Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Redreading, I had 9 nodes removed and the surgeon really had to dig to find the sentinal nodes, but I did ok and went to work after 9 days. My sister returned in a week( she was dx 2 months after me) she had 2 nodes removed. I just used my arm right away, never babied it, and did my hair ( I have long hair) right away. I was sore, yes, but I didn't let it stop me from doing things.
As for a bra. my neice told me she woke up with a special bra on - so I never even thought about a bra- Well my hospital didn't give me a bra to wear so I went home 2 hours one way braless- I held a pillow up to my chest for support. There was no way I would have been able to put on my regular bra... When I got home I lived in this spandex tube top the breast center had given me after my biopsy.
I also was able to find a bra at walmart that was soft cotton that hooked in the front which I wore when I washed the spandex tube top.
Good luck..0 -
HI RedReading
You will be ready for your surgery- lots of info on this site and 100s of years of experience from all the people posting.
Just from personal experience I would return the pretty bras and get a credit. There is a fair amount of swelling after surgery and some of the strap adjustment metal pieces and even the hooks can irritate your skin. Underwire- have not tried it since day before surgery- not recommended by my team through radiation. I bought 2 sassybax bras and 2 genie bras- I can step into them and did for the first week- slept in them too. I do sleep with my arm over my head and I stretch it walking up the wall of the shower with the warm water easing the muscles.
I think you will be able to brush your hair though you need to go slowly and carefully in the first couple of weeks as your range of motion is not at 100%.
This site has an entire section on lumpectomy that goes into the bras and exercise after surgery. Have you checked it out?
I am working during radiation- everyone has a different experience with how it affects them. I go at 0730 then come home and shower and go to work- some days I can work from home. Its not all that easy and several co-workers have said "oh yes everyone works during radiation" really??? The treatment takes less time than taking your clothes off and getting positioned on the table but its Monday-Friday so its always there.
Keep asking questions so you feel you are well-prepared for your procedure. I can cut/paste you some of my surgical instructions they were all on-line if you think it would be helpful0 -
Red -- you might have all you need to know, but you might not.... We are all different, please remember. I doubt you will be able to sleep with your arm up over your head (but maybe they mean to elevate your arm so it is above the level of your heart to avoid swelling in your arm) -- I propped my arm on pillows and slept in a recliner for the first two weeks post surgery. Then I moved to the soda -- still elevating the arm on pillows. It was 3.5 weeks before I could sleep in a bed, and even then I needed to pack pillows around so I wouldn't roll.
I was sent home in a surgical bra that I was supposed to leave on 24/7 for 5 days. It was comfortable, so I used it for awhile until I could get out to the store and try on some bras to see what would work for me. I ended up buying some pull-on bras at Target that I lived in night and day for several months.
Doing my hair was a bit of a struggle -- time consuming with long hair -- but I figured it out. Once they told me I would need chemo, I got it cut in a bob.
Don't stress -- you will learn what you need to know as you go along.... And we are here to answer any questions! (((Hugs)))0 -
team Kim....only one more chemo to go! Hang in there.
Red....the position of your incision will also affect lots. Mine was at 6:00 below nipple. The hospital gave me a small pillow .I used one in the car while driving and one at night . it helped a lot. I use bras that were not underwire .they worked fine . I found I needed support to take any weight off of the incision. good luck with everything0 -
Ndgrrl. Thanks for the reply. I thought about lymphedema (can never spell that!) and will check it out at my next appointment.
Redriding. Everyone's experience is a bit different. I had a lumpectomy in August, and was very lucky. I was outside going for a walk the next day, showered as soon as I was allowed (48 hours I think) and dried my own hair from the get go. I didn't have any range of motion issues. I did bring a front closure bra in a size bigger to go home from the hospital, which worked well because of the volume of the bandages. Also I brought a shirt and jacket that buttoned up the front so that they were easy to put on. I propped my arm up on a pillow to sleep for a few weeks. It felt better that way. I think it's good to be informed about what issues can and do occur, but I wouldnt anticipate that they will all occur.
Where are you in ontario? I'm in Toronto0 -
redriding, I spent nearly 2 months agonizing over finding a front close sports bra for after surgery. The day before surgery I was in tears, because not only had I still not found one, but since I am large breasted, it seemed even harder than it should have been. I also tried the walmart ones everyone here talked about, but not only did I have to try them several sizes bigger, but they cut too high under the arms and hit where my biopsy scar was on breast, so they didn't work for me. I have a really good sports bra that I practically live in now, but it's pretty expensive. It is the under armour maximum control sports bra. Hooks in the back, though. Anyway, I brought that one, and an amoena Francis front-close bra to the hospital with me on day of surgery. The nurses said the under armour bra was the better choice for me, and they just helped me put it on after surgery and hooked it for me. (As you can guess, my hospital does not provide the bra for you). Then, for the first week, my DH or DD helped me hook it behind my back. But mostly I was bound and determined to do it myself. I also wore button front large shirts. I slept in a recliner the first couple weeks, and still use pillows beside me, so I don't roll over too far, but I am able to sleep on my sides.
Ridley, I had pain in the inside of my arm, but slightly above the elbow, that started a few weeks after surgery. It was hard to straighten my arm. My BS said it was a thrombus vein with blood clot. After following his instructions on how to treat, it resolved after a couple weeks. Then a few weeks later I had weird squeezing sensations in my upper arm, and pins and needles in my lower arm. Dr. ordered US of arm in case of blood clot, but nothing was found. I feared lymphadema, but never found the source. For whatever reason, it went away. Anyway, you should definitely get your dr. to check it out, to find out what is causing yours.0 -
Redriding - Welcome to the Lumpies! Breathe, you will be fine brave warrior.
Waiting is hard...ugh:(...our check lists...did we cover all the angles...dot our i...cross our Ts...ugh. We are in your pocket {{{squeeze}}}. Focus on today and don't get ahead of yourself. No need to stress about something that may not be an issue for you.
Front opening bras or hook step into work great, front zip hoody or big yoga top, ponytail
it will all work out! You will feel better than you think...and that wait cloud will lift.
Best Wishes on your lx&snd. Confirm with your BS how you will receive results of margins&nodes. We will be waiting to Happy Dance with you now get out there and grab all the hugs and laughs you can...oh and a drumstick or 2
(((Hugs)))0 -
So, I am only 3 boosts away from finishing my rads. I am already wondering where to go from there? It feels strange that I will be finished with treatment, aside from starting Tamoxifan next month. I also feel a bit worried that since I didn't need to do chemo, that somehow I have skipped a step. I don't know if I'm ready to go back into the real world again. This past 6 months has been all about cancer and treatment. What do I do next? Do any upperclassmen recommend any boards here for afterwards? I love the lumpies, because I feel it is my home base, and I hang out in fall rads land, but soon will be finished there. I don't know, I feel somehow in limbo. : ( Also, at what stage do you say I had cancer as opposed to I have cancer? I am feeling a bit scared.0 -
L2girl yay 3 boots away!! I totally understand how you feel. I just posted yesterday about my oophorectomy and how I'm feeling after rads, neither to to with our topic of lumpectomy. But I feel this is my home base to. Even tho I don't post alot I always read up on everyone. And tho we don't physically know each other, we do thru our posts. I have started reading threads on arimidex since that's my next step. Also reading up on moving past cancer, but I don't know if I am ready to move past it yet. I still have the meds to take. Even tho its not considered active treatment, its still treatment. I feel like I'm in that same limbo!! Hugs0 -
L2girl - yippee on the final 3! Congrats & ring that bell loud as you jump off the table Wed...done! Happy Dance shoes are ready Baby the skin the next few weeks it will change...emu oil...you did it:D
Yes, there is that what now...hummm...PTSD as we jump out of the daily grind trenches, brush ourselves off, and go thru separation anxiety from our BC team. MO gave me a 1 mo vacation before I started HT which helped. Everyone is different ...I wanted to keep a 6 mo check up schedule where I see everyone the same week and then I'm done...others stagger their visits so they can see BC team more often...ie monthly during a 3 mo period...you work out what is right for you.
A good read is 'After BC a common sense guide to life after'...deals with the limbo of being out of active tx. Im Staying right here...in LX Lounge...this is my home...started here..encouraged here...walking together.
My mindset changed after LX/path...I had cancer! Everything after is to create a hostile environment and new healthy soil...but understand... I can get caught by stats questions uncertainty too, but...I'm a survivor...I'm living each day in the zone...keeping ahead not forgetting where I've been but focusing on where I am and where I'm determine to go! Live, remember this battle is about being the hero of our life...go grab it!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Hi there, I'm in Kitchener Ridley, about an hour away from you.
Thanks for everyone's bra advice. Schoolmom, my incision will be at 10 o'clock so I can see now that I may have different experiences than someone (like you with and incision at 6).I think I have taken a small thing and made it bigger in my head. But it is something I can control and as a natural born control freak, I am distressed that I haven't solved the bra problem yet. Same with the hair. Silly girl. Me not you. :-)
TeamKim thanks for the sleeping advice. Although I usually sleep with both arms above my head (my hubby finds that vastly amusing) I can see what you mean by just keeping it elevated. Isn't it amazing how many small things have to change when you have BC. A Target recently opened near my work, so maybe I'll stop by on my way home from work tomorrow.
Wyo I've never heard of either of those bras, and to honest, I'm new enough that other than reading posts I have no idea how to navigate these sites to learn more. Can you describe what I need to do to find that section about bras etc. that you mentioned?
RMlulu, I'm going to be extra careful with my pockets now that I know everyone is in there. Wouldn't want to squish anyone. Now if someone would hold my hand through the needle part...
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RedReading - I was just like you with the bra - I nearly drove my entire city crazy looking for a bra that was 100% cotton, no under wire , no seams in the cup and wide straps! Also not a bra that just squashes the boobies but actually gives support. I had no idea there were so many bra shops until I had visited them all - about twice.
During rads I had to buy a bra extender to make it a bit bigger round the body as I am swollen (more than from surgery) and was being strangled. Its a simple little set of extra hooks and eyes that fits most bras. Very useful and costs very little to buy.
I did buy another bra after rads started - only 50% cotton - I have learned to compromise - but it is not as good when I need to walk around.
(Someone suggested nursing bras may be good options.)
Try not to stress yourself out too much. After looking at the selection available - make a choice and go for it.
As for hair - I cut my hair short because I didn't know how I was going to manage. I think the really simple answer is to go to a hairdresser for a week or two if you can't manage by yourself.
I found planning my shower in advance helped - I put out everything I would need in easy to get to places - I hung my towel on a hook so I could kind of step into it around my shoulders as I had to support my boob with one hand while drying myself with the other. The first 2 weeks were bothersome but manageable and then things got easier quickly.
I slept on my side with an extra cushion next to my body supporting my boob and my arm - that way my arm was also "raised" even though it was flat on the cushion.
The "control issue" is no joke. Sometimes because I have so little control over the entire process I get hung up on the little details I can control - like which bra to buy - and make a huge issue out of it.
All cancer related topics are pretty hard for control freaks to deal with. There is no way I can check my rads technicians are doing the right thing with the particle accelerator! I just have to lie there and trust them. I hate it. All we can do is take a big breath and try to relax and enjoy life a bit more knowing we can worry less and the world will still function.
Also know that you will be able to solve issues as they arise - you don't have to think of everything beforehand and solve all the problems before they even happen.
Hugs0 -
redreading
here is the info from the breastcancer.org general site http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy
Bounce is right- sometimes it feels better to have control over the things you can because there are so many things you can't control! You will be able to do this, the only reason I know is because we all thought we coult not until we did (surprise)
If you can sleep with your arms over your head I would not discourage it- my daughter sleeps that way too. It will keep your axilla (armpit) area nice and stretched. I try to fall asleep that way but wake up with my arm crunched into my side every night.0 -
sloyd66 - so good that you are asking questions. Be sure and ask your surgeon about the BPs after SND. After surgery (I had nodes removed from both sides) I had BPs taken on my leg, but they were so incredibly (and incorrectly) high that I asked if the nurses could take them on the arm that had only one node removed, and only with a manual BP cuff (not the automated thing). That way the nurse can regulate how much pressure is given. Haven't had any needlesticks yet, but I would probably not have them on my arms, just because of the risk of infection. Some medical personnel will not want to do BPs or sticks AT ALL when you tell them you've had SND, but others (usually older ones) will go ahead cautiously. Use your surgeon's advice. About washing under your arm, just be gentle. Also, if your scar there is kind of bumpy, mine was too, and after four weeks it was nice and flat.
RedReading - Well, when we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, you'll have a special place in the blessing that all goes well for you in surgery! For me, post-surgery was a time to rely on my family and friends. Because I had both sides done, it was hard to raise my arms, so I asked my husband to wash my hair for me, and then he and our six-year-old combed it out. It was one of the loveliest, and loving, moments in months of worry. Let yourself be cared for. Ask for help. So much of this is about giving up control, unfortunately, as with diagnosis we learn we've lost control of something in our bodies. That is scary and it's natural to want to increase the "holding on." But, also, letting go of some of the control will provide unexpected blessings - meals, cards, hugs and prayers from people we do and do not even know...and someone to wash and comb and dry your hair. One thing about the sleeping - everyone's different, but prepare yourself to maybe sleep on your back for a week or more. That can be a bit stressful...but when you can finally sleep on your side, oh! The relief. Hang in there. Wear something with big pockets on Thursday because we're all going in there with you. HUGS0 -
Thank you summergal! so far the scars underarm and breast is doing and looking good. Each day raising my arm is getting a little better. I see you didn't have to do chemo.. I'm praying all I have to do is radation
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O my, wait a sec, I have to wipe away some tears. Thank you all for the great advice and all the wonderful sentiments. As a control freak I know I have to let go of some of this stuff but as a mom of 5 and gmom of 11, even have a couple of greats, organizing things is such a normal part of my life that I am finding it difficult to let it go. Then suddenly, inertia seems to set in and even though I have a whole day to get things done, I don't move from the couch unless someone (DH) prods me with a stick. I don't get it.
Bounce, thanks again for your advice but....what do you mean, we can't check on the rad techs to make sure that they are doing their job correctly? lol I'm thinking of cutting my hair, but my DD suggested I wait until I know if I might need other treatment than the radiation first. If I do, she suggested I cut it short, then I have the option of my own hair for any hair replacement idea I might have. Yes, I passed the control issues down the line. I think the 'plan the shower' idea plays right into controlling my immediate environment if I can't control the rest. Little things, right?
Wyo, thanks for the url, I'll check it out when I leave the lounge. Sleeping on my back with my arms above my head is the norm -like your DD- I'm hoping I can continue to do so. I also wake up to find I need to roll to my side, so my DH suggested I use our zero gravity lounge chair for the first couple nights. At least it would stop my fear of my Lab jumping up to say good morning. But I want to sleep with him, waaaa. (my hubby not the Lab) lol
Summergirl, I will totally welcome all of your company on Thursday. I'll wear a smock with pockets all over. If they make me remove it, maybe you ladies could jump into the pocket of someone in a lab coat. Teehee. It's so sweet of you to include me in your thanksgiving prayers. Thank you so much. Thanks also for your valuable advice. I could use some flowers. I will try to let my family and friends help me out.
Still ticked off about my Pink Concert. How many folks here were able to travel and then sit for 4 hours 5 days after surgery. I paid over $200 for those darn tickets and it's a family event. I want to go and I know everyone is different so I won't take it too much to heart if the concensus is a no go, but I'd really hate to sell the tickets to a stranger. Do you ladies think it's possible to go?
Anyway, thanks to all for the kind words and advice. Hugs'n'kisses.
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RedReading, how you'll do after surgery is very individualized. Some people are back to work in a couple days, some not for a month. One of the determining factors is how many lymph nodes are taken, and in what manner. I had 6 biopsied and 1 more dissected with surrounding tissue. Big ouch. Some get by with 2 biopsies. Not the answer you want, but the truth is no one knows how you'll do until after surgery! Sorry. Makes planning a bitch.0 -
RedReading. I wouldn't sell your tickets yet. I would see how you feel a couple of days after surgery. As noted, it's hard to predict what you will feel like, but you might be lucky and be able to go.0 -
RR - Your posts about control are bringing a smile to my face as I remember the weeks leading up to my surgery. My only child was going off to college for his freshman year, and I was desperate to be part of the journey across the country, the parent orientation, the move in to the dorms and the settling of my prodigy in his new home away from home. Every doctor, nurse, technician, scheduling clears -- everyone heard my plea, complete with desperate tears sometimes. A long heart-to-heart with my BS (who is wonderful) helped me to understand that even they couldn't control everything, but they would do their best for me, knowing that this was a special time. Three and a half weeks post surgery I stepped on that plane and participated fully in the college settling in -- it was so joyful for me, and for DS, to make that happen.
What followed next was more uncertainty, however, as we waited for tests. My control freak nature was not comforted until all the questions were answered and we had a treatment plan. Even then, I was stressed about working through chemo -- but I have managed to do so.
Never feel bad about the kind of personality you have. But BC tests the limits of our ability to be in charge of our own destinies -- nonetheless, the exercise of trying to be an active and assertive participant in our treatment decisions is empowering.... Truly a source of strength!0 -
RedReading - how ironic that it's a PINK concert (pink ribbons?)!! I'm envious. Would love to see her! I echo Ridley's comments - wait and see how you feel (in our neck of the woods, Pink concerts sell out immediately, so I don't think you'd have any trouble selling your ticket, if necessary, even at the last minute). Besides, knowing that you have the concert, with family, to look forward to, might be very helpful in your healing. That said, I would suggest you take it very easy the day after surgery. Ease back into things. Maybe make a pact with someone who's going to the concert with you that, if you go, and you feel like you need to leave early, someone will be willing to leave with you. That way you can enjoy some of it, while also taking good care of yourself. Maybe you could even call the venue and ask if there are any accommodations for people with special circumstances, like a comfy waiting room near the offices that you could retreat to if needed during the concert. Wow - I bet Pink would be honored to know that someone who is so recently going through breast cancer surgery wants to come to her concert! Perhaps a phone call to someone in her entourage...? Just sayin'
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RedReading - hang on to those tickets! I hopped a flight 2 wks after lx&snd for a months vacation...then 2 weeks after rads finished...always escaping and playing my team has worked with me so that this bend in my road has minimal impact to plans for life! We will be in your pocket...take care and enjoy Thanksgiving...I know it seems surreal when there are so many unknowns hanging out there, but trust and enjoy family and friends...that is what it's all about
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
I had my surgery on 11/21 and today, 11/26 I feel good.
I bought a couple of Danskin front closure bras from Walmart and wore one to surgery. I wore it the rest of the day after surgery but it rubbed on the clear bandage over the gauze and caused a blister (of course!). I am small (36a on a good day) and wore tank tops with a built in shelf bra to sleep. I have a couple of soft bras without underwire from Target during the day. That seems to work. Pain is basically non existent unless I move that arm lot or stretch it. Guess I'm glad I lost my hair as I don't have to worry about brushing it!
I have been gently using a washcloth in the shower to clean that underarm. Doc said I can use deodorant but am skeptical and waiting until follow up next week.
In case I forget, Happy Thanksgiving! We are all still here and for that I am thankful0 -
Every year at thanksgiving I take some time and remind myself of everything I am thankful for. This year my list is so long! Here are just a few, blessed I have such a supportive family, thankful my diabetic son had the best check up in years last week. Thankful my cousin just finished chemo and starts rads in 2 weeks. Thankful I had great drs and made it thru 2 surgeries and rads. And so thankful I have you ladies to talk, vent, laugh and share our stories. I wish you all a very blessed thanksgiving. ((((Hugs))))0 -
so nice, Fephna!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you brave, strong, funny, beautiful warriors! I hope the holiday is full of family and joy and love. We are here -- much to be thankful for!!0 -
I just posted over in fall rads, but my news is so happy, I had to share it here as well.
I had my last radiation treatment today. I did 10 weeks in total! (30 each side, for a total of 60, but overlapped somewhere in the middle) Woohoo! I am finished! The whole staff applauded as I walked out after changing, while they played the graduation march in the background, (I think it is called pomp and circumstance?). I gave them all hugs and thanked them. They gave me a certificate and card, which they all signed and wrote some really nice things to me. And they gave me a goodie bag. Everyone there was always so kind and caring to me. I think I am going to miss them. (wipes away a tear). My RO was also very nice. Overall, I would have to say I couldn't have asked for a better experience going through this whole cancer thing.
Tomorrow I can truly celebrate, for I feel I have more to be thankful for this year than ever before. Even though this past 6 months or so has been quite an ordeal, I am thankful for all the good care and great people I have met along the way. I am thankful my side effects have been minimal. And most of all, I am thankful I am still here.
Thank you fephna, and Cindy, for encouraging me the other day when my spirits were down.
Love to all of my sisters here in lumpie land. Couldn't have done it without your support.0 -
Congrats L2girl!!!!!!! Yay Happy dance!!!!!! Enjoy your holiday -- much love!!
--Kim0 -
WTG....CONGRATS on finishing your radiation... im waiting on my radiation schedule ...just finished my chemo!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving..you deserve it..0 -
Thanks so much for your support. I FOUND THE BRA!!!! Yay.
L2girl! Happy dance at my house!! A long journey with a good ending.
Pat and riddley, thanks for the honest opinions. I know how I feel that day will matter a ton, and that everyone is different. You're right, planning is hard right now.
Summergirl I wish I could figure out a way to make that happen! Omg, I just love her! Well not romantically but her music and her choreography is stunning.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too Fephna. I am also very thankful for all these lovely ladies, who are so open to sharing with a newbie like me.
TeamKim, what do you mean, control issues? Me?? Really? Lmao. Yes okay, maybe just a bit. But you ladies definitely help ground me a bit. And I am so glad you were able to participate in your son's college entrance - hope you didn't stick around for hazing. Not so pretty. Lol
Aeryno and RMlulu you give me hope that I'll really be able to attend The Pink Concert. 5 days and Aeryno was out and about. And RMlulu was taking vacations too. Mines in February. Please please let that be me!!!!
My ops tomorrow 1230. We are there already! A little scared but mostly calm. Gonna take a long hot bath, spend some quality time with me hubby ;-) and sleep like a baby (I hope). Good night ladies and thanks again for your support.
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Rads>>>DONE I am dog-tired but happy to move out of the daily grind of hopping on that table. Note to skin....Please hold up
L2girl- high five- we did it!!
Red- don't give up on Pink (hmm that sounds catchy!) I had a laugh and hope you find it funny- just take your pain meds because there will be others there using their "recreational" meds and you would fit right in.
Good luck on surgery tomorrow- I am having a slow day at home by myself so if you need anything at all just post and I will be checking. Make sure they check your armband every time with name and date of birth- get ready to say what breast it is several times. Its not because they don't know they want to make sure you say what they think they know. (its all okay- its for your safety)
The only thing I really did not do right away was drive. I have a stick shift and even though it was my left breast-shifting with the right and controlling with the left took time. I flew less than 2 weeks post-op itty bitty little plane and the "jiggling" from the turbulence could be felt but seeing my granddaughter- well worth it.
I think doing "normal" things and stuff that really matters is important as you deal with all this. If you can handle it physically it goes a long way mentally to feel like you are surviving and not a victim to this disease. I loved the idea of going and if it becomes too much leaving. I really liked the idea of getting a VIP backstage pass- if you can't find out who her "people" are- find her twitter and facebook accounts and post there- they have social media people monitoring those things and it would be huge PR for her.0 -
Wyo, done and done. Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know what happens.
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