Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Dogsneverlie, I truly believe that no journey is the same. But mine just started too, so for what it's worth...
Oct 28 routine mammo, Nov 1 call back for focused mammo and US. Nov 7th US and biopsy, Nov 15 dx of 1 cancerous lump and 3 other things. Nov 28 lumpy.
So form fitting bra (believe it or not 3/$15 at walmart) wore it 24/7, one week off work (but I did go and see Pink when she was performing on the 2nd). Big bandage off on Dec 1st. Poor boob grew and grew until I really thought something was wrong but no, it started to go down after a couple weeks.
Dec 19th diagnosis 6mm clear margins and 0/7. Boob continued to look better each day. As Team Kim says Zingers continued and sleeping was a challenge some nights (kept rolling on the poor thing).
It now looks and feels much better and in a perfect world, other than rads, I would have been done. But like you, oddities have happened.
Dec 31, radiologist looks at me and won't do or say anything till I see my MO. Jan 7 see her. First question, why did you not get all 4 tumors removed. Pardon. So back to the knife work.
I like her tho, feel like she explains things without being condescending, you know? Getting an oncotype cuz I am really er+ 75% pr+ and her2-. Good candidate for recurrence too at 25% for now.
Just letting you know you're not alone with the weird stuff. And your boob will feel and look better as time flows on. So if there is more in your future you can handle it. Really you can. Keep coming back for hugs and to vent. We're here for you.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
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Furfriend -- you look darling! Thanks for sharing the cute pic!
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dogs- it is discouraging when you hear the margins are not clear so its back in again but you want them to get those margins as clear as they can so no stray cells are hanging around- radiation is extra insurance to zap them if they are. Hang in there
fur!! yeah last chemo you both look verrrrry happy
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Hurray, Furfriend2!! Great picture!
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kkuziel and TeamKim: THANK YOU very much for sharing your experience with me. I think sometimes I feel like such a baby, especially since I am only beginning this journey and so many women out here have been through so much worse. But I feel like this is the place to cry and be happy and everything else we go thru and just read about others experience and posts.
Boy, for the actual procedure, I would take a lumpectomy ANY DAY over the stereotactic OR the guide wire; I swear my major surgery was easier than the others but I am guessing it's because I was under!!!
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Thank you RedReading! It seems like so much right now, especially today. I know everyone has good days and bad days
I will definitely keep coming out here, even if only to read
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Hi ya Lumpies!
Welcome to our new Lumpies!
ToriGirl - welcome home...we missed ya!
Dogsneverlie - sorry that you've had such a rough go. Good surgeons go back for clear margins...so trust your BC team. This is a wild ride but we have each other...you can do this we are in your pocket (((squeeze)))
TeamKim - R&R after chemo land. Hope you are taking a BC vacation before rads...and quarter break:)
Tarot - speedy healing
girl just feels better supported in sports bra with a boob sock caressing for additional support! Fingers&toes crossed for path results. You did great!Fur friend - love the pic! Happy Dance chemo done
. Now rest up Ndgrrl - ugh
(( so sorry keeping fingers&toes crossed...enough is enough. Sending positive healing thoughts and prayers. ValJeanS - here's to your wait and to the ever shrinking t! BC team will review your path report to determine next step...chemo, rads, trust team and ask questions. Make sure you understand your plan of attack. Come here often ...great Lumpie warriors with encouragement and insight! Plus a safe place to vent with otters who get it!
RedReading - ok, I've cooled off not going zap the BS. What's the game plan? Investigation? Ok, now I'm getting upset again....breathe...(((hug)))
Rilady - speedy healing! Take a BC vacation before your next tx protocol. Really helps the body mind and spirit
. A no c zone and just enjoy life family friends!Schoolmom - HT tami or AI for post menopausal. Sometimes bone scan results along with other issues directs the choice. BF is post and taking tami...bones very fragil.
Getting ready for last PT for LE. Arm is better, but the trunk LE us just my new norm...been there since lx. Compression and MLD part of life...so sporting Tatoo sleeve:) next week 1 yr happy dance:)))
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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beautiful photo, furfriend!!! Dogsneverlie-that SUXXXXXX!!!! jeez! here's me handing you a fresh magarita. anyone else want one?
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yeah..the guidewire....fun fun....This IS waaay more irritating than other sugeries, though I don't know why. And i wouldn't worry at all about feeling like a whiner. No one's ice is colder than anyone elses, if you get me!
Everyone here is here for the same reason. The love and support i have found here gives me hope and comfort I have not found elsewhere. And I am going on a dirt biking tour as soon as I am done! anyone want to meet up?0 -
Hi Cindy, thanks for the hugs. No plan right now, we're in limbo while the medical investigation is going on and while we wait for my oncotype score. Meanwhile I'm going in vacation Friday. A week in the sun! Loving it.
Re: guided wire. I didn't feel this part at all - thank you Brenda. She is my nurse navigator. I explained my fear of needles to her and she recommended Emla cream. You buy it over the counter and it is a topical anesthetic you put on before you leave home. It comes with two applications, I guessed at where to place the first based on my biopsy and the second went square over my nipple because Brenda told me they would put needles in there too. It worked fine. I was still scared and got some funny looks from the nurses who hadn't seen it before but I would highly recommend it.
Hugs and kisses to all the new girls. Sorry we had to meet like this, but happy we're together.
{{{{huggles}}}}
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Hi everyone, just wanted to leave a quick note. Just got home from my day surgery. I had a lumpectomy and sentinal node procedure today. This morning went to nuc medicine first and had four injections of radioactive material -- was not painful at all other than a sting. Then went for the guide wire and mammogram, again, had a great doctor and pain was not much at all. When I woke up from surgery and went to recovery, I was in some pain but not bad. Over a period of probably 90 mins they gave me three separate shots of pain medicine in my IV and the third one finally really cut the pain almost completely. I went back to my room and did not have any other pain meds. Doctor prescribed hydrocodone and I am about to have dinner and will take 1 of those and go to bed.
I was very concerned about being able to take care of myself and I can tell you that at least so far, I feel great. I know that probably the next day or so will be more painful perhaps but this was nothing next to the open gallbladder surgery I had 18 months ago. I was thinking about all of you today as I was anxiously waiting for my procedures. I did not have anyone at the hospital with me. I was told to baby my right arm and not to type for too long, so I will ask my BS's office tomorrow when they think I might be able to go back to work. I type most of the day, and I know I cannot drive for at least a day, but we will see what the office says.
The BS sutured me up and glued me with a waterproof glue, no drain. He told me prior to surgery that I could shower tonight if I wanted to -- not going to do that, probably will wait 24 hours for a shower. BS is going to refer me to an oncologist but feels that I probably will not need chemo, but definitely radiation and probably Tamoxifen. I will let you all know more details as I get them.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and good luck those having upcoming surgeries.
BIG HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
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JoanT - yippee you did it! We were in your pocket...think TeamKim turned the music down but the party is still on cheers to you! Add a stool softner while taking pain meds...fingers&toes crossed for clear margins&nodes.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Yay furfriend2!!! Congratulations!!
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Aww how nice Furfriend2... Congrats!!
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JoanT. -- congrats, you made it!!!! Good job, kiddo!!!! Cindy is right about the stool softener -- those pain meds stop up the plumbing. There is a tea called "smooth move" that they sell as CVS. I found it helpful, as well as Senecot-S at night. Pocket party continues, but we'll be quiet so you can sleep, ;-)
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Well, here I am, up at midnight and finding it difficult to sleep on my back. Way too used to sleeping on my right side all these years (sigh). Oh well, small price to pay I guess. I will get used to it. Thanks Kim and Cindy. I will have someone pick up that tea for me. That is one thing I forgot about, although I don't expect to be on this pain medication for long, but still I need something in case. I am so grateful I found this forum. The many things I would not have thought of -- oh my gosh! From the front zip sports bra to taking a small pillow with me to needing a few things that zip and button in front (as opposed to tops that slip over my head which is the bulk of what I own) to having a cold pack, etc. etc. This place is a Godsend, I tell you. Even the nurses were impressed with my preparation, and I told them I would have been lost without this place. Wrote it down for them to perhaps pass on to others.
Furfriend, I LOVE that picture. Congrats to you! That is a milestone to celebrate for sure.
Okay, going back to bed to "baby" this arm. Hugs to you all.
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Yeah Joan- you are in the post-op phase and made it through with flying colors- You are absolutely right- compared to open gallbladder this is a much less extensive surgery so I am glad the pain is under control and you are relieved you can manage your care by yourself.
One thing I will caution if you are home alone and showering- call me crazy but put a chair or step stool in there with you. Plastic chairs do better in the shower of course but use what you have- reason is you can be a little wobbly that first shower and stepping in and out of the tub I noted my balance was a little "off" as I was protecting my operative side. If you feel a little weak/woozy or just need something to grab you will be prepared. No naked 911 calls "I"ve fallen and I can't get up...
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Hi JoanT looks like we are lumpectomy pals. I just had mine also and am currently doing an overnight stay at the hospital, like you sleep isn't my friend but I got some pain meds in my iv and have managed to nap off and on. Not entirely sure why my surgeon had me do an overnight, I thought that I would be going home. But I admit the hospital bed seems a lot easier to manage than what I have at home.
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GM Kiwi! We were diagnosed on the same day too! I asked about staying the night, and my BS's office manager said she could have gotten me in, but I asked her honestly if she thought I could make it on my own. She is about my age and said she had the same surgery 7 years earlier and she said she was absolutely fine and I should not worry. I trusted her advice but you know and I know, that everyone is different in how they are able to handle pain. It is much easier to get out of a hospital bed because you can raise and lower the whole bed, you have railings, etc. My bed is just a plain bed and although I am fine getting in and out, that was the part I was the most concerned about, being able to get up and out of bed and to the bathroom by myself. I did not sleep well last night but my scars look really good this morning. I kept cold packs on all night and there is no swelling so far. I hope you are doing just as well. Your surgeon was probably taking that extra step and making sure you are okay. Nothing wrong with that!
Thank you Wyo. When I was at the Walgreen's the other day, at the hospital, I noticed they had a heavy duty plastic seat/stool to put in the shower, and I almost purchased it, but did not want to spend the money. I had purchased a handle that fits on the side of the tub that I can grab onto, but if I were to be wobbly, that would not do me much good. I will be careful. I am feeling good today and probably will hold off on a shower until tomorrow morning. No one to smell me but my 2 cats and they don't mind, haha. Thank you for the heads up, though. You are right, and taking Hydrocodone on top of recent anesthesia does affect you more. You made me laugh with the "I've fallen and I can't get up." That would not be a pretty sight!!
Breakfast time -- and then going to lay back down. Hugs to all.
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JoanT -- I slept in a recliner for a couple of weeks. If you have one, that might work better for you. Or even the sofa -- I moved there sometimes during the night and propped pillows under my arm and back. You are doing great -- good for you!!
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Dont worry laides, I work for 911 and we get those calls all the time! The guys (and gals) are used to going out and lifting people up! Tho one thing to remember is- how will they get in the house? Or how will you call? So keep your phone near the shower, give the garage code to get in if you have one, leave the door unlocked during your shower (that sounds weird I know), or another way for them to get in the house. They can use door spreaders if necessary, but it will damage your door a bit....
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Sending you love and light Joan! We are here for you!
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Hi ladies...seems I have missed a lot in the past few weeks. I have an update and would love an thoughts.
I completed radiation 4 months ago. 2 months ago I began having pain, swelling and redness to my breast. I thought it was after effects of the radiation. I went to my RO after 6 weeks and had him look at it. He put me on antibiotics because he thought I had an infection. The meds did nothing. I was referred back to my BS and he looked at it yesterday. He did an ultrasound (it hurt so bad) and they saw nothing. He seemed perplexed and has ordered another dye MRI to get some answers. Ugh... here we go again. The waiting game. At least I will get a definitive answer with the MRI though.
Sending love and light to all of you always,
Laurie
XOXOXOXO
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Thanks, Laurie, I am new here so I have not heard of anything like that, please let us know what is determined. I am sorry that ultrasound hurt like that. You are right about the waiting, everyone says it is the worse and it is. Even though I do not have information yet on my procedure yesterday, it is good to be on this side of the surgery and I know what the initial results of the biopsy were, so I am hopeful that margins, nodes are clear but yes, still waiting. I truly hope everything is okay with you, but do let us know if you can.
TeamKim, I so wish I had a recliner. I did read many comments in here about how helpful it is after surgery to be able to sleep in one, and I knew even back then I would have loved a nice cush recliner to sleep on, but just do not have the money right now for a purchase like that. Hopefully, one day, or maybe I can find something on Craig's List eventually that I can get. My sofa is really not comfortable at all, even with pillows. But I am doing well, just got up from a nap and am not taking any more Hydrocodone (there was a news story this morning that the FDA is going to order physicians not to prescribe any pain medication with more than 325 milligrams of Acetaminophen due to possible liver damage). I am just taking Ibuprofen now and the only pain is the incision under the breast and that is not bad.
Aviva, I bet when you work for 9-1-1 you see/hear it all! When I shower in the AM, I will have that phone nearby just in case. And unlock my door. I live in an apartment. Thanks for the info.
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Hi Ladies I am home. Feeling tired from disturbed sleep last night, Slightly concerned that my temperature is sitting around 99.9 and I have a cough that is producing some colored phlegm.
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Try not to worry too much, Kiwi, I am sure you are fine but keep a watch on the temperature and rest as much as you can. Glad you are home. Catch up on some of the sleep you missed in the hospital, keep hydrated, and let us know how you are feeling later.
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hi all
Joan you sound like you are doing great- I bet that grab bar will be just the thing if you need it and hopefully you won't I love those 911 suggestions because the first thing I do when going to take a shower is lock the front door haha- lesson learned. You guys will laugh I locked myself out the other morning after bringing in my trash toter- deck door locked and front door locked behind me. Thank goodness the maintenance guys were around early and shook their head and let me in
Kiwi- the flu is very active now in all of CA not sure where you are from but if you are running a low grade temp and have a productive cough- keep a close eye. Temps and respiratory symptoms may not have anything to do with surgery this time of year. Your temp is below 100 so just keep checking- drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are doing a lot of deep breathing and coughing to expand those little lung passages. When in doubt call your provider most are getting a lot of calls what to look for fever, cough,sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue- of course you just had surgery so figuring out what is causing what is why you want your provider to know if you don't feel better.
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I had my lumpectomy on Thursday and for me, the guide wire placement was the worst part of the day I had rough time the first time around in 2010 and I think this time it was just as bad. I told my surgeon that they need to find a better way to do that.
This time, I got a paravertebral block and sedation instead of general anesthesia. I liked it much better. I was fairly clear headed when I got home and had no nausea at all. They put me in a very stretchy tube top that I'm to wear for 2 weeks. I think I'll change to a sports bra when i go back to work next week. Overall, things went well and I'm just waiting for final pathology so I can exhale. I'm hoping there is no additional surgery in my near future.
Take care everyone, Gina
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Gina - glad to hear all went well, hope your recovery goes just as well and you get good news from the results.
Sadly for me it appears I do have the flu. And now my husband caregiver has it too so I'm on my own for trying to look after myself and him with this. Joy. Today at least my temperature has normalized and I'm out of the 100+ range.
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Gina, I, too, am glad your surgery went well.
Kiwi, so sorry about the flu, that is rough. It is all over the place it seems right now so take good care of you and your husband best you can.
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