Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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No, Mother has been moved to am assisted living because she can't live alone in her old apt anymore.She needs a higher level of care. The senior apt place has already rented her apt, so they are kicking her stuff out with 7 days verbal notice.
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What a well thought out post, blooming! I agree with you on the sages whose battles are behind them - I so appreciate their words of encouragement and wisdom.
Here in the mountains of Southern California we've experienced two major wildfires in the past 14 years. While evacuated from our homes, we had little information on what was going on up here. When I got home the first time, I felt simultaneous relief at seeing my house standing and guilt for feeling that joy and relief.
As for my oncologists, both seemed to take me and my disease seriously when I met with them last week. My RO did refer to my cancer as "garden variety" but I didn't take offense as I know it's the most common type of BC.
MJ
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Poodles, okay. While the notice was short, I know you're not surprised mom can't live independently. Good luck!
HUGS!
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Oh Poodles, you have enough stress without the place your mom was giving you 7 days notice! Good grief.
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thankfully, two of my sisters and one of their husbands are down there right now. They have taken over the whole project. Even found a home for my mother's piano. I feel bad that I'm laid up and can't help, but my turn will come when it's time to sort through everything at the house.
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Good news today, my oncotype score was 11 so definitely no chemo. Now on to tomorrow when I have an MRI to find out if the surgeon got all the ILC with the lumpectomy on 3/30/17. He isn't sure he did even though the margins are clear. The cancer is multi-focal and was really difficult to mark. I've been in limbo for more than a month. He had said if there is more there's a good chance I'd need a mastectomy. So MRI in the morning and results at my appointment with the surgeon in the afternoon.
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Great news on the low-ODX score. In your pocket for favorable MRI results so that you can move ahead with radiation & endocrine therapy.
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I had lumpectomy on May 5, how long does it take to get oncotype score? I have appointment with my MO this friday will he have those results?
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I got my surgical path result only 5 days (calendar, not business days) post-op; because my tumor was >1cm, I told the BS’ NP 2 days later at my 1-week followup that I wanted OncotypeDX testing—and she told me that on the advice of the tumor board she had already sent out the sample two days earlier. I saw my MO that aft., and she talked me down off the ledge by saying she was “90% sure” she wouldn’t recommend chemo. It took, IIRC, 10 days to get the good news in my patient portal inbox—gotta check my notebook to confirm that. At the MO appt., I also mentioned my ethnicity (nobody thought to ask me, nor I to mention it, pre-op) and she immediately made a genetic counseling appt. for two days later—at the end of which session I gave a blood sample. Those results were in 10 days after that session.
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SJI, YAY for the low onco score! Praying for good results on MRI.
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SJI, Yes! on the Oncotype results. In your pocket for the MRI!
Susie, it takes about 2 weeks to get the Oncotype results. I had my path report 2 days after surgery - my BS called me with the results. She totally understood the agony of waiting for them.
Sandy, I'm rather surprised that no one, including you, thought to bring up your ethnicity prior to surgery. Given the high rate of breast cancer in Ashkanazi Jews, one would think that would be on the initial questionnaire.
HUGS!
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I'd assumed, given the lack of history of BRCA-associated cancers on either side of my family, that I was probably negative for the mutations. What made me mention it to my MO was during the interim between surgery and path results, I was reading Susan Love's tome--and in the chapter on genetic testing, being Ashkenazi and having been dx'ed with bc regardless of family history was listed as an indication for testing.
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Sandy, doesn't that book have a wealth of information? I found it invaluable. Aren't you glad you got tested though to make sure?
HUGS!
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Blooming - Your posts were interesting to read. I have found the balance of conversation with others to be awkward (for the lack of a better description) With those not very familiar with any cancer (as I was just a month or two ago and still learning) the word cancer just draw so much pity and concern from those I share the information with. And I find myself countering with what my oncologist said, "if you are going to have breast cancer, this is what you want" . I find myself downplaying the cancer, as they look at me as I am at deaths door. If they desire I will try to share better information. But for some that's about all they get.
And then . . . there is this connection with others I know. Those with breast cancers that were/are further along or other cancers of the body. There is an acknowledgement that's somewhat unsaid. A mutual respect. I find this site and those I know dealing with health issues to be comforting. It comforts me and I feel certain I have been able to be comfort to others. I have a coworker just diagnosed with lymphoma, a neighbor fighting leukemia, another neighbor with bilateral mastectomy, a long time friend with lung cancer and another friend with ALS. All within the past two months. I am becoming majorly educated but along the way, I find the sharing of fears, the waiting for a test or how treatment is going to be easily shared with those that are going through something more similar.
And wow, I have to save from a medical provider view . .. I haven't felt the least bit belittled because my cancer is an early stage. In my second appt with radiologist I commented how hard their job must be to constantly have sit downs with patients on how their biopsy turned out. Their comment was it lifted their spirit to be able to tell a patient they have early stage as they may have had three days of reporting of higher stage cancers and that was it. They said they would comment with one another just praying they could provide some good news to someone. As anything it cycles with no rhyme or reason. But all my caregivers have been 110% there for me so far. (ha, I will say with exception of the MRI tech, whom I will chalk up as she was having a bad day . . . her words were nice but the inflection in voice and body language was not saying the same . . . I hope it was just a bad day and not her norm)
Regarding reduction. I definitely wanted reduction if the choice was whole breast radiation. I was relieved to find out that I was qualified for brachytherapy and so the reduction was not warranted. I will admit I somewhat would still like to do it, but I could not mentally bring myself to push for it solely on the desire for a breast reduction. That is just my demons. I think it is great that you are getting the reduction. I have heard so many pleased that they did so. If anything it seems like it would be one of those positive things that could come out of dealing with cancer. I had imagined how nice it would be to have my arms actually hang straight to my side, or when I reach for something it can be not limited to just what I can reach from elbow out. I look forward to your sharing your experience.
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Ok my lumpectomy was 3 days ago, I feel as if I'm doing good but I wasn't given any advice as to how to care for my incision sites. I was not bandaged when I came home. The only thing they told me was I could shower in 24 hours with soap and water but don't let the shower hit directly on my breast. Am I supposed to be wearing a sports bra? Am I supposed to be using anything on the sutures or let them dry out? It's 3 days and I've noticed my breast is bruised. Armpit not bruised but hurts more. I've been doing ice when I can and trying to take only one Percocet before bed which makes me crawl out of my skin. Breast looks swollen and I'm worried about the bruising. Am I allowed to lift my arms over my head? I didn't carry or lift anything with that arm. This may sound strange but the armpit on the opposite side is hurting too! How long does this bruising last?
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Susie2017 - I am sorry you were not given post surgery instructions or at least not very thorough instructions. I would definitely call your doctor to get answers to your questions. I haven't, as of yet, had my lumpectomy . . . so I cannot offer up my experience regarding that. But I would imagine bruising is to be expected, as I had bruising from my biopsy's. I used ice packs quit a bit with my biopsy's to reduce the swelling . . . you might consider using cold packs more to reduce the swelling.
I'm sure someone will come along and post from their experience soon.
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Susie, some bruising is to be expected. I had steri-strips on my stitches and was told to just let them fall off. You likely will not want to raise your arm above your head yet - it could be uncomfortable. Some things you can do are ice your sore spots for about 20 minutes then remove the ice. You can alternate every 20 minutes. I only used regular Tylenol at home, no pain pills at all. For your miserable armpit, in the shower, slowly "walk" your arm up the wall until it is uncomfortable (not painful). Do this regularly, going a bit higher each time but never pushing it. You can lift up to the weight of a gallon of milk with your "bad" arm but I'd wait for a couple weeks to do that. I found that my SNLB site was far more bothersome than the breast incision. Everything rubbed on it. Let us know if anything helps.
HUGS!
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Hi all,
I'm scheduled for a lumpectomy, left axillary node removal, reduction and lift next month. I am very concerned about lympadema impacting my quality of life and mobility living at 7,000 elevation. I will ask this of my surgeon but from what I've read, the primary purpose of node removal is to prevent metastasis but I was diagnosed at stage for from the beginning 6 months ago, so what would be the point? I appreciate any thoughts or knowledge you all might have on the matter. Thanks!
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Illimae, I've never heard of lymph nodes being removed to prevent metastasis - it's usually said to check for cancer cells. But I'm certainly no expert. You are wise to be aware of LE. the more nodes that are removed, the better the chance of it occurring. Usually 3 or less are the least risk. Other gals coping with it will chime in and give you more information.
HUGS!
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Thanks PontiacPeggy, I should clarify, you are correct. I meant that the nodes are removed and checked but if they're positive from biopsy in an earlier stage, all might be removed to prevent spread through the lymph system. I just wonder why at stage 4, it seems odd.
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Illimae, it strikes me as rather strange too. I'd ask your surgeon why. If you can get by without nodes being removed that would be great. I'd be interested in finding out the reasoning behind taking nodes in your case.
HUGS!
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Hi I'm new to this forum. I was diagnosed with breast cancer inside of a fibroadenoma which is apparently a "rare" occurrence. The tumor was originally removed assuming it was benign because it presented as a fibroadenoma. After testing, genetic testing, lots of consults a lumpectomy followed by radiation seemed like the right choice. That was 7 years ago. Recently I've experienced growth in my "good" breast and now they are slightly lopsided. Has anyone else had this happen? It's my understanding that doing any reconstructive surgery on the radiated breast isn't a good idea because of the risks involved because the tissue was damaged during radiation treatment. I'm not sure I'm ready to do anything cosmetic yet but would like to know if anyone else has experienced this and what if anything you did to even them out?
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Grasshopper, Welcome. I have nothing helpful to offer you. I assume that your mammograms are fine. I ask because, to me, it seems strange that your good girl would grow. I'm sure that someone here has the experience to give you some help. Do you have a breast surgeon you can consult or a plastic surgeon with experience dealing with breast cancer patients? That might be helpful, too.
HUGS!
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Yes my mammograms were clear today! I did meet with my breast surgeon and talked options but basically came to the conclusion that I didn't need to (wasn't ready to) do anything yet. I thought I'd see how others have dealt with this issue and if anyone had had any reconstruction done on their radiated breast...
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Glad to hear that! It's good to collect information in case you decide you do want to do something.
HUGS!
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Talk about bruising! The better part of my breast and armpit was deep purple. That's where a lot of my soreness came from. My pain finally subsided this week.
MJ
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I had bruising for about 5 weeks after my lumpectomy. I'm not sure if that's because I had the lumpectomy, then two weeks later had to have ALND.
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Grasshopper, I had reconstruction done on my radiated side but I had mastectomy after lumpectomy. Is that what you are considering? If so, I would consult with a plastic surgeon first.
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Hi All,
I am scheduled for my first MRI after initial diagnosis 9 months ago. Did anyone have any discomfort at their next MRI post lumpectomy. I am particularly curious about those stainless steel clips left in for radiation guides. Anyone have any knowledge or insight on this issue?
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I had a lumpectomy on March 30, and a re-excision on April 17 due to DCIS found in the deeper tissues.
After the first surgery, I had NO pain and no bruising, and it healed quickly. The area around the incision where they took the sentinel node was a bit sore, but not bad.
After the second surgery, they went much deeper and took more tissue, I was bruised, but not beyond an inch around the incision. And I'm still having discomfort, not really pain. It actually feels like irritation, like a raw feeling all along the incision and it's been 3 weeks. The incision looks ugly because of being opened back up again, I'm assuming. The margins were clear, but "close" this time. Surgeon doesn't recommend more surgery, says the radiation should take care of the two pinpoints that were seen.
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