Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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I saw my BS 3 times
First was after core biopsy where she gave me the news and options she could see I was so overwhelmed and suggested I take a week to absorb the info
Second was to discuss surgery etc
Third was followup and discuss path results from lumpectomy
I will not see her again until next year and every year thereafter. She will make the appointments for my yearly mammo
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Yeah, my MO is running the show now. I saw the BS before and after the lumpectomy, re-excision, and BMX, plus a several times when a seroma got massively infected. I last saw her in May and I won't see her again until Nov. My PS took care of everything post-BMX, until my wound finally healed (16 WEEKS!) I'm seeing my MO every 3-4 months and I'm not sure how long that will go on.
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Thanks everyone... guess my MO will be guiding me through this now... i wish BC came with instructions on what to expect.. but this site has been even better.. one of the things they did see on the path report was a spot on the end of a nerve that was cancer, so pray rads will take all that out..
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Saw my BS before and after the lumpectomy/SNB, her NP and partner to suture the SNB incision when it ruptured and the seroma burst, then her again just before rads began. 6-mo followup (because she’s so hard to book) and mammo was 8 mos, w/her new NP, and I will see her (not the NP) and have a followup mammo in Jan. Saw my RO twice before rads (initial & mapping CT scan) and once a week during my 3 wks of treatment--he said no need to see him further unless I had symptoms I found worrisome. I saw my MO after lumpectomy, again to discuss OncotypeDX, DexaScan & genetic testing results, then 3 months after that to see how I was holding up on letrozole, then 6 mos. later, before my Zometa infusion. She wants to see me every 6 mos. from now on.
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Poodles, congrats on your trip! You definitely deserve a nice break with your "very best friend." My younger sister is my best friend as well. So glad you found a reasonable fare.
Charlene, aren't you glad to get some concrete numbers back, even if you are still waiting for one or two. Great news about your ER, PR numbers. They should respond well to Tamoxifen or AIs.
Michelle, I'm also a thrift store, garage sale, estate sale junkie also. My mom used to shop at Goodwill when we were young, not because she had to but because she thought it was a great adventure. My dad was a lawyer with DOJ, but we all developed a love, especially of garage sales! Total fun that then led to a love of "picking" for antiques and unique finds! But we were never allowed to say where she found great dresses, etc. When people asked "Where'd you get that?" were were instructed to say, "Oh we just flew over to Paris and found it!" Now people brag about finding a great used bargain!
Beebazboob, I've had that happen with posts a couple of times. I've learned we can't go back any pages or we lose what we've written. I find I'll copy my post and then go back to ck something, then go to the post window and hit paste. I've also had luck with hitting the back arrow until I get back and sometimes the post is there.
Sandy, are you the one who had problems changing something on your personal page? I was also having problems. I have a MacBook Air and use Safari. I contacted the moderators to see why I couldn't save a change. They were looking into it, but I did download Firefox and used that search engine and was able to change everything just fine. I think one of the latest IOS updates was in conflict with the BCO site. Anyway, a thought if you have any problems.
Peggy, I agree... "benefits" would take waaaayyyy more than 2 hrs!!! Of course you're also talking to someone who met her DH at age 18 and am still with him 45 years later! I got super lucky!
I got a new FitBit the other day (Right before I started passing out and went to the hospital in an ambulance lol) and am really trying to increase my steps each day. I'm not at a point yet to link up with those of you in the fitbit "group."
I'd be embarrassed to have you all see my step number! But I'll get there eventually. Started my day early today as I met a friend for breakfast. She's still teaching and getting ready to retire in June. She mentioned this morning that her DH asked her what in the world she was going to do if she retired? I told her that was hysterics; there aren't enough hours in the day for me to do all the things I want to do, none of which have anything to do with my"job" I had for years! I now have time for pottery, photography, jewelry making, Tai Chi, and all those estate and garage sales!!! I LOVE retirement and can't wait till this stupid treatment is over so I'll have the energy to do everything I want to do.
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Poodles, I've seen quite a number of articles over the years mentioning just that: seniors having unprotected sex and voila! they have an STD. You're never too old. As I said, I'm not interested in the friends-with-benefits thing.
HUGS!
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My BS coordinated everything while I was in Michigan. And that was fine with me. Now that I've moved, I just have an MO whom I like. I really don't need a BS and RO now.
Two hours of talking hardly qualify for handholding let alone anything more intimate. Way back when I was young, I tried a FWB relationship and that ruined a very nice friendship (that neither of us wanted to head towards romance). So I'm not a fan. A lesson that needs to be learned only once.
Have a good day everyone!!
HUGS!
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I saw my BS after my dx for first consult, then after a second biopsy for pathology, post op after lx, post op after Re-excision. Her nurse would call me with results if known before my appt, but I always meet with my BS. I don't see her again until 6 mos after surgery for my first mammogram. I see my RO again 6 mos after rads (3 mos after I see BS). RO told me I should be seeing one of them every 3 mos. Looks like I'm seeing my MO every 3 mos.
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Finally got baby oil, per my BS, and got the adhesive unstuck from my boob. They put on a mountain of steri strips and always seem to get a rash from them. Tomorrow I see my RO, and hope that my breast can get a tatoo and that it is not too off putting. Looked better when I used some oil on it. Also started wear two bras, the walmart stretchy comfy kind to give it more support. I noticed that a shoulder blade problem I was having got better with two bras on. Did anyone get the special bras from the medical supply place? They called me last week and said that my insurance would pick up 100%. I just don't know if there is any advantage at this point. Also, checked in with Hospital today and my medical charges sent to my insurer were $40,000 for just the surgery, another $5,000 for the breast MRI. All the specialist bills will be arriving and I have no idea how much they will be. I think my insurance has picked up enough of the tab, so Walmart bras might be just as good.
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Charlene, I'm glad you got your results back. Given your history and your likely problems with more chemo, I wonder if your MO would possibly start you on the anti-hormonals and then do follow-up scans rather than subject you to more chemo this soon. It's hard to say with grade 3 involved. I just wonder if the benefit from chemo would outweigh the blow to your quality of life. I think with your high ER and PR, your survival odds are pretty high even without chemo.
Dara, isn't it crazy that some people (mostly men) can't figure out what to do with themselves once retired? I am so busy I sometimes feel like I'm whirling around! But I have also met some retired women who don't have much to do. I can't imagine having so little interest in things. Glad you got your Fitbit!
Sandy, the cortisone shot has made an improvement in my wrist/hand. The pain isn't completely gone but it is better. I don't think I have experienced trigger thumb or finger, so I'm not sure what that is like.
Peggy, you might want to update your profile to indicate you don't want FWB. Might help avoid some dates with jerks!
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Michelle, they didn't tattoo my BREAST. They put one in the middle of my chest below my braline and then one on each side of my chest at the same line. But I gather each RO has their favorite locations.
Alice, hahaha. I may have to do that but for right now I won't change the profile. I thought I was pretty clear on what type of relationship I was looking for and the location of potential dates. But that hasn't stopped men who are looking for women 20-30 years younger than me and thousands of miles away from "liking" me!
HUGS!
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So, My BS may be different from most...she is the one scheduling my mammos...every 6 months for first 18 months plus exam and discussion after each. LOVE her. My MO I see ever 4 months for first year so will see him again in October, I think? Then, I think I see him every 6 months and so on. Love him as well. My PCP is awesome- gets all of their notes and is so great about keeping it all together in one place and did that when I was having weekly bloodwork and chemo- kept p with changes and the need for different meds and all even though she wasn't seeing me- just watching the bloodwork...they made a great team even though they weren't even in the same town/state! I had wonderful care and continue to have it.
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I've not been on top of this thread for a few days and it has really gotten away from me!
Poodles-so sorry about your SIL. My prayers are with you and your family. Glad you are able to spend your birthday in Seattle. The end of September is iffy, but many times the weather is lovely. May the time with your sister be accompanied by sun! Here's a picture of the weather this evening. Hope you get more of the same on your visit.
Alice - sounds like you're not quite 100% yet, but so glad you are recovering from the chemo. UGH on the deQuervain injection😩 Fortunately on your trip there are so many place to get out and stretch your legs...even without a lot of time. Hopefully you can take advantage without it slowing you down. When do you start the trip?
Charlene - Your BS is amazing!
Beebazboob-Can't tell you how many times I have scrolled and lost a nearly completed (and long) post. UGH!
Dara-thinking of you. Hoping you're having some good days between treatments.
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Sue, your patio and yard are lovely. Sure you wouldn't like to come take mine in hand??? We were down to 39 this morning
But in the upper 70s this afternoon. HH, my BS scheduled my mammos too. There wasn't great communication between my oncs and my PCP. I'm hoping it will be different here.
HUGS!
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Katzpjays, that is just beautiful. My sister emailed me earlier to tell me that she is sitting outside in her yard with a nice campfire, a glass of wine, and her telescope, looking at the moon. I'm pea-green jealous. I don't even care if it rains the whole time I'm there. It's still over 90 degrees here in north GA and I'm am so ready for cooler weather.
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can anyone tell me what kind of bra to get to wear after a lumpectomy?
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Twinsmawmaw, I purchased bras from walmart, that are supportive and I can layer them. They are really stretchy and supportive. I realized why a good bra is important, it keeps swelling to a minimum, supports the chest and takes pressure off of shoulder and back muscles. I did not need a medical bra, but some people do. You will probably wear a wrap that the Breast surgeon will fashion for you after surgery. That will stay on 3 days or so. Depending on how large your lumpectomy is, some people have even worn their own bras.
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Twinsmawmaw- I wore sports bras at first. They were very supportive and a bit tight which felt good to me. Then, I switched to regular bras with no underwire. Sandy and others will chime in with more info. Hugs!
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Twins, I just bought some soft stretchy front close bras from Amazon. I found the front close was easiest for me. I agree with the others that the support does help, but I didn't buy medical bras.
HH, my BS has also scheduled my mammogram. I see her again next week for my 3 mo ck up, and then will have the mammo in another 3 mo and see her again.
Katzpjays, that is such a beautiful patio, and I love that the weather sounds perfect! We still have pretty warm temps, this weekend supposed to be back up to over 100 :-(
Still having a hard time with fatigue. 3rd chemo is Monday and then I'm 3/4 of the way done. Can't wait for Oct 10, my last chemo date!! Having more problems with stress right now because of my 5 yr old grandson. I think I mentioned the new kindergarten placement is really not good. Yesterday he was in class and got kicked in the head twice. Teacher was totally apathetic and took no responsibility. My DD has already met with a Spec needs attorney. I just want her to get him out of that hell hole! Kept waking up last night thinking of that beautiful little guy and the miserable experience he's having. I could just cry. (and sometimes do!)
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TwinsMawMaw, I'm an A cup and I wore Genie bras for several weeks. If you decide to purchase them keep in mind that their sizing is peculiar so read the packaging. It definitely feels better having the girls not bounce!
Dara, you're getting there! Hang on. Keep reminding yourself that the chemo is KILLING CANCER!! I'm so sorry about your grandson. That's awful. How can a teacher worthy of that title not care that a child has been assaulted while in her classroom? I'm glad DD has contacted an attorney. Definitely get him out of that class/school! No 100s here.
HUGS!
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They don’t make medical or even surgical bras in a 38 H/I cup. I was sent home stuffed into an XL front velcro-close Royce surgical bra. (I was warned I might have been swathed in an Ace wrap instead). Genie, Coobie, and Wal-Mart or Target stretch bras are all too small for me. So I ordered a bunch of Leading Lady front-close “sleep/leisure” bras (wore them at night for months for comfort). They come in sizes from 34 A/B/C to 46 F/G/H. 38 I’s “sister size” cup is 40 H, so I got 40 F/G/H. They come in all colors (even leopard print!) and run about $25-30. Bought mine online from HerRoom.com and BareNecessities.com.
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The Oncotype people called me today to let me know my test is in progress. I met with my RO, who was fabulous, and I will do 16 treatments and 4 boosters, as soon as my oncotype results are in. My breast is pink and healing right now, so I have to wait to be marked. My RO is meticulous with every single detail and looks over the patient charts every single day. He wants to see if any adjustments were made and how the treatment was delivered.
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Dara, I am so sorry about your DGS. My heart breaks for him. Welcome twinsmawmaw. Poodles, I am laughing so hard over your friends with benefits remarks. I am seeing my BS every 4 months right now. I am high risk though now that I have no breasts she might not need to see me. I see my MO every 4 months as well. I am sitting in his exam room right now.
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I got my genetics test back today and it was Negative! my family can breathe now... I got my path report and the tumor was 1.5, but not a solid tumor.. and they found perineural invasion present.. so guess my MO will tell my what he wants to do... glad i see him on Monday
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IHGJAnn49, Did you do a genetics test or an oncotype test? When do you see your RO? I saw mine today and he was terrific. I will need 16 doses and 4 boosts. I just want to get this all over with!!!
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IHG, so glad your genetics tests came back normal! What a weight must be lifted from your shoulders.
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IHG, congrats! I know that feeling of relief when those genetics tests come back negative. They have a huge impact on kids. I was told the results apply to me and my children, but not necessarily my siblings. My sister was also tested and was negative which was great. Is that what you were told? Congrats again.
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Hooray for normal genes--mutations are for teenage ninja turtles.
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IHGJAnn, you are the first I have seen who has PNI. Do you have LVI as well? Are you waiting on oncotype Dx?
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Dara, I hope the lawyer is able to help your grandson! And good luck with your next round next week.
Judy, great news about genetics test results!
Michelle, glad you are able to have the shorter rads tx. Should lessen the se.
Twins, welcome. I wore the surgical bra for about a week. Then I wore soft cup bras from walmart, except for excercise class I bought front close high impact sports bras from walmart.
I was doing better with the fatigue the last few weeks. But struggling this week. Giving in tonight & going to bed @ 8. Usually read for a while, but bet I won't get a chapter done before my eyes slam shut.
Hope Friday is a good day for you all!
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