Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Vivian, Rest is definitely good. This is major surgery. And do take whatever pain medication you were given or told to take. Don't let the pain get the best of you (if you have any). Be sure to ice both incisions. It does feel good. Wear comfy clothes. And a top that zips or buttons up the front. You won't want to raise that "bad" arm. Go braless if you can or wear one that is stretched out with no underwires. I was given a Dramamine prior to surgery (and a Valium). I had no upset tummy. I was starved. If they offer something to you - take it! I'll be dancing in your pocket. Good luck!
HUGS!
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re: MRI .. I've had 6 on my noggin. I have a vestibular schwannoma in 2009 and had it out in 2010. So I had 3 MRI pre op and 3 post op. The post op ones were a year after, 2 yrs and 4 years after. The very first one was in Buffalo and it was awesome music warm blankets, time checks. The next 4 were at an MRI clinic in the greater Toronto area and it was cold loud and long. The last one was at a brand new hospital west of the GTA. It was not quite as cold but no music. Strangely enough I fell asleep for every one. They take about 45 mins to an hour. I would think had I been required to be on my stomach it would be incredibly uncomfortable.
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I still have a seroma at my tumor site 2 years after LX. It was 'encapsulated' probably from rads. It doesn't hurt at all (have had mammo-squish it with no problem), and is probably keeping my breast looking fuller on that side than it would be (I've got b-size breasts and my tumor started as 3cm, so it was a fair chunk removed).
Oh, I'm so glad I'm not claustrophobic! I do feel for you all... those noisy tubes are very confining!All the best to those having procedures.
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Vivian, in your pocket tomorrow. Keep us posted. Hugs!
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good luck tomorrow, Vivian! The hardest part IMO was waiting for them to knock me out for the surgery. Everything before that seemed to take so long! I ate a lot of saltines and drank a lot of ginger ale afterward.
Interesting how different all the MRI experiences are! They didn't offer me a choice to hear music but maybe I'll ask about that next time--I did try to sing a lot in my head to distract myself. I had trouble remembering lyrics of songs I like so I had to sing The Star Spangled Banner a couple times! I will also probably ask for a Valium or xanax.
They did end up finding some suspicious spots the first surgeon had missed, so the new surgeon wants to go in and re-excise them. I hope she can do it in the next couple weeks--I'm so tired of all the waiting!
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Vivian, May all go smoothly with LX and SNB. Others posted very valuable advice.Each of approaches surgery with different issues, so we have different areas where we need encouragement and support – such as asking for help, speaking up to express concerns, remaining calm despite the lack of control, etc. I had a list, using the packing and prep list in this forum. Of course, that morning, I was too nervous to follow it but all worked out anyway!
Thanks also for the additional suggestions to help with SNB site. I thanked folks and since then Law 193 added the strategy of the improvised plastic grocery bag holder.Yesterday, I began to feel a hard lump under SNB incision.I think I had a similar experience at site of previous core needle biopsy. That went away, so perhaps this is a stage of wound healing.I'll follow suggestions, including the exercises and the methods for supporting the underarm area.
Good wishes to all.
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Thanks to those who welcomed me. Much appreciated. My second surgery showed clear margins so I'm grateful for that. Just got "Tattooed" for radiation due to begin in a couple of weeks.
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Congrats on the clean margins, Nessy, and good luck as you start your radiation. I'll find out about my treatment plan a week from today when I meet with the surgeon and get the pathology report on my lumpectomy. I'll be interested to read about your journey!
MJ
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While in the process of preparing for a laproscopic hysterectomy in June due to ER+ status and a thick uterine lining and fibroids prior to starting tomoxifen, (D and C hysteroscopy biopsy and last Tuesday), ended up with a surprising acute appendicitis and laproscopic appendectomy yesterday
Anything else????? UGH!0 -
Molly, I'm hanging in there. Still with mother, but will be leaving Saturday. Mother is still very weak, barely eating and drinking. She's pretty grumpy most of the time, and who blames her? I'd be grumpy too if I was in her place. The facility she's in is very good. Most of the staff has been wonderful. I had a problem with only one of the CNAs who decided to cop an attitude with my mother. Needless to say, I straightened her out in a New York minute.
I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do about my job. Specifically, whether to get a job close to where I live now or wait and get a job where we want to live. DH wants to sell the house and move about 2 hours north of Atlanta. I have about two or three months salary in the bank so I'm not in a huge hurry, but obviously I need to make some kind of plan. DH is in a froth to sell the house and move. so I need to figure this out.
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Poodles....I've wondered how you all were doing. I would be grumpy too if I were in your moms place.
Sandy...loved the hickey story ...gave me a chuckle.
Blooming ....my little pillow was my best friend. Then during my rads when my armpit split I pulled back out my trusty pillow ...it went to work with me...the kids in my health office lives the Minnie Mouse fabric.
Variable....wow ...your right anything else ...good luck healing.
Vivian...hope all is going well for you.
Nessy...woo hoo for clear margins.
I have been seeing the Lymphodema specialist/massage/ torture lady. I have a seroma by my lymph node incision and several small hard tissue areas from my underwire bra ... No one ever suggested any type of bra ...this group suggested types for after surgery but not months later... So the BS sent me to a bra store. Well I got the most uncomfortable ..overprice straight jacket type bra...insurance covered it or I would be so ticked. It kind if squeezes so tight it's like I have one boob....seriously?? Oh and it rides up my back and kills my right shoulder. I'm glad I saw a fitting expert..
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Nessy, YIPPEE for clean margins!
Variable, you sure can't win right now. Why didn't they do the hysterectomy at the same time? Two for one surgery.
Caligirl, A uniboob and it was fit by an expert? Really? I think you should ditch that torture device and go to a store that will actually fit you. SMH.
Poodles, So sad about your mother. It has to be extremely difficult for you. I know it is. Good for you for straightening out that CNA. Argh! So nice that DH has his panties in a tither about moving. I thought you were hoping to wait a couple years. I know you have stuff that you need to do on the house as well as decluttering (such a fun process). If you are on board with moving now, then plan for a job where you are moving to. Have you gotten your DS to move out yet? Of course moving would facilitate that. Feel like you are going crazy yet? Plus your surgery. Plus life. Yikes!
HUGS!
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I am so sorry, Poodles. I think the job would depend on how soon you could realistically move. What about working per diem for a bit? Or maybe you need to be available for your mom at the moment and not work.
Nessy, congrats on clear margins. Caligirl, that bra sounds horrid.
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Hi everybody everything was fine. I am at home. They removed 3 nodes. And took out the lump i am quite relief because i don't have it anymore. I weas feeling dizzy but now not too bad i will rest for the rest of the weekendand monday go back to work. I have my appointment 18 of April so until that day i will try to relax. Thanks for your support.
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I had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy March 30. Was supposed to get the pathology results maybe Monday but definitely Tuesday. Now it's Thursday afternoon and I still haven't received them. Since the doctor isn't letting the nurse just read the highlights - size, lymph node status, margin status - to me over the phone, I'm assuming the news isn't good. There was some doubt that the ILC could be taken out with a lumpectomy. At the pre-op he said he was now considering the "string of pearls" multi-focal. The possibility of needed a MX + radiation was mentioned in the pre-op. Between this blasted wait for the results and the fact I'm turning 64 on Saturday - the same age my mother was when she died of ovarian cancer - I'm in a lousy mood. And that doesn't help anything. Wish I could work out to burn off the anxiety, but that's out til I'm healed up. Is it normal to be significantly swollen 7 days after surgery? I go in for my post op visit Friday, so I will know more than. I find it so hard to deal with the unknown, which I guess is common. Enough of my whining... I'm impressed by how well everyone handles this lousy disease.
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Peggy, we got our son out of the house for about a week and a half. Unfortunately, the house they moved into had a full-on bug infestation and they just could not stay there any longer. So now I have not one, but two grown-ass adult men living in my basement. I cancelled my surgery because I just can't handle one more thing.
Mother is very grumpy because she doesn't feel good. I totally understand that. But it's hard to be on the receiving end of her grumpiness. She's mad at the physical therapist because she feels like he's pushing her too hard. She's mad at the speech therapist because she asks her too many questions. She's mad at the occupational therapist because the Ot woke her up. She says the food is horrible. I've tasted it; it is not. She's mad because she's not getting a nap in the afternoon. So I put a big sign on her door that said to let her sleep from 3 to 4 every afternoon. They let her sleep. She got mad about that.
I am hoping that I can go home tomorrow or the next day. I've been here two weeks and I'm just about exhausted with this. Thank goodness there are four of us girls. I couldn't imagine having to do all this by myself. Even with mother at rehab it has been taking two of us to take care of the house, the Bills, the pets, the laundry,and spend enough time with her during the day to make sure that she eats at least two out of three meals.
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Vivian, please do take it easy!
SJI, I'm sorry you're still waiting for your path report. I can understand why you are worrying. You see the surgeon tomorrow? You mentioned that your mother died of ovarian cancer - did you have genetic testing done? And an Oncotype test? You might request both if they haven't been done. It's not unusual to be swollen. It's possible you have a seroma and the surgeon can drain off that fluid. I'm sure I've asked you, but where are you located in Washington? We have both sides of the state covered with BCO gals.
Poodles, Damn, I'm so sorry that you have (wisely) postponed your surgery - how disappointing. Swell that DS has had to move back in with you...NOT. But nothing else to be done. You sound so stressed and I wish I could help out. I know you'll be glad to get home and breathe a bit. It is extremely difficult and exhausting caring for a loved one, especially one who just isn't herself anymore. You are doing everything you can. Don't beat yourself up over it. Get rid of the house, have the bills go to the sister who is handling the finances and see if you can re-home the pets. Those are things you CAN control. Tell DH that if he wants to sell the house and move to take charge of it. You don't need another thing on your plate. (Now go ahead and ignore any and all of my advice as you so choose).
HUGS!
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Blooming, hope the lump goes away on its own and doesn't cause you discomfort.
Nessy, YAY for clean margins! How many radiation treatments? Hope they go smoothly.
Variable, that stinks. Hope you heal quickly.
Poodles, good luck with the decisions. Hope the boys find new digs soon. Our niece loved with us 2 years while she went to school. She want much trouble but it was still hard to adjust to another person in the house.
Caligirl, how agravating. Hope you find one that works for you.
Vivian, glad surgery went well. Take it easy.
SJI, your allowed to feel lousy. I remember being frustrated & mad at times. I had to wait to see BS to get my results and both times. And 2nd time all was all clear. Sending you hugs and positive vibes.
Hugs to all!
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My radiated breast is heavier and firmer. I was thinking that scar tissue is respnsible for some of this.
I had my lumpectomy 8 months ago and finished radiation 4 months ago.
Pups
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Vivian - so glad everything went well. Listen to the advice all the ladies are giving you and take it easy this weekend. As Peggy reminded me before my surgery, this is major surgery. The anesthesia can knock you off your feet for days. Give yourself permission to just sit back and relax!
The DH and I are away for the weekend - just two hours from home but a new, relaxing setting. He'll play golf and I'll sit on the balcony and read (and nap!). Just went for a fabulous walk - it felt so good!
MJ
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Tappermom, your getaway sounds wonderful. Relax, you deserve it
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Peggy, I decided to stay one more day. As I turned to leave my mother's room tonight, I picked up her pack of cards which had fallen to the floor. I handed them to her, but she made no move to take them so I asked her where she wanted them. Her answer: "I don't care. I can't remember how to play solitaire anymore. My brain has gone stupid." My heart just fell. My mother taught me how to play solitaire when i was about 8 years old. She has probably played it a million times. So, guess what I'm doing tomorrow...
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Poodles, oh no. How tragic. I can't imagine how awful that is for you. It must break your heart to hear her say that her brain has gone stupid and she Knows it has. A very interesting way to put it. I'm glad you're staying the extra day. I'm beside you in spirit and giving you tons of hugs.
HUGS!
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Pups..... I am not sure if my radiated breast was heavier or just felt like that since it was so burn, sore & swollen. Now getting the Lymphodema therapy is making darn thing sore again.
Poodles ....so sorry I can't imagine how tough that is. My mom has had a year of sudden heart issues and it has been so hard to see my strong, heathy, independent mom become the opposite. I have been so tired and sick to deal with it at times but I'm trying to be patient. Hugs!
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Poodles, so sorry for your son “un-launching” himself, your having to postpone your surgery yet again, and the heartbreak of seeing your mom acknowledge that her cognition is declining. My mom had “cor pulmonale” (R-sided CHF caused by COPD) in her last years, and because of that she had episodes of poor oxygenation from time to time, affecting her short-term memory. It embarrassed her greatly because she was very proud of her intellect—and ten years earlier saw her older sister die of Alzheimer’s after a 12-yr. struggle with the disease. She would remind any health professional she encountered (drawing herself up to her full four-foot-eleven) “I am NOT cognitively impaired!” But she was terrified she might be. I would get panicked phone calls at one a.m. (we were both night owls) saying, “I know I’m losing it! I can’t think of a seven-letter word, second letter ‘R’, that means…” I would interject, “Mom, you’re doing the NYTimes crossword…in ink…you do not have dementia.” She also agonized over misplacing the mailbox key. “I can’t remember where I put it! I’m finally losing my mind!” I gently reminded her that the fact she knew it was a mailbox key, it usually turned up somewhere in a pile of correspondence on the kitchen table rather than in the freezer, and that she wasn’t trying to lock the door with it meant that she had no shortage of brain cells. The night before she died, she called me, fretting that it was getting tough to keep track of all her meds and when to take them. When I suggested that was her aide’s job, and that perhaps she should post a medication schedule on the fridge or wall, she was horrified. “People will think I’m ibberbottl !” (Yiddish for “all screwed up”). I told her to call me in the morning—if I didn’t hear from her by noon, or I didn’t like what I heard, I’d be on the next plane to Florida. (And when I hung up, Bob said to buy a ticket to Chicago for her, because we would take her in with us).
I never got the chance—the call we got was at 8 am, from her medical-alarm monitoring company, that they got a signal from her pendant but no answer when they tried to ping her back. Ten minutes later, we got a call from the EMTs and local police. She was gone. They found her on the floor of her walk-in closet, wearing her nightgown and clutching a housecoat. Her last thoughts on earth must have been that she needed to look presentable for the paramedics.
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Sandy--I'm so sorry that you lost your mom that way! Hugs!
Hugs to you too, Poodles and Variable. You both have so much to have to deal with right now!
Pups-- the BS told me that my breast would feel much firmer and heavier after radiation, but should resolve itself in a year to 18 months.
SJI--I'm with you on the waiting for results. It's a nightmare! I would have cried if the BS had told me it would take a week to get my results (although it nearly did--since it took several days longer than she told me).
Hopefully I will get my full MRI results today and find out what kind of surgery she is recommending and when
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Hi all, does it worth to find a breast surgical oncologist to perform lumpectomy? Or just a experienced general surgeon is good enough? Thank you as always.
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StePhilosophy, I had a breast surgeon. If you have a choice, I would recommend that or a surgical oncologist. Someone with lots of experience. Where are you located? Sometimes your geography determines your choice. Good luck with your choice.
Sandy, that must have been awful.
HUGS!
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Steph, my surgeon was an oncology surgeon who specialized in breast cancer. She has so much experience and excellent instincts that she KNEW before pathology that she didn't get good margins on me. She told my son after surgery to have me make an appointment for the following Tuesday and not wait until my scheduled post op on Thursday because she wanted to get me moving on scheduling my mastectomy. It really does make a difference. If your general surgeon does a lot of cancer surgeries it may be fine.
Sandy, your story about your mom breaks my heart. Poodles, hang in there hon. We are standing with you.
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I’ll join the chorus advising you that if you want a lumpectomy to get an experienced breast-cancer surgeon: not a general or gynecological surgeon who does breast surgeries (the older ones tend toward mastectomy and may not know how to do a lumpectomy with good cosmetic results) or a cosmetic surgeon used to performing breast enhancements. You want someone who’s done several hundred lumpectomies—preferably 100 per year—not who’s done a few and does mostly abdominal procedures. Experience—muscle memory—a good eye (if you find an oncoplastic breast surgeon, even better), and keeping up with trends (especially someone who’s authored journal articles & presented at symposia) is key. It’s worth traveling far if you can afford it to get the best you can find whom your insurance will cover. You will probably see her/him once or twice a year thereafter, so it’s not that huge an expense (and if it is, it’s tax-deductible if you itemize and don’t have a humongous income) or bother.
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