Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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RedReading - seriously????? I am at a loss for words. Will definitely be checking back to see how you are dong and how the "investigation" goes. Hugs!!
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Date's been set - January 15th for my lumpectomy. Now to get all that work stuff sorted!
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Red - wow. I don't know how I would have reacted to news like that. I'm sorry that this happened.
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ReadReading - what a crazy story. I had two lumps and had them both removed. I'd be pretty ticked off. I'm sorry you're going through that.
I have a question for all you lumpies. I had my surgery on Dec. 4th. Two tumors @ 5:00, both removed. Last nigh in the shower I felt another lump @ 6:00. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm scheduled for my rad simulation on Friday. Could one grow back that quickly? I emailed my BS and they have me coming in tomorrow at 9:30. Just wondered if anyone else experienced this? I really don't want to go through this whole thing again.
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Hi,
slowdeepbreaths; I had my lumpectomy on Dec 16th and I can't feel anything distinctive yet. My doc says that is because fluid (seroma) has filled in the spot where the lump was. Perhaps the lump you are feeling is a seroma?
RedReading; How inexcusable! Having vented now gather your hounds and go after them all with any and all resources you can find. If they (the medical establishment) have not put you at the top of their list - contact your state department of health. Every state has advocates that assist and fight for your medical rights.
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rabbitvelvet, Shortly after the lumpectomy, I developed lumps on my side and went in to have them checked. The BS said they were caused by the inside sutures and fluid. This new lump feels pretty hard and it's in a different position than the original two tumors. I'm hoping it is a seroma. Thank you for your input. I'm just curious if cancer can grow back that quickly? I guess I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but it's difficult not to.
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(((RedReading))) I'm so sorry!!! I don't know what else to say!!
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WYO- also fighting nasty cold - it's been 2 weeks but finally feeling better. Hope you get better quickly.
RED- WOW!!!! Can't believe what you were told. A Wyo suggested always ask for copies of everything they do to you and keep your own file. If you don't understand something ask. Make a pest of yourself if you have to but this is your life and yor decisions to make. Let us know. Hugs, Marilynu
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Red -- OMG, I would have ripped someone a new one!!! You sound so patient and calm in your post, but I know you must be reeling from this news. Glad you found your way to an MO that you feel you can trust. By all means, get copies of all the reports in your file. My BS insisted that I have all of that info, and she went over it in detail each time we got a new piece of the puzzle -- I feel it has really helped me to understand what is going on with my treatment. Keep us posted as the "investigation" proceeds -- good grief, that should just not ever happen!! (((((Hugs)))))
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(Previously ValJeanS) This is my first post. I was scheduled for surgery Jan 14th but postponed until Feb 4 due to insurance. I am taking anastrozole l mg to shrink my tumor 1.3-1.6 cm grade ii, stage 1 DCIS ER/PR+, HER2-, and also IDC stage 1, type 2 er/pr+, HER2-. The Oncologist wants to do chemo and radiation after surgery followed by HT.
After reading many of your posts, I am understanding that things change from preliminary core biopsy protocol and post op protocol, based on path report. I will just have to be patient and wait and see what the post path report dictates for treatments. Probably doing radiation for sure and most likely chemo. Good luck to fellow lumpies and well wishes. I admire the courage of my fellow companions and pray for strength and courage to meet my challenges --
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Hi Everyone. been awhile since I last posted. Been busy trying to get unemployment which is taking what seems forever and my old job is fighting it, saying I voluntarily quit( they eliminated my job) and that I was not available to work( I was on a dr ordered medical leave) grrrr
I decided to get a 2nd opinion and saw a new Oncologist- I really like him- very young but took time to answer all my questions and kept assuring me I would be fine and patting my knee, I mentioned to him my older sister died in 1999 from stomach cancer and how I had a cousin age 45 - a niece age 33 - me age 44 and my older sister age 60 all diagnosed in 8 months time.
He said please try to get your sisters records. He said new studies are showing a genetic link between some breast cancers some stomach cancers.
I was not sure how to go about doing it but with the help of my niece and my sisters husband signing for it I was able to get a copy of her pathology report showing what type of stomach cancer she had. I mailed to my oncologist. He must have looked at it right away as his nurse was trying to get ahold of me. Hubby relayed the message so I stopped at the cancer center as I happened to be at the rehab center and the oncologist had a short chat with me-- He said do not worry- I don't want you to worry- but you need to be genetically tested ( I had been BRACA 1 and BRACA 2 tested and was negative) he said you need to be genetically tested for E-cadherin. He said my sister had the type of stomach cancer that is also associated with lobular cancer- My cancer is ductal but he still wants me tested and if I am positive I will be tested for stomach cancer regularly.
Been feeling rather bummed since I read my sisters pathology reports from way back when she was only 41 and relived what she went through before she passed in 44 and now to find I may be genetically linked to get the same things is really hard to swallow.
I still am a bit in shock over all this news and it really scares me- I am trying to get my genetic testing scheduled- he said its not an emergency but get it done in a month or two.. Then patted my knee said you will be fine- do not worry now..
I really hoped 2014 would be better..
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Red,
OMG I am not sure how I would feel about this!! Pissed as hell? for one? How are you dealing? Sure raises alot of questions... Let us all know how the investigation does go. Sure glad you like your MO.
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I have a question for you ladies
I had my lumpectomy in March, followed by chemo and finished Rads in Oct. Last night while in the shower, I noticed a small lump under my arm. Well, not under my arm really, down from there a little, kind of on my side. It is a little bit bigger than a pea size, doesn't hurt. Any ideas what this is? A new tumor?
I had a checkup already scheduled for next Friday with my surgeon, but am wondering if any of you experienced this?
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Hi everyone. This is my first time on this blog. Glad to have you,
Just had rt lumpectomy with sentinal node removed yesterday. Dx after mammogram and US with 4mm DCIS, her2-,ER+/PR+, gr 1. Seeing surgeon next week for follow up. Have met with radiation oncologist prior to surgery. She stated that due to my age, I am 67, that I would not need radiation if the surgeon did not find anything new. Surgeon thought all tissue was clean. Am keeping my fingers crossed. Will have to be on tamoxifen though. Have yet to meet with medical oncologist.
I am a little sore today. Had to take percocet last night but it made me have weird dreams. Just took advil this am and none the rest of today. Ice is all I need at this time. Only hurts when reaching for something.
For anyone out there on tamoxifen, did you have any side effects?
I am so glad that the surgery is over with. Waited 3 wks, so much stress. Love to hear from you.
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Johnetta, I had the same thing and my surgeon said it's from the internal sutures and fluid buildup. Although your surgery was quite awhile ago - not sure if that could be a possibility.
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Hi rilady
Glad you found us and that you seem to be recovering well.
Mild soreness is common and Percocet is famous for weird dreams and other strange feelings. If ice is working great- also wearing a supportive bra even while in bed seems to really reduce movement and pulling and discomfort. Don't be worried if you have more pain in the next 48hs- sometimes they put local anesthetic in (which is terrific) and as that wears off you might have discomfort but the ice/bra and tylenol are your best tools.
I hope others post because I am not sure what your age has to do with having/not having radiation?. Once you get your final surgical pathology report your medical oncologist will help you plan any next steps I am sure.
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Rilady
Welcome to the best support group available.....
I was 68 when I had my partial mastectomy (that's what the drs. and hospital called it). After the Oncotype test was done my chances of recurrance was low enough the MO said I probably wouldn't benefit much from the Chemo. He put me on Letrozole (generic form of Femara). (plans to keep me on it for 5 years) I have had a few SEs, mostly the achy joints, and low energy, but some of that could be from arthritis too.
I did have the Balloon Brachytherapy, (internal radiation, 2 times a day for 5 days.). That was 26 months ago. Have been doing fairly well since, NED. Continuing to see the MO every 6 months and the RO is now once a year.
I wish you as successful recovery as I have been blessed with,...
Vickie
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Rilady, I had mine at the end of November. Wore a fitness bra 24/7 for at least 4 weeks. It really helped. Keep your arm elevated on a pillow. Take whatever works to mitigate pain. I have weird dreams all the time, so I totally get that. But don't be in pain cuz of potential weird dreams. You need your rest even if it's complicated by weird chit.
Hugs'n'kisses deb
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rilady welcome to the group. My question is I thought tamoxifin was for premenopausal women. My once put me on arimidex. Been on it for about 9 months.
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valjean are you having lx or mx? If its lx then radiation is the norm. Chemo does seem like alot. Not sure how they can tell til after surgery what you will need- depending on clear margins and if lymph nodes are involved. Also ask for an oncotype test- that will help determine if youre a candidate for chemo or not.
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So happy to see this thread is still going strong!
I've been MIA for awhile...too many things going on and I forget to take some time to sit down and check back with my family here...
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to post here. I know that it is helping a lot more people than you know.
Prayers for you all,
Tori
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thankyou RMlulu....yep, it's done. Red! of all the screwball things to happen! my mouth is hanging open...
so, got the mass out and a clump of nodes. I have never had high blood pressure but I am definitely having episodes of it now, must be the waiting...of course I received NO information whatsoever after surgery and the doc is out of the office for two weeks..sigh..so i am just waiting for the path report. I feel pretty good though.
I am thinking about the rest of you and keeping good thoughts for you all. I am so very grateful to have you all with me!
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Valjean -- I had a Lx, then chemo, and will be starting rads 1/20. Lx does not necessarily mean no chemo -- it depends on the pathology of your cancer cells. Mine were very different from regular cells ("wonky" said my BS) and of a type that multiplies somewhat rapidly. This being the case, my Mammaprint test (like Oncotype) said I was high risk for recurrence, so chemo was needed. You will need to talk through a lot of the details with your surgeon and MO to understand what is best for you.
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btw, I am wearing a zip up sports bra 24/7. Is that the ONLY reason my poor boob looks like a squashed apple?
it's nice to see the tethering is gone though (on the underside). 0 -
good info, Team Kim. I had wondered about that
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Tarot,
In your pocket! hang tough lady! You can do this
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Hi,
On Nov 7 I had a stereotactic biopsy and then had to have another on December 2 (in between there were several other exams and mammograms) and then on Dec 23 I had the guide wire done (another stereotactic procedure) and then a lumpectomy. I think my breast has been through so much trauma, it feels like it will NEVER HEAL. I keep getting the stabbing pains and then the feeling like someone is ripping off a bandaid inside my flesh! MAMA MIA. The margins were not clear from the lumpectomy so I had an MRI (breast sore again from "dangling" for an hour) and looks like I need ANOTHER lumpectomy and then radiation.
I guess I just felt like crying out here...........been on this path since October 19 2013 and getting tired and my radiation therapy has not even begun yet.
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DogsNeverLie, I too had a long period of time in my journey. Mammogram mid November, ultrasound, then my obgyn dropped the ball and never called me back to tell me I should see a surgeon. Biopsy in mid December, surgery day after Christmas, which was a failure, they couldn't find the tumor. Went to new surgeon, more tests. Mid January surgery #2 with wire location. Developed blood clot early February, and found I need another surgery. Late February I had my third surgery, and finally in mid March began radiation. It was a pretty stressful time, but a year later I can look back and put it all In perspective.
Once you get on your path you'll feel more energetic. It took a few months after radiation for my breast to begin to feel normal, but it's better now than six months ago. I had enough energy during radiation to work full time, and I had a 200 mile commute each day. But I was prepared to take a leave from work if I had to. Decided this was my moment to put me first and get this done so I could get on with my life. The waiting, and starts and stops in this whole experience is very draining, but it will get better. Best of luck as you go forward.
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Dogsneverlie -- I too had a bit of a journey.... Routine mammo showed microcalcifications, stereotactic biopsy from hell (I nearly passed out during it and it wouldn't stop bleeding for hours, had to go back for more bandaging), then MRI of both breasts (just to make sure nothing was missed) which found another area, this time IDC. So then they tried to locate the second area with mammo and with US to biopsy it, and couldn't find it. So had MRI-guided biopsy of second area. I was such a wreck by that time that I asked for some Xanax to get through it! Wire localization by US and mammo on day of surgery (more Xanax). My girl felt squashed, poked, punctured, cut and prodded in a million ways! But once I got to healing, she came through like a champ. I well remember those months of being blindsided with a new bit of startling news every few days, and the waiting, UGH! The waiting for results was the worst! Zingers stay with you, severe at times, for a few months. Scars gradually get less red and smoother as time passes. Hang in there, brave warrior!! You can do it!!!
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Hi Dolls,
Last chemo today with Mom!
1/13/2014
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