Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Mucki1991 - I'm another one who did the genetic testing before making a final decision on lumpectomy vs mastectomy. My mother had BC and thyroid cancer, and now I've had both as well, and I was strongly recommended to get tested by my breast surgeon and my endocrinologist (there is a genetic syndrome that can link the two cancers). While waiting for the genetic testing to be scheduled/completed, we started in on neoadjuvant chemo to try to shrink the tumor - my tumor was right under the nipple-areola complex and the BS wanted the tumor as small as possible to try to save my nipple if I ended up going the lumpectomy route.
Genetics came back clean for everything, so lumpectomy it was for me. I never wanted a mastectomy, and was hugely relieved to get those good genetic results!! In the end, the tumor, which we thought was only 1.7 cm turned out to be 3cm and obviously hadn't shrunk at all - the chemo didn't do anything for me according to the pathologist. So I lost my nipple-areola complex, and it still took 3 tries to get clean margins. But -- I still have both girls, the surgeries were the least invasive that I could do, and I'm very, very happy with my decision! Very happy and very lucky that I could go with the surgery path I wanted.
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Thanks Blooming, very informative.
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Hi everyone, I haven't been on here in a while. I am 2 and half weeks after finishing my radiation. My MO put me on letrozole. Has anyone also been prescribed this? The radiation was pinpointed to my right breast and the last 4 days they did a "boost" that pinpointed just the area where the tumor was. I was really worried about radiation but it wasn't too bad. I did experience fatigue. I am lucky because I was able to work or not depending on how I felt. The fatigue surprised me how fast it hit. The radiation techs said that our bodies go on overdrive to fight/heal what the radiation is doing. My tumor was at 6 o'clock and my girl is pointing down. It does seem a little firmer and smaller but, nothing too drastic. The right side of my boob is numb. I still can't wear my old bras, I purchased several Fruit of the Loom cotton, front close bras on Amazon. they were inexpensive and work very well. Soft enough under the arm where the nodes incision is. An odd thing is that my one boob is red and the other white. Under my arm is very dark with white spots. I'm hoping in time they will even out color wise anyway.
It is weird what a head trip this whole process is. I had a total hysterectomy in Jan. 2016. They found the cancer in the pathology. I follow up with a GYN oncologist every 3 months. She is the one who insisted on me having a mammogram. My lumpectomy was March 1st this year. I never got nervous about my follow up appointments with the GYN oncologist but, I had a follow up the day after I finished radiation for my BC. I almost was in a panic attack going to see her this time. Everything was fine at this visit. Just hope I can get back to not worrying about my follow ups! I am going to get to know two oncologists very well. I see the GYN oncologist every 3 months and start seeing the MO in June. Not sure how often I will have to see the MO. they told me I can't see just one because they specialize in different areas of the body.
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So I had my 9 month follow up post lumpectomy breast MRI on Thursday with no trouble at all. Today I woke up and my tumor site is painful. Any thought on what this might be?
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BostonTerriorMom - I don't have anything as far as experience to share but do appreciate you posting as I will have lumpectomy this week. I had read that the radiation could make a person fatigue. Interesting that you speak of how "fast it hit". It helps to read about others experiences to know the possibilities of what may happen. Hope you can find some peace in the follow up visits. I imagine once you get a few "everything is good" reports you will quell the worrying. Best to you.
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I know this has already been answered by a lot of people but I've had a busy week so I'm just catching up. I also had genetic testing and an MRI before deciding on the surgery. The genetic testing came back negative and honestly I don't know if I would have chosen mastectomy had it come back positive. I'm still feeling pretty positive about lumpectomy over mastectomy because the recovery was just so much easier and I'm a procrastinator - if I get a recurrence or other cancer then I'll need a mastectomy but that is for future me to deal with. As for the MRI the first surgeon I went to suggested it and the one I went to for a second opinion said if she wouldn't have. But since i had it, I had to get three more spots biopsied, one on the right and two on the left. That was a hard day but they all turned out benign. If they hadn't, that might have changed my surgery decision because the spots were all over the place
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Just had my 3-monthly checkup with the surgeon. He is keen to look at fat grafting for me. My surgery is bottom/side of my left breast. Anyone gone down this route? He said we'd wait till 18mths+ to let everything settle.
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Great idea about a contact list for DH or others. When I had significant surgery 10 years ago, I set up a couple of different list serves for my daughter who was able to send email updates. I know folks who have set up private groups on Facebook to communicate about health issues too. My "starting chemo in Feb." did that and it's been great. We even send pictures of our wigs and bald heads (well, the bald head is mainly me).
Hope all you Moms had a good day.
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Happy Mothers Day 🌷 To all the moms and all those who care for others!
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blooming, I've used CPAP for about 20 and I've had several surgeries during that time. I have never heard anyone say that it is better if you don't use CPAP after surgery. In fact, they have always told me to bring my CPAP in case they want to use it while I'm in recovery room. And of course I would need it if I stayed overnight in hospital for anything.
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BostonT Mom, I am on letrozole. I took Arimidex to begin with but it caused such bad leg cramps that I was unable to sleep. I have had no problems with the letrozole.
Garden nerd, I was very fatigued with radiation but managed a nap on the hour drive home everyday and I'm retired with five adult children so I could also nap anytime else I needed to. I am also a garden nerd and my gardens just had to live with my neglect the year of my radiation. Love the Gulf Coast! Use to stay out on Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores all winter but the red tide made my dh sick every year so now we winter in Tucson AZ. I sure do miss the ocean.
J
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I had fat grafting to fill in the dent from the lumpectomy. I did it 15 months after surgery. Someone asked about Letrazole. I am also on that. I started with Tamoxifen but a yr after my ovaries were removed MO talked me into Arimidex, horrible joint pain amd swelling of feet and ankles. 2 month break then put on Letrazole. Joints are not bad but cholesterole is rising and bones are thinning. Ughhh
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Well, got my bloodwork back today. Mostly improved since last Aug—triglycerides the same (normal), HDL rose from 70 to 79 (good, but not phenomenal), LDL still >200, total cholesterol 286, down from 306, total-to-HDL ratio has improved from 4.7 to 3.5. Glucose about the same (112 down from 114, but nowhere near as good as pre-letrozole levels which were in the 90s). But my a1c has worsened, up from 5.8 to 6.1, which is now definitely pre-diabetic (>6.4 is considered Type 2). A little anemic as well, and some slightly elevated BUN and calcium (not high enough to pose a coronary risk). So I started my Crestor tonight; we’ll re-test in 6 weeks, and if my glucose & a1c go any higher we may discuss anti-diabetes meds. (PCP favors Jardiance or Invokana because they’re more cardioprotective and effective, though they’re pricy and probably not covered by my Part D plan unless I “fail” a trial of metformin, and might cancel out any benefits from the statin. Bob prefers metformin, because it’s cheaper and doesn’t spike LDL the way the newer drugs do—he thinks it might be the next “miracle drug” for all older adults even if they’re not pre-diabetic. All three drugs help with weight loss (metformin may have some anti-tumor activity that I’ve not heard mentioned with Jardiance or Invokana).
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thank you I think the delay is coming from MRI approval. TBH they wanted me in surgery asap as this seems to be a moderately aggressive. I haven't met with onco as I don't know much other than size and biopsy pathology. I want it out but I want to make good choices also. I want a shirt that says cancer sucks!!
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yeah I worry about that part too (the additional biopsies) but I would better having dense breast that the right side is clear
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Brand new to these boards and to my diagnosis - IDC Stage 1a. I am scheduled to have a lumpectomy this Friday, 5/19. One thing that has me perplexed is the original size was supposedly <1 cm, but after MRI results came back yesterday, it appears to be 3x3 according to my BS. I am still opting for lumpectomy, and she feels very confident that will work, but she says to expect more indentation. It's at 12 o'clock.
A little about me, I am 49 with no family history (although I found out a great, great aunt had a double MX in the 1950s. She lived to be 88, so I think that's a pretty good life.I am E/P+ but HER2-.
I meet with my MO on 5/31 and should expect 6 weeks of radiation post surgery and hormone blockers ? for 5 years. (Trying not to think too much beyond next step of removing tumor!)
I am wondering if lumpectomy is wise since this size of this tumor is much greater. She said I don't have an ounce of fat on my breasts - so dense the MRI images aren't as clear as she likes. I guess that gives me some trepidation that it could be even bigger once she goes in. When I have radioactive seed implanted Thursday, I have a few more questions. Just felt if I could preserve the breast, perhaps my emotional and physical recovery would be better?? Of course I also thought it was 3x smaller.
While at this point, I don't "fear" recurrence, I want to make the wisest decisions at the onset to be one and done! I am ready to get this out. The process for me has moved very quickly. Feel very fortunate to have the medical team I do.
Would love any feedback. I am trying to read posts, but there are so many that feels a bit overwhelming, too.
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Poodles, Thanks for the scoop on the CPAP. I will bring it. It can't hurt to have it.
ChiSandy, Glad that you test results show mostly improvement. Sorry about the A1c. It's helpful to know about the potential advantages of Metformin. I was diagnosed as just over the border for Type 2 soon before bc was diagnosed. Did a one-month trial of Metformin but had difficulty with diarrhea. Then was able to bring down A1c so diabetes meds on hold until next PCP appointment in June. Your results as a whole remind me of the types of things to look out for with the hormone therapy. I'm trying to reframe bc and take it as a way to become more healthy than I was before diagnosis. That will take awhile and I will have to look out for the ways that hormone therapy might complicate things.
Sending good wishes to those awaiting surgery or awaiting test results.
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I wanted to follow up and leave a note here with a few key words in case anyone else has the same rash I had after surgery. Turns out I have a severe allergy to surgical adhesive tape that I didn't know about! My entire chest, neck, stomach, and side where I had the SNB is covered in a thick bumpy red rash and welts. It started 48 hours after surgery. If this happens to you-- do not be coddled and let anyone waste your time telling you to take Benadryl and an over the counter hydrocortisone cream-- it will do nothing to stop the rash. Benadryl will help with itching, so short of doing nothing, that's an option. After waiting the entire weekend with no help for the on call doc or the ER, I finally saw a dermatologist on Monday. She gave me a high test steriod ointment, and told me it will get worse before it gets better, and my take two weeks to heal. Now that I know I'm a paper tape gal from here on out! LOL! There was some discussion that it could have been caused by ChloraPrep- chlorahexadine- that they use to prep your skin for surgery- I plan to list that as an allergy as well.
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Kim, Welcome! We're glad you found us. While my IDC was small (9mm) the surgeon took a big chunk: 5cm x3cm x 2.5cm. My tumor was at 6 o'clock. The BS was able to make the breast look quite normal except for a downward facing nipple. I am small - an A cup. I would continue on with the lumpectomy. Always better to start with the least invasive surgery possible. If needed you can get reconstructive surgery which I understand is covered by insurance. Good luck Friday!
HUGS!
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Natty, yuck. That's certainly a nasty allergy. I also request paper tape. My rashes from regular tape have never been as bad as yours.
Sandy, it sure seems to be a juggling act with all the meds with one effecting some other blood work numbers and another doing the same. Glad there has been some improvement. Hope you do well on the new meds. Tough decisions on the metforim vs Invokana etc!
HUGS!
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Thank you, Peggy, for the reassurance that lumpectomy is a solid decision. I keep telling myself it is most important to remove the cancer ASAP! The rest is aesthetics, post surgery, and there are only a very few who will see me that intimately - hubby, self and drs (as required). I pray that nothing further down the line is required, just from the aspect of going through something else.
Knowing I am not alone, but I endured a lot losing my first husband to brain cancer. I know the cancer drill, so-to-speak. I know the tricks it plays when it acts like it is being cured then returns bigger and badder than ever. I know my journey is unique and different, and I will do what I must do in the end.
Thank you for your courage. Hugs back.
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Kim, I echo Peggy's welcome. Listen to her advice - she's been one of the sages who has helped me get a handle on this diagnosis and subsequent surgery and treatments. My mass was a bit smaller than the MRI indicated (1.5 cm vs 1.7). The surgeon won't know until she gets in there just what she's dealing with. But Peggy's always telling people that you can always have more removed, but you can't go back once you have a mastectomy. We all hope that we (and you) won't need additional surgery.
My lumpectomy went very well. I had a serious conversation with the anesthesiologist who made up a cocktail that put me out but did not upset my stomach (I told him post-op that he is a rock star!). I had little pain - mostly discomfort, mostly in my armpit and upper arm from the SNB. My tricep is numb and I'm told that could last a while. At five weeks I was suddenly aware I had no more discomfort and was also less tired (that comes from a combo of anesthesia, emotion, surgery and healing). Both my RO and MO told me I was healing nicely and quickly.
I had my radiation planning yesterday - easy except for some discomfort from holding my arms above my head for about a half hour. I just pictured my 1-year-old grandson, Felix, and got through it just fine.
Best of luck to you. Keep us all posted on your progress. We all become very invested in one another here on this site!
MJ
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Natty reading about your rash again, it triggered my memory that after my second surgery, I had a streak of redness on my breast that itched like crazy for a couple days. I used OTC anti itch ointment and it cleared up. It actually looked like a drop of something landed on my breast and then wiped away, leaving a streak that gradually lessened. So, now I'm wondering if something was dripped/dropped on me by accident.
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Tappermom: I had my radiation planning yesterday as well and also had the problem of holding my arms up for half an hour! The worst though, was my nose and a spot in the middle of my back starting to itch midway through. I did some mental imagery and said a prayer over and over to get through it.
My first surgery was a nightmare as far as anesthetic goes, even though I told the anesthesiologist (who was very rushed when he saw me) that I get VERY ill on general anesthetic. The room was spinning and I vomited for 6 hours! The second surgery went much better when I and the nurses made SURE the (different) anesthesiologist knew of my issues. He said he thinks I have a sensitivity to narcotics and also mixed up something different and I had no issue at all.
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So glad you had a better experience the second time, Nancy. I emphasized my problem so fiercely on the phone with a nurse the night before that they put a big note on my chart. And I did go on with the anesthesiologist. I was so relieved he listened (yay for decadron and Zofran!).
Good luck to you as you start rads - we'll support each other through this site! It's been my lifeline.
MJ
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KB - I had acupuncture for a sore wrist (no specific diagnosis as I couldn't get in to see the orthopedic surgeon). Some sort of tendonitis. But six treatments later, I could move my wrist with ease and no pain. Still true 10 years later!
MJ
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Nancy, I wish I could get that kind of anesthesia. It doesn't seem to matter what they give me, I vomit for hours. I had a hysterectomy back in October and I vomited for 12 hours straight. It was just awful. I had knee replacement two weeks ago and vomited for about eight hours. It doesn't seem to matter what they give me. Every time I have surgery they assure me that they have the latest, greatest some kind of anesthesia guaranteed not to make me vomit. They lie.
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Kim, welcome! My initial tumor was about 1cm DCIS, pathology after LX identified very small, 3mm, spot of IDC. I opted for lumpectomy because it was less invasive, quicker recovery time & BS said that LX + rads would have about same chance of reoccurrence. Even after I had re-excision I didn't change my mind about LX. I had surgery on Tuesday and back to work the next Monday. Only took pain meds day of surgery. Then Tylenol. Had more discomfort with SNB site. Ice pack was my best friend after surgery. Much to my husband's dismay, I waited on myself, heated my own meals. (I'm not a good patient, have trouble being idle) Just did everything with good side & didn't do any lifting with bad side. Friends from church brought meals which was great cause wouldn't have felt like cooking. I did take it easy tho and didn't over do it. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Natty, so sorry about your rash. That's terrible that on call have you bad medical advice and you had to suffer. I didn't have any trouble with steri strips, but I did have trouble with tape they used to protect pen marks during rads. I got 4 tattoos, but they also used markers. I've also made a note to avoid surgical tape.
MJ & Nancy, sending positive vibes your way as you get ready to start rads. The techs gave me a calendar with my appointments. I put it on the fridge and marked off each day after I had finished my treatments so I could see my progress. Rads was like having a second job. I went to rads early morning then went to work. I also kept up my excercise routine to combat fatigue.
Sandy, glad your blood work was improved. I take Crestor and have had good luck with it lowering my cholesterol (even when I don't eat there right foods, which is a lot) and I haven't had any side effects. Good luck with the new meds.
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Hi Kim, welcome but sorry you have to be here. My BC was also at 12 oclock though smaller than yours. One thing I did to fill in the dent was have fat grafting. Plastic surgeon took fat off my tummy and inserted it into the dent on my breast. It helped the dent out quite a bit and since it is considered reconstruction insurance paid for it.
You mentioned radioactive seeds being implanted? Is that in your breast? I had brachytherapy for radiation.
Chisandy, my numbers have changed alot since being on Femara. I am seeing my MO to see if she will reccommend going back on Tamoxifen.. So hard to know what to do
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Welcome aboard, Kim. It's the ride for which we never bought the ticket but have to pay the fare anyway, and your fellow passengers will help you get through it. You should find it comforting that your tumor is ER+, PR+ and HER2-, aka “Luminal A," the least aggressive subtype. You've hit the “invasive ductal carcinoma trifecta." Doesn't get any better than that. Downside is that they might want to treat you more aggressively because you're fairly young, but the flip side of that is that you're in better shape to get through it than we Golden Girls. Depending on your surgical path report, they may or may not need to order an OncotypeDX test to determine whether chemo would add any benefit to anti-hormonal therapy.
My tumor was thought by the first ultrasound radiologist to be 7mm, the second radiologist (who did ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy) guesstimated it as 9mm and called it a “tiny tumor;" the surgical path reported it to be 1.3 cm. The surgeon said that doesn't mean it doubled in size within the month between first ultrasound & lumpectomy, but simply that a tumor’s exact size can't be determined till it's been removed. I, too, had radioactive seed implantation (piece of cake!) rather than wire location. I chose lumpectomy both because of the location of the tumor in a very large and fatty breast (my chart says “macromastia"); but if my breasts were dense and/or A rather than I (!) cup size, I might have opted for mastectomy & reconstruction. Might have considered a bilateral reduction but for the fact of the longer recovery time which would have caused us to cancel our dream cruise that we'd booked—except that I am such a wuss about surgery that I hesitate to undergo any elective surgery that's “lifestyle," such as bunion repair, or cosmetic but not reconstructive or therapeutic. (And in Europe, they do make some really pretty bras in my size—thank you, online shopping). Of course, had I needed re-excision, mastectomy, chemo or a longer course of radiation, we'd have had no choice but to cancel. But 3 weeks after my last radiation treatment, we were on our way to Rome to start the cruise. In the year-and-a-half since my lumpectomy & radiation, I've traveled to Europe four times. You can get through this.
ndgrrl, Tamoxifen is not an option for me. The blood clotting risks are just too high, given my age and family cardiovascular history on both sides; I need to take Wellbutrin for prophylaxis against the return of my depression (also familial); and I had adenomyosis and fibroids during perimenopause, so I don't need to add endometrial hyperplasia to my “resumé.” (And as I said, I’m a surgical wuss, so I’m not inclined towards hysterectomy if I can avoid it).
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