Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Yay Red!! Congrats on being done with rads!!! How are you feeling? I have completed 5, have 3 more weeks to go, so far nothing yet. Have a good trip to the west coast and a great week!
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I had my lumpectomy with needle localization on 3/6. The area they removed was relatively small (mass of 1 cm, plus calcifications, etc.), but it was deep in, against my chest wall.
My breasts are large, and I'm not sure if that has something to do with it or not, but my left breast still feels heavy and is kind of achy. In the morning and at the end of the day it tends to feel swollen-reminds me of the feeling from when I was breastfeeding and my breasts would start to feel like I needed to nurse my daughter.
Is this something others have felt?0 -
Absolutely sweetie!! To relieve it, I would try baths with Epsom salts. And follow the instructions - bet u didn't know you needed two cups per bath! It has greatly helped me - I felt just like you, swelled up big time. The baths helped.
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Red, thank you.
Good to know. I've kept icing them, and didn't even think about Epsom salts.0 -
I iced my breast for quite awhile after surgery. I lived with an ice pack even at work. I also loved a nice warm shower running over the girls. That always felt good. The poor girls go through a lot, but it does get better.
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Hello Gals,
I had my lumpectomy/SLB two weeks ago and am still having some trouble, wondering if anyone out there has a similar situation and could offer advice...my tumor was in the bottom portion of my left breast. I am a B cup, and because of the tumor size tissue had to be removed all the way down to muscle. I am left with a scar right at the crease of the bottom of my breast and chest wall, which is a great place for it cosmetically, but it sits right where the bra pulls around to the back. I have switched from underwire bras to softer ones and moved up from a 34 to a 36 to try and relieve pressure on the scar, but it is still painful and very annoying. I have been told by others that their scars (in other places) are still tender years later, and I am worried that this will be a long term issue since I can't really avoid the bra being in contact with it. I often go without a bra at home but still feel the need for support so I end up just walking around holding my boob all day :-) I am also surprised by the lingering pain in all different areas of my breast, chest wall and all the way down to my lowest rib. It seems to jump around from day to day. I just thought the lumpectomy was going to be a breeze since the breast is mostly fatty tissue (although mine are very dense and lumpy). Does anyone else deal with this issue and have words of advice, either about the scar or what I should be expecting in the way of lumpectomy pain and healing time?
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My incision also was in the lower part of my left breast. I found that if I put one of my husbands hankerchiefs or 4"x4" gauze inside the bra cup it helped protect it. I am a 40DD and also have pretty dense breasts. For a long time I would have pain in the breast (some gals call some of the pain zingers), and kept feeling different lumps. Have learned since that the Brachytherapy rads can cause some of the lumpy feelings. I am 2-1/2 years out now and rarely feel any discomfort. Just SEs from the Letrozole...
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kuriatas, I had pain in my shoulder blade and into my left arm (lumpectomy was in my left breast). I think part of the pain was how I was holding myself (literally-because I would do the same as you & hold my breast often during the first week following my surgery).
My scar in right smack in my cleavage of my 36Ds.
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I cut strips of husband's soft t shirt then folded it and put under edge of sports bra. Nicely cushioned the incisions under neath. Or try to go without a bra till are more healed.
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thanks for the advice! I'll try some of your suggestions
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Good Morning Lumpies!
Red - yippee Happy Dancing for you! Rads done:))) you did it! Stay hydrate and continue your regime if girl care.
BigD - countdown...hydrate and free boobing...you got thus laser tag warrior!
Kuriatas - recovery is different for each of us...I looked pretty purple yellow and swollen for a long time 12 o'clock near chest wall...icing does help. Visit Walmart for a genie bra 2X larger ...step into it and then add the softest sock folded to caress the girl than wear an oversized front zip sports bra...I still wear 2 bras ...a long soft cami bra and my compression bra...LE, but I've wore/needed the double the support from the beginning...think it may be that the girl just needs that extra support. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.
Christy - the heaviness will go away in time....be patient with your body. Good suggestions here to help.
New Lumpies give yourself a no c zone break as you recover and before the next step in treatment...seriously! Answer questions and then a non discuss time...take the 4-6 weeks off and breathe focus on healing and getting your body mind and spirit renewed and recharged...:D
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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I will be getting one on Wednesday. I am nervous and anxious. This is my first ever surgery at almost 50. This thread will help once I get home from this. My doctor is removing atypical area quite small, about size of nickle. I know every one is different and they heal different as well. I pray I get through this smoothly. I will post back later. Wish me luck.
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Petitiegal - Breathe! The waiting is the hardest...we will be in your pocket!
Tomorrow, Do whatever makes your heart sing! Cut/color hair, mani pedi, massage, get your yoga pants, front zip hoody and extra room front zip sports bra and sparkle flip flops all ready. Enjoy family and friends...sleep well...go in surrounded in love:). You got this ...we will try and keep the pocket party to a soft hum...your song list is ready! But the Happy Dancing will begin when you wake up! Red, TeamKim, BigD...Lumpues are ready!
Sending calm confident thoughts&prayers!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Yay! Another pocket party. I've got that band that I can book. Who's bringing the wine? Cindy. Promise not to pinch the docs butt this time okay? Although, he did look surprised didn't he? TeamKim, do you have the party favors or does BigD?
Petite gal, you've got this! Nothing feels better than finally doing something about it. After weeks of worry, you're fighting back now. Good for you!
Don't forget your Emla cream as it will numb the areas of wire placement etc. (((hugs)))
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RMlulu...thanks for the advice, I'm going to go out and get a Genie bra tomorrow, I hadn't heard of it but looked it up online and I think that might help.
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There are so many beautiful women in these posts. It warms my heart.
Red, I'll bring the wine! ;-)0 -
OK, band, check
Wine, check (thanks Christy)
Any volunteers for glasses, food, maybe beer? Lol
Shaping up to be a great pocket party!! Petitegal we've got your back.
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Yay Pocket Party, my fave!!! Petitegal, I know it is easy to say try not to worry, but I did not have any surgery until I was 55, not BC, something else entirely (and honestly much harder to come back from). I was so nervous about being put out, but once you go through it, you realize it is not so horrible. You just go to sleep and when you wake up, it is all over and the recovery is underway! My lumpectomy was honestly very, very easy for me. I felt fine when I went home, did not have to take many pain meds. Was up and out doing things the next day. Was back at work full time after 4 days. We are here for you, get yourself a front zip bra and a front zip top to wear home. Put some ice on your girl to keep swelling to a minimum, take whatever pain meds they give you, and you will do real well. And take Cindy's advice, she was the first one to make me feel at ease here. The waiting sucks, no matter what it is during this process that you are waiting for, test results, etc. The waiting about drove me crazy, but when you come out on the other side, you feel sooooo much better. We are all different, we all have different experience with this process, but there is a lot of comfort and knowledge in here. Just watch out for Red, she is a trouble maker (just kidding, she is a doll). Good luck to you, let us know how you feel after the surgery.
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HEY!!!
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Buy a few types of sports bras unless you know for sure how they're planning on going in (then the front zip is great). I had a needle localization before my lumpectomy, and the radiologist decided how they'd go in at that point.
I brought a front hook with me, but my incision ended up being right in my cleavage and front zip didn't work for me. It hit the bottom of my incision and irritated it.
I was able to stock up on some good sports bras for cheap at Kohls in their clearance rack-I bought 4, and they were each between $6-$12.
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Petitegal, best wishes to you on your surgery tomorrow. You will do great! It will be 1 week since my surgery tomorrow and I am recovering well.
Just had a call from the oncologist office with my pathology results from surgery. Not what I had hoped for. Clear margins around the tumor, but 1 positive node. Said chemo will be the next step prior to radiation. Have appt with oncologist tomorrow to discuss the next step.
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Thanks ladies, it really helps. I go in tomorrow around 8am EST. I am so small breasted, I declined buying a sports bra, tried one on in fitting room and it was a B**** to get this thing on and off, plus it did nothing for me, offered no support, so I am just wearing my really snug no wire bra, my boob won't move a bit plus that is the smaller one. I am planning on wearing a zip up top so that will be good. Will post end of week or when I feel up to it. Thanks for all the positive words.
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Hi Christy,
My first lumpectomy was with the needle as well and that was worst than the second lumpectomy. I found a lot of relief with continued icing - you might want to try that as well. Are you getting the stabbing pain every now and then too? Hope you are feeling better.
Donna
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Hi Wampuscat - I'm so sorry to hear about your lab results. I know when anyone posts out here we all hope and pray for the best news for everyone. I will watch for your post to see how your appointment goes - you are in my thoughts.
Donna
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I have to share with you all - I was never a big sports bra fan but on the website Just My Size (by the way, I am not large, only a 36B venturing on 36.5B.....). Bali Comfort Revolution Seamless Wire Free Bra. I am from the "underwire era" and it was quite a switch for me but they are really comfy - especially after surgery when you need to wear a bra 24/7.
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Wampuscat - Thinking of you right this minute. We will be ready to talk anytime.
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Calling all Lumpies - pocket party and pocket hugs!
(((Wampuscat))) breathe...sorry about that darn node:( but yea clear margins. Now is healing time. Sending confident thoughts and prayers
Petitiegal - we are all in...pockets full:) you will be surprised how the tension and haze lift after surgery...promise! Make sure you confirm with your BS how and when you will receive results
you will do well!(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Dogsneverlie, the needle part was awful. I had a local, but it hurt, and I passed out during it. I warned them it could happen since I came close to it 1 1/2 weeks prior during my needle biopsy. And sure enough, down I went. But I felt it coming, so they kept me safe.
I'm about 2 1/2 weeks out from my surgery. Once in a while I'm still getting the stabbing pain, but nothing like it was. Night time is still rough with sleeping. I'm a side or belly sleeper and am so uncomfortable, constantly trying to find a position that's not so bad. I'm still wearing a sports bra to bed too. I'm slightly sore under my arms-I wonder if that's from wearing a bra 24/7? I didn't have any nodes removed.Petitegal, thinking of you tomorrow.
Wampuscat-hugs!
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Thanks for all the hugs ladies! It is wonderful to have all of you cheering each other on. It really does lift the spirits. Will see my Medical Oncologist later this afternoon to find out the game plan from here with chemo treatments. Keeping my chin up and marching forward to fight this battle. My husband, children, parents, and other extended family and friends have all been so encouraging and supportive also. The saddest part for me though, and I believe I can deal with the hair loss, but my son's wedding is in July, so that is hitting me really hard, knowing that I will be wearing a wig to his wedding. He has been a real sweetheart about it though and told me how much he loves me and just not to worry about that. I am thankful though to have the excitement in our lives of looking forward to his wedding day! He is our first child to be married and it is his high school sweetheart! She is a real sweety too!
Hoping all of you are continuing to heal and recover from any recent surgeries and treatments!
Hugs to all of you!
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Wampuscat, Maybe I missed something here but did you have an Oncho DX test ran to find out about chemo? My Oncologist was pushing for chemo, even had me meet with a gal who was connected to mayo about a trial study I would qualify for and so I asked for the Oncho DX test and when the results came back I didn't need chemo- only radiation.
My son is also marrying his HS sweetheart this summer and so I know how hair is a big concern as I also was very concerned but went and looked in catalogs and found a wig similar to my own hair so I was ready if I had needed it.
Good luck
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