side for the first time in a month last night. It felt so great. We have come a long way...and I hope we all have a long way to go. XOXO

  • Fephna
    Fephna Member Posts: 45


    Wishing everyone a peaceful healing weekend!!


    Today 13/25..half way thru rads now. Looking forward to the weekend break! :)

  • summergal
    summergal Member Posts: 65


    Yay, Fephna!! The glass is half full. Do something nice this weekend to celebrate.

  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 89


    Fephna - You go girl! Over 1/2 way done is wonderful. summergirl is so right......celebrate!

  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 301


    wooooohooooo Fephna -- I agree, celebrate and do your happy dance, you can see the end in sight!

  • L2girl
    L2girl Member Posts: 58


    Hi all,


    Just finished 18/30 rads on the first side. Had my simulation for the other side, so will be doing both sides starting Monday. I hope I am not crazy doing both at once! The past 2 days I can actually say I have really started feeling the fatigue. I know I am still fighting off the lingering cold, but this is definitely a different kind of tired now. Also, I have been feeling a bit weepy the past couple days as well. Like I could cry at the drop of a hat. :(


    Then I had this weird problem with my arm earlier this week. It felt like someone was always squeezing my upper arm, then releasing. Then the lower part would feel like pins and needles. I went to my dr. to get it checked out, since I had actually been diagnosed with a blood clot and thrombus? vein a few weeks earlier in that same arm, at my f/u appt. with my BS. That was in a different part of the arm, and seemed to have gone away after following my BS advice on how to treat it. So, this week my regular dr. ordered an ultrasound of the arm, but that came back negative. She had also suspected maybe lymphadema. Funny thing is, now it is completely gone. Maybe it was just a pinched nerve or something?


    Anyway, hope everyone else is doing ok. Sorry to be so mopey. Thinking of you all.

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501


    Hi Lumpies


    L2girl - congrats on 18/30 and getting ready for the X2laser tag! Does your BC center have an oncology social worker? You may ask your RO for a visit...we had one on the rad team...checked in with patients...go share release...it's part of healthy healing. Also, hydrate and eat well...important during rads...days I felt worn were days I had not taken the best care of myself so drink up eat protein nibble every 2-3 hours and rest! Hope arm behaves...weepy is ok...in your pocket warrior!


    TeamKim - hope you are doing well as you begin chemo...fingers&toes crossed :)


    Fephna - Ooo who happy dance laser tag warrior...zip zap :) free boobing and emu oil celebration!


    My LE PT made a sponge pad to caress my girl and add some pressure to keep the 3rd girl in place...now have a corset to wear and a silicon strip on my incision...hope airport security doesn't question what's hiding near my chest! Or wand me...so many front hooks and Velcro shoulder straps stuck to the carpet at PT...drop it...funny :)


    TGIF enjoy the weekend :)


    (((Hugs)))


    Cindy

  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 301


    Hi Cindy --


    Sounds like quite the contraption strapping that third girl into submission! Let's hope everything gets pushed into place in a hurry so you don't feel like Scarlett O'Hara in that corset!


    L2girl, never apologize for being in the pits -- we all know that edge-of-tears feeling. I am not looking forward to rads, since I know the everyday-ness of it will be hard. But are you halfway through at this point? Glass is half full then -- light at the end is in sight. How will you reward yourself when it is over? Indulge in that dream and plan it out in detail, then go there in your mind and think of how close it really is!


    I posted my chemo update on the October chemo thread! but in case any of you Lumpies are headed for chemo land next stop........My first infusion (3 to go) was yesterday afternoon and I have had a pretty easy go of it so far. A little double vision last night after infusion, which was weird, but my research said it can be an effect of several of the drugs in my cocktail. It was gone this morning. Some stinging in my sinuses from the Cytoxan, and a mild headache this morning is all. No nausea so far, no mouth sores. I sucked down Popsicles and smoothies throughout infusion and kept my fingertips on ice. Decided against the cold caps since I am prone to headaches anyway. So my hair will probably be bye bye in a couple weeks -- wig and cute hats are waiting. I have been drinking LOTS of water and ginger iced tea (Bigelow makes one with probiotics) and nibbling a snack every hour or two. So far, so good. I keep thinking SEs are just waiting to pounce, but not so far.


    Here's hoping for a calm, healing and happy weekend for all.

  • L2girl
    L2girl Member Posts: 58


    RMLulu, thanks for the advice, and the laugh. I can't imagine what it must have been like getting stuck to the carpet with all your velcro and hooks!


    I don't have a BC center specifically. I mean, my RO, MO, BS and hospital are all separate, but most are across from the hospital. Come to think of it, when I was first diagnosed, my GYN said the great thing about being treated where i was, was that they had a cancer navigator who would call me and make sure I was getting all the right appts. and everything. Well, I had dozens of appts. and tests and everything all summer long, but never once did anyone call me. I'm not even sure where this "supposed" cancer navigator was supposed to be from? The hospital? The BS? The MO? The RO? I felt like I had to steer the ship myself through this whole journey! When I started at my RO the literature had mentioned a cancer navigator, but no one ever told me about it, so after a few visits I asked and was told they had a couple people there that functioned as one if you needed it, for example if you had trouble getting rides to your appts. or something like that. She also gave me papers to fill out for info from the American cancer society. Someone actually did call me from there this week. She had some good advice and said she'd call me again to check up. It was nice to hear from someone at ACS.


    Like many others on these boards, I have always been told I am a very strong person. After hearing of my diagnosis, long lost friends and relatives were popping up from everywhere to wish me well, and they all seem to say the same thing. "You are so strong. If anyone can get through this, you can" . So, maybe somehow I just thought I could "breeze" through this treatment. But suddenly I don't feel so strong!


    A very insightful coworker said something to me today that really hit home. He said, "Well, this is what they mean by fighting the battle. Getting through treatment is your battle. You didn't expect to get through the whole thing with no issues, did you?" And I realized, well, maybe I did think so. It's funny but, whenever people say I am battling cancer, I have always felt like such a fraud, because after all, I'm not in the hospital clinging to life, I am still early stage, etc. I didn't even have to do chemo. So, what battle? But maybe going THROUGH is the battle!


    Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. I am feeling better already.

  • ndgrrl
    ndgrrl Member Posts: 645


    L2girl--- U mirrored my exact thoughts and wrote them down so wonderfully. I also feel like a fraud when I am told I am strong and I can get through this battle. I also didnt have chemo, I am also early stage, I had no node involvement and I had internal rads- though it put me in the hospital- I didnt have to endure day after day after day of rads. So I know exactly what you are feeling. When my boss said I was "faking" it when I called in sick after overdoing it coming back to work full blast that I tore out some scar tissue and got an internal bleed that made me have to take pain meds again. She said I was faking it so I felt well I didn't have chemo and I didnt have 6 weeks of radiation so maybe she thinks I really am a Fake because I got away with this easier than others have.... I have my hair so I look fine,I have my breast because I have a lumpectomy, and my girl was not burned from rads.. I am not in the hospital clinging to life.. I do worry about what will happen in the future and that really truley does scare me. Maybe I am meant to battle later. I guess getting through all this- all the appointments all the healing all the crazy people uptown asking me " if I was cutting it off" and others lecturing me because I didnt do that, to my boss thinking because I am not having chemo and I am done with radiation that I am "all better and healed" and I don't need anymore appointments. Maybe all this is the battle!! This I do not know.....

  • L2girl
    L2girl Member Posts: 58


    ndgrrl,


    Yes, you certainly have had a battle, considering the people you've had to deal with, especially your boss. I am fortunate I have very supportive coworkers, but I did have a couple of the " if it was me I'd just cut them off so I wouldn't have to deal with it" type comments early on. I am sorry you have had to deal with all you have. I meant to comment about it when you mentioned it awhile back. (Btw, I believe you are protected in the workplace from harassment by your boss. Not sure who to talk to about it, but she cannot stop you from going to appts., or discriminate against you for your illness.) Don't feel guilty! Your battle is just as legitimate as anyone's here! You seem to gloss over your hospitalization for the internal rads like it was nothing. But that is a big deal! Anyway, hang in there.


    TeamKim, I am about a third of the way through rads. 6 more weeks to go. Thanks for the encouragement. Glad your chemo is going well so far. Hope it keeps on that way!

  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 92


    Hi, anyone out there with a "later stage" and recommended lumpectomy ?? I haven't officially been staged a III but told most likely!! Im almost done with chemo and scheduled for surgery on dec 5th, lymph node removal and cleaning up scar tissue and making sure margins are still clean. I trust my surgeon and genetic testing doc. but haven't seen many stage II or III with lumpectomies!! Want to make the right decision......

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501


    Hi Lumpies


    Ok, TSA pulled me aside...scan showed yellow boxes where my PT place my compression goodies! After a long conversation...I was dismissed...:) best looking 3rd girl ballon mule! Lol


    Annika12 - ask your BC team..but there are many on these threads that had chemo 1st to shrink tumor size and battle those nodes...so yes, some do have lx...less tissue removed...chemo kicked it! Read this sites info on staging....tumor size and node involvement...your profile states 1cm. Has your BC team given you staging? Based on MRI? Or mammo? Just wondering. Ask and then don't second guess yourself...move forward with confidence! We are in your pocket ...sending calm confident thoughts and prayers !


    Warriors...Survivors....Battle cry! Rah! Cancer schmancer! We have cancer and our dx, staging, tx, do not make our dx of cancer any less... Or more...no guilt Lumpies! We are in battle...united we stand strong...!


    (((Hugs)))


    Cindy

  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 92


    First found cancer in lymph node 3cm then on mad hunt to find primary tumor with cts and mris finally found in left breast less then 1 cm. When surgical biopsy was done....all primary tumor was removed with clear margins !! Im almost done with chemo and though my mri is scheduled and we dont know fir sure it looks like all cancer us gone!! Lymph node removal and surgery ti clean up scar tissue recomnended but when I look at womens diagnosis I don't see to many stage III women with lympnode involvement with lumpectomy!! They told me a III maybe a II but realize I might never know. I think they decided on chemo first due to not finding primary right away and size of node!!

  • bounce
    bounce Member Posts: 215


    Hey there Ndgrrl - you must be one tough cookie. :-) I have been following your trials and tribulations and have admired you for having the strength to get out of bed some days!


    You are no fraud. Your pain and suffering are not worth less than anyone elses. I think you just recognize that things could be worse and that helps you wear your big girl panties with grace and style. Things could be worse but they don't have to be. Trust me you have suffered enough and don't deserve any more suffering - not now and not later.


    And yes - the future is as scary as can be.


    A lady called Nel has a signature line that reads: You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.


    That line has shown me the direction I need to be going in if I am going to stay sane while living with my uncertain future. I hope it inspires you too. Otherwise just listen out for RMlulu's rallying call. We only need enough courage to get through one day at a time.


    Hugs

  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 301


    Great post, Bounce! I think I will print out the surfing quote and make a little inspirational sign for my bulletin board.

  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 92


    Love the surfing line and wearing your big girl panties with grace and style!!! I also dont believe it's harder or easier to get any diagnosis of any kind.....it's scary and rocks our worlds!!! We are all warriors fighting the same fight in different ways!!!

  • summergal
    summergal Member Posts: 65


    Hey, all. Hope you had a good weekend. I had a wonderful hiking date with just my hubby and me today - several hours alone in the woods on a beautiful day (and as much as we love our little boy, it was really nice to just be "us two!"). I was thinking about this definition of a battle. I think that, no matter what our physical diagnosis is, it's the mental battle that may be the hardest to fight. Now we know what it's like to be told "you have cancer." Regardless of how big or small it is, how extensive the surgery or not, how long or intensive the treatment afterwards, the battle is the daily struggle to reconcile what we thought our lives were going to be, with what our lives are now, and with what our fears and hopes are for the future. That is the battleground for me. My body is not my enemy. My fear is my worst enemy. The daily struggle to defeat my fear and live the life I've been given, even with the pain and loss, and to find in it some hope, THAT will require all of my strength and all of my spirit. Goodnight, Lionhearts. You are extraordinarily courageous and I honor the light within you.

  • ndgrrl
    ndgrrl Member Posts: 645


    HI Fello Lumpies,


    Thank you all for letting me rant, rave and whine about my tales of woe. You all have been so supportive and have made me "think" in a good way. I do not feel so all alone when I am reading what is posted on this board. You have made me laugh. <<< Looks down, yes big girl panties are on and not in a bunch!!.. It really is just nice to know that no matter what I have to say, or complain about or brag about there is always someone here who will share it with me. Be it a shoulder to cry on or a dance in celebration of a victory.


    I do love that quote about the waves...The waves are gonna keep coming.. Just as life is gonna keep coming- the good, the bad and the inbetween. Just once in awhile we get a day where we want to bang our heads on a wall and our big girl panties crawl where they don't belong and we get a day of "why me?"" Why is this all happening to me?" But we have no choice but to pluck out those panties- turn them around out our chin up and off we go to face the day.. HMMM-- I think I am quoting Underdog!!


    Thank you all for having my back... and in our cases the front too-- Dolly Boob thanks you too!!

  • Sandymomto3
    Sandymomto3 Member Posts: 4


    good morning ladies.....question. I am 5 weeks post op of my lumectomy and axilary node dissection. Only discomfort I have at this point is in the armpit area and it's nothing I can't live with. I do have still a swollen breast....just wondering for those further out than me how long is normal for this to last? I have no breast pain, the swelling is uncomfortable in the evening and first thing in the am. I keep a daily check on my arm for swelling and my rings, watching for Lymphedma signs so far so good. Although I am do to start radiation soon and that may change. I welcome your thoughts.

  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 89


    Hi Fellow Lumpies.


    Sandymomto3 - you may wish to return to your surgeon to see if you have a seroma. I had one and lived with it for a while until the pain keep me up at night. My RO sent me to have it drained and what a relief. I understand it may come back but for now, I am comfortable.


    Bounce - love the surfing quote you posted. Thank you for being inspirational today as I need it. Regarding big girl panties.......I think I may need to order another pair. I am so sick of "people" telling me how lucky I am and you don't look sick. I know I am not going through as much as some of you lovelies but I sure don't feel lucky; at least not today. Each of us are floating in the same ocean just on different life rafts. I'm just glad I bumped into you all. Sorry about the rant....just needed to pop off.


    ((((HUGS!))))

  • bounce
    bounce Member Posts: 215


    If you ladies weren't all out there for each other and for me, I would probably have gone completely mad by now.


    You really are life rafts.


    I have an appointment with MO tomorrow to get my Oncotype score back. The MO said before she doesn't expect me to have to do chemo.


    Lets hope she is right.

  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 89


    Bounce - you are in my prayers.


    (((Hugs)))

  • Sandymomto3
    Sandymomto3 Member Posts: 4


    Hoping for good news for you Bounce. Saw my MO today, Oncotype DX score of 13 no chemo for me. Seeing the radiology people for my rads consult tomorrow. Will ask my RO doctor tomorrow about the swelling. MO today didn't look, just felt my armpit for a lump of fluid collection and he says there is none there. Hoping to start rads soon, ready for the next steps in this journey. Thankful for this website and these great discussion boards.

  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 301


    Sandy -- glad you won't be off to chemo land. May rads go by zip zap and have you DONE before you know it.


    Bounce -- thinking of you and hoping that onco score is low for you too.


    Cakes -- feel free to rant; we all need that sometimes.


    Hugs to all -- have a great week, Lumpies!

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