Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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~Tappermom~
I wasn't given any stretches to do either. The radiation nurse told me the same thing your recovery nurse told you - no stretching.
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I wasn’t given stretches to do after my lumpectomy. But when I developed forearm cording (I felt the tightness and eventually the pop, but couldn’t see a cord) after radiation, I consulted an LE specialist who prescribed PT. My PT observed a prominent cord in my armpit, and the stretches (using a Dycem pad) and massage were specifically for the cording.
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Tappermom & Prof, I have tenderness, not pain, at the LX and SNB. If it still painful I would check with BS. I was given stretches to do immediately after LX. I don't remember RO telling me to not do the stretches (but memory not as good as before). Now when I go to BS check up and she has me raise my arms above my head while lying flat on the table the bad side doesn't lay as flat as good side. BS tells me I should still be doing my stretches which I try to do but often forget.
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Hi
Sending supportive energy: I wish I could offer some info or insight to stephilosphy00 about her experience with radiology yesterday.I'm sending good thoughts your way.Sending hugs to others going through a hard time.Poodles, I hope things are improving.
Delayed reactions after good news; Friends sustaining a sense that we still support even after some initial good news:MJ, sending good wishes your way.I share some of the feelings experiences that MJ and others lifted up. Have not considered any of the "facing mortality" issues; focused only on constructive things to do and keeping everyone around me feeling that I'm calm, optimistic, etc.It's fortunate that we have one another in this forum. Many of our friends are not able to sustain expressions of compassion, even if they are caring and want to help. Some don't know what to say. (There are books with suggestions of things that are helpful and constructive to say to those facing cancer. It does not come naturally to some.Think about how some react when they know you lost a loved one.Some seem to know that as time passes, there are certain triggers that emerge, and they instinctively offer a gentle "thinking about you" email, etc.)For some, it is a relief to think that your crisis has passed and that you are not facing an imminent life threat.In some respects, some forms of cancer – once we get past certain milestones of treatment - are now considered "chronic."
Question/ Advice: I'm going to have breast reduction to try to minimize risks of radiation SE from my very, very large, pendular breasts.I've had LX with SNB. Will need more time off but do not want to say that I need "reduction," because it will evoke a sense that it is totally optional and cosmetic, as well as "elective" vs. "medically necessary" to try to reduce risks of radiation problems. Not good time of year to take off a week or possibly two. Any advice about phrasing this for co-workers and even for some family, who would not understand??
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Hi Folks,
Exercises post SNB and/or Lumpectomy:
- In written post-op instructions, 1 exercise: "If you have had a lymph node biopsy or axillary dissection, you should begin to stretch your arm above your head 10 x per hour while awake immediately after surgery to prevent shoulder stiffness.A pulling sensation across the armpit is normal and stretching will not break any sutures or cause the drain to dislodge."
- If I understand, BS does not seem concerned about LE because only took 2 nodes, but I unless I learn otherwise, I will assume that precautions could help and could not hurt me.(I am feeling concern when I wear a watch on my affected arm, etc, so I should take precautions.)Still trying to work out best way to support arm while typing for long periods.
- Immediately after LE and SNB, some may be concerned about a strenuous exercise routine.That is different from the stretching exercises designed to help prevent LE.
- Here are a few ex of LE-specific exercises:
- Breastcancer.org has some info about preventing LE and exercise but I haven't digested all this info, yet!This includes a reference to the National Lymphedema Network's Position Statement on Exercise http://lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnexercise.pdf
- Question:Some have mentioned LE specialist.It seems that OT and PT might offer help. Which disciplinary practitioner would be a place to start if someone needs an LE specialist?
Pillows and seat belt cushions:Several folks in this forum made some great suggestions about pillows.This has been helpful. Some hospitals distribute pillows specially designed to fit within armpit. (Some groups make these and donate them.)In addition, I found a wonderful seat belt cushion, which just arrived. It uses Velcro to attach under seat belt. This would be helpful for other types of treatment, including radiation.Mine was handmade by a craftsperson and sold via Etsy, where I noticed other items - including the pillows that fit within the armpit - that would be very helpful for different stages of treatment. Until this arrived, I was using a small lap blanket that I bought on sale for $2 at a drug store.
Managing treatment and follow-up:Thanks to all those who've shared experiences and insights about which practitioners can help organize steps of treatment and continuing monitoring, especially as the years go on. I believe these include ChiSandy, KB870, LAW193, Tappermom383, but forgive me if I'm missing anyone. I am struck by the differences but realize that this varies with context and with so many factors, including personalities of providers and relations among them, logistics, etc.
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I was also told that I could do pretty much what I wanted about a week after the surgery. I would say that it took a bit longer than that, but in general I've been fine. I was never given any stretches to do. This is the first I've heard of that.
I'm not really in pain. It's just some mild tenderness and the sore muscle feels like the kind I get when I go to the gym after not having visited it regularly. I feel better knowing that it's normal, though.
These days it's more the anxiety than anything that sneaks up on me.
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I was given stretches to do right away but I have done them very inconsistently so it makes me feel better to hear other people weren't even told about them
MJ I know how you feel - especially about people thinking I am done when I'm not! I didn't even realize that is what it was until you said it. I'm glad I had good news from my surgery pathology and I know everyone is happy to hear it but I still have radiation to deal with and I still don't feel completely healed from surgery so sometimes I want to contradict people when they express how happy/relieved they are that I'm okay. I feel like when they ask how I am doing they only want to hear that I am better so that is what I tell them. I save my continued complaints/worries/fears for my boyfriend who has two chronic diseases himself so he completely understands. And for this message board. It's a fine balance between not wanting to worry everyone and also not wanting them to expect too much out of me because I'm not exactly over this yet.
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We're on the same page, LAW - at first I thought people really wanted to know how I am...then I realized they just want to hear "fine" or "OK" so that's what I say and move on to talking about them.
The good news on stretching is I can easily raise my arm above my head. I truly believe the mat Pilates I had been doing during my testing and up until the day before surgery helped prepare me for this. I'm going to go back next week and see what I can do. My instructor is fully aware of my situation and will help me modify.
Do you have people telling you that radiation is not such a big deal? That they had it 15 years ago? I just smile and thank them for their input. I hope it won't be a big deal and I'll handle whatever it turns out to be.
Best of luck, LAW, to you and your boyfriend.
MJ
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Yes people keep telling me radiation is no big deal and i hope they are right, but then if I do have a hard time I'm going to feel worse about it with everyone minimizing it like that. My consultation is on Thursday so I'm making a list of questions0
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Damn! Lost my post. I also was not told to stretch after my LX and SNLB but I had read extensively here and knew it was necessary so I ASKED what to do and was told to "walk" my "bad" arm up a wall until it pulled, not hurt. Then continue going a little higher each time. Worked out well.
Had my 2nd cataract surgery today and it has gone well and was a breeze, just like the first one. No drugs except all the thousands of drops to numb and dilate the eye. First eye is doing well but it takes a few hours in the morning before the focus is excellent. My doctor said my eye is dry from all the drugs I have to use in my eye so load up the moisturizing drops.
Had my annual mammo yesterday but won't have the results for awhile since they want my records from Michigan.
But to make the week perfect I have a date Thursday with a Match.com man. Coffee only. Hoping it goes well.
Thinking of you all.
HUGS!
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What a week, Peggy! Congrats on the second cataract surgery - so glad it went well. And thinking good thoughts for the mammo. How exciting to have the coffee date - good for you!
I remember walking my arms up the wall after my two shoulder surgeries. I'll start doing that - know it will be OK as I can raise my arm with no problem.
MJ
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MJ, Thank you! Be sure to keep stretching that underarm - forever I think. It wants to tighten up or be annoying. You'll know when you should do it - much better to be preventive. Having trouble figuring out what strength readers I need. What I have seems to be too strong, so I'll buy several other pairs this week and see what works. Also seeing the computer is difficult. Have to put my face in it - wonderful! I am looking forward to my date. I did have a date a month ago that was a flop and before that prior to Thanksgiving. No one wanted to be out this winter! I have tended to date widowers since they aren't threatened by mention of the departed spouse. Divorced men often are. This guy is divorced - I'll see where he falls on that spectrum
HUGS!
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Steph, it is so confusing! I would ask your surgeon for her/his opinion about the results. You can always get a second radiology opinion as well. I hope you get a handle on things and make decisions you can live with soon.
Peggy, a date! How wonderful. I hope you get your mammo results soon. Glad your surgeries went well. Hugs everyone!!!
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Peggy, congrats on that second surgery; it'll take at least 3 weeks for your vision to “settle" enough to be reliably refracted for your “good" pair of glasses. If you absolutely need readers in the meantime, go to a pharmacy with a display that includes instructions as to what strength to choose (stand a set distance away and read the “chart"—usually some lines of text in decreasing font sizes; the ones that help you see clearest without hurting or distorting will be correct). For me, it was the pair that let me read the tiny type on a nail polish or sunscreen bottle.
I had my 6-mo post-op eye appt. today and my pupils are still very dilated; they could stay that way for up to 24 hrs. Good news is that my eyes are healthy and my prescription is unchanged from Nov.
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Peggy, glad surgery went well and hope you get mammo results soon. Have fun on your date!
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Trish, Thanks!
Sandy, I did buy readers (250) and I think they are too strong. I'll find something later this week that works better. Right now I seem to do better without them for "computer" trifocal distance. I think I have my vision check for glasses at the end of May. Again, thank you for telling me I'd likely have no trouble with Tobramycin - so far really good and I've been on it 10 days with my first eye and 4 for my 2nd. I thought your surgery was longer ago than 6 months. Nice to know your eyes are stable, isn't it?
HUGS!!
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Peggy, glad your surgery went well and pray your mammo is only good news.. I have my first one in June.. on another note... my nephew, has Williams syndrome,, like downs.. just found he has cancer on one of his ribs and will have to have radiation for a couple of weeks, he doesn't really understand what's happening and hates riding so it's going to be a challenge for my sister to get him to his treatments every day, and my middle brother just went into the hospital.. not eating or drinking, they have him on IV, for end of life care... I know his time is short but it's only been since Jan. when my older one passed...
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Oh, IHGJAnn - talk about having too much on your plate! I'll definitely keep you in my thoughts.
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Judy, that's far too much distressing news. I'm so sorry. I hope that your brother is comfortable. And that's tough with your nephew when he really can't comprehend what's going on. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
HUGS!
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About your breast being hard, maybe you have a seroma and need to have it drained.
I had swelling & really thick at the incision of the sentinel node biopsy. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy April 7. The swelling occurred over the weekend. I had it drained today. It was quick and painless.
I hope this is helpful.
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Thanks everyone.. don't know what I'd do without my BC family...
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Judy, I know what you mean. This group supports the whole person no matter what is being faced or celebrated. It's wonderful. I'd be lost without each of you here.
HUGS!
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Judy, so sorry for the loss of your older brother and the final illness of your middle brother, as well as what your nephew will have to go through. People with Williams syndrome tend to have such sunny and generous dispositions and I hope that will help him through his ordeal. Is he also musically talented (as many Williams syndrome people are)? We have one such guy in our temple—he is always smiling and though he doesn't play an instrument himself, can identify almost any composer (from Renaissance to Baroque through Classical and Romantic) from just a short musical phrase. Fortunately, he had been able to work as a filer, intra-office messenger and copy-clerk in a law office before he hit retirement age, and inherited a decent sum from his parents so he can still support himself.
Peggy, I had my R cataract done in Sept. and the L one in Nov. Before my surgeries my reading correction was 2.50, but the cataracts were so ripe that any stronger magnification was useless. After the R cataract, I found 1.75 and even some 1.50s to be more comfortable. My new (as of Nov.) prescription still has a 2.50 correction, but if I'm getting up in the middle of the night and want to read in the bathroom, I still find the 1.75s just fine. I guess that with a progressive lens, there's less room for the reading portion and therefore it needs to be a tad stronger.
Not all stores carry 1.75s but Whole Foods has some, with really cute frames made from recycled materials.
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Judy, so sorry about your nephew and brother. Praying for you and your family.
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Sandy, thanks for the information. I have no idea of what my prescription glasses are for the bi- and trifocal parts. I'll pick up something cheap until I figure out what is best for me. Do you like progressives? I've always (since high school) had executive lenses (the lens for each part goes straight across - it does create "lines" but I never noticed them). I liked having lots of reading and computer space especially and worried that progressives would limit that. It's nice to not have to reinvent the wheel - just picking your brain
HUGS!
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Sandy, Yes, he plays the piano... and makes his own music.. my sister didn't have much help for raising her children, so although they could have learned to live almost on their own... they didn't learn any of that so will always need someone to help them.. her second son is across the board genius and has no social skills, but he got a masters and doctorate in mathmatics, but he tutors from home and he is also his brothers caregiver....
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IHGJAnn49- so sorry to hear about your brother and nephew. I bet your nephew is a joy to be around. How old is he? I have a 27 year old with Angelman Syndrome. Never a dull moment and always lots of smiles.
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Peggy, I never had bifocals--at 39 I went from distance-only to adding a second pair of a mild reading-only prescription, and hated having to switch. So I got progressives. Took me all of 15 min. walking around the mall to adjust. What I like about them is the seamless transition between corrections--including a nice big middle-distance area for computers and dashboards. Reading area is the smallest section, but still big enough. You will also look younger without the telltale lines in your lenses. Before my surgeries, drugstore readers distorted parallel lines (a crossword grid looked like a rhombus) because I was so astigmatic. My implanted lenses corrected that in the R eye and almost all of that in the L. My right eye is corrected more for distance and the L for astigmatism, but both have a 2.5+ for reading.
Progressives vastly outsell trad. lined bi-and-trifocals or "executive" (the kind with mostly distance and a small but very visible close-up inset at the bottom for reading) lenses.
Your ophthalmologist or his in-house optometrist will most likely finally refract you by 3-wks post-op. You shouldn't have to "figure out" what works best for you. In the meantime a 1.75+ from the drugstore will do, for about $15-20. But make sure you get a copy of that prescription, including your "pupillary distance," especially if you want to order a second pair for fun online. Zenni Optical charges only an extra $29 above their frame-and-lens prices ( as little as $7) for a progressive prescription. And if you decide to order just readers, they have cute frames for that seven-buck price! You'll have to wait for them, of course, but no longer than anywhere other than LensCrafters or VisionWorks, where almost the same pair could cost >$500 evenwith insurance.
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I recently ordered a pair of bifocals (the old-fashioned kind with the line) from Zenni Optical and was so shocked at how accurate and clear the lenses were. I have a strong prescription as well as astigmatism in both eyes and having never ordered glasses online before, needless to say, I was very skeptical. Excuse the pun, but what an eye-opening experience!!!
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Sandy, I'm far from ready for a prescription. That will likely come at the end of May. My astigmatisms in both eyes were corrected by the Toric lens (ooo-eee they are expensive and insurance doesn't cover them). I've had no problems with distortion because of the lenses - just having the wrong strength. Weird that you got it for crossword puzzles etc. Today the optometrist said for me to try 2.0 for reading and 1.25 for computer. Both seem to be just right. I don't know if I'll get prescription glasses or not. Today's new glasses came from the dollar store. And they're cute. 2.50 was way too strong (and those readers are soooo darling
). I love the executive lenses because each part gives you a lot of space. They are pricey though. If I hadn't gotten my cataract surgery I was going to try progressives. Right now I don't mind having lots of glasses (or wearing none). I'll keep Zenni in mind and will be sure to get my prescription with the pupil distance. Thanks for the tip. I'm tired of boring. I was pizzazz. HUGS!!
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