Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
I do have a question about the wire insertion; not sure if all hospitals do it the same way, however. I read a brief description somewhere that's wasn't entirely clear to me-- it indicated that they put you facedown on a table, raise it in the air, and work on you from the underside like a car?!! Wow. I hope I have this wrong--
0 -
Natty, my wire insertion was done seated and they used the mammogram machine. It was just a little pinch. Didn't find it painful. My MRI and biopsy was done as you describe, lying flat with my boob drooped through a hole. It was quite challenging for the techs to get me into a good position because I'm small breasted. Glad they were women techs because there was lots of tugging and pulling, lol!
0 -
nattydreadful, I've had wire placement done both ways (sitting up and lying face down). Neither way was painful or difficult. Try not to worry about that part of your procedure!
0 -
Natty, I had my wire insertion done sitting. I was also given lots of Lidocaine. The only thing I've had done prone are MRIs. It wasn't difficult either.
HUGS!
0 -
Yes. I have decided to get a second opinion from the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where I had my surgery
0 -
~natty~
Like tbalding & PontiacPeggy my wire guides were done in a seated position using the mammogram machine. I, too, had lots of Lidocaine and felt nothing. My biopsies were done in the prone position and so was my radiation.
0 -
My wire placement was done laying on my side using an ultrasound. Had an injection first, felt nothing.
0 -
Thank you so much to all of you for your responses!
!I This is so much easier for me when I know what to expect- I can handle just about when I'm well-informed. Your responses and compassion are really appreciated!
0 -
~Natty~
0 -
Natty, I had the wire done lying down tilted to the left. I had an anesthetic, but nevertheless, I felt a pinch when the wire was inserted. It was not much different from the core needle biopsy, except that it was gentler. I have heard of people lying face down with their boob hanging down, but it sounds uncomfortable both for the woman and the doc who has to get underneath or else lift the woman like on a hydraulic lift and work by craning their neck. (?) (I really don't know -- I saw a drawn picture of it, but it wasn't very clear!)
0 -
theway2muxi..... I have no experience with nipple inversion after surgery. I am sorry no one has been able to help you ...specially since you are having pain.
Peggy ....glad the dates went well for you!
0 -
(replying to Naty's post on disclosing to family on her birthday) (I'm still learning the forum. I thought if I hit reply button on a particular post it would reference to it??)
I'm pretty much on the same path that you are with lumpectomy. No surgery date as of yet. Surgeon wants a MRI, which is scheduled this Wed. and then I am sure I will get my surgery date.
I appreciate you commenting about when you shared the news about your cancer. I've really wondered about that myself. I shared news with my Dad as we share everything. He is 92 and 1000 miles away. My close distant family has been kept up to date.
However, although I have taken off a lot at work, no one knows why. I have two close friends that I've shared info and spoke with two other friends that have had cancer.
I wondered when to share to others (family, coworkers, my customers, my boss, etc).
I liked your thinking that you wanted all your results in and a good idea in your head the treatment plan. That certainly would reduce the follow up questions from well meaning people to inquire more.
My closest and oldest friend has been diagnosed with lung cancer and so we have the unfiltered conversations as we progress through our medical needs. And sometimes we just agree to not have a cancer day, so to speak. We just agree to put medical talk off for another day so we can step away from it. I do appreciate that ability a bunch.
i.e. this forum allows me to learn about others, ask questions, share and at the same time I can turn my computer off whenever I want.
So I'm thinking its a control issue with me. I am sure down the road I will be much more open, but for now . .. not ready.
0 -
Gardennerd...since chemo came first for me i did let everyone know because my son walked in right as I hung up with the pathologist you've got Cancer call. My daughter took notes as I started my quest with the breast surgeon, I don't know if you have a Facebook account but my daughter started a private group page for me so I just made one update as my cancer adventure moved along. During chemo & during the beginning process faze I didn't feel like talking to others. The day after my BS appointment I was scheduled to see my MO who took me off work for months since I work in an elementary school health office and I was not to be around little sick ones.
Unfortunately it's hard to stay in control through all this. It kind of takes over your life. But this is a great support site for all of us.
0 -
I was off work for 13 weeks-from two days before surgery to the Monday after radiation. I could have continued to work, but the person who handles the sick leave where I worked suggested I stay out for as long as possible. I am glad I took her advice. I worked in a Children's department of my county's library system and it can get chaotic. There is no light-duty in our system. Everybody pushes a cart, shelves books, lifts bins, etc., as necessary (although a supervisor can assign desk duty at his or her discretion. I worked a lot of desk hours when I finally did go back to work because I still had a lot of discomfort & still tired easily). I had never taken any sick leave in the the 13 years I worked for the County, so I had a lot of hours available and I belonged to a sick pool as well. I was able to get full pay for the entire time I was out.
0 -
Hello, Gardennerd!
I'm not sure how to tag people here, so I hope you come across this
It sounds like we are very much rowing the same boat. I chose my birthday because I new I would be getting calls from my close friends, and it just seemed like the way to go. By the end of the day I had my spiel down pat. I feel better that my small and controlled group of close friends knows- I did feel slightly dishonest not coming clean at first...but I know several of them are "fixers" and would have jumped in with well-meaning suggestions I just do not want. I am oddly thrilled to have the date set for surgery-- I love having a clear an actionable plan!I am very in control of who knows- I have shared the list with everyone, and asked them that if they need to discuss it, to keep the conversations within the group. The last thing I want is my old next door neighbor calling to hear all about my left breast that has decided to try and kill me.
Best wishes to you
0 -
I began keeping a diary as soon as I was told I’d need a biopsy, and kept it up during those two weeks on the road in NOLA, PA and an exurban folk festival. (Getting all the crazy thoughts and fears running around in my brain organized and in writing—even if the writing was virtual rather than in ink—did help keep me calmer and more centered). As soon as I got my diagnosis, and before I discovered BCO, I set up a CaringBridge account, as other friends of mine who had cancer did. It’s a private, password-protected site, and only those you want to know about your journey can access it. You can post links to it on Facebook or in e-mails, too.
0 -
Sandy, when my RO was diagnosed with a blood cancer (that had been lurking for years and he had been waiting for it to flare up), he set up a Caring Bridge account. That was wonderful. His son and daughter posted to it most of the time, especially when he was terribly weak (and sick) from a stem cell transplant. He just decided that he will not return to radiation oncology and is going to be working hospice and a couple other things. I suspect some of them will be in Israel since he is very involved with Jewish charities.
HUGS!
0 -
Guess I don't feel so bad about wanting to control my medical info. Glad to know others have that same concern. My good friend advised I should consider thinking of a set of standard answers for those that I don't really want to give much information. Still down the road for me, but certainly a consideration.
ChiSandy the CaringBridge is a neat concept. I don't have much contact with others via internet and/facebook. But I have a very good friend that is more like a daughter to me that was just diagnosed with ALS and this may be something she could use and appreciate. Thanks for sharing.
Also had a good chuckle today as my friend and I discussed my upcoming MRI. I told her they asked about my thoughts of lying on my stomach (which is how I sleep most of the time) and of course my thoughts of being in a confined space. I told her that they will place me on my stomach and put my breasts in holes to hang without compression. I am a large breasted woman. We both chuckled that the MRI slot is going to have to be a big one. We both have had MRI's for other issues in the past and both remember the spacing for ones body is very limited. I will need a dose of humility that day and a chuckle definitely helps.
0 -
ChiSandy A while back you asked about the San Juan Islands, Rosario Resort is undergoing a major restoration. A new dock is opening this month. Roche Harbor on San Juan Island has changed dramatically. Lots of new houses. Fortunately the historic parts of both resorts are still there and remain the heart of the places. I've lived on San Juan Island for 25 years, so I've seen a lot of changes.
Is fatigue a major problem following a lumpectomy? I saw my surgeon for the second follow-up appointment last week so he could drain some more fluid. He said the fatigue I'm experiencing is due to the stress of a cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty of what's next. While the margins were clear and the sentinel node was negative, there's a possibility I'll need more surgery. I have an MRI scheduled for May 9 which should answer the question of whether or not the entire "string of pearls" was removed.
It's hard for me to believe that I'm this exhausted from mental stress. I sleep about 10 hours a day. Work (computer stuff) about 6 hours and lay around watching videos the rest of the time. I worked out about four times (an hour each session) the second week after surgery, but now I'm too tired to exercise and that makes me wonder if I'm just making the fatigue worse by not exercising.
I'm thinking perhaps I need to go to my primary care doctor for a checkup to find out if something else is going on.
0 -
SJI, studies have shown that not only do our BC treatments (all of them) cause fatigue but just having BC causes it. Likely to last about a year. So you are entirely normal. However, it won't hurt to check with your PCP. I think it partly depression, mild though it maybe, caused by a cancer diagnosis. Often anti-depressants are helpful, so please ask for them if you think this might be you.
HUGS!
0 -
At my pre-op teaching session, my BS’ NP told me to expect “profound fatigue” after my lumpectomy, and my RO told me the same thing, that would hit me towards the end of the second of the three weeks of treatment—but neither came to pass. I was very, very lucky. I’m not as energetic as I used to be, and it’s 20 months out now. But I still have more energy than I did when I was heavier and both knees were shot. I have been on antidepressants for the last 30 yrs. after having post-partum depression, and on occasion I would get periods of fatigue and frustration bordering on inertia. Switching meds did help. Been on Wellbutrin now since 1999. If you have an underlying predisposition to depression (which is a physical illness that produces emotional impact), stresses and life crises are likely to bring it out. And learning you have cancer, and all that treatment will entail, certainly qualifies as a life crisis.
0 -
Thanks for the info. I've been on anti-depressants forever. It's good to know the profound fatigue is not unusual. I was feeling fine the first 10 days after the lumpectomy so I was really surprised when the fatigue set in. I'll stop worrying about it and just prioritize my activities. Thanks again.
0 -
Bji - it's actually refreshing to hear you say how exhausted you are. I'm also three weeks out from my lumpectomy and SNB. I fall asleep every afternoon and I am not a napper. Feel so tired when I wake up in the morning. I'm worried about radiation because fatigue is supposed to be the biggest side effect. You mean I'll be even more tired?
MJ
0 -
Hi,
Breast MRI: Techs told me I would feel less confined than in a regular MRI (have had many of different parts of body). Since I'd be face down, I wouldn't be as aware of the confined area. That worked. The lying on stomach felt uncomfortable but improved greatly when the techs added a layer of cushioning.
Caring Bridge: Have had many, many good experiences with friends and colleagues who have used this for different situations. It helps those going through the health crisis and their loved ones as well as those well-meaning folks who want to know what's happening and who want to be able to express concern and support without overloading those directly involved.
Fatigue: Very helpful to hear others' experiences and the range of factors that might be bring out the fatigue. On weekends and evenings I'm sleeping so much. I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Colleagues, friends, family think it's all over because it's now 3 weeks past LX/SNB. There are months ahead. Having trouble getting breast reduction scheduled, which could push radiation start until mid-July. Concerned about potential SE's of hormone therapy. Before LX, I was focused on logistics; having biopsies; arranging things at work. Now the longer-term issues are sinking it. So helpful to know others going through similar issues.
Appreciate the sharing. Sending good wishes.
0 -
Gardennerd- I had the breast MRI two weeks ago, and I was plenty worried. I googled pictures of the machine which helped, as I am a very visual person. I also took two tabs of xanax, which I didn't think helped much, but hey- I'll take any advantage I can get! There is a little mirror you can see while you lay on your stomach, so you don't feel super closed in. I am *extremely* claustrophobic, and I managed it- I am also not tough or made from rawhide.
Like most of this journey so far, my fears were a little worse than the reality.0 -
natty, I'm also extremely claustrophobic. I had a really hard time in the MRI. They told me to stay still and breathe normally but I hyperventilated so badly that my feet and hands went to sleep. I thought it was a really awful experience. Worse than the biopsy
0 -
I was fine after my lumpectomy, but about two weeks into radiation-I had 35 treatments-I was exhausted. I'd come home from treatment and nap at least an hour. I was still suffering from fatigue when I went back to work 3 days after finishing rads. Since I have retired, I have been walking and that helped a lot.
I suffer from mild depression but not on any meds. I take a lot of maintenance drugs and supplements now and don't want to add any more. I find my walking routine helps with the depression.
0 -
Mustlovepoodles- I am so sorry to hear that
Maybe the xanax helped me more than I thought-- when they told me I had to have an MRI I did not think I could do it. I'm certain if I had been face up, it would have been a no-go. I did, however, completely freak out at my biopsy, though!
It's amazing how fear has this Bruce Banner / Incredible Hulk effect on me. Sorry to hear your experience was so horrible.
0 -
I posted this on another forum thread, but thought The Lounge would have some good ideas about ice packs! Much thanks- Natty
I'm scheduled for a lumpectomy and SNB on 5/10, and when I'm not obsessing about every little detail of what will happen to me on that day, I'm planning for post-surgery life. Sports bras with a front closure, booking my favorite dog walker, comfy track pants and button front tops on PJs. And of course something fun to wear for the car ride home after surgery.
One thing I'd love some input on is ice packs. I literally do not have one in the house. So far I'm keen on those coaster size gel packs with cloth backing for stuffing into a bra, and some of the larger oblong shaped gel packs around 11x5 inches. I also like the traditional round screw top bags you stuff with ice. My tumor is on the left side at one o'clock- very close to the surface, and right next to the nipple, which I keep hearing will be handy to hide a scar, although a little tougher with the radiation boost down the road. I'm thinking the pack will rest on the top of my chest, and maybe a smaller one for the lymph area? I've heard a little pillow to keep your arm raised away from your body is a good plan.
Does anyone know just how much icing will be involved? A day or two after surgery, or every 20 minutes for two weeks? Not sure if I need to convert the freezer into an ice pack-palooza or not....any suggestions (on anything!) are very welcome! This site has been a godsend to me ever since diagnosis--appreciate any help!
0 -
I found that the icing was something I really welcomed after lumpectomies. It did a better job of relieving discomfort than any pill. It's very soothing - you will WANT to ice!
I recommend getting a few gel ice packs with fabric covers. These are in every drugstore. These don't get all stiff and hard; they bend and mold to your body, and hold the cool for a nice long time. When one gets warm, throw it back in the freezer and grab another one. Maybe get three and rotate them. Mine were rectangular shaped; maybe 4"x10" or so.0
