Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hi Gently: looks like you are in control by planning ahead GOOD 4 U, pulling for you and wishing you the best for a speedy recovery.
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Gently, I found my sleeveless tops were now too tight in the underarm on my "bad" side. I don't wear underwire bras anyway so not an issue and it was fall when I was doing rads (in Michigan) so wore no bra and sweatshirts all the time
I also tried Tom's of Maine deodorant and was allergic to it so didn't wear anything. I know that's not an option for many women. I didn't pay attention to fabrics. Whatever was comfy. Good going on getting your profile public! We do have quite a few gals in greater LA! If you can meet up with some of them, you'll find it is a fantastic experience. You'll be with people who absolutely get what you are going through, no explanations necessary.
BTW, there are "gym" classes for BC patients. Ask your BS or MO about them. I think the Y does them.
HUGS!
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Gently-I did litter duty too, lol. I never took the prescribed pain medication (pain wasn't bad at all), but I did take pre-emptive Tylenol the first couple of days. I only had some itching as the surgical glue started breaking down. I slept in an hour to 90 minutes more than before for about 3 days, but recovery was smooth. Wishing you the same.
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Sue, that is great to hear. Glad for you - and promising for me, as I think our dx's look similar. What you're describing is what the BS predicts.
What a blessing all y'all are.
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Gently, welcome! This is the best group. They helped me so much when I was where you are! I had surgery on Wednesday and was back to work the following Monday. I wore a front zip shirt to my surgery so I didn't have to pull a shirt on over my head and raise my arm on surgery side. You'll do arm stretches as soon as you get home and ice will be your best friend. I don't remember having any pain, just sore. Used Tylenol. It's good to have help, but you may not feel like visiting for a day or so, may want to just rest. I was up and down a lot to do my stretches and I got my own ice. Was just careful not to lift on surgery side. But I'm not a good patient and my DH got on to me all the time for not letting him help me more. I kept telling him my legs weren't broke, my boob was, lol! I was able to work during rads. I went to rads early in morning and then went to work after. Drive myself. Fatigue from rads didn't really hit me until I was finished.
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Gently, for the first 6 months after SNB, that armpit didn’t even sweat, so soap in the shower was all I needed for it (used my usual Dove anti-perspirant on the left ‘pit). Three days pre-op, I went to Kohl’s and cleaned them out of every button-up PJs they had in size XL; bought a bunch of button-up shirts at Chico’s (which I call "Forever 61"), and Tar-zhay; and ordered Leading Lady front-hook sleep bras online (they go up to 46F/G/H).
Bought some soft-cup regular bras (foam cups w/o underwire, as well as just plain no-wire) for when I’d be able to reach around and fasten a bra in back. The bra size I wore pre-op (and wear again now) was—depending on the brand & style—38I or 40H. I can also wear 36J with a band-extender. But because the cup’s dimensions vary in proportion to the band size, there is a concept called “sister-sizing.” So (because discount & most dept. stores don’t carry cups larger than DDD or DD) I bought some Warner’s & Playtex in 44DD and 42DDD. Of course, if you have to buy a band size that’s too big in order to get a large enough cup, the band will ride up in the back. But because those bras were cheap and I knew wearing them would be only temporary, I didn’t bother to alter the band size.
I don’t think my bare upper arms should see the light of day, except perhaps at the gym or in the pool, so any sleeveless tanks I wear are layered under a jacket or open long-sleeved shirt. For plus sizes, Chico’s size 3 or 4 tanks are fairly generously cut (corresponding to size 18 or 20) and often on sale for less than $20. Target also goes up to about a 3X in tanks, and sometimes has them on sale. But I find the best deal on the nicest sleeveless tops is at Duluth Trading online: the “No-Yank Tank” in 2x fits me comfortably, though the sleeveless version of their “Long-Tail Tee” is too generously cut—2X swims on me. But the price is right—some are on sale at any given time for about $12 (all under $20). Amoena (which I bought in various colors before radiation in case I wouldn’t be able to tolerate wires) makes a spaghetti-strap tee with a built-in no-band padded shelf bra (with pockets for prostheses). Turns out I was able to wear underwires during rads after all, so I use the Amoena as a layering piece (omitting a bra) or even as a tankini swim top. (Tip: step into them, don’t try to pull them on overhead). They’re pricy (about $50) but made in sizes up to 20 or even 22. Costco had a lace-trimmed black Adrienne Vittadini in 2X—and I did wear it without a jacket or top in Rome in July, when the temp was about 100F, down into the low 90s at night.
All of the above except the Amoena have armholes so generous that part of the sides of your bra peeks out. So wear a nice-looking bra that matches or complements the rest of your outfit. (With that Vittadini in black, I wore a black-and-roses pattern bra (Goddess) and Bob thought it looked great. Seems the millennials let their bras show all the time these days).
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Well okay ChiSandy, so much info there that my foggy brain only knew enough to copy & paste it and print for later. Thank you. Trish, lol your boob's the only part broken. I hope I emulate you in many ways! And Sandy lol Forever 61 and millenials bra fashion.
Where's that doctoral thesis on high correlation pre-existing really good sense of humor and subsequent identification of bc?
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PS katzpjays so much firestorm in my head I didn't reply to your kind and encouraging comments. Thank you.
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Sandy, what a great bunch of advice! I'm glad I'm not the only one who is uncomfortable having my bra show under tank tops. I do have some tanks that it is impossible to find a bra that doesn't show so I give up but it's mentally hard. Also very nice to know about the Duluth Trading Co tanks and tees. I wear Kohls Simply Vera Vera Wang tanks, tees (both short and long sleeved) and get them on sale with coupons. The tanks are bra friendly. BTW, I don't care if my upper arms show or not. They are mine - all 71-1/2 years of them and I'll show them if I damn well please
I was dismayed when some of my sleeveless tops and favorite, sentimental tanks now were too tight in the armhole on my bad side. It's crap that you can't feel a thing but boy can tops rub and be annoying - how is that possible?
I've never heard Chico's called Forever 61. Love it. I look at their catalog and my credit card goes into hiding. I'm just not chic enough. And here in Spokane, it's rare to see anyone in something other than jeans or workout gear (think Lulumon) - not the guys. They are jeans or shorts. I have yet to date anyone who wears even khakis!
Gently, listen to Sandy - she has loads of good tips for coping and if you are "fluffy" (as one of our gals says) she knows what to get where.
HUGS!
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Welcome gently, I work full time and worked through rads with no problems. I took two weeks off after lx because I had a drain for two weeks. Lx was a pretty easy surgery. Ice is your best friend and button down pj's and shirts for easy access. I am in Los Angeles if you ever need in person support.
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I coined the term “Forever 61" for Chico's. Everything there is always on one sale or another, especially if you're on their mail list or in their club. (Free to join, and the card is a leopard print). Just after my diagnosis, they sold a “Stand Up to Cancer" long scarf and a crystal-pavé pendant & chain; on the back of the pendant is the "S (up-arrow) 2 C" logo. With any purchase they included a matching bracelet. I like mixing & matching pieces to make several outfits; most of the stuff never goes out of style and I'm regularly wearing pieces from 2013. And every piece of clothing they sell rolls up for travel, without wrinkles. (I like their Zenergy and Travelers' collections). I have only one casualty: my younger cat (who’s finally getting his first monthly mani-pedi tomorrow) made a hole in the center one of my favorite knit tops, right at my cleavage. But I was able to gather and stitch it closed; and when I wear it now it looks as if it were part of the design. They also have outlets at many outlet malls, which sell less-expensive but still nice clothes made just for the outlets. But what I like best is that I can truly boast I wear only a size 3; used to be a 2 and even have a shirt in size 1. (Nobody has to know their sizes go from 00 to 4).
Peggy, the only things at Lululemon that fit me are headbands & water bottles.
When I awoke in the recovery room, they gave me a little push of Fentanyl in my I.V. But when I got back to my roomette where my family was waiting (it was Yom Kippur, and I broke my fast with a bagel & schmear they gave me), they gave me a couple of Tylenol—regular, not extra strength. They didn't even write a prescription. First night, I took half of one of Bob's Norcos from his post-op stash so I could sleep. Next day I took Arthritis Formula Tylenol every 8 hrs., and by day 3 I needed nothing for pain. My radiation experience was unusual: I got pink but not really red and didn't even have the slightest irritation; developed a tan (the only one I ever got!) over my scars; and my boob (previously the smaller one) got bigger because the radiation enlarged the seroma that had formed in the tumor cavity. For over a year, my cleavage skewed left! And I never did get that fatigue I was warned about.
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WOW!! Thank you so much everyone. Lots of great suggestions and advice - and laughs! I'll start getting the comfy clothes. I won't know my exact plan until I meet with the surgeon. But, reading everyone's posts I feel like I am in the right place and on the right track.
many thanks - hugs to you all - Kathy
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Sandy, I'll have to actually shop Chico's sometime but I'm still not sure they work with Spokane's jeans lifestyle. I've never tried Lulumon's clothing. I just know a lot of the gals in my neighborhood (a lot of 30 somethings) wear that type of clothing.
KLNiss, glad you're finding answers to the questions you didn't even know you had here. We love to help. And we have become a very close group. We're sorry you're here but happy to have you join us.
HUGS!
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Gently, Welcome and consider t his your 'extended' family... there's someone starting, going through, finishing, and finished that can help you and encourage you in this new challenge... and look for those close by... I live in Spokane, not far from Peggy, and we had a get together last year... it was like an old family reunion... just good meeting others and having a good time.. best support
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Judy, you hit the nail squarely on the head. It IS like a family reunion when we get together. Love this group!
HUGS!
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Molly, that is so generous. I wish I had the slightest clue as to what I need.
Today I'm overwhelmed. I'm lucky to have time to go through these whirlpools and get my head straight again (perhaps) by March 10.
Everyone's honesty, stories and spirit are a big help.
PS your fashion statements are extremely entertaining (Paula)(Sandy). Maybe tomorrow will be a shopping day.
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Sadly I found this forum after I had finished treatments while looking for info on hair growing back. But maybe my experiences the last few months can help someone else.
Surgery - I had a lumpectomy last July and took a week off of work. I didn't have any pain at all and felt a bit guilty because I probably could have worked. My surgery was on the bottom part of my breast and other than a little scar you can't tell. I also have a scar under my arm. I saw the surgeon a couple weeks later for a follow-up and have a an appt for another next month.
Chemo - I didn't think I was going to have to have chemo but the DNA test on the tumor put me in the fairly high group aggressiveness. My oncologist left it up to me but said if the cancer does come back and I hadn't had chemo I would question that decision. So I went for it. Had 4 rounds 3 weeks apart. My husband took me to the first and the other 3 girlfriends took me. It sounds odd to say it was fun, but we had a nice long time to chat. I never got nauseous -- just felt like I was coming down with the flu for a couple of days. I did have a Neulasta self-injector and was told that there were no restrictions on being in crowds so went to a NFL game. My husband came down with a nasty cold and I was fine -- think it was the Neulasta. I work from home which helped tremendously as I would get tired easily but never had to lay down during the day. It was grocery shopping that would do me in. The only issue I had with working was that my company made me go on short-term disability for each round. I had planned on taking 3 sick days each time and was told I couldn't HUGE hassle. I just had a follow-up with the oncologist and will see her again in 3 months. I'll have my first mammogram since D-day in April.
Radiation - I had 15 sessions -- boosts were included. I never got fatigued and the hardest part was that I had to drive an hour each way. I juggled my work schedule so I didn't have to take time off. The techs told me to use Jergens Ultra Healing lotion and that worked quite well. They were very impressed by how well I tolerated it (I have blond hair and blue eyes so burn easily) but a few days after my last session I became very badly burned and had a bit of blistering/splitting under my arm. It healed in a couple of days. I saw that doctor last month and will go again in 6 months (I think that's the plan).
Other - At the advice of the cancer center social worker I had some Reiki treatments. A friend of mine volunteers for an organization that gives free treatments to cancer patients so I signed up. It is totally non-invasive and is about moving energy to the parts of your body that need it. When I started my eyes were watering constantly (6 weeks after last chemo) and she put her hands over my eyes and her hands went from freezing cold to hot in seconds. My eyes stopped watering a couple days later. I also got my energy back -- was still tired from chemo. I don't know how it works and was skeptical but I do recommend it. Can't hurt. It's also supposed to be good for pain, though I didn't have any. My hair has finally started growing back -- took more than 2 months to see anything. And my eyelashes are back though thin. My nails are a mess -- discolored, lumpy, and a couple have fallen off but compared to what could have happened it's no big deal.
So that's my story. Apologies for this being so long, but it was cathartic to dump it all out.
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Lucybug, just curious—what was your OncotypeDX score? Reason I ask is that we seem to have had practically identical diagnoses (except I had 4 nodes removed—2 sentinel, 2 “hangers-on"—all negative). My score was 16, and my MO said that chemo offered such a tiny extra survival benefit that at my age & with my comorbidities (asthma and allergies to the three most important classes of antibiotics) the risk wasn't worth it.
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Thanks Peggy.. Good memories
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Hi Lucy: tyty for sharing
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I am reading this thread and laughing! I have a great pair of beige and white tie dye pants I wore for both my biopsy and surgery because they are sassy and so comfortable. I refer to them as my cancer pants, but they are from Chicos! Hoping they become my cancer free pants eventually!
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Love it, Variable!
HUGS!
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gentle...welcome.. I don't think I could add anything to all the advise this great group has given. Just ask if something comes up.
Variable....rock those pants!
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quick question so sorry if this is the wrong spot to ask this. I won't give my whole story but if I go to the doctor wanting something out that they say is palpable but did not show up on the mamo or ultrasound ( had both in 2014 and this year exact same report) is it considered a lumpectomy?
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I believe it would be called an excisional biopsy.
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ok thank you
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I don't know what my OncotypeDX score was - I think it was around 27 but just guessing. She divided the graph in third. In the bottom third chemo wouldn't make any difference, in the top third you have to have it and in the middle section you have to make a decision. Mine was toward the edge between the middle and the top.
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haha Variable now I feel like I need some Sassy Pants to wear on the big day and any other appointment that involves dread and hope!
Last night I went to an orientation meeting at a cancer support center not far from my house. I really did not want to go. I am really glad I went. I really did not feel a need to discover new powers within me but, here they are, and here we are.
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Hi Lucy: my diagnosis almost mirrors yours except I was stage 1b i had the same oncotype score - high end of the Middle group. I was given the option of chemo and no chemo with rads. I asked about risks of having chemo and recurrence rates. The risk of chemo vs no chemo and recurrence about the same. I am older 67 with alot of health factors, so I chose radiation only. My doctor ageed with me and even now I am having alot of symptoms following rads. I am now also on Femara. Listen to feelings and your doctor. My doctor did not make a decision for me since i was in the middle group, until i made the decision then he agreed. Makes it a little tough
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Hi Miko - I was also given a choice. I'm 63 and the doctor said the recurrence is a few percentage points lower if I had chemo. I was still leaning towards not having it but my husband encouraged me to and as I said the doctor pointed out that one day I might regret that decision. But again, it was ultimately up to me. Hardest decision I've ever made. My health is pretty good and I have tolerated everything pretty well - I'm very very lucky.
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