Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
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Interested in the post about having daughters start mammogram at age 22. My breast surgeon said my 25yo daughter is too young as (in her words) "young perky boobs don't take good pictures". She did not discourage her but said that young healthy tissue is difficult to discern abnormalities.0 -
wyo - I was 42 when I was diagnosed and my BS or MO or both (I blame chemo brain on not remembering) told me that my DD should start getting mammograms 20 years earlier than when I was diagnosed, which would be when they are 22. I also talked with their pediatrician, they are 13 and 11 now, and he agreed. As far as your DD what age were you diagnosed? I also have a BRACA 2 mutation so it may be because of this also.
If you were older when you were diagnosed then according to what I was told she can start getting mammograms later than my girls.
My sister has also been getting mammograms since she was in her 20s since she has had lots of cysts and has even has a few biopsies also. So I know that there are times when they do mammograms on younger women.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.0 -
PatAlameda- yippee! So glad that you are healed...surgical infection gone! You've been through so much warrior...thank you for sharing...Lumpies, listen to your bodies!
Best Wishes for chemo land, we will be in your pocket (((squeeze)))
Cindy0 -
Ok, lumpy surgery over, lymph nodes taken out, port placement etc. How many of you have had approximately 8/16 nodes taken out and STILL have pain a week later? I can barely lift my arm above my shoulder blade. It seems I have read that people are going back to work like the next day after surgery (I would have but I think its the node removal thing that's kicking my a** right now). Am I NORMAL??? The lumpectomy site is not painful at all. It's the whole underarm thing that is really making me ANGRY! I was also not planning on having the whole "drain" in place after surgery. When I woke up, boom "You have a drain". Not what I expected at all. Thought that was just for mastectomies. I don't really know what a lot or a little amount of lymph nodes removed is so I keep thinking "Is this normal?" And it would have been nice for them to warn me about even the possibility of having a drain after surgery! I had my surgery last Tuesday. Any help with this would be appreciated and sorry but today is not a "positive" day for me. All I want to do is rip this drain out and have a "Normal" shower without having to tie pantyhose around my neck!0 -
They never tell us enough information before a procedure, is my thought. I had fewer nodes, during my bmx, but Im sure its completely normal for you to be having arm issues. Itll take awhile for that to heal. Look in to pt so you can get your range of motion back. And might have sensitivty and numbness on arms or near area for a long time. Im 10 weeks out and still have some on my right side.0 -
Hi ladies. Thank you for all the congrats on finishing rads 2 weeks ago!!! Skin finally feeling better. Blisters under the arm healed but tough dark skin. But I will take it compared to 2 weeks ago! Getting ready for the oophorectomy Wednesday. Nerves are starting to get the best of me. I went for pre surgery blood work today and I already have my name band bracelet on. I said seriously...you can't put this on wed morning. I have to walk around with it. I had my bc surgery in another town, procedures were different. I'm doing this surgery in my neighborhood hospital.
Welcome to all the new ladies.
Cristen002 you are very normal! You are only 1 week put of surgery. The surgeon should of told you about the drain. It's to keep the cavity where the tissue was removed clear. 16 nodes removed. Yes there will be pain. I had 1 out and after rads irritating that area, my under arm still hurts! You have to be careful with that arm not to develop lymphedema. There is a section here to read up on it. There are also nerves that are moved and sometimes damaged to get the nodes out so that causes pain and numbness to.
This is a great place to talk, vent and yea days where you don't have to feel positive! If you have pain meds I would take as instructed to make you feel comfortable. Give your body time to heal.
Hugs to all0 -
I only had two Sentinel Nodes taken out, and that area hurt way worse than the area where the tumor was removed. Will be two weeks tomorrow since surgery and I am now starting to actually feel pain where the cancer lump was. Today the doctor replaced the Steri Strips with new ones on that spot and he pulled the incision tighter together. Didn't hurt at the time however I am really feeling it now. Not sure why it should start hurting two weeks out of surgery. The incision under my arm where the Nodes where taken out healed up great. No longer bothers me and a nice raised scar there. Hope the pain at the tumor site isn't a sign of anything bad like infection. Starting chemo next week.......0 -
Christen2002, be kind to yourself. One week out, I was still very laid up, and was myself marveling at women who had returned to work. I had 7 nodes out, so "I feel your pain." It is frustrating to get a surprise, especially a bad one! This is the place to be pissy and bitchy and if you want to be in a positive-free zone today, go for it! Find something to kick (inanimate, please).0 -
I only had three sentinel nodes out, and I could not believe how debilitating it was to my arm. It was done at the same time as my lumpectomy but through a separate incision two inches long below my armpit.
They sent me home with a sheet of instructions on stretching exercises, but mainly my surgeon emphasized raising my arm straight above my head or as high as I could raise it 10 times twice a day. The shower was a good place to stretch, letting the warm water help relax the muscles. At first I couldn't even raise my arm enough to wash my hair.
I regained most of my range of motion after two months. She irritated some nerves and clipped some, and the back of my arm is still partially numb four months later. Where the nerves are irritated and numb, she said lightly massage with cocoa butter. She said that will stimulate the nerves to heal.
Occasionally I still have pain and itching at the incision, but I may be allergic to the internal stitches according to my medical oncologist as my lumpectomy and port incisions have the same problem.
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Hi,
I had 9 nodes removed at the same time as I had my lumpectomy on August 19. I had a seperate incision in my arm pit area. The incision from my lumpectomy didnt bother me at all but the arm pit area still bothers me. It is still numb some and it will swell up when I use my arm quite a bit. I do have a lympodemia sleeve to wear when I over use my arm and they are hoping the lymph nodes will start to work again.
I woke up sore and black and blue from my armpit all the way down my side from him digging for those nodes- No one warns us of many things I noticed in this journey.
Northwinds.I had my steri strips removed a week after my surgery from my lumpectomy site, I am surprised the surgeon just changed them and didn't say why he felt you still needed them. I would be careful from infection. I did notice though when it started to heal it did hurt more as I started to get zingers when the nerves were healing. I also had a seroma and had to have that later drained. Listen to you body and if the pain gets worse I would call the doctor.
Fephna. congrats on being done with rads!! HAPPY DANCE!!!0 -
Christen- you are normal!!
I still am really stiff and numb in my armpit and had only 3 sentinel nodes removed. Sleeping with my arm up on a pillow really seemed to help to wake up feeling better. Now that I am almost 6 wks out and started radiation- the bottom of my breast along rib cage feels tight and "pulling" never had trouble with that til now but it feels like not enough skin to stretch- I lie in bed with arm up over head and "help" it stretch out.
I also know that some people seem to sail through and are back working right away- that is great for them and I am envious but -despite doing yoga several days a week and walking several miles/day right up until surgery I am still recovering and get really tired at the end of my work day. Give yourself grace
I find on these threads that all ranges of situations are both normal and frustrating (-:0 -
HI,
Where did all my fellow lumpies go?
If anyone is still around, I was wondering if it is normal to still be feeling pain in the lumpectomy breast 3 months later?
I had fluid aspired off of it about a month ago and it feels diff this time. My arm pitt is still really sore. I am not sure what all is going on. I had hoped it would be better by now.
How is everyone doing?0 -
hi ndgrrl
we are still here hanging out
I am not that far out to say if pain in the area is normal at 3 months- are you running any fever or having any swelling in addition to the pain. Knowing they stuck a needle in there you always want to rule out any infectious process going on. Some of the "upper classmen" will probably know more0 -
Hi.
Thanks for answering.
Not any redness of sweling of fever where they put that needle. It felt wonderful about 2 days after it was done- I could sleep on the girl for the first time- I still do but I noticed there is some pain where the incision and scar are.
And my arm pitt where he dug around and took out 9 nodes still bugs me. PT has me wearing a spandex tube top all day long and an lumpectomy sleeve to use on my arm when I use it alot. Just can not figure out how to use it when I am cooking alot. They need to make water proof ones.
Upperclassmen I hope are still around!!0 -
Hi Lumpies
Yippee 6 mo post rad mammo today! Happy Dance...all good!
Fephna - congrats on rads done! Baby the skin for a month...you did good
Ndgrrl - tender still...but slowly less uncomfortable SND ...give it time. I notice that my genie bra does not rub scar...helps...I also wear a light compression control top and it does not rub...I still free girl and massage vit e on scars...looks good. If you have questions call your BS or support group in your area and ask.
Wyo - you are playing laser tag...it's mental so get your mind in the zone each day...healing light...but does it make my butt look bigger? Hydrate hydrate hydrate eat extra protein and free boobing...emu oil & hydrocortisone worked great for me:)
(((Hugs))) Lumpies
Cindy0 -
RM- Happy Dance for you.. The thought of the first one scares me. Afraid of pain and afraid since it was my first ever mammo that caught my cancer to start with..
I see the NP Onchologist on Friday so will ask her if pain is normal. She so young, not sure if she is the right person to go to or not. She told me she had never heard of anyone having insomnia on Tamoxifen, yet the boards are full of people who have trouble sleeping. sigh...
RM where did you buy your tank top you wear? This spandex tube top is quite the pain it like to roll up.
Did you have any long lasting problems with your arm pit area from node removal. I guess I am chomping at the bit and do need to give myself time. Since my job was eliminated when I was on medical leave I have nothing but time. I am boring even to myself- ha.
Thanks0 -
ndgrrl - breathe! Time to heal.
I would ask your BS ...call speak with RN than determine if you should do a look see. May settle your mind.
My bra is from Kohls...a tank that I slide up my body...fits nice around arms and does not cut in. Underarm is still tender if in the wrong clothing...think the 3rd girl (LE) added to the discomfort. You may request mo to send you to PT...helped:)
Do you do Lebed exercises or have a fitness routine to get your endorphins up?
Sorry about the job ugh
find a routine that keeps you challenging yourself and strengthening body mind spirit...walk, Lebed, Tia chi, gym, YWCA, be purposeful in your recovery healing attack warrior!
Hang in there warrior! You've got this
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HI,
The RO is the one with my assistance who sent me to PT. She has not did a whole lot for me- she did order the lympodemia sleeve and spandex tank top. She showed me an exercise - walking figers up the wall- to stretch out my arm pitt and that was about it. I see her on Friday also for the final time. I have not seen her in a month. I had hoped she would show me some lyph massage but she never did.
I need to exercise it might help me get out of this hermit funk. I live in a very tiny town and my job really did hurt me. I had worked from home- went back to work 9 days after surgery- went back to work after I got out of the hosp after rads and got injured( tore out scar tissue and got an internal bleed) so doc put me on a month leave . They told me they gave my duties away to other workers- FMLA could nto help me as we are too tiny. It really was like a kick when I was down. The medical bills!! YIKES.. I need to find a job soon. Not easy in a tiny lil town.
I have thought of joining our local gym here- but its sooooo expensive and without a job- well... I did ask Hubby if we could possibly find a used treadmill somewhere.
Thanks for words of encouragement!!0 -
Hi, ndgrrl and Cindy! I'm still around!! Hurray for getting through your first post-rads mammo, Cindy. Did it hurt at all? Nd - I'm sorry you're still having pain, every now and then I get a little feeling of discomfort, but nothing that lasts. Also so sorry about your job; is there a possibility you could do something "national" (like an online retailer or customer service provider) from home? I know the perils of trying to find work in a small town. Wish you luck.
So, I started rads last week, but Oh, joy, it didn't go well (if you've been on the Fall Rads board at all, you've read my story, but here it is in a nutshell) - I was asked to be the first patient at my hospital to try the gated breathing method of rads (you hold your breath while the beam is zapping you). Necessitated a longer-than-usual CT Sim, but that was okay. The problem was that the tech team (all very nice and compassionate) are mostly new to this method and didn't really know me. When I got all adrenaline-soaked and "heroic" (after all, puffing out my now scarred and mismatched chest, "I am the first person to attempt this! I have to make it a huge success!") and I took a huge, gigantic breath (the kind you'd take if you were going to swim underwater for 50 yards!), they established that as my baseline breath - i.e., the same breath hold level I would have to attain every time, for several seconds, in treatment. So, for four days last week (two of which were only x-rays, and two were treatment days), I attempted, and failed, over and over again, to reach and hold that gargantuan breath hold level. It got to the point that, by Friday, I was nearly blacking out every time I tried to take the breath and hold it...I think that the team's inexperience, and my desire to succeed for them (yes, I thrive on approval!) kept us from pulling the plug earlier and going back to the drawing board. I didn't want to toss the whole process overboard, so we decided to re-do the CT Sim at a lower breath hold level (the whole point of this new method is that by inhaling a breath, you move your heart back out of the radiation field and only the top sliver of your lungs gets zapped). But we did it the same day that I'd been blacking out, and well, I ended up being pulled out of the CT machine in a panic and vomiting. My system had just been through so many extremes that day. Vulnerable and emotionally/physically weakened doesn't even begin to describe it.
Went back and completed the CT Sim this past Monday and it went very well...and I can't say enough nice things about my team (except that they were inexperience, but learning is part of the process when trying something new).. So I will proceed with gated breathing, but at the lower, more sustainable breath hold. I'm being told that this is the wave of the future for RT. Just. Have. To. Hold. My. Breath......aaaaaaahhhhhhh! XOXO0 -
Headed back for my first mammo since dx. Nervous as all get out. Congrats to Rmlula, I hope I can report good outcomes.0 -
Hi there ladies. I haven't been writing much as I seem to have some radiation fatigue.
By 18:00 I can't keep my eyes open and have to nap for an hour and a bit so I get can get up and shower and get ready for bed!
The fridge is almost bare. Don't panic - we are all adults or almost adults so even the "kids" can find something to eat in the pantry if they are hungry enough.
There are enough tins of tuna and corn and other odds and ends if anyone can't find something in the fridge or freezer.
I am going to speak to the nurse tomorrow.
But having done number 13 of 25 I am now 52% done.
ndgrrl - sorry to hear you are having pain and discomfort. - I have some neat ideas for exercise and will write soon. Have to help organize supper now and must run.
summergal - am following you on rads thread.
wyo - my bra feels like it is strangling me! I have taken to free boobing at home which isn't always comfortable either.
RMlulu - we love you
Fephna - where are you? How are you doing after surgery?0 -
I am having my lumpectomy and SNB tomorrow and I'm glad I found this forum. It's helped as a reminder to ask a few questions tomorrow. Good luck to you all!0 -
Hi Ladies. Haven't been writing much but am reading all your posts. Today is 1 week since end of rads. I am feeling more tired now then I did while going thru them. Also a bit of nausea. The good news is that skin is healing well although I still get a couple of zingers in breast area several times a day. Truly I am not complaining but rather celebrating the end of this journey and looking forward to a really thankful Thanksgiving with family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all you fabulous ladies and I will always be in your pocket as we all maneuver our way through this maze of treatments. Hugs, Marilyn0 -
Hi Lumpies
Aeryno - welcome, we will be in your pocket tomorrow {{{squeeze}}} there is such a feeling of relief after lx&snd ...you will be surprised how good you feel...the haze gone...just baby the arm & breathe. Soak in the love of family and friends you will be fine grave warrior!
Canuck - yippee, 1 week out if rads...hydrate & moisturize...skin will keep changing so extra care...free boobing...ah the air ...thankfulness and gratitude a life celebration time ))
Summergal - hold it...now Breathe! Congrats on leading the way for new tx at your facility. Sorry that you were overwhelmed. Just the daily grind of rads jumping up on the table creates anxiety to our shell shock bodies & minds...then gulp a big of air oh my :O hang in there breathe get your mind in the zone...it does get easier...got my magic princess warrior sharpie and I'm drawing warriors dancing all around your tats for good vibes...plus giggles and smiles...now so hum...I am...healing light...you got this laser tag warrior
Bounce - you have more behind than in front! Smiles and congrats Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...seriously 10-12 glasses a day...makes a big difference on fatigue. Plus, being pampered is a good thing! Everything will keep...you come 1st right now
Wyo - concur free boobing is the most comfortable...a soft cami with the girl eased out to the air with emu oil ah!
Ndgrrl - not sure where your small town is or how rural...but there is your public library, breast center and you tube and links from this site for exercise, self massage, tai chi, Qi gong. Make a game plan, commit to 45 min a day of exercise, walk, jump rope in front of the tv during commercials, YouTube Zumba or a line dance just move...doesn't $$$, but sure perks up endorphins. Now is time to heal body mind spirit ...a new job will come when you are ready...so relax, heal, and laugh! Enjoy today!
Kkuziel - yippee we made it to our 6 mo postt rad mammos! I expressed my concern that it would hurt. Tech assured me that I would receive gentle care...and I did! Thought it was cute the they put a funny teeth looking tape across the incisions to assist in location. It did not hurt...yeah and results immediately)) rads zapped everything out if there...all new girl...we're so close...she's had a rough time but doing good now! The best to you and your girl ))
Very Thankful for y'all Lumpies
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Aeryno, wishing the best for you tomorrow. You will learn so much from these boards. (((Hugs))) let us know how things went when you are up to it.0 -
Hi Lumpies -- I am still hanging around and reading, but mostly posting in chemo threads. My chemo tx #3 is tomorrow, and last one (yay!) is Dec. 12. I have had an array of SEs, but it is doable, and I have managed to work through it so far.
RMlulu -- You are a treasure! How is the Trunk LE doing? 3rd girl in remission?
Aerryno -- you can do this? We have all been there, and this board will give you lots of info and support. Got a question? Ask away! Feeling sad? We will be there for you. Doing the dance of joy for good news? We will dance with you. And if you just need to know others are walking the same confusing BC path, we are in your pockets.
All of you in rads, I go there in the new year (hope I don't have to hold my breath -- you have my complete respect, SG!). I'll be reading and storing up your experiences to help me through it! Thank goodness I found you gals!!
--Kim0 -
aeryno - welcome! One of the best groups of brave warriors here, no doubt about it. Compassion and love and great humor all wrapped up in one awesome thread. So glad you found us, and hope you'll update us, let us know how you're feeling. Will be thinking of you tomorrow; wear something with big pockets so we can all fit in there. If I was sitting next to you on the sofa and whispering advice I'd say, "Go ahead, take the meds they give you." It will really help you to be able to rest and relax enough so your body can start to heal. Also, let people help. For real. Give yourself time. It took me about a month to feel like myself again.
Cindy - love you so much. You are a bright shining star. So glad you shine in our universe. XO
Marilyn - thankful, thankful that the worst is over for you. Hope you have the best Thanksgiving.
TeamKim - Dec. 12 can't get here soon enough, huh!? Great day to celebrate. Rads will be fine in the new year.
Nighty all! Sweet dreams.0 -
aeryno- you can ask us anything you want and ask your treatment team anything and everything its your body and you need information and peace-of-mind. Best of luck to you tomorrow- we will be here on the "back side" after your procedure. I did not come here right away post-op it was too "raw" in my mind but over time I felt like I wanted to read other people's stories and share mine- we are all different.
As a sidebar
I have this fantastic bra called sassybax- now this thing was NOT cheap but some insurance covers it so I hear. It gives you compression without cutting off your circulation/breathing and feeling like a corset. Some say its too high in the arms and mine actually hits above my SNB incision which is perfect. No padding so what you look like is what is "out there". I have small breasts and its noticeable that the left is a lot smaller now- oh well that is what scarfs are for- you can run up and down the stairs at your house without bouncing but no hooks to fasten and you can step into it. For going out with more fitted clothes I have genie bras also- has some padding to even things out and great to step into etc but not that same "hug". found sassybax on amazon- they have a website too. I don't work for them or have any conflict of interest just really amazed how a product developed to get rid of back fat showing is so good for us hahaha0 -
Hi All, I'm in chemo-land these days, but thought I'd pass on my discovery about bras. As a bustier girl, going bra less, wearing a cami or a soft stretchie bra doesn't work for me. I have found that my stinking biopsy site is still tender lo so many months later. My go-to underwire bras are no longer comfortable, and the uni-boob look of sports bras got old quick. What I've found (don't laugh) are nursing bras! They come in gargantuan sizes, are well constructed, and don't have actual wires, although they have the same construction as underwire bras. Comfortable, supportive and pretty.0 -
"Dick and Jane" behaved well for their family portraits. Some discomfort in the squish but nothing too bad. Couldn't help but look at the pictures on the screen. "Dick" has a large area of bright whiteness, but I knew there was fluid so I didn't freak out about that. When she took the pictures of "Jane" I looked over and was immediately alarmed because there was a bright white shape in the middle. I could feel my heart beginning to pound and I got all flushed, just knowing that I was looking at something scary, and then the tech moved the mouse. Felt like a fool.
The person reading the pictures suggested I come back in six months, but my RO went down with all of his picture of "Dick" to compare and it seems the only thing that was a question was the fluid and when they compared CT scans and such they decided I could wait a year for the next mammo. Kind of taken a back by that. I thought they would want to see do mamms more often, but my RO said no. He wanted to see me in six months, but the pictures could wait a year.
Aeryno, best of luck with lumpectomy. You'll be glad to get "spot" out for sure
RMlulu glad to here all went well for you. We've been on matching schedules through this so I'm glad we get matching celebrations, and can have a less stressful holiday this year.
Best to all of you.0
