Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
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Karen, so very sorry for the terrible pain. I think the skin under the arm is simply so tender and you're right, you can't do anything without moving your arm! I'm hopeful it gets better quickly. I've had a couple of friends say what a breeze radiation was when they went through it (of course it was 17 years ago!) I think many simply don't understand the side effects of all of these treatments.
LG, after ANY major surgery, it takes a good 6 months or more to heal and get energy back, and that's without the effects of chemo, radiation, and the stress of it all. I hope you can take the time and make sure you don't overdo. Take care!
Queenmom, I think your analysis is completely right. The amount of stress, physical and emotional, that we are all under definitely takes it's toll.
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Thanks Nash 54, your decision is really how I'm leaning. Unless I hear something totally out there tomorrow, I'm going to opt for rads and AIs. Thanks for sharing.
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My lumpectomy is scheduled for this Wed. I'm a little nervous after 6 mos of chemo that anything is still active but I'm hoping for the best. Then it's on to rads. I hear so many opposite opinions of rads it'll be interesting to see what happens. Anythings got to be better than chemo! Hair is coming back in slowly, probably due to continuing Herceptin but I'll take whatever I can get. Looking forward to getting this all behind me.
So, how bad is the discomfort from the lumpectomy? I have fairly smallish boobiesso I'm hoping it won't be too big a deal....
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Hello ladies,
I had my surgery on July 13 and have been healing fine, My right (lumpectomy) breast has been hurting a lot. This morning I noticed a milky fluid from under the nipple that stained my black sleep bra. It is Sunday, should I call the nurse line, or put neosporin on it and wait to see PS on the 4th?
xoxoMichelle
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Myraknits, I had my lumpectomy and node removal mid June. The breast incision was super easy and caused me very little discomfort. The node incision was a bit more uncomfortable and swelled a little at first. Sounds like you've already been through a great deal so hopefully the surgery won't be too bad. Good luck!
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Karen, I'm so sorry to hear you're still having a hard time with your skin post-rads. I wish I had some wise advice for you, but like Peggy, I had a very easy time with rads and can't possibly know what you're really feeling; I can imagine how uncomfortable you are though. Not to sound cliche, but I guess it's one of those things that just takes time - I bet you feel each minute of the day is an hour long. I feel sorry for you and wish you a speedy recovery.
LG, I sure hope you're feeling great one day soon - you've had a lonnnnng haul and you've been such a trooper. I'm glad your superiors at work are supportive and understanding.
Dara, you sound as though you have a lovely family who bring you much joy. How nice that your children followed you into education! My older daughter, who is 20, is doing her honors BA and B.Ed. concurrently over five years. She'd like to teach elementary French Immersion, a program both of my girls enjoyed throughout elementary and secondary school. Younger daughter, heading into her freshman year this Fall, isn't following her sister into education though, she'll be studying Commerce (following in her dad's footsteps, which makes him very happy). We have no teachers in our family whatsoever, so older daughter is branching out!
Thanks everybody for your kind words regarding my mom and her move, and lifting me up as I slog through it all with her. I'm not the only one who is going through this, I sure know that, and I think about the others on here who are also in the process of moving elderly parents. Circle of life, as the say. I've got two brothers with amazing wives who also pitch in to help as much as possible, but mom tends to depend on me a bit more, being her only daughter. Time is precious once a parent gets into their 90s, I recognize that, and I'm so happy that I'm able to help her with the transition. She's a remarkable 92 year old, very Betty White-ish, but her emergency spring surgery definitely took a toll. She'll enjoy her new 'pad', I'm sure, and getting away from the demands of a house.
Okay, enough about me.... moving on
Sending warm thoughts to everybody for a restful and relaxing Sunday.0 -
MyraKnits, I had very little discomfort from my Lx site. I took a pain pill in recovery and then took Tylenol (extra strength). Mostly so I would sleep. My SLNB site was most annoying. EVERYTHING seemed to irritate it. It didn't exactly hurt but made its presence known. Even now I find I can bother it with the wrong clothing. Here's hoping for clear margins and an easy recovery. I'll be in your pocket bouncing around (I can't dance
). Keep us posted.MFalaBella, I think I would call just to make sure it is nothing. I would not wait. No matter what the nurse says, you'll be more comfortable knowing what's going on rather than worrying.
Grazy, you are blessed with having such a great, helpful family. And your mother seems to have the right attitude. She'll do just fine with her "Betty White" attitude. I still miss my parents. Give your mom an extra hug for me.
HUGS!
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No energy to catch up but wanted you all to know that I am in the hospital and waiting to have surgery. Something happened to my TE.
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Molly, I saw this on another post and am so sorry for the issues you are having. Sending good thoughts for a quick recovery! Take care! We're all there with you!
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Molly, so sorry to hear you're in hospital - sending support and positive thoughts your way.
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Oh, crap, Molly! That's rotten. Hope the surgery goes smoothly, all is repaired and you are home quickly with a totally uneventful recovery. In your pocket!
HUGS!
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Oh Molly, hope it all goes smoothly, and as completely uneventful as possible.
Tomorrow I head back to Boston unexpectedly, I have been getting chronically weird headaches for over three weeks, causing numbness, tingling and pain on the left side of my head, primarily my scalp. I already saw my PCP who said it was tension. I spoke to my MO last week, assured me to wait it out. But over the weekend it has gotten worse, the tingling spreading to my ear and face. Nothing helps. I've never head migraines before, but it doesn't feel like a migraine, it's primarily pins and needles. So off I go for an MRI and an office visit. Being triple positive, I'm scared to death of what they'll find. Hopefully it's nothing.
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MyraKnits, I had very little discomfort with the lx, more with the SLN due to the location. Ice will be your friend. I was able to ease back in to exercising by 2nd week. In your pocket for Wednesday.
MFalaBella, hope you are able to get some answers quickly so you won't have the worry.
Molly, sorry you're in the hospital
I'm almost 3 weeks post rads and my skin is healing very well. I have been taking tamoxifen for 2 weeks. The only se I'm having is fatigue. Not sure if it's from rads or tamox or both. I also started trying to eat better a couple of weeks ago. Hoping I get energy back soon.
Hugs to everyone. Hope you all have a good week.
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HI all, Doc on call at the cancer center called in an antibiotic and some tramadol for pain with the promise i will call tomorrow and talk to the BS
Still hurting, but holding on strong
xoxoMichelle
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MFalabella ... Very glad you called. Hope you're feeling better soon.
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Molly- in your pocket- so sorry for what you are going through.
FighterGirl- in your pocket as well as you tease out what is going on with the "headaches"/pins and needles...please keep us posted!
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I just had a lumpectomy last week, less than a month after my diagnosis. I will see the surgeon next week to get all the results and discuss the next step. Right now, my feelings up and down. My mood swings are driving my husband crazy. I should be glad that it's behind me but I kind of worry when the next shoe might fall. Is this normal or am I being dramatic?
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Rmott, your feelings are very normal. All the tests & waiting for results can be nerve racking. Try to keep yourself busy and remember that this is all doable & just know that you are not alone. Everyone here on this thread is very helpful & understanding. Sending positive thoughts your way
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Molly, as I've stated in another thread I wish you nothing but the very best.
I had a lumpectomy and SNB last week and it really hasn't caused me too much discomfort. I dont even feel the breast incision and the SNB site is more annoying than anything else. It just seems to be sore for a long time.
I'm so thrilled that my noded came back negative (yay!!!) But bummed that I have to go back in for a margin touch up next week. My tumor was so small, I really hope that clean margins are achieved this time. My anxiety is returning a little now.
Wishing all you ladies the very best in your surgeries and treatments!
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FighterGirl, in your pocket and being very quiet. I can understand why you are worried. But we're here with you! Keep us posted!
Michelle, very glad you called. I'll bet you feel a bit better too. Let us know how it goes!
Rmott, Welcome! We're glad you found us. This is the best forum. We are kind, caring, welcoming, informative and funny. As Trish said, the waiting is terrible. We all have our emotions going every which way. One minute optimistic, the next thinking the world is ending. So we totally understand. Please help us help you by filling out your profile and making it public. We can't remember what each one of us has gone through and that reminds us and also makes sure that gals that have gone through what you have answer your questions.
TwinTwin, Welcome! You are definitely in the right place! Sorry that you have to go back to get clean margins but that's so wonderful about the lymph nodes being clear. Certainly understand your anxiety. We're here for you! Let us know how it goes!
HUGS!
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Dara, in your pocket for tomorrow!!!!
Myra, I was digging holes and planting tomatoes 3/days after my reexcision. Back to work 3 days after lumpectomy Sentinel lymph node site was the most irritating. It helps to walk around with your hand on your hip! Hope it goes well! Well be in your pocket!
Grazy, sometimes I am sad when I see everyone that has children and have such close families. We never had children, but helped raise my sister's oldest girl. My sister passed away at 30 and her husband 2 years before her, so she is like the daughter I never had. I regret that were about 2 hours away from our families. Glad all is well with your mom!!!
Molly, sure hope things go well!!! Hugs!!
Fighter, I pray your MRI turns out ok!!!!! Will keep you in my prayers!
Tbalding, I think we get so tired that I have never gained my energy back. When I cheat and eat badly, i can feel the difference!! I cheated for 2/days and gained four pounds!!! I am walking two miles a day faithfully. It's hard! Hope you do well on the tamoxifen. I had nausea for first 2 weeks but it has eased off, hence the gain of four pounds lol!
Mfala, hope the antibiotic is all you need!
Rmott, you aren't crazy. I cried my eye balls out with worry so many times. I felt like I was going crazy!! Especially when I had to go back for second surgery to get clear margins. Make sure you get a copy of your path report. I had positive margin and i found it after two of my doctors missed it. I can only hope that the third doctor, my MO would have seen it? It will have all the info you need on it. Hope your follow up appointment goes well!
Twin, hope youget clear margins!!
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Rmott...your feelings are perfectly normal. You've been thru alot in a short time. It gets better.
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I have a question... When I had my lx, it took about twice as long as predicted. The surgeon came out to family and said she had to go back 3 times to get clear margins. When I got the path report, it listed each of the results when the BS went in because they didn't have clear margins. I see so many people who had to go back a week or more later in order to get clear margins. Is what I experienced not the norm? I just think the added stress of going back in for more surgery must be so stressful. I was out with anesthesia so never knew what was going on. Just curious, and hope Twin all goes smoothly.
LG, it sounds like your niece is one lucky young lady to have you. Yes, a close family is wonderful, but I think just having supportive people around you who care about you is what matters. And in my case, the doctor's rooms get a little crowded as they ALL want to come to the appointments with me! LOL, I love them completely, but I also think they think I'll minimize something so they won't trust me!
RMott, my husband still keeps walking around asking me if everything is OK or if he did something. He's just very in tune with my moods and I'm still pretty preoccupied. I'm sure it will get easier.
Twin, thinking good thoughts for clear margins.
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thanks you PontiacPegg and everybody for being so welcoming! I appreciate your words of encouragement to me and to others who need it. It is great to be amongst a group of ladies who can offer so much support. Rmott, I have been through every emotion in the book. I have gone from feeling totally hopefull to utter despair. For me it's the waiting that plays with my mind and gives me too much time to think. I guess that's why it is so important to try and stay active and involved even though it seem difficult at times
DaraB, that is so interesting about your lumpectomy. Although I am aware that they can get an idea about margins during surgery (my surgeon did go back once) I wasn't aware that anything was definitive until the final path report. Maybe technology varies from hospital to hospital. But I am so happy for you to get clear margins and not have to go back! Surgery was a huge hurdle for me that I had been waiting for for weeks and weeks. Now to have to go back. Ugh. But if clean margins are achieved it will be well worth it!
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Hi Harley:
My heart goes out to you as you struggle to understand your diagnosis.
We've all been where you are right now and although there are similiaries, we all react and feel in our own unique way. There is no right way to feel.
Like you, I had no family history and minimal knowledge about breast cancer. I made it my job to learn what I needed to know before I began the decision process. At first it felt overwhelming and frightening. I'd start to read an article or a letter here and have to walk away. In time, it's gotten easier to take in.
My best resource was my breast surgeon who I chose after getting a second opinion. Your treatment team is very important so be sure to choose it wisely.
Find a sounding board to discuss the the information and choices you're eventually going to make.
Support is important whether it be from friends, your faith, your family, this community or a support group.
Know that we're all here to listen and we understand.
Marcella
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Molly, I hope you're doing alright today after yesterday's surgery.
Mfalabella, I hope you'll feel some relief soon once your antibiotics kick in.
Fightergirl, any weird or unusual symptoms would alarm me, too - I bet that's how we'll all be going forward. Wishing you the best with the MRI and I hope your tingling is not caused my anything serious. Keep us updated as we'll all be wondering how you make out.
Rmott, I don't know if the emotional ups and downs ever completely go away once you've had a cancer diagnosis - the 'episodes' might become fewer over the years but I think it's pretty normal to have highs and lows, especially for the first few months. I was diagnosed in January, but there are still days (especially when I'm very tired and worn out from life's demands) that I'll go all doom and gloom for a few minutes, much to my sensible husband's chagrin, lol. He just goes with the flow and then reminds me of the black and white positive facts of my pathology and treatments and I snap out of it. Honestly, sometimes I think that for his peace of mind and sanity, I should really come with a warning system so he can prepare himself, haha!.
Myra, good luck with your lumpectomy! As some of the other ladies have said, it's that darn sentinel node biopsy site that causes the most discomfort. I iced and iced for the first couple of days and stayed on top of the pain with the Tylenol 3s I was prescribed and got lots of rest. I was out driving around, grocery shopping (with the bag boy loading for me) and doing errands three days after surgery, feeling pretty well - not planting tomato plants though like LG!! lol How did those tomatoes turn out, anyway?! Anyway, I also kept my arm propped up with a pillow when I slept so that the weight of my arm wouldn't pull on the surgical site. I'm five months out since surgery and I continue to get little shooting pains there even though some of my underarm and the back of my arm is still a little numb; I still can't wear an underwire bra because the top of the wire matches up exactly where the SLN site is, unless I pack a little piece of foam in that spot to buffer it. For a little while last night I felt as if bees were repeatedly stinging me - it's just the nerves regenerating - it takes a long time to fully heal, I guess, when nerves have been cut.
Welcome, twintwin, from one Canadian to another!
I'm sorry if I've missed saying hello to anyone else who is new. You've found the best board for friendship and support.
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DaraB--I wasn't aware they could tell about margins until the final path report either. I had one "close" margin so had a second surgery, although only under deep sedation vs. anesthesia. It really wasn't that big a deal--quicker surgery than the first one. It just pissed me off because it delayed the whole recovery/rads process three weeks and I had a wedding to get ready for!!
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Thank you for all your replies LG, Grazy, Peggy and Dara and anyone else I forgot! I won't be having any medication after Hercepton. I was er/pr-.
Myra, thinking of you! Finally time for your surgery! I know with my lumpectomy and SLN removal I was back to work one week later. I also lift a lot and am on my feet all day but I was going away and didn't feel right to take my vacation (even though it was booked long before and during healing time) and be on short term at the same time. I just had to be careful what I wore so nothing irritated it. My surgeon told me not to listen to anyone who said I needed to rest my arm and to use it as much as was comfortable as it would be better for it in the long run, so that's what I did.
That lovely SLN area is right in a crease of my skin that makes my rad issues worse. Lots of peeling now...hoping this is all coming to an end this week. Overall though, from finding my lump, to surgery, chemo and rads...this has been the quickest and most organized experience ever. I am so thankful to everyone in our healthcare through all of this!
Thinking of everyone today and wishing you all well
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I second what Karen said - after your lumpectomy, use your arm - I was given a booklet in the recovery room just before discharge with all the exercises to do beginning the next day. It's important to do the stretches they recommend in order to maintain your range of motion, etc. Follow doctor's orders
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Hello Ladies!
I've been following along for a little while but this is my first post here. I had my lumpectomy (with reduction and lift of that breast only) on March 29, 2016. I am sch'd to have the reduction and lift on the right breast on 12/29/16. The PS wanted to wait until after radiation to do the second one bc she did not know how much radiation would affect the size of the first one. I've been very lucky - sailed through rads with only some redness and itching and started Zolodex and Arimidex a few weeks ago - so far no hot flashes or joint pain but keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way.
I wanted to comment that similar to Dara, my BS advised my family re margins during the surgery - with the caveat that it wasn't definite until the final pathology came back but they did do a "quick and dirty" path on the tissue and nodes while I was still under. If any nodes came back positive they would've taken more.
I had my first mammo post surgery this morning. BS said it was to establish a new baseline after the reduction. It was a little chaotic bc I changed breast centers when I started with MO, due to distance, and they didn't have my films, only reports, from past mammos, so it couldn't be read today. They've requested the films from practice where BS is, but it will take about a week.
Have a great day!
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