Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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TaTaTootsie, I guess I'm only going to say what everyone else has said, but I wish I'd known before surgery what I know now, so I'm going to say this anyway. I was told my excision was going to be a 7cm cylinder from just above my nipple back to my chest wall. And they would move the remaining tissue around to try to fill in the gap.
I was completely distraught. I remember looking at a jar of honey on my breakfast table and realising it was smaller than they were going to dig out of me. All I will say is that it was a bad time, for a long time. I thought I would never undress in front of my husband again.
And two operations later, and a great surgeon, my operated breast looks completely normal, slightly smaller than the other at this stage but not noticeable. My scar is round the areola so it also sort of disappears. My operated breast is a better shape than before due to the lift and reshape.
I know all this can change, rads will maybe make another difference, and I will need surgery to the other breast when things have stabilised. But at the end of this process it will all be okay.
So trust your surgeon, but believe that what they can do is just amazing.
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Molly, big, big hug to you and your sweet DS.
Dizzybee, my affected breast was already smaller than the other (why couldn't it have been the other one so things would have just evened out?!) so I have two different profiles now, but I suspect only I would ever notice. One would have to really stare and compare to notice the difference through clothing. I ended up buying an Amoena silicone partial breast form which provides some natural looking fullness - it gives the weight, feel and profile to make me feel completely balanced once again. I can slip it into any of my regular bras to fill the empty space (bathing suit too - it can get wet), but I also bought two beautiful mastectomy bras from a boutique which have a built-in pockets to hold the form. I did a little skip in front of my consultant which made her laugh - I couldn't get over how real it felt and how normal I looked again. The Canadian government automatically refunded about half of the cost, which was unexpected. I was glad I discovered the partial prosthesis - I didn't know such a thing existed.
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Molly, I really feel for you and your son, life just sometimes throws so much suffering at the people who deserve it least. I hope all will be well for you both.
Grazy, so how much difference did rads make to the size of your breast? I was told it would probably get smaller and firmer and sit a little higher, so the surgery to the other breast will be to create a match. (Smaller, firm and high is NOT how you would describe my pre surgery look!) But the first surgeon told me it would take up to two years to finish changing, before she would operate. The second one told me six months. So are you planning symmetrising surgery later, or are you happy with the way you are?
Toots, your earlier post said four in seven women get BC, I thought it was one in eight?
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Molly, you have experienced so much more life with a special needs son. You take nothing for granted and each day is precious. My sister, as I may have mentioned, is a special needs nurse and assistant teacher. She loves all of her kids dearly and gets to help shape their adult lives. I will keep your family in my prayers.Z
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Dizzybee, radiation didn't do anything to change the size of my breast - perhaps that was because I had the shorter protocol, not sure. My radiation experience was very easy - my RO asked that I not use any products on my skin until she advised to do so, which was right at the end of my whole breast treatments (I had 16) because some pinkness under my breast (where the bra band hit) was starting to appear. During the fourth and final week where I received five boosts, I did get some deeper pinkness in the rectangular boosted area and two itchy spots, both of which were about an inch in diameter - Glaxal Base cream and Polysporin soothed those spots and cleared them up within a couple of weeks.
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when did you ladies go back to a full support underewire bra after your lumpectomy?
If you have an high k167 does that mean chemo? I see the oncologist on the 13th, and will request a mamma print. Any thoughts?
a after your lumpectomy?
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I am having a difficult time waiting on the office visits, any of you ladies have any ideas for coping. I am going to make a breast cancer quilt top for a friend and myself. Right now I am wanting to sit on our bed and research this disease. I know I will feel better after my oncology visit. Any tips for getting your house work done before starting radiation or chemo, also any ideas for meal planning,.
Thanks ladies, excuse the rambling.
Debbie
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Twins, I tried wearing my regular underwire bra about a month post-surgery, but the tip of the wire pressed right into where my lymph nodes were removed and it caused pain. I tried putting a little foam padding between the end of the wire and my skin, and that helped, but I'm still more comfortable with no wire. I'm not very big-busted, so I can get away with a well structured bra.
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Any of you ladies live in South alabama?
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Debbie, I was able to go back to underwire about month post rads. But, I'm small, my lx or SNL scars are not near where underwire hits and my skin did not break down during rads. I've noticed that my surgery side is smaller but not enough to be noticeable through my clothes. I think the quilt is a wonderful way to keep busy while waiting. I'm a quilter too & it helped me focus on something other than BC. Can't help you with house work, I do all I can to avoid it, lol!! Research is good to help you ask questions, but make sure it's from reputable sources. Sending positive thoughts to you
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Hello ladies,
I am 42 yrs old and I was just diagnosed with IDC a few weeks ago. I am hoping to get some insight as I am weighing my options of lumpectomy vs mastectomy. I have had biopsy and currently waiting on MRI results. My tumour is over 2cm at the bottom of my right breast and close to the skin. I am small breasted (small B cup) and they will need to remove quite a large chunk + skin to get negative margins. The surgeon would be able to move my nipple and reshape so that the breast looks ok but will be at least a full cup size smaller than the left breast. (so I would have an A and a B cup) I would then have radiation that could further shrink my smaller breast (fair skinned so concerned about the rad effects). I would then need to have surgery on the left breast to reduce and reshape to match whatever is left of the right breast if I want it to be symmetrical. The benefit I see with the mastectomy is that I would not need radiation and would have more options with sizing, plus eliminate recurrence. I have been told that I would not be able to have further surgeries to my right breast after radiation so if there is a recurrence I would need to have a mastectomy with no reconstruction. At the end of the day I would like to do the safest and be symmetrical. Size is not a huge factor although I like the way I am right now
Any insight would be much appreciated. I am concerned that I would be deformed and left with limited options after lumpectomy + rads but know the mastectomy is a more invasive surgery.Thanks so much and much luck and love to all of you as we go through this roller coaster journey. xoxo
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Debbie, I didn't have any nodes sampled, which makes a difference, but I was back in underwires after a few days. I was more comfortable because they supported me better. I'd bought padded post surgery bras, but the trouble with that was the cup size for my good breast was too big for the operated one so it was left unsupported. I had to wear a bra at night after the first op for a while, I was very bruised because they'd rearranged just about all the breast tissue I had left! I had lift and reduction surgery to recreate the shape.
The breast care nurse was surprised that I found underwires more comfortable, but they were really well fitted, so the wires sat flat away from any breast tissue. I know others here wore compression bras and sports bras, I didn't even have a dressing on the wound, only clear glue. I know I have seroma within the cavity but I don't understand how external compression would change that, as I understand it, it's seeping from the tissues inside.It doesn't cause any problems.
Waiting is tough, I really wish I'd found this site when I was at your stage, because nothing helps like talking to other women who know what it's really like. I feel like this experience has changed me, I can move forward from here but I've gone down a new path.
Grazy, I don't know my exact schedule for rads but was initially told 15 sessions which seems to be the UK standard, no mention of boosts. But I'm interested that you didn't notice any change at all.
So far I feel like I've been warned to expect so many bad things which didn't happen. They told me it would be six weeks before I was recovered from the first operation, and sent me home with liquid morphine, for when the pain got too bad using ordinary painkillers. I don't have a high pain threshold, but I was fine, kept waiting for the pain to hit and it never did. When they discussed the option of lumpectomy or mx, they focussed on all the disadvantages. My husband said afterwards it was like they were selling second hand cars which you couldn't try before you buy, but they listed all the defects. Do you want the one with the dodgy brakes or the one where the engine might seize up?
I really wish they'd been a bit more positive and maybe I wouldn't have worried quite so much. I already had so many fears, it would have helped if someone had been a bit more reassuring. So thank you to everyone here, you have been amazing.
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Stacey, having a mastectomy does not prevent recurrence. Bc stats are same, if not better, for lumpectomy plus radiation. If hormone positive both types of surgery get an Estrogen modulator or blocker fot 5 years. When you have a mastectomy, you become numb from collarbone to ribs, as the nerves are damaged during tissue removal. From my understanding you can do a rebuild after a lumpectomy.
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Molly, so very sorry and hope he, and you, get some relief soon. Thinking good thoughts for you all.
Stacy, I was also diagnosed with IDC 1.5-1.7 cm. I opted for a lx because everything that I read said there is no difference 10 years out with early bc and lx plus radiation vs mx. It's all about you and many factors. Here's an article I used (you may have seen this already) that helped me make my decision. I figured I can always go back for a mx if needed. Good luck with the decision.
http://ww5.komen.org/KomenPerspectives/Lumpectomy-...(February-2011).html
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Stacy, I agree with Dara - some of the women on here have had lx and later mx and I think it's safe to say that recovery from lx is easier (they will be able to tell you best having been through both themselves) - I helped nurse a friend following her mastectomy and I personally had a much swifter and easier recovery than she did. Do whatever will help you sleep at night, but most surgeons nowadays want to do breast conserving surgery, if possible. Mastectomy wasn't even mentioned in my surgical consultation because it just wasn't necessary in my case, and I knew that going in from the research I'd done before my appointment so didn't even enquire about it.
Have you had any contact with your brother in Florida, Dara? I'm sure he's without power so probably not, but I've been thinking about everybody affected by the hurricane.
Ok, it's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so I'm off to the pumpkin patch now with my girls before we get onto turkey dinner prep as we're hosting this evening. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
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HI, I am new to the group, I have some questions if that's ok not sure if this is right place?
I was diagnoised with Paget's disease of breast, diagnoised by 2 biopsies eventually took few weeks mammogram and ultrasound were clear, but biopsy also showed some dcis. I have had consultation with dr and I am having my nipple removed on Thursday he has told me this is stage 0 cancer prognosis is excellent will have radiation most likely. I am so worried about after the operation to see no nipple this will be horrific is there anyone who has had this done the breast care nurse said the surgery won't make much difference to shape as I am D cup that's grand but no nipple I really don't want to see this, but I'll have to look because of infections won't I?, I know I have been offered nipple tattoo after a while, but just the initial first look is really scaring me
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Grazy, I just got a super fast text from my brother saying they survived Andrew, but it was a really bad storm. That's a lot for him to admit. I hope to hear more from him today. It seems the flooding from the aftermath is pretty bad. He is without power but had prepared for that plus at least 4-5 days without getting out and about. Have fun at the pumpkin patch!
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Stacy, Welcome! We're very sorry you need to be here and glad you found the best forum on BCO! Please think carefully before deciding on your own that a mastectomy is the way to go. If your surgeon recommends it, fine. But it is huge. Once your breast is gone it is gone. With a lumpectomy you still have your breast and you can have plastic surgery to even out your girls after you are done with radiation (I didn't notice any change in size because of rads, by the way). As Michelle pointed out in many cases, a LX has the same or even better outcome than an MX. Even many of the gals here who went on to have a mastectomy are not sorry that they tried a lumpectomy first.
Sadly, there is nothing that can guarantee no recurrence. Nothing. What we can do is get rid of the cancer via surgery, radiation, perhaps chemo, and, if you are hormone positive, anti-hormonals for 5 to 10 years. And this often works.
Where are you located? I don't recall hearing that if you've had radiation and then need a mastectomy that you can't have reconstruction (but I'm not positive). Perhaps the types of reconstruction available are limited. I think that most of us when we hear "breast cancer" immediately think mastectomy. I know I did. My surgeon said it wasn't necessary at all. You should talk with your BS about this issue, read articles here and then decide what is right for you.
HUGS!
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Stacy, these decisions are difficult. I am so grateful that I didn't have a mastectomy, I was so afraid of looking deformed and of not being symmetrical, I nearly chose mastectomy because I couldn't believe a lumpectomy would come out okay. But the result is much better than I believed was possible. If your surgeon believes he can give you a good cosmetic outcome and you trust him, it's worth keeping your breast if you can. At least you have the option of mx later if things don't turn out the way you hope.
There are no right answers and everyone has to make the choice that is right for them. But there are lots of pros and cons, you owe it to yourself to get all the facts, and give yourself time to come to a decision. My thinking completely changed, and I'm glad that I didn't rush into a mastectomy. It nearly happened, I was booking the date for the mx and flap reconstruction, when I asked to see a different surgeon. He was certain the best cosmetic outcome was from a lumpectomy with reconstruction, he told me he always wants to conserve the breast if possible because he believes it gives the best outcome.
But this is your decision and we're all here to support you whichever way you choose, what counts is what is right for you.
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Molly, I can't even guess how hard that is for you, I just had my DH to take care of, not having children put us on the outside of things... but do understand watching someone you love hurting and the feeling of helplessness when you can't take it away.. Prayers he gets better and strength for you both..
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Lorri, Welcome to the best forum on BCO. I can't answer your questions about not having a nipple after surgery. Perhaps keeping in mind why your nipple is being removed (to get rid of the cancer) will help you when it comes time to look at yourself. Remember, you are still you! Yes, your breast will be different, maybe not as pretty as before, but there are options as have been mentioned to you - a tattoo. Take a deep breath. You've been hit with a lot of scary news in a short period of time. It is very hard. You might want to read Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. It's an excellent resource. Perhaps some of your questions will even be answered. If not, we are definitely here for you!
Please help us help you by filling out your profile and making it public via the Settings tab. Then we know more about you and your BC. We also would love to know where you are located. We could have sisters nearby.
HUGS!!
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Breastcancer.org just posted this on its Facebook page and I think it is well worth reading. Words Matter.
HUGS!
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Hi Stacy & Lorri, welcome. Sorry you have to be here, but as Peggy said, this is the best forum to help you get through this! My situation wasn't same as yours, but I'm sure others will share their experiences. It's all very scary at first, but you find out here that you're not alone.
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Peggy, I read that... it is worth everyone reading... it reminds me of someone years ago who told my husband he needed more faith to be healed of all his severe medical problems... what he didn't know was my DH's ministry was to the dr.s and nurses and those that came to comfort him... they were all impacted by the faith he had to go through so much. We never know who is watching as we deal with this particular challenge in our lives. Or how we are impacting those around us... like a stone thrown into a pond, it makes ripples that keep going....
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Judy, well put! Thanks.
HUGS!
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Peggy, good article. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much for this perspective and for the article. I have been presented with mastectomy because the lumpectomy will take a large portion of my breast. There is so much information and it is difficult to be presented with the option although it is nice to have the option! This is assuming the MRI does not show other cancer etc. (I get results on Tues) I will most likely have chemo and will be on hormone therapy for 5+ years. It is comforting to know that the stats show lumpectomy+radiation is as effective as mastectomy. I am worried about radiation and the effect it will have on the skin - shrink, burn, discolour? For those of you that had radiation did you have a lot of these side effects? My surgeon has said that the skin does not heal well after radiation which is why it would limit future treatment to the same breast.
Lorri I appreciate the fear of that first look after surgery. That is where I am also. I will most likely keep my nipple but will have a new breast very different from the other.
I am trying to keep the focus on health and living a long life for my husband and son. We need to get rid of the cancer! But deep down, having a part of me changed forever is a very scary thought. 0 -
Stacy, I had 33 radiation sessions, including 5 boosts. I guess there might be a very slight change in skin texture and a very slight tan but that blends in with the tan I easily get anyway. I had no issues with my skin during or right after my treatment except punctation which is the reddening of the hair follicles. I hadn't even noticed it - the nurse practitioner did. But each of us have different reactions to radiation. Each cancer practice seems to have its own take on the effects of radiation. You might want to consult a plastic surgeon who is conversant in breast cancer to see what they say about possible reconstruction. As I mentioned, I haven't heard of anything about not doing reconstruction after rads and I believe some gals here have done just that after an LX and rads. I'll let them speak up. I was an A before surgery and I'm still an A.
HUGS!
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Thanks Peggy for this article. It is spot on. Words can be very distressing and hurtful, not just with the "war" metaphor, but in other areas as well. Each and very person's cancer is so different and the path they choose is never easy under any circumstances. Even those not meaning to be inconsiderate can cause one to question and/or feel less supported. I hope on this site we all take note of both the words we choose as well as the tone that can sometimes come across differently than intended. This should be a safe place for all of us, and we need to be cognizant that there is still so much that no one knows about cancer, and we all look for answers to help us make our own decisions about how we proceed. This site has always been such a safe refuge to me, and what I love most is the positive support and friendship I see here. Knowledge is power, but support is love.
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Hi all. Had my lumpectomy yesterday. The MRI I had last Monday didn't show anything other than the one lump we already knew about, which was comforting to know going in, as my last mammogram, given the same day as the positive biopsy, was clear!! It didn't show the lump at all. Obviously for me, I'm not going to trust mammograms on their own anymore. Anyway, operation went well, I'm to see the surgeon in 3 weeks if nothing changes between now and then. I hope I can get all the path information and my own copies at that time!!! Feeling pretty good, a little tender under the arm, but nothing major. It's Canadian Thanksgiving today (Enjoy the pumpkin patch Gracy!!!) so I'm just planning on sitting and resting for 3 days.
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