Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Mary - I too thought I should have been feeling better sooner after the lumpectomy. I am a very fit and active woman, and my surgeon said two weeks but that some people bounce back as soon as three days after. So I thought, "Oh that will be me. 3 days, got it." But no. It took me the two weeks before I could get back to normal. Everyone is different, and regardless of all other variables we heal and recover in our own time. Give it another week and you will see a big difference. In the meantime pamper yourself - you are entitled. And get out of your head about your mom's lung cancer. I tend to overthink things myself and it never results in any positive outcome. As they say, Worry is like praying for something bad. Waiting on results is so hard. Try and keep yourself distracted. Watch good movies, make new friends here and let people wait on you! There are some awesome people on this site who will help you feel less alone and more hopeful! And if you feel up to it, start walking. Even a short walk outside will be good for you physically, mentally & spiritually!
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Mary, everyone does heal in their own time. I felt pretty good after a week, but I was still very fatigued and forgetful from the anesthetic. The achy joints, tiredness and brain drain lasted quite a while. Like Long said, each person heals at their own rate. Please keep coming back and you will get good advice and a place to rant, cry, joke and laugh. The ladies here are a good bunch.
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Thank you so much everyone! This morning I woke up feeling cruddy. As the day moved along, I started to feel better - even went out to lunch with my hubby. I think my appetite is starting to come back slowly. You all are a great bunch!
Hugs!
Mary
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Mary, it does take time. You are worried and scared, and that is totally understandable. I coughed a bit after my surgery as well. I don't think that is anything to worry about. Whatever you are concerned about, tell your MO. He or she will be able to ease your mind. I was a total nervous wreck at the beginning thinking all kinds of crazy things as well. But after having a bone scan, Bracha test and oncotype test, and getting good results on each, I started to relax. The waiting is so, so very hard. You are in a good place here, so come in and vent when you need to, we all understand and have been through it. Everyone is different. Some sail through the surgery and some have a more difficult time. Hang in there, I promise it will get better. Breathe -- if you need something to help you sleep, get it from your MO or your PCP. Your rest is very important. Drink lots of water, eat something even if you don't feel like it. Juice if you can or go to a juice bar. Make sure you are getting nutrition even if you don't have much of an appetite Big hugs!
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Hello all,
I wanted to write again and thank you all for your advice previously. You have all helped me so much. I had my lumpectomy one week ago (5/1) and had pain only on the day of surgery. Other than that I am uncomfortable because I continue to swell up quite a bit but my surgeon is going to drain some fluid for me tomorrow for the second time. I am a little concerned about an infection though because my breast is starting to feel slightly warm.
My results were fairly good, lymph nodes were clear and margins were "tight but clean". I did get the results of my Onco type test today though at a 19, which has me slightly concerned. I know that is on the low side of intermediate risk, but as others have mentioned in the last week or so, I feel like I was told all along I would only need radiation and hormone therapy and now come to find out I might need chemo. I have my first meeting with my Oncologist on 5/19 so I will find out then for sure.
For all of you who are going through treatment or recovering from recent surgery, my heart goes out to you. Stay strong, we will all get through this. For everyone, stay positive and keep moving forward. {{hugs}} to all!!
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Hi Lina, congrats on getting through the surgery and I hope you have no issues with an infection! My "gut" feeling on chemo for you with that score would be no, but that is based on the size of your tumor and the low grade. Let us know what your MO recommends as I am curious! My best to you!
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I will let you know. Went to the surgeon this morning and no infection, YAY! She was able to drain more fluid so I am feeling better. Thanks!
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Hi Lina, I agree with BigD but for a different reason. I'm almost the same dx as you, Oncotype 28, and my MO said that because I was ER+PR+HER- and intermediate that I would not see enough improvement to warrant the SE's of chemo. It would only have reduced the risk of recurrence by 2%. Having said that, just because we have some similarities, it doesn't mean our bc is the same, so until your MO says yes or no, we're all just guessing. Your age and whether you are through menopause or not will matter a lot too.
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Hi All,
I received a call from my BS's office on Thursday with the pathology results. She removed the affected breast tissue plus 5 nodes and all were negative. My margins were negative. ER-, PR- , HER2+. My husband and I pulled over to the parking lot nearby as I was writing this all down. I asked if this is supposed to be good news. She said "yes, margins and nodes negative is good news". We cried with happiness. My post op appointment is this week. I will be meeting with a MO and RO to see what the action plan will be. My nerves have calmed down quite a bit.
Thank you all for all your words of encouragement and support as I was doing the shake, rattle and roll.
Hugs!
Mary
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Mary, I am so happy for you! You can relax some now. And soon you will have your plan mapped out for you. Yay!!
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I had my lumpectomy yesterday and so far, keeping my fingers crossed, I haven't had any significant pain. Advil and ice have handled everything well. I hope it keeps up! Good luck to all of you and may you all do well and be pain free!
DX DCIS ,1cm, Stage 0 4/4/2014
Lumpectomy 5/13/2014
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I am now 2 weeks out from my lumpectomy removal of 3x 4 " lobe/ lobule with clean margins . I am a healthy 45 year old who prides in vegetarian diet, running , weights. Etc. I too thought I'd be back up to it in 3 days. In 3 days I felt pretty good. Not much pain really didn't need the Percocet . After day 6 I was tired. I was mentally tired. I cried. Sure I was doing my chores, shopping , cooking, but mentally not there . It was weird. I had a few panic attacks. Even woke in the midle of the night thinking I was having a heart attack. ( my lumpectomy was only atypical hyperplastic lobular cell growth! And I'm an RN). Follow up appointment went good. Recommended to do radiation. I am not wanting to do that right now so she gave me a rec, for an oncologist who is a bit more Eastern / western blend. I have not yet made the appointment
Today I ran with the dog. I felt in my head I need to do something. This is not helping my stress The running helped. I went slow. But by mile 3 my boob was aching I doubled my sports bra. Even though I'm a small C I can t believe it hurt. Is it more mental than physical ?.
My breast has the incision from 9 oclock at armpit to nipple It's healing. It's not bad. Itchy , tingly Glued on outside stitches on inside. It is divoted a bit
I just want to get back to life. Which sounds selfish. Grrr
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VEgrrl,
My lumpectomy was the day before yours. It will take time. We need to heal both mentally and physically. Remember, this whole process was terrifying and stressful. I too took very good care of my body - no smoking, drinking, ate well & walked daily. Now we feel betrayed. Be proactive and do what the doctors ask you to do. We will get back to the way we used to feel - one day at a time.
Hugs
Mary
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V8grrl - hang in there. You are very close to much better days. When I first went back to working out after two weeks, I was sore as well. It's now been 10 weeks since my surgery and guess what? My breast is starting to get squishy again! And there is no discomfort whatsoever. Now that I'm on chemo, the boob issue is mild in comparison. I know how hard it is mentally, especially since you, like me, are living a healthy lifestyle and BAM. It's a lot to take in. But just remember - our healthy lifestyle up to now, and into the future is what will get us through this tough period. Hope you have a great day!0 -
Good Morning Lumpies
Wow, its almost Memorial Day! Breathe, summer is coming!
V8grrl - heal girl heal...I wore 2-3 bras with a soft boob sock to support the girl...didn't run, but a brisk walk, tia chi, Zumba, and dancing to get my endorphins back up...so give it time which is our best friend in healing.
Very humbling ...but get a better as heals
Mary - great attitude...yes, those tears of joy&relief a hurdle jumped...all in good time enjoy each victory and press on...in your pocket during chemo land.
Milestogo - congrats on lx done! Speedy healing and fingers and toes crossed for clear margins and nodes! Breathe and heal warrior! Watch the arm and be kind to yourself let everyone pamper you...:)
Lina - yeah, no infection...how are you feeling? Hope the excess fluid is no longer an issue and no further visits are needed to drain. Rest and recoup:)
Encourage y'all to take no c vacations between each treatment step to renew and restore your body mind spirit...seriously tell your family and friends ask now because I'm going on vacation and all discussion if c is off limits,,,Think it helps bring a sense of normalcy back and makes life the focus rather than c...it's not easy but it does help:)
Beautiful spring day going for a brisk walk! Yes, walk not run...ha ha my knees say my running days are over but I can move...did an hour of dance yesterday...happy endorphins...okay where is that 3rd bra and boob sock:) maybe my chic fillet will support my girl
Hey BigD and Red lets get moving.,.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Hello all,
I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
Thank you all for your posts. I am feeling physically better theses days, I think the second week after surgery was the turning point for me. Like V8grrl though I still have moments of exhaustion and/or emotion. I find those moments harder to share with my support team because I really do feel like I am on the path to healing, but sometimes just need a time out to refocus I guess.
I love the no c vacation RMlulu! Boy I could use one of those. I took some time off of work after my dx but I spent a lot of it learning about my dx. Now I could use some time to not at all think about c!! Looking forward to finding out my future treatment plan on Monday.
To all of you deciding on treatment or going through current treatments...stay strong. I really feel so much strength and support here. We will get through this. You all help me get through this. Thank you!
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My lumpectomy was on April 29th. When I lay on my back, I feel this giant lump where I guess the bs removed the tumor and margins. Does anyone else feel this? Before the surgery or even my mammo, I never even felt a lump. When I went for my post op appt the NP said it was probably swollen inside from the surgery. I have an appt with the MO on 6/2 and will know then what my treatment plan will be. I too just don't feel myself. So far, I lost 8 lbs. Anyone else experiencing this??
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My lumpectomy (left breast---12 o'clock) was on Monday (5/12). Two lymph nodes were removed also.
The first day afterward was great! No pain and had tons of energy. The day after that was a different story. I was sore and felt pretty tired.
Strangely enough, I have felt a little nauseous each day. Is that common and still due to the anesthesia?
The only other "complaint" I have had is trying to find a comfortable position in which to sleep. Any suggestions? Both incisions are very tender, but especially the one under my arm.
The surgeon called a couple days after the surgery to report that she had gotten clean margins (on a 1.1 cm tumor) and that neither of the sentinel nodes she had removed had cancer cells! Great news! She has also ordered the Oncotype DX test. The game plan from here is to meet with my medical oncologist in a couple of weeks (on May 27) for, hopefully, anti-hormonal drugs and no chemo, and I will begin external radiation in June for 5 weeks. My RO is letting me take a break in the radiation (after the 5 weeks) to go to California to see my daughter. Upon my return, we will do a 5-day boost.
All of my biomarkers, tumor size, lymph node non-involvement have been good. Just a little concerned with the Oncotype DX test. My RO told me that my ki-67 (?) test showed that only 5% of the cancer cells were actively dividing, and she feels that, with all the characteristics of my cancer, I am "an unlikely candidate for chemo."
What experience have the rest of you had with the Oncotype test?
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Hi Kt. I had the same surgery as you and also had a more difficult time with the lymph node incision. The best thing for me was to sleep in a bra with a wad of tissues inside the left side covering both incisions. As far as the Oncotype test I scored a 20 and that is the gray area between low risk of recurrence and moderate risk. I also had some very small cells show up in lymph node 1 (out of 4). Those two things combined sent me to Chemo, even though my BS assured me all along that I would be radiation only. Good luck, I hope you can avoid Chemo.0 -
Can someone tell me what the ranges are for the oncotype test. No one mentioned to me my oncotype test score. Does the MO tell you it or does the surgeon?
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I am scheduled for a lumpectomy and SNB next Wednesday. I am really scared.
My tumour is 4.5cm.
Since I've had by core bx I have had upper back pain. This also worries me but I keep telling myself it's stress and worry. I find myself with my shoulders up near my ears and totally tense. I am trying my best to breathe! 5 more "sleeps" until surgery.
I have large breasts 34J (uk sizing). What did everyone wear for a bra afterwards? I can't find a sleep, sport or soft bra in my size before surgery.
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Islandmama2,
I was a total basket case from the time of my dx until surgery. The doctor gave me Xanax which I took for a week and the last time I took it was the morning of the surgery. It is a terrifying experience for all of us. You may need something to take the edge off. I also have upper back ache which may be due to nerves tightening up. They will do a complete screening that should include a chest x-ray before your surgery.
As for the bra, the hospital gave me a surgical bra to wear. I am sure they will have something that will fit you. I also bought extra large sport bras which I would rather wear than the surgical one. The velcro was scratching me terribly. I take a 34 DD (US sizing). I don't know if that is near your size.
You will get through this. This site is an excellent source of information as well as where you can go to just reach out to all of us in the same category. You may also want to check out the other specific categories and save them in your favorites. You also may want to get email notifications when someone adds to the category.
Good luck to you and
Hugs
Mary
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thanks Mary
Unfortunately a 34J translates to a 34L in US sizing! Not easy to find!
I know the hospital doesn't give anything because I work there. I think that is part of my problem. I know too much, sometimes ignorance is bliss!
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The oncotype test ranges from 0-100, with low being better.Women with a score of 17 or smaller have a low risk of having cancer return, if you get a hormone treatment like tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor drug. With this score, chemotherapy probably won't do much to prevent a recurrence. Women with a score of 18 to 30 have a medium risk for a recurrence. Chemotherapy may help some women in this range.Women with a score of 31 or more have a higher risk that cancer may come back. Both chemotherapy and hormone therapy are likely to help women in this group.
I believe the MO typically tells you, but my BS was there and they decided she should be the one to tell me the not so great news. All along she had me believing that I wouldn't need chemo, so I think she felt the responsibility in telling me the news that meant I would in fact need chemo treatment.
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Hello everyone, I will be going for chemo round #2 on Monday so have mixed feelings about it. The first round was a rough one for me but I know I am doing everything I can to make sure we get it all and hope no return of it later. My score was a 15 on the oncotype test but my doc. still recommended chemo for me because even though my nodes were clear I show some cells in my vascular system and it can make it easy to miss. So hang in there everyone we will get through all this!!! Hugs to all and have a great weekend....
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Debster, how did they find the cells in your vascular system? I haven't heard anyone mention testing that at all...yet. Best wishes for Monday!!
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Ask your MO lots of questions about your Oncotype when you get it. It depends on a lot of factors whether you get chemo or not. I am a 28 but I had no chemo because my type of bc responds very little to chemo. It would reduce my risk of recurrence by only 2% and my doc said the SE's weren't worth the 2%. So for me it was rads and Tamoxifen. You'll get through ok. If you start to feel like you're panicky, do something you really like, right away. Sink your hands in some dirt and plant a flower. Bake some bread. Cook a stew. Take a nap. Have a bath. Anything - it will work out, it really will.
Hugs'n'kisses
Deb
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Will be having right breast lumpectomy for DCIS (& Sentinel Node Dissection) on Tuesday the 20th, combined with reductions of both breasts. This was deemed medically advisable by the BS and the plastic & reconstructive surgeon, who will both preside as a team: Good for clearing margin, reducing "playing field," along with obvious cosmetic and comfort benefits. "Might as well well since I'll be on the table anyway, etc." Had been considering reduction on and off since my teens. Am now in my late 50s. Am currently a 36G.. will probably wind up a D or DD... wondering if anyone out there has had similar dual procedure. Comments on recovery, scarring, tactile changes in breasts, etc. appreciated. Like some of you, I am being encouraged by doctors about all pathology reports so far in this "upside down" new world: "Best report you can get" was my BS's comment....what do they mean by this?
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leeleeleepan! dcis!
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