Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Natsera...great news NO chemo...remember every day is a gift.
Siciliana ...these emotions hit hard...sometimes out of the blue. Even with a DH there were times he just didn't get it ...I might as well have been alone. The pug was my constant companion..lol
Gkim... Welcome this is a great group for support
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yes thank u, I can see and helps me already , more than the website that the pa recommended.
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hi everyone: i been gone for awhile. After i finished rads i caught the flu and have been struggling with it and it's after effects. The vog here has not helped and my asthma was a double whammy. I have also been struggling with symptoms from taking femara( forgetting things, insomina, nausea and such). BUT my breast is finnally healing from rads. Not burnt and my skin is finnaly returning to the new normal. Still some peeling but not to bad. Still using udder balm all the time which is helping alot. Trying to get my mind set on my first followup mammogram in May. Hoping pain is not too great. Miss talking with you all 👍Hope all is well physically and mentally with all of yo
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must love poodles and chisandy. thanks for the responses, I didn't realize that cording can also be down your arm! I'm glad you 2 were able to get relief l, hoping for the same here. So far I only feel the 2 cords from the underarm to the breast. One is visible. I have an appointment and will see what to do. Thanks again.
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My question about the cording ( axillary web syndrome) , how long do I need to worry about it? My arm has almost 100% of the feeling back. There is no pain and only a little tingling in my arm pit area. I am back to my usual activity level I have not started radiation yet. I have a RO appointment tomorrow and feel certain I will have the tx plan put in place then. I have no clue what to expect.
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Cording can reappear at any time, but you can go weeks to months to years without recurring after one’s been successfully “popped.” They say skinny women get cording (or at least visible cording) and zaftig ones lymphedema, but I got both. My PT used a rubber pad (Dycem? not sure of the spelling) to pull down on my breast while I stretched as far as I could while she massaged the cord with her other hand. Don’t freak out if you see little bruises appear—that’s from the cord breaking.
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I have not had any cording I was just curious about how long it can happen after surgery. Dycem is a wonderful therapy tool! We used it for everything from keeping plates still to keeping butts from slipping off seats. .lol
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Almost 3 weeks since my lumpectomy, saw the medical oncologist today and really didn't like her. Couldn't answer a few of my questions and told me to ask the Radiologist tomorrow. Has anyone here not had radiation? I had clear margins and my nodes were cancer free, so why do I need radiation?
My breast is so hard and uncomfortable, have others felt this too?
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Radiation is somewhat outside your MO’s wheelhouse, so the RO (radiation oncologist, not radiologist—it’s a very different specialty) would be able to explain more clearly. You need radiation to “mop up” any cells in the breast (or at least the cavity where the tumor was) that remain after surgery. Regardless of clean margins, so long as you had invasive breast cancer you are almost certain to have a few such stray cells (even in DCIS, which is by definition non-invasive, there is no guarantee that there are no other cells elsewhere in the breast and that they are not invasive). You might also have an environment in the breast at the cellular level that would be conducive for currently-normal cells to somehow start dividing instead of refusing to die when “nature programs” them to. Radiation is designed to lower the odds of that happening. If you are older than 70, there is a growing school of thought (not yet consensus) that skipping radiation would be okay.
You probably have a seroma where your tumor was. Also quite common.
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vargadoll I had surgery midNovember and finished radiation mid Feb, just noticed the cording a few weeks ago. I have an appointment with BS tomorrow.
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Well, seems like feeling is finally starting to come back in my underarm from the SNB 10 Mo's ago. I noticed tonight during Zumba, every time I did a movement that caused my underarm flab (I call it my turkey waddle) to swing or flop (which seemed to be a lot, lol!!) the outer area tingled. Always before there's no feeling.
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Boston, I was 69 when I did radiation. At that time (only 3 years ago), there really wasn't an debate about having radiation. That's what you did with an Lx. I had no problems with it either. I've been very lucky - I sailed through surgery, radiation and now Arimidex. That being said, you do need to be comfortable with all your various doctors. If you just didn't jibe with your MO, see if you can find another. But if it was the answers on radiation, cut her some slack since it really isn't their area of expertise.
Trish, YEAH!! That's great. It was 13 months for me. Quite a nice surprise, isn't it?
HUGS!
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Well, I have a worrisome update on my mother. My sister took her to the ER last night after we talked; apparently mother had been vomiting, wasn't drinking, couldn't take her antibiotics, and was lethargic--for 3 days (yikes!) I gently told my sister that Mother was probably very dehydrated and could not at that point rehydrate herself orally. Of course, they admitted Mother and put her on IV fluids and IV meds. They also did a CT scan of her abdomen. Unfortunately, there is something in the kidney. They also found some spots on the liver. This afternoon an oncologist came in and told her he is pretty sure she has kidney cancer with liver mets. He wants to do a biopsy in the morning.
I am really upset about this. Why in the heck would they do a biopsy on an 82yo in stage 5 kidney failure, with cognitive impairment, when it isn't going to change her current treatment? She will never tolerate chemo. They can't take the kidney because her other kidney is non-functioning. So, what would be the point of a biopsy?
I don't know what to do. The sister who is with her is pretty good in a crisis, but not as good as recognizing when a situation has gone too far. She's a good caregiver though, and mother is very responsive to her. I'm trying not to take anymore time off because I'm scheduled for reconstruction Apr 20. I don't know how much longer my boss is going to be understanding. Of course, this new diagnosis may put that on hold. I'm not making flight reservations just yet.
This situation may actually help with the whole "what are we going to do about Mother" situation. It may well push her over to skilled nursing. If this is cancer, memory care will not be a good fit for long before she will have to be moved to skilled nursing. So we might as well go there from the get-go.
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Decisions are so difficult to make. You may want to seek a second opinion if you are not sure of what to do, or if you do not like your doctor. However, once you make a decision, please do not "second guess" yourself. Embrace your decision. Decision's are very personal so you must do what feels right for you. Do not let anyone else's opinion sway your decision. Good luck.
Thankfully, I did not have cording or lymphedema so I cannot comment. I had a double lx to my left breast, whole breast radiation to my left breast, a SLNB, and a bi-lateral breast reduction at the time of my surgery. Thankfully, I did not need chemo. However, the first M.O. whom I saw told me that I definitely had to have chemo. I am so glad that I changed M.O.'s. I had a low oncotype dx so even with pleomorphic ILC and pleomorphic LCIS, I did not need chemo. My first M.O. did not inform me about the oncotype dx test and did not recommend it for me. I think that my first M.O. wanted to make money on chemo tx's and that is why she recommended it for me. I saw this doctor prior to my double lx and SLNB so she did not even have the pathology report from my surgery at the time that she told me that I needed chemo. I am so glad that I was able to change to my current M.O. who is the BEST M.O. in the world, in my humble opinion. I am extremely lucky and I thank G-d every day that my M.O. is my doctor.
I have been taking Arimidex/Ansastrazole since October 2014. I have no side effects. I felt totally fine throughout my radiation tx. I healed from my double lx, SLNB, and breast reduction just fine. However, part of my underarm is still numb and so is part of my breast 2 and 1/2 years post treatment. I can feel my nipples so I am fine with the numbness in my breast and underarm.
I found a terrific "Living with Breast Cancer" support group that helped me tremendously. My support group and the breastcancer.org website (especially this thread - I am so thankful that I found the Lumpectomy Lounge) have been a lifeline for me. Thank you ladies.
Good luck, hugs, and prayers to everyone.
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Poodles, what depressing news. You're right, of course. Your mother can't and should have surgery, chemo or anything else. There comes a time when it isn't the best for your mother. Have you been able to gently point this out to your sister? I'm sure she's hoping against hope that your mom will bounce back to her old self, which isn't likely. I hope that she can go from the hospital straight to skilled nursing care (and have Medicare pay for it, too). It does make the decision much easier (but not easy). Sending lots of love, hugs and warm positive thoughts to you and the family. It just sucks.
HUGS!
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Oh, yeah. I'm in close touch with my 3 sisters. We are all in agreement that Mother should not undergo treatment for kidney cancer, if that's what this is. She is very frail and has multiple serious chronic illnesses. We have already talked about the fact that this may be her ticket to ride, straight to skilled nursing care/nursing home and hospice. I have two sisters there now and both of them are level-headed. They are both pretty strong women and have no problem advocating for Mother. One is particularly good at guiding Mother. The third sister is out in Seattle and cannot come back any time soon, barring the worst. She's a costumer with a local theater company and they're gearing up for their show. So, we're trying to not ask her to do anything--she has already given 6 weeks to care for our mother, so she's definitely earned a rest (yes, she considers making costumes a rest!)
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Poodles, you're lucky you all are so close and on the same page. Just make mom as comfortable as possible. I hope you're able to get your reconstruction - that's so important! And it's getting closer!!! Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that it all works out right.
HUGS!
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Dear Poodles: I am so sorry for your mom. At least your sisters are on the same page as you. Good luck. I hope that you will be able to have your reconstruction. I am wishing you well. You have really endured so much and handled everything with grace. You are my inspiration.
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Poodles, another voice in the chorus of “no biopsy, no treatment” for your mother. It would accomplish nothing for her, and only make money for her prospective surgeon, oncologist & the hospital. It wouldn’t hasten her end and if it did it would make her final weeks more gruesome for all of you and especially her. Someone with dementia that advanced wouldn’t understand what is being done and why, and would heighten her fear & pain (possibly reinforcing her paranoia). The only reason to authorize a biopsy & chemo would be if she were fully lucid, able to give informed consent, and above all expressed a desire to live at all costs—and I believe the boat has sailed on all that. Prayers for all of you, and hope she can get skilled nursing and respite care ASAP.
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((((Poodles)))) I don't know what to say so just hugs. 614! Beautiful post. What a strong woman you are! Peggy, you too. You ladies inspire me.
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Thank you, Molly! I appreciate the nice words and glad that I can inspire anyone!
All excited. Getting my cataract surgery done April 11 and April 18 (both eyes). If it weren't for Sandy, not sure I'd do it. I'm allergic to so many antibiotics and so is she (same ones) and said she had no trouble with the antibiotic drops, so I'm forging ahead. Hoping I'll be without prescription glasses - just readers! Hope all is well at your house.
HUGS!
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You do know that Whole Foods (!) carries a line of adorable reading glasses made of entirely recycled materials, right? +1.00 to +3.50 (including +1.75, which most drugstore readers skip). About $20, including a padded recycled cotton soft sleeve….but you can get a whole slew of them from Zenni.com for as little as $7—including a hard case, microfiber cleaning cloth…and your exact reading or distance prescription! (If you want progressives, only a $29 upcharge—not even Costco can beat that).
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Does anyone know the nornal timeframe to have a re-excision to clear the margins? I haven't been able to find anything about that.
The BS was comfortable with the margins but said the RO may not be, and the MO clearly isn't. Hesuggested getting a second surgeon's opinion--but wasn't sure they would do a re-excision at this point (a month out from lx).
Right now, I'm waiting for the RO appt this week, to see what she thinks. I'm concerned about the margins but also concerned about pushing radiation out further while all this gets settled.
Poodle, I hope that doctor comes to his senses and foregoes the biopsy.
Peggy, how exciting about your cataract surgery! My mom wants to have that done but the doctor had been telling her to wait til they get worse.
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Lexico, how close were your margins? I understand your concern. I had to wait for mastectomy after lx and recovery from the second surgery prior to radiation. Add to that my mx got bumped because of issues in the surgical suite of the hospital so added another two weeks. 7/29 was my lx and 9/4 my mx with rads 10/20. That's a long way from my 6/15 diagnosis and RO still was okay with that time line.
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Sandy, no Whole Foods in Spokane (no Ikeda either). I did get a cute pair at Walgreens today & best yet, I can read in them with my eye that will be done second. Since I already see better without glasses for some distances, I should be set. BTW Walmart has a 4 pack of readers for $15 - red/pink, blue, tortoise, & black.
Lexicoe, I don't think you gave to wait so long now to get the cataracts done. Has your mother seen an ophthalmologist? My surgeon thinks quality of life is important so why wait until you can't see? I agree.
HUGS!
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I think I may have a seroma in the armpit where the lymph nodes were removed. The area above the incision is warm and hard and tender. I'm seeing the RO tomorrow, but should I call the surgeon or the MO? Because I suspect that the RO isn't the one to deal with it. Advice?
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Molly, technically, two margins were positive when she removed the "lump." (I guess ILC is more strings than lumps, though I did feel something that felt lump-like.)
But then she did shave margins around that--2 of those slides were completely clean and 2 had cancer cells, one of which had a final margin of just 0.03 cm.
I believe the latest thinking is that one cell clean margin is enough--if there is no ink on the slide. But if I'm reading path report right, there must have been ink on the slide, since it talked about the cells found there and the margin being just 0.03 cm.
The BS is in a different state from the MO and RO, so I think the RO will be less likely to just go along with the BS.
That does make me feel better though that you had a long time between initial surgery and rads!
Peggy, I'll ask her who she has seen about it. I got the sense that he is concerned about doing the surgery "too soon," with the cataracts growing back and not being able to do it again.
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Natsera, call the BS. It's a surgical problem. Sounds like you may have an infection.
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Lexicoe, Cataracts can't grow back from what I understand - there is no natural lens anymore. So you can't "get" them again. It sounds like your mother is seeing someone who is not as well-versed in cataracts as you would like. She needs an ophthalmologist. If her vision is at all compromised, she would definitely benefit from having them removed now.
HUGS!
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Though cataracts can't grow back, there is occasionally a later phenomenon called "capsular clouding" that can mimic some of the cataract's effects. In cataract surgery, only the lens is first broken up by ultrasound and then sucked out and replaced with a synthetic one. But there is still a gel-filled sac behind the lens that is left in place so long as it stays clear, which it usually will. No point in "fixing what ain't broke," especially if it lengthens the surgery and adds risks. Sometimes, though, the proteins in the gel can eventually degrade (just like those in the old lens) and cause problems like glare and blurred vision at night. When that happens, the ophthalmologist zaps the capsule--without removing the new lens--with a laser, and all is back to normal. It is a five-minute office procedure, with no downtime except sitting around for half an hour afterward for your pupils to re-constrict if they had to be dilated first (which is not always necessary). Happened to Bob nine months after his first cataract removal. No biggie.
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