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Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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Comments

  • melissadallas
    melissadallas Member Posts: 929

    Faerywings, my procedures were done in two facilities as well. The breast center where the wire placement was done is five minutes around the corner from the ambulatory surgical center. It really wasn't a big deal, and I even had to sit in the waiting room for a bit before being taken back for my surgery. I was still numb and in no discomfort. This was done through a NCI designated cancer center/medical school. It is just a huge sprawling complex.

  • LizzieK
    LizzieK Member Posts: 7

    Since a lot of folks getting lumpectomies are early stage and will be moving on to radiation next I wanted to share some information about an alternative to the usually protocol of whole breast radiation with 30 or more treatments.   I had a lumpectomy on December 3rd and they got clean margins.  My tumor was 1.2 cm, ER+, grade 2, nodes negative.  Because I got my surgery at a major cancer treatment hospital (Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston) I was offered a one week partial breast radiation protocol: 9 treatments over 5 days.     My cancer was on the left side and this treatment meant sparing my heart from radiation.  The surgeon does have to put in markers during the lumpectomy so they can spot the right area by xray.  I started my treatment on Feb 18th and finished yesterday.

    Compared to what I've read on this discussion board I think my symptoms
    are less than those with the longer whole breast treatment.  My skin is only slightly darker and I have had no burns or pain.  This is not for everyone but if someone is a
    Stage one, no nodes, grade 1 or 2, clean margins then I would highly
    recommend asking about the one week partial breast protocol. I think the major cancer research centers are offering this now. The short
    overall treatment time is a blessing for those of us still working. The
    insurance companies also save money since they pay by the individual
    radiation session.  For me it was worth spending a week in Boston (we live in upstate NY) instead of spending 6 or more weeks going back and forth to Albany every day.

    P.S. I created a One Week Rads board so folks considering this option can see what my experience was.

  • Disneygirl44
    Disneygirl44 Member Posts: 1

    hi faerywings 

    My radiologist team gave me lots of lidocaine. I didn't feel a thing. And certainly didn't look! And I didn't have wires sticking out. Just a big gauze covering me up. They told me they inserted a hook and purple bee bees because my BS liked them. I was lucky to be in same facility. 

    I don't know about you ladies, but I am amazed at how soothing the warm blankets are. It makes me want a blanket warmer for the house.

  • wyo
    wyo Member Posts: 165

    oh good- plenty of time to plan and a ride from point A to point B-  the imaging/breast centers are usually MUCH nicer than what is in the actual hospital unless they have a womens pavilion or some other lovely thing. I am sure that is why they do it this way because they are amazing and its like Breasts R US versus the hospital where they do everything LOL

  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 15

    Hey there Dis:) Yes! I love the warm blankets-- when I had my PICC inserted the other day that was the first thing they did and it felt so good!

    Glad I am not the only one having to go from place to place. I have a shawl that MIL brought me from Ireland  and I have not had a chance to wear it yet. I am thinking that surgery day might be a good time for it.

  • flagirl
    flagirl Member Posts: 15

    I had lumpectomy 11 o'clock three weeks from today. I feel great, soreness gone.  Occasional pain if I do too much but basically pain free.  I noticed redness appearing in breast area and the breast feels lumpy hard just above the incision.  It seems to be warmer than other breast but not hot. Is this just normal and increase of circulation of breast issue.  Should I call dr? Could it be seroma?

  • wyo
    wyo Member Posts: 165

    flagirl- sorry I did not see this last night- I would say that if you are not running a fever and its just lumpy and hard without pain or drainage- you can call the Dr. but you can also keep an eye on it and take whatever anti-inflammatory meds they have prescribed for you and see if there is improvement- I was only allowed tylenol- no advil, no motrin etc. 

  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 15

    LizzieK- thank you for that info. I might be a good candidate for that (will know more after the actual surgery) but that sounds like it could be a good option if my Breast Center does it.

    flagirl- hope you are feeling better

  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 393

    I too, had the internal Contura Balloon  Brachytherapy radiation.  Had treatments twice a day for 5 days.  Went very well.  ( My RO had been one of the team that helped develope the procedure).  This was in November 2011.  I saw him every 6 months (along with the MO) for the first 2 years.  Now just once a year but continue to see the MO every 6 months.  Glad I was able to have the treatments done this way.

    Vickie

  • sloyd66
    sloyd66 Member Posts: 51


    Hi Ladies,

    FairyDogMot I just came back from vacation. Went away with my love. Felt so good to get away. I seen my MO yesterday she was amazed how well my boobs healed. The coloring is coming back after the rads, I just notice the difference in size, I guess it will be padded bras from hear on out to even these things out. I took my first tamoxinfen pill today... I feel like something should be happening now, but hopefully for the next 5 yrs it will go smoothly for me. Oh and the lympherdema is giving me havoc. I just called to make my physical therapy  appt, hopefully this will help.

  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 15

    good luck with the tamoxifen!

  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 21

    good morning ladies!! I have a couple of questions about lumpectomy. I had mine yesterday. mine was quite different because back in 2010 I had a binary. I have no pain at all. I am still numb in my boon area from the mast. the bad thing is I am pregnant so they couldn't give me any other test to see if it is anywhere else. they just looked through ultrasound.So how do they get clear margins? What happens if they don't? Another surgery? thank you. I hope the best for you all!

  • mapgirl12
    mapgirl12 Member Posts: 76

    mom2Bnegativex3

    My BS had the margins checked while I was in surgery.  The margins were checked again during the pathology process.  Thankfully the margins were great so there was no need for another surgery.

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501

    Good Morning Lumpies!

    Welcome to our new lounge lumps...

    Mom2Bneg - congrats on baby on the way:) but oh so sorry that you are facing all this during a time that should be just joyful...my heart goes out to you. BS will review path report which will reveal margins, did BS say when and how you would receive those results?  Usually 4-5 days after procedure. Since each of our circumstances are all so different...but typically if margins aren't clear BS will discuss and they will go back.  Breathe, stay focus on today...don't get ahead of yourself...one day at a time...enjoy today...sing a song to your baby...we will be in your pocket!

    Sloyd66 - yippee vacation after glow:D yes, the girls are not the same size...ha ha!  B&D go to a fitter for a special bra and prosthesis to assist...I've gotten use to the difference...and just embrace :) HT is different for all...know that feeling if taking the big gulp and waiting for the sky to fall. Hopefully, you will tolerate.  Exercise & yoga helps me. LE jump on it request appy with PT see fitter for sleeve&trunk compression corset...purchase the Lebed DVD and do ...really helps pump it out.

    Flagirl - hope you  are feeling better no fever no drama and Tylenol did the trick...plus a visit to BS to examine. 

    Yes, lx&snd day was a visit to 3 buildings on medical campus...my chauffeur was sweet, but really rolling around with wires secure is mental crazy. 

    Lizzie - great that the 1 wk option or ballon was a viable option for you. Asked, but a no go for me...good for all to ask.  

    TGIW! Everyone enjoy your weekend...sunshine here mountains surrounded in dark rain/snow clouds:)

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

  • Kand1-Kane
    Kand1-Kane Member Posts: 5

    Glad you started up this forum!  Still no reply to my post, though.  When I posted, was "hump day" for rads, but finished Thurs.  No side effects yet, but was told could come within next 3 wks. I guess it takes that long for radiation to become inactive.  Still like to know if nipple tenderness and bumpy aerola, thick around edges, has been experienced by anyone else. Been squacking about this since surgery in Sept., but Drs. really haven't taken a good look or feel to see what I'm talking about. Really like to know if this is a normal reaction.  Anyone?

  • bounce
    bounce Member Posts: 215

    Kand1-Kane - after surgery I had a swollen vein right next to my nipple - which the surgeon said to ignore and the swelling did go away after about 3 weeks to a month!  It didn't hurt but it bothered me emotionally.

    Also - during rads ALL the skin peeled off my nipple - leaving it very pale - also not painful but upsetting.  And with time it is returning to normal color.

    Your best bet is to get one of your doctors to pay some attention to it and give you an answer.

    Good luck

  • Kand1-Kane
    Kand1-Kane Member Posts: 5

    Could you explain what this wire is all about?  I haven't heard about this before and am just curious.  Thanks

  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 15

    lounge lumps...that is hysterical!!

    As a Lyme patient, we tend to call ourselves lovingly, "lymies." Does this make me a Lumpy Lymie? Or a Lymie Lump? ( I am going to vote for the latter hahah!!!)

  • Kand1-Kane
    Kand1-Kane Member Posts: 5

    Bounce:

    Thank you for the reply.  My nipple was so sensitive after surgery that I wore a gauze pad over it to prevent it from rubbing against clothing.  Still have the same sensation, though, nearly 6 mos after surgery.  Dunno know if Chemo and radiation is causing this and if it may stop feeling this way and if the areola will start thinning around edges and smooth out.

  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 15

    KK- my surgeon expalined that it is a guide wire that they will insert using a mammogram to show the exact area of the cancer to be removed. I'll fill ya in more when I know more about it on Tuesday :)

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501

    Lumpie lumps & Lymie :D

    Kand1-Kane -  did you ask your rad techs & RO? Show&Ask...my c was at 12 o'clock near chest wall...nipple did discolor peel and a few bumps that flaked off, but looks good 10 months post rads.  Keep up the skin care.  I did have a peel job reaction about 3 months out, but all seems calm now. There will be someone who has nipple experience coming along...

    Wire localization is explained on the main site.  1st step in lx...mammo with wires to guide surgeon to clip/tumor area...something to put a blue hat on the bad guy...stick um up! They will inject dye to mark area, apply cream to numb, then in to nuclear for bee stings and dye for SND, than on to preop and family waiting to cheer you on and your BS for lx, next thing you know you are in recovery and headed home:) wear comfy clothes :)))

    Faerywings - we will be in your pocket!  Enjoy your weekend soak in the love...next weekend you will be so relieved...whew did it!  Be sure you confirm with your BC team how when you will receive results of margins&nodes!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

  • flagirl
    flagirl Member Posts: 15

    Well, I guess I overworked the breast muscle from doing too much which caused the pain, flushness and temperature increase in breast.  I stopped or slowed down with the lifting and using arms extensively.  Waiting for ONC type test hopefully results next week.  I saw radio ONC and will be doing 33 RADs low and slow since it's on the left side.  Getting Zingers now at nipple area (scar location). Thank God they come and go quickly.

  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 164

    Hi Friends!!!!!!  Surgery on Monday went well; love all your notes, just reading now.  I did not need a guide wire this time THANK YOU very much for that - I ended up taking last week and working from home and think that helped.  Surgeon called on Friday to say margins cleared this time so that was good news - I have follow up with her this afternoon and then the Rad Oncologist on Wednesday.  Have the lovely stabbing jabs going on - those are fun when you are trying to have a conversation at work and then WHAM!!!! Winking

    Hi Red:  Wish I knew about EMLA cream - the tech doing the wire used the topical like at the dentist - that truly was the worst and I cried big time.  Love the positive vibes from everyone and all of the support - REALLY HELPS a lot to have this wonderful place to come and share our pain and triumphs! 

    So.....I have to be selfish....I am sad about my left breast being deformed now......I don't have the best breasts in the world or the biggest but they are mine.........grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.  I wish I had never complained about them not being a little bigger or fuller!!! Winking

    With all this going on, I have never had any bloodwork done that I have seen out here - I will ask my doctor about that was just wondering what you all thought.......

    Love you all,

    Donna

  • FairyDogMother
    FairyDogMother Member Posts: 154

    gemini4 –That is an interesting story. I’m glad things
    worked out for you.

    Swissmiss- How are you doing? I just got back from Tulsa last
    night and thought of your recovery. I
    hope all is well. Plan the vacation
    now. Did you get the swimsuits? BTW, I went to Cancer Centers of America in
    Tulsa, that place is nice. They have
    some cream for neuropathy call ArNew Gold. Best thing ever.

    HanksMom1- I hope you are doing well. How are
    things going?

    RedReading- How are rads going?

    scubalady- I talked to my OS about
    reconstruction after treatments. He said if that is something we could look
    into after all treatment is done. It is a personal choice. As I go along with treatments I’m think I
    might not do it now, just because I’m so darn tired of doctors, appointments,
    etc.

    Faerywings- I had to
    walk across the street for the wire locator, aka fish hook, I was going to walk
    back to the surgery place, but the insisted that m hubby get the car. I looked like I had a third boob, because of
    the Styrofoam cup they taped over the wire so I won’t get it caught on things.

    LizzieK There are other options out there. I just went in for my reexision today and got
    the XOFT, which is radiation done in one day with a balloon or IORT. I’m still
    doing a happy dance. I was the youngest patient
    (36) to get this procedure at the hospital.

    flagirl- Glad you are feeling
    great. If calling the doctor would ease
    your mind do it. Watch for fever.

    Vicks1960-Glad you did something new
    too.

    sloyd66- Glad you went on vacation.
    I really want to get away to the beach, but this weekend I’m heading to Atlanta
    for a nosework trial with my Labrador.
    Get to PT to get the lymphedema worked
    on.

    mom2Bnegativex3
    Congratulations on the baby. I had a close margin. I had to do chemo first waited 4-6 weeks
    after final chemo when in for a reexision and radiation all in the same day
    today. Don’t stress too much, but the
    wait is a killer. The reexision isn’t
    that bad, because they didn’t do the lymph nodes this time.

    Kand1-Kane-Hump Day for rads, so you
    are on the downward slide. How are you
    doing? Are you using some time of
    lotion? I heard Aquapher is great.

    Dogsneverlie Glad
    to know Surgery went well. Use the EMLA cream If you have to do
    chemo. Don’t stress about the lopsided. I just remind myself that men are
    lopsided too J My cleave
    looks odd it took me 6 months to realize who freakin’ cares. But we have to come to terms or not. I did
    talk to my OS about addingg fat to it after a year of surgery to make it more
    even.

    I just hope everyone else is doing well. 

    Just
    want to share in my “Happy Dance”. I went in for the Reexcision today, waited
    on margins for the all clear and got the Xoft radiation. First time they did it
    on a patient so young (36) I fought for it. The next big surgery (#4) is
    meeting with OB/GYN for the ovary removal or full-spay. My left boob feels heavy and like my breast
    is on fire and nipple too, but I’m managing without pain meds. I will keep you posted. If you want to know
    what Xoft is about check this out.

    http://www.xoftinc.com/

    I’m
    just excited I took some control in my treatment decisions. Keep moving forward and take small victories
    when needed.  

  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 21

    yay fir you, FairyDogMother:) Thank you so much for your reply!

  • Miminiemi
    Miminiemi Member Posts: 260

    I like my smaller perky girl best, and can see advantages to reduction.  But I'll stay this way for now.  Loopy

  • Stanzie
    Stanzie Member Posts: 1,611

    Hello all,  wondering if you all can help me. My sweet cousin who helped me through my surgery and recovery now has DCIS and is considering a lumpectomy. She has cells that are comedic. So if she goes with a lumpectomy and needs rads, what is the time frame from lumpectomy to radiation? Also is there an average number of treatments on has? 

    Finally what are some things to consider between MX and lumpectomy? I had a DMX tree years ago and seems things have changed. Thank you so much. I appreciate any thoughts as she is very special to me. 

  • DawnCT
    DawnCT Member Posts: 47

    Hi Stanzie - 

    I believe Oncs want to do rads at about a month after the lumectomy.

    Regarding Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy - this is a great thread:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum...

    Actually, there is lots of great info over there in the DCIS area.  Beesie is an expert and is so helpful

    Hope this helps and I'm sorry your cousin has to deal with a diagnosis.

  • Stanzie
    Stanzie Member Posts: 1,611

    Thanks Dawn CT - I have talked with Bessie but she didn't have rads so she didn't know. But she is soooo wonderful!  I'll check out the other thread- thanks! 

  • Macintx
    Macintx Member Posts: 24

    I am meeting with my RO today to discuss the radiation therapy that I will get after I finish chemo.  Not sure why my MO wants me to meet with her so early.  I think it has something to do with the fact that, although small, my tumor was against my chest wall, and the posterior margin was actually the .5mm fascia of the chest muscle, and it's on my left side near the heart.  Apparently, the radiation will be tricky and have to be very fine tuned because of all that.  Great, now I get to worry extra early about all of that.  Couldn't he just let me get through chemo before making me worry about my third phase of treatment that won't happen until the end of June?

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