Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Oh heck, and thanks for all the other good advice too. I was so excited about pink, I blew right past the rest. I like to write, so I'll probably be back on line no matter how I feel tomorrow. {{{{hugs}}}}}}
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thanks for all the congrats.
Wyo, high five right back at ya for finishing rads!
Kayezzy, congrats on finishing your chemo! If you haven't already, check out the fall 2013 rads board.
Redriding, hope your surgery went well today.
Also, hope all those with recent surgeries are recovering well.
Hope all my other lumpies sisters are having a restful, relaxing Thanksgiving. Be good to yourselves!0 -
OK so it's done. I am home and feeling pretty good. Pain about a 4 - my ice pack is my new breast friend. Lol. Tired. Going for a nap now. Talk to you later. Just wanted to update everyone. Hugs
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RedRiding -- Good to hear from you -- take what you have for pain and sleep off the anaesthesia today. Lots of fluids and protein tomorrow if you feel up to it, to get the drugs out of your system and kick start the healing! I think there might be a Pink concert in your future!
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Hi Lumpies!
RedReading - Congrats! Home resting...:) thanks for checking in...pocket party! Pace yourself & watch the arm. Will keep fingers&toes crossed for clear nodes&margins. Ridley is right Pink is in your future
Wyo & L2girl - yippee Rads DONE! Happy Dance
Aeryno - speedy healing you did good the relief, your plan firming up with path results! Pamper yourself.
Kayezz665 - yippee out of chemo land! R&R time to recoup...take care...rads will be here soon enough so for now breathe
TeamKim - yeah, 1 more hang in there warrior!
Waddle waddle...too much gobble...very thankful celebration!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
RedReading -- thanks for checking in, glad it went well and pain is not too bad. R&R is the order of the day.... Don't overdo, and Pink concert will be nothing but fun!!! Gentle ((hugs))0 -
So, I have had a couple naps today. Even had a bath, just up to my hips. It felt so good to get rid of most of the perspiration and such. My DH helped me once he realized I wouldn't be swayed from my decision. Tomorrow night I can shower! Yay.
Pain is okay, tried to go without pills for a while but it caught up with me. My DD is a nurse and she gave me heck. Said you have to stay ahead of the pain because once you start chasing it, it's hard to get rid of. I know what she means, so I'll take my pills now.
I have discovered that you don't wear the bra so much for support as for compression. It was bugging me so I took it off for an hour, then realized I was swelling and put it back on. Sigh.
My poor boobs are now noticeably different sizes. Going to be fun to find a bra with one D cup and one B cup. Lol.
There appears to have been quite the party in my pockets yesterday. I found little wine glasses, chocolate wrappers, a couple hats and even a few tiny empty bottle of beer. O and a half a turkey sandwich. What were you girls doing in there? Teehee
Think I am going to be okay to go to the P!NK concert. My DH says he'll stay on my right and if we need to leave we will. I took your advice and wrote on her wall, but nada. Oh well.
Thank you all again for your good wishes and prayers.
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RedReading -- Sorry we didn't clean up so well after the party! Haha! Your DD is right, too -- stay ahead of that pain. Sorry your girls are lopsided -- will you be getting reconstruction in the future to even up the twins? I had some "rearrangement" done along with the lumpectomy (PS working with BS) and ended up with only a slight size difference -- but the BC girl is perkier now, so my nipples are uneven. My PS said that I might want to come back about 6 months after radiation (by which time the BC breast will have settled in) to have a slight lift on the non-BC girl to make them match. This is considered reconstruction, not cosmetic surgery, and is covered by insurance, I'm told.
I kind of poopood it, but my BS said that you don't want to be struggling to keep the smaller girl in your bra and be constantly reminded when you look in the mirror that you have gone through this ordeal. I kind of see her point, especially when there is as much difference as you describe (even now while you are still swollen). Further, if you have radiation, it shrinks and lifts the boob a bit more. So if you were not planning reconstruction, you may want to consider it and at least have a consultation with a PS.0 -
You go RedReading! So proud of you. I am feeling a little out of sorts after the pocket party and all the wine and chocolates. LOL! It does sound like there is a Pink concert in your future. What a blast. Take it easy and listen to DD.
TeamKim - thanks for the info you gave to RedReading regarding reconstruction to even out the twins. As I have said in past posts, I don't have identical twins, they are now fraternal. LOL! I will need to reduce and lift one and fill out and lift the other. I didn't realize this might be covered by insurance. Yahoo….I think. At this point I really am not up for surgery, but I certainly will consider this at a later date.
I have asked this before and will put it out there again. Has anyone had issues with a seroma? I had surgery mid-July and finished rads 6 weeks ago. My seroma was drained once during rads. Well, it came back and was an issue 2 days ago. Fluid squirted out of a pin sized hole ( I didn't know I had) in my healed incision. It hit the bathroom mirror and everything else within shoot distance. I was frightened out of my mind. Not to mention, it didn't feel great. The nurse at my surgeon's office told me to keep the area clean and dry and see a doctor if I have a fever and /or signs of infection. 2 days later, still leaking a little and sore. There really isn't much help on the internet.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
(((Hugs)))
Cakes0 -
hi all
Red- yeah you made it- we tried to clean up but we fell asleep and you know.....LOL take those pain meds- first 48hrs are key then try tylenol during the day and might need the "heavy duty" at night.
Cakes- I think your surgeon's nurse should have gotten you in to be examined. Fever and "signs of infection" gee like clear fluid leaking from my incision.... It may just be what some call a "sterile abscess" meaning its a fluid build-up not growing any bacteria but if you incision has healed since July any drainage warrants a look-see.
Keep it covered with something clean and preferably sterile- mark the drainage in a circle on the bandage with a pen to see how much its spreading and date the circle
call back tomorrow- you will probably get the surgeon on-call which is better than the nurse in the office.
Tell them this - they love SBAR format and it gets right to the point.
situation- 3 days ago fluid squirted out of my surgical incision in "x" amount- fluid was (describe it yellow, clear, bloody whatever) and continues to drain since then though not as forcefully and the area is sore (give a scale 1-10)
Background- Tell them all this- they won't have your info handy.date of original surgery/type of surgery/previous drainage of seroma- date, dates of radiation. date and time you noticed this new drainage and what you were doing. Tell them the date you called the surgeon's office and what advice you were given
Assessment- I have continued episodes of drainage and pain from my incisional area that have not resolved. I am concerned as it does not seem normal to be draining fluid 5 months after my original surgery and having it drained on "x" date ( I don't know this info so fill in the blank)
Request- I would like to be evaluated and examined
Let us know what happens- this to the point way to telling the story lets them know whats happening, what led up to it, whats going on in your opinion and what you want done about it. If they don't respond in a way you want and the pain and drainage continue I would tell them you are happy to go to the ED to be checked out (they hate that)
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Hi Ladies, Well I had my first oncologist appt. Everything look good per dr's as they checked my surgery sites. I was a little concern cause it felt so bumpy, but they said it was normal it's ok, so that was a little relief. I'm still not sure yet of my treatment =( cause the oncotype test still hasn't came back yet, so I go back on Dec 9th to find out, also meet with Rad dr, and the high risk counselor to do the Brac test. I'm still praying no chemo, I'm preparing my mind for it, yet I really hoping I don't have to do it. But my question is how long do the soreness stay? Ever since they checked me like pushing and feeling on breast and underarm, the breast area has been having this constant throbbing, which I didn't have before then. Was so bad I end up taking a Percocet, plus the weather that day didn't help, cause it was raining and cold. I'm ok when I'm laying down, just getting up, and showering seems to take a lot out of me. Is this normal?0 -
Hi Lumpies
RedReading - yippee, the after pocket party clean up ...take a twirl...there all clean. We'll reload tonight! Ha Ha Punks concert in your future. The uneven girls give it time after rads to do its girl thing then you can consider reconstruction...should be covered by ins...I went for a fitting and wear a special bra with a chick filet under my girl so looks good...B/D me and my girls
Cakes - ugh the seroma no fun...call BS on Monday and go in...be persistent...keep steril...ugh this c stuff. Fingers&toes crossed it goes away fast. Luv Wyo's SBAR format advice...go girl
Sloyd66 - glad you saw MO so rest up...take a no c vacation...Dec 9 will be here soon...so enjoy the season and family&friends&fun. Just don't over do and baby the arm watch the clothes for rubbing, yeah pat downs do disturb the girl so speedy healing...rest up warrior.
TeamKaren - recon advice hang though almost through chemo land than a break/vacation before laser tag you got thus brave warrior! Perky girl...I'm gonna live with my un even girls...at least for now...not too noticeable in bikini ...at 60 just to strut that is good!
Lumpies, time to reload the pockets...pocket party hopping here we go! Cakeballs Ooo who!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
wyo - thanks for the format to use when I call the surgeon's office. What I left out of my diatribe is I am not currently home and won't be until mid-December. Monday, if I am still draining (which I am at this time), I will get a referral to a local breast surgeon and get my girl checked out.
Also, thanks to RMlulu for the encouragement.
You Lumpy Ladies ROCK! I knew I could count on you.
(((Extra BIG HUGS))))0 -
L2girl and wyo, congrats to both of you! 9 to go and I will join you in happy dance. So good to see a light at the end of the rads tunnel.0 -
Filter,
Thank you ever so much for your message of hope. Your posting made me cry- could it be my messed up hormones? LOL0 -
Furfriend -- I am watching the dog show too -- gave me the first giggle I have had today! That Pekingese was so funny! Canine therapy via TV!0 -
Red-- Glad the surgery went well. Sorry about the mess in your pocket, some of us got out of hand! LOL
Cakes, I ahd a seroma. I had mine drained when I had the internal rads(3 weeks after my surgery) inserted and again about a month or so later. I have not had any draining since. I would think the doctor should be concerned because you are not healed. I know what a seroma feels like and they do hurt. I would call Monday and get a referral. They should be able to aspire the rest of that fluid out of there so it can heal. I wish you luck!!
Wyo and L2girl congratulations !! Happy Dance.
Sloy, Waiting seems to be one of the hardest parts. Keep busy and December 9 will be here in no time.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!0 -
This site is great. I just came online scared to death. I had a lumpectomy on Nov 19th. Was in the bathroom and felt like my gown was wet, looked down and the floor was wet with dark pink liquid. I checked my incision and it was pouring from it. Called my Sis in law to come over and by the time she got here the towel was soaked. She lives next door. She called the DR and his service was going to call his replacement as he is still on vac. Still have not heard back. She helped me put my bra on and a clean gown. So now my dressing is a maxie pad tucked into my bra.lol I feel better now. Going to just lay down and rest this evening. Hope it stops draining and doesn't start up bad in the night. I love each and everyone of you Ladies. I will get my results back on Dec 5th when i go see my DR.0 -
If not or you get nervous to to the er. better safe than sorry0 -
Okay folks- off with the cancer hat and ON with the nurse hat. I don't want to be a scare monger but there are things that fall into the realm of normal and there are things that do not. Cake and Sini your description of events is not a "normal" post op recovery course.
First Siniberry- this is not normal at any time. I don't mean to alarm you but please don't sit and "wait" for someone at an answering service to realize the gravity of a situation. I also think December 5th is a bit far into the week- Maxi-pad quantity drainage that is pink/serous needs to be checked out. If you look above to what I wrote Cake for the SBAR you can change the details to be your own- don't downplay the fact, the amount and the fact you are using a pad to absorb drainagealways end with what you are "requesting" and in this case its an evaluation- its only 5pm there right? Thats why the person is on call- (had a nurse friend who was using a dishtowel convincing herself it was not that much drainage while camping.....)
Cake- did not know you were out of town- is your doc part of a health system of any kind or an integrated group? If not just call your insurance company and tell them you are having complications after surgery and may need care. With most insurance going to the ED while ridiculous and inefficient does have the best coverage for unplanned "emergency" type care needed.
Again I stress I don't want to panic anyone but I do want to raise level of concern to where you get quick evaluation and don't take "no" for an answer- when they say all the stuff about "signs of infection" just don't even listen and say I have an open draining wound on my breast- I worry if stuff is coming out, stuff can get in... the people taking the calls are frequently not healthcare providers. -0 -
Hey Lumpies
Siniberry&Cakes - I concur...go to ER...don't wait for infection...
ER is $100 and peace if mind GO!
No need for infections...not mortal healing process...go and keep it steri
(((Hugs)))
Cindy0 -
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing so far this week. Hope you are having a great week.0 -
Good Evening,
I agree with RMI straight away!
Hobbes, how are you doing as I am a newbie to this topic. What stage are you in? I started my Taxol today.
All the best
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Siniberry & Cakes any news? You are in my prayers!0 -
I called the Dr this morning and he said to come right in. Not infected but put me on antibiotics, said to keep close watch on it and call if it starts again. He said he may need to go back in and pack it. I got my Dx today and it was stage 1 grade 2 the rest is on the bottom below. I am waiting for the onc to call and set an appt for me. The Dr said she will write script for hormone blocking pills and decide if she wants me to have chemo or not. I will let you know as soon as I know more. Thank you ladies so much for all the advice and support.0 -
Siniberry
so good to hear from you and see that you got in to see the doc today. glad you are starting the antibiotics and they want you to keep a close eye on things. We were all watching the forum and so glad you checked in.
I am not quite up on the whole testing regimen but are you having an oncotype score done too?0 -
What is an oncology score?0 -
wyo I don't know what she will be doing. Still really new to all of this. They should call today and set up an appt, then I will know more.I guess I feel numb. My son had it in his head that they do syrgery and you are all better. He is 28 and he cried like a baby last night. I told him I wasn't going to lay down and die that I was going to fight this.I can't give him answers that I don't have. You ladies are my weapons, and my support. Hope you all have a good day and feel the best as you can. Men don't understand our world doesn't stop when we are sick, we do what we need to do then start over the next day.0 -
This is from the genomic health website, who are one of the few or only labs that do the test. Basically your dr sends tumor tissue sample to them and they can give a score indicating likelihood of recurrence. I hope thats pretty correct. Its for tumors that are er and pr positive. The higher the score, basically over 18 or so, the more likely your dr will say chemo is needed. My score was a 2- my Dr said he never saw one so low,so I got lucky and no chemo for me. The score is 0-100.
The Oncotype DX breast cancer test, is a test that examines a breast cancer patient's tumor tissue at a molecular level, and gives information about a patient's individual disease. This information can help individualize breast cancer treatment planning and identify options. The Oncotype DX breast cancer test is the only multigene expression test commercially available that has clinical evidence validating its ability to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in early-stage breast cancer. The Oncotype DX gene expression assay is intended to be used by women with early-stage (stage I or II), node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) invasive breast cancer who will be treated with therapy.0 -
Hi everyone, I've been out of touch for a few days, sorry. Cindy you were right, twirled once and pockets were clean! But I fell down - lol. Thanks for your well wishes.
Siniberry, glad you got in touch with your doc. I feel bad for your son but I don't think men will understand what this does and doesn't do to us. We go on in daily life because we have to, they seem to vacillate between overcaring and what could be almost termed a lack of same. ie; no, don't do that, you're not well enough, but no-one else offers to do it for you, like vacuuming perhaps. I get it, they do love us lots, they just aren't 'nurturers", and are sometimes impractical in their advice. In their world, just don't do it, in ours, it will drive me nuts if that isn't done. I am having to learn to be specific - I need the vacuuming done because I am worried about dirt and bacteria right now, will you please do it? Anyway, how are your headaches doing? I should let you know that for the first 2 weeks on this site my nickname was 'numby'. I wasn't sad, scared, happy, angry - nothing. I'm better now. Folks kept telling me not to worry too much because it was my brain protecting me from something I wasn't yet ready to deal with. I'm laughing again now, panicking cuz I'm not ready for Christmas and scared for my daughters.
Cakes, where are you girl? I know you're out of town but haven't heard from you in a couple days, did you call the doc? I hope so, Wyo and Cindy are right, it isn't normal and needs to be attended to. Layman's opinion since I have no medical background. Daughter's a nurse though, and there are a couple good ones on this site too.
In general, lumpy went well, had to get off the pain pills fast tho cuz they made my head all swirly and that, to me, was worse than the pain. I have been in bra hell!!!! I now have 5 new bras and none of them are doing the job. Had someone suggest I spend the money for a Danceskin bra - no seams at all, so I will be going shopping tomorrow for same.
About my daughters, Now that my mom and me have both had breast cancer, they have entered the high risk program. Mammos and US every six months. They will both be genotyped. My youngest (35) got a call from our family doctor on Monday, results from mammo and U/S are in, he wants her to come in on Thursday. No, he won't say anything on the phone, just come Thursday. So, now I wait with an entirely different degree of terror.
Anyway ((((hugs)))) to all. Tomorrow is another day, and it will be better than today.0
