Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hello!
I am scheduled for a lumpectomy on 5/1/14. I have two young kids, 3 and 5, who are very active. The nurses are great and are telling me I will have very few restrictions post surgery and should be fine with most activity very quickly. We are supposed to go on a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge on 5/3. My husband and other close friends will be there so I don't anticipate needing to get in the water or physically exert myself too much but I am wondering if I will be up for the trip. Anyone who has been through surgery have any advice? I feel like it could be a nice distraction if I am uncomfortable, or it could be a disaster.
Also any pre or post surgery tips overall are much appreciated. I go in at 8 am for a needle localization, 11:40 for the dye injection and then 1:30 for surgery. I thought I would feel better after getting surgery scheduled but I am starting to get nervous instead.
Best wishes and hugs to everyone!
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I had no issues at all! Was back full swing the day after, just made sure to wear a good snug bra! Of course now if I mashed to area or bumped it, or course it was tender, but otherwise, I was good to go!
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My insurance wouldn't pay. Said IORT was experimental. Had a lumpectomy yesterday and will have external rads. How much time between surgery and rads??
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I was at the supermarket the next day after my lumpectomy and SNB. I did take it easy though for a few days, but that was all I needed. Not Wonderwoman by a long shot; just a 64-year-old retiree at the time. I did however have to ask other customers to reach products on the very top shelf for me.
Short of any type of complications, I think you would do fine on the trip. I would consider asking the doctor's advice, and also for a few painkillers to take along just in case you may need them.
Carol
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Good Morning Lumpies
Welcome to our new lounge gals! Great place to hang out...but ya gotta Breathe!
Ys - you will be fine...didn't see your lx date, but there is a great sense of relief once you cross that line...promise! Than your game plan will begin to take shape...bringing control and confidence:)
Lina - go on that vacation! Just don't overdo and what your arm. Tell your BC team and ask if any restrictions. I flew home the day I got my stitches out and did not come back until my 6 wk post op MRI. Really 'no c' vacations between each step really helps the body mind and spirit renew and restore and thrive:D
Ohiofan - most wait 4-6 weeks for healing. Do your exercises that your BC team gave you...ease into rom. Breathe and heal...will keep my fingers&toes crossed for clear margins&nodes
rads doesn't hurt it's more a mental thing...showing up and jumping on that table...zip zap laser tag is over in just a few seconds...takes more time to get undress and set up on table than the healing light zapping the girl! You got this:)Shout out to all! Happy Dance shoes on and ready for pocket parties!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Hi Lina
I would not have been able to go on vacation with 2 small children 2 days after my lumpectomy.
Not unless someone else will be doing all the packing and carrying and lifting and food preparation etc.
I am not familiar with the Great Wolf Lodge so don't know how much you would have to do or not.
Sorry to be a negative opinion - I just don't think it is healthy to overdo things.
By the way - I would not have wanted to be left alone at home with 2 small children 2 days after my lumpectomy either.
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Lina - Bounce is right...go if you can be a princess...and just bask...if you have to be the full time mom/wife...rethink and set major boundaries up front...you are healing...it's all about you!
And I concur wouldn't want to be home alone as full caregiver either...
Discuss YOUR NEEDs set limits ...have hubby go to post op appointments and hear from BS the restrictions...and Lina....follow them!
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Have to agree with Bounce and RMLulu - unless you can go and sleep the whole time, I would not have been able to do it! I had NO idea how long it took to recover from surgery! I remember emptying the dishwasher 4 days after surgery - had to have a nap! And I didn't even reach with my left arm due to the incisions for the lumpectomy, the lymph node dissection and the drain!
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Lina, the truth is everyone is different. Some of us come through the surgery and literally are able to function the next day or two after. For some it is more difficult. I was very scared going into this surgery and I had been through surgery in the past. And I work full time and am alone with no one to care for me. I needed to get back to work asap. One of the things that happened when I was meeting with my surgeon prior to surgery is he put me in an area where his staff works and I was sitting there waiting for my surgery to be scheduled and I must have looked miserable. I was just sitting there kind of in shock and still not accepting what I was having to deal with. Anyway, one of the ladies who works in his office came up to me and just said, "Don't worry, you are going to come through this fine. I had the surgery 7 years ago and it was not bad at all." I was really grateful that she said that to me, although I was still nervous.
I can only tell you that I did have an easy time of it. Much easier than the two other surgeries I have had in my life. I felt fine when I got home. I slept with an ice pack that first night, made sure I babied my arm and had that up on a very comfy body pillow, and took the pain meds I was given even though I was not in any pain. The next day I got up and got dressed and went for a short walk and really felt fine. I drove myself to the store two days out, and went back to work full time after the 4th day, and honestly I could have gone back sooner.
I do agree that you want to be safe rather than sorry, so go on the vacation only if you don't have to be super active. You want to take care of yourself above all else. Even if you are one of the ones who gets through the surgery and feels good afterward, your body has still been through anesthesia and you need to take it easy.
ohiofan: I had my surgery mid-January and started rads mid-March. I just finished on Monday. My MO and I both wanted certain tests to be done before I started rads because there was a question as to whether or not I should have chemo. I had a bone scan, Bracha test, and Oncotype test, and one of those tests did not get ordered and there was a delay, so it was about 8 weeks before I actually started rads. I think 4 to 6 weeks is about right for most people. I started hormone therapy before rads as well.
I, too, am available for any and all pocket parties!!
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Lina- we are all different
I could have gone on vacation but wouldn't have wanted to !! Sleeping was the hardest for me but you can ask for extra pillows , ice packs would be a must pack for me!! Enjoy your time with your family and friends, let them take care of you !! How far from home and doctors is it ?? Might be something to think about in case something would happen !!0 -
RMlulu I would go on vacation even though that will be very soon after your surgery. I'd expect to be pampered and not to be doing much besides a gentle walk daily. My 1st surgery was Jan 15 and I got clearance to begin gentle exercise 48 hours later. For me that was walks and then after 5 days I did some easy x-country skiing on flats and not using my arms except to balance. I didn't need the pain meds but we are all different. I did have dizziness from the anesthesia and so walked slowly. It was kind of nice to have my DH hold my hand while we walked! I think the fresh air helped clear my head. For me I was used to moving quickly and doing whatever I wanted so it was a big adjustment to slow down and dial back the exercise until I healed. We had a skiing vacation planned for mid-Feb. I was able to downhill ski after 5 weeks -- including carrying my own skis and boots -- though not the suitcases! I would go on vacation and let everyone pamper you because they would be doing that whether you were home or away. My kids are older at 18, 14 and 11 and are able to help (though they don't always want to!). I think the vacation helped my mindset and got me energized for the next thing -- for me that was my re-excision and SNB after vacation. I wish you the best with the surgery and the vacation.
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Ysr, listen to your doctor. If he says do it now, do it now. There's a reason somewhere in his head for why you need to do it and not wait. I'm here, so is Cindy, we'll hold your hand.
Lina, go to great wolf lodge, it's wonderful. You said your DH will be there and other friends. Explain in advance that you will have a very low energy level and will be unable to participate in many activities. Your DH will have to step up with the kids, but men like the kind of stuff they have at GWL - they'll have a blast.
I was really tired but I have a hard time with anesthetic. However day 4 I went to a Pink concert. Drove the hour and a half each way. Had my DH on my right so no-one could bump me and had a great time.
Don't forget to take a pillow to the surgery. Leave it in the car for the ride home. Seat belts are wicked painful. You know where the biopsy was so before you leave the house apply 2 Emla patches. One on that spot and one over the nipple. You won't feel either set of needles. Baby yourself, elevate the arm especially when sleeping. Don't reach or stretch. My doc said I could start exercise the day I was allowed to take a shower - day 3, Cindy's said a week if I recall. My exercise consisted of walking and the wall walk with my fingers.
Like the other Lumpies are saying it's pretty individual. You'll do fine!
Ohiofan, for me it was almost 3 months. But they wanted extra tests - oncotype, etc. Up here every test takes 3 weeks. However, I was well healed by then so that rads was no problem until week 4. Cdn protocol so they compress it into 4 weeks.
Pocket parties, yay!!! I've got wine and cheese and those little hard crackers with pate. O and Cindy, I ordered the same band as last time. They were super! BigD, you'll have to bring the noisemakers and hats, ok?
{{{huggles lumpies}}}}
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Lina - great wolf lodge is awesome...so if doc says go go, set limits, arrange for kids to be overnight in some one else's room if possible...how and when will you get call on margins&nodes, make sure your BS can call with info.
Princess crown, Front zip yoga clothes, extra pillow, pain meds, Tylenol , stool softener, no touch the arm sign, and a very small light clutch, playlist, and hubby and friends ready to pamper and wait on you...go:)
All about you GF! Really, take a tiara and magic sparkle wand to wave to ensure they get the point...be the star
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I have had many surgeries over the years, but this one, there was something different about the cocktail of drugs I received. I was groggy for 5 days. I had my surgery on Weds 4/2, I have 5 kids with Down syndrome the house (developmental ranges from 18 months - about 7). The day after surgery I was on my own. My youngest is newly adopted and had only been with us two weeks at that time. She is 9 but weighs only 30 lbs. I wasn't able to pick her up for nearly a week and a half. (brand new walker) What they can't predict is how deep the lymph nodes will be. My doctor told me "You'll be back in the trenches the next day." Well, I was on my own, but I wasn't feeling decent for 5-6 days. Now, 2 weeks post op, I have very limited range of motion because of the muscle that was moved to get to two very deep lymph nodes. My surgery breast is very swollen and sore. Tomorrow I start PT and lymphatic massage to help get the fluids moving where they're supposed to be. I expected to be mostly fine within a couple days of surgery. Two weeks out, I'm a bit disappointed.
I would go on the vacation, but only if you don't have to fly and, like someone else said, you can take it really easy.0 -
Red, you got it, I will bring noisemakers and confetti!!
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Lespring omg - you are my new hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 kids with Downs and no one to help? Holy chit! I have no kids remaining at home. I was pretty good with it but I did need my DH. Wow. I am super impressed with your outlook.
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Yay BigD. Bet I see a cuter docs butt than you do lol
It's kinda a competition ladies. So far, BigD has racked up a whopping 6 wins while Cindy and I are tied at 4.
Nite nite ladies.
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LOL, Red! I am not sure about seeing any docs butt, but I will say if I could, it would be my surgeon who I have nicknamed "Dr. McDreamy." He is not as cute as Patrick Dempsey but he is pretty darn cute and has dimples too! I wonder what he would say if I asked to see his butt. No, I am not gonna do that, he already thinks I am nutty enough and if I said "Red made me do it," well not sure he would understand!
And I agree, Lespring, you are amazing. No doubt. I have no children and I have a deep respect for you. The PT should really help and I hope you are feeling stronger and with better range of motion real soon!!
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Thank you all for the advice! The trip is only 45 minutes by car and only for the weekend so maybe we could swing it...
Lespring, I hope PT helps! I don't know how you did it by yourself with five kids!!
Have a wonderful night all!
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Oh, I should clarify! I am married, but my husband had to go back to work right away, so we were right back to our normal routine. He goes to work, I do the mom thing. He leaves late enough he can help with the morning kiss-n-go as we send kids out the door for school. But my newest is just a baby, developmentally, and is home with me all day. DH's work has been really great, but we try not to have him miss unless he HAS to, especially not being 100% sure what my treatment will be. Because if it turns out I need chemo…yeah…I'm gonna need help.
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Thank you all! You have been such a help. I have appointments with the docs next week to get the final verdict! Hope I can be a help to others now.
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Bounce - everything went well, the injections weren't as bad as I thought. I do have a drain but there really isn't much coming out. My plastic surgeon said he would take it out at my post op appt on the 23rd. My BS did tell me they would get the Oncotype test and they did an SNB.
On the plus side - I got a breast lift and will get both implants updated to whatever I want.
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Hi HomeMom (and everyone who is keeping us updated).
Glad to hear you are doing well and keeping positive.
My old saying was "I/You make Rambo look like a little baby".
My new saying - with apologies to Lance - is "Live Strong and have a nap when you need to"
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Hi to all- Just wondering if anyone else experiences a dull ache where they took the sentinal node out. I'm over 4 years out since surgery.
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I just had my needle localization/excisional biopsy surgery at 1:30 this afternoon (eastern time). It wasn't bad at all. I'm a little tender, and I'm sure I'll be a bit more sore tomorrow, but the surgery was a breeze. Considering the stress lately due to all of this, it was the best nap I've had in weeks. LOL!
I can't wait to take the bandages off. They were to remove tissue that was bracketed by the wires, and I saw the wires, so in my mind, I expect to have a dent. I don't know if that is how it works, but that's what my mind's eye is expecting.
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Hi mari: I only had pain from where my node was removed for approximately 6 weeks after my surgery. Have you mentioned your continuing pain to your doc(s)?
Islandgirl, so glad your surgery went well. It is much better on the other side, isn't it? I only had a couple of steri strips so I was able to see right after the surgery and I did not have a dent, but then as time went on, I did. Now that rads are over, it looks to have filled in a bit and I do not see a dent. I am sure everyone is different so maybe others will share their experience with this as well. Congrats on getting through the surgery, take care of yourself and do not overdo the next few days!
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Hello Ladies. I had my lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node removal on 2/24/14. The lumpectomy incision was fine but the lymph node cut took longer to heal. I think part of the issue is the node incision sits right where your bra or sleeveless shirt seam rests. I wanted to get right back to exercising so that area would get sore and tender because of workout clothes and sweating. Other than that I had no issues post-op aside from the expected soreness, swelling and inability to sleep. All I can think of with the lady who wants to go on vacation just a few days afterwards is, no way would I want to do that. I would much rather opt to send hubby and kids and have some quiet time to just rest and recuperate in the quiet
But that's just me. I also would not want to be trying to sleep in a strange bed when I know I could barely get a night's sleep in my own bed. The one thing I've learned thus far is that being strong includes knowing when you need to ask for help, or take time from your wonder woman routine to take care of yourself. Anyway, I am now getting chemo and looking back I think the surgery was a mild experience in comparison. The thing that upsets me is the hard tissue in my breast. When I feel it it makes me feel sad. Right before my lumpectomy I had some tasteful topless photos taken professionally and I am now quite glad I did. Just wanted to pass that along for those of you who haven't had your surgery yet in case you might want to do that too. 0 -
Hmmm hadn't thought of the topless photos. I like this idea. I'm not a slim person, but this is a part of me that will never be the same again. If I find out I need a mastectomy, I think I might do this.
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Longislandl8y - I hear you about the hard tissue. Funny how some things just get to you. I had my lumpectomy September 2013 and the hard section has softened up a lot since. So just give it time to heal. Blood and fluids take a long time to get reabsorbed. I use calendula oil to keep the skin healthy - maybe that has helped internally as well?
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Lespring I am not a thin person either, but I wanted a memory of my breasts in their original beauty before the knife went in, and the radiation later. And who knows what might follow down the road. So glad I did it. I made a little photo book which is just for me, tucked away in my underwear drawer underneath everything.
Bounce, thank you. I sure hope it softens up some. I appreciate the hope you've given me
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