Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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tbalding: I'm going to keep up with Zumba on Thursdays during radiation as long as it's comfortable. I can't do the Tuesday class because it's a different instructor and she's WAY too high energy for this little old lady and I nearly die when I'm feeling good and not going through any health issues! But I'm walking other days of the week. I'm hoping that I will be able to do my 45 minutes of laps. It doesn't sound like much, but I've been having hip pain since starting the Femara, and I've only been walking 20 minutes at a time and I've been very fatigued since I'm not sleeping well. I have a friend coming to walk with me during the Caregiver lap since my husband will be out of town...so I'm hoping she can walk for me if I can't make the whole 45 minutes.
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I will try to find a Zumba class at an L.A. Fitness that isn’t on the same day as my training sessions. They don’t have any “Zumba Gold” (which is the gentler version for seniors, people recovering from injury or out-of-shape), but I will pace myself and avoid any ballistic or twisting moves. I am a hopeless klutz, and could never move in the right direction (never mind keep up) with old-school aerobics classes, even low-impact.
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K2 is vital for calcium and D3 absorption. Here's an article Arterial health and K2
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I’m taking K2, D3, Magnesium, a Calcium Citrate/D3 supplement, Melatonin, Biotin, GTF chromium (for carb metabolism), CoQ10 (to help with statin processing), krill oil, an 81 mg aspirin, stress B-complex, and multivite (gummies). Plus a couple of probiotics (Perfect Biotics and Vital Biotics. and a prebiotic Perfect Flora pill—all designed to work together). This in addition to my prescriptions and prescribed antihistamine. If I can’t sleep, I get up and take a Xanax. (The blue-blocking lenses on my computer glasses do help a lot—I wear them after sundown to help my body determine what’s daylight and what’s darkness, so it can make its own melatonin).
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Nancy, the important thing is that you're moving. Hope the hip pain improves.
Sandy, we don't have a Zumba gold either. Our class has all ages and they go at their own pace. Often in Zumba your arms and legs aren't always going same direction. I always pick one to start the song and then try to incorporate the other in after. But sometimes I go right when everyone else goes left. That's called an unexpected solo. I do solos quite often, LOL! And the I just laugh and keep moving. Have fun.
Off to see my BS for 6 months check up. Have a blessed day!
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There used to be the craziest and most amazing Zumba teacher here. She didn't care if you did exactly what she did as long as you were moving. She'd come up behind you and say, Shake that booty, shake that booty! She left the mountain and became a flight attendant. I often wonder if she has her passengers shaking it!
MJ
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Good morning everyone!
I was DX yesterday with Radial Scar/LCIS. I have a surgery consultation this afternoon with a breast surgeon. I have a pretty good understanding of the DX & am so blessed that it wasn't something more advanced. Have any of you had this DX? If so are there any specific questions I should ask today? Thank you in advance & have a great day!
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Poodles, What a challenge caring for Christian. Wow. I hope things work out well for him (and you).
LoveT, Welcome! You've come to the right place for your questions. My Dx is different from yours and I don't recall ever hearing the term "Radial Scar.." Hmm. You will want to know your surgery options and why the BS recommends what he has decided for you. If you don't agree with any of your treatment path, get a second opinion. Also, I highly recommend Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. It gives one of the most comprehensive views and details of your breast, breast cancer, treatments. Even though the field is constantly evolving, it is still invaluable. Others will be able to answer your questions.
HUGS!!
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Hi Ladies. I'm feeling really good today. I met with a Social Worker, nice guy, and got my contrast for my CT scan tomorrow. I see my BS after the CT and bone scans tomorrow and am eager and anxious to hear what she has to say, have her remove these thick gauzes and get my staging confirmed. Seems like my case is just full of twists and turns! Since she said it could be stage III, I just removed my staging from my profile until I know more. I can't get caught up in numbers and such at this point, or I will lose my mind.
I just want to wear my own bra and shave my right arm pit! It's 85% covered with gauze from the lymph node removal, and I am going to have to apologize to her tomorrow for the excess growth. Trying to keep my sense of humor, which used to be quite good.The SW gave me some great resources for support, so I am going to call and register today. He also gave me the book, Turning Heads. He thought it would be good for me to read the stories of ladies who lost their hair. I say I am not really that hung up on the thought, but I assume it will affect me to some degree. Crazy thing is, I really need a haircut right now. Maybe having it cut really funky would be empowering, once I get definitive news that I have to have chemo and assuming my treatment will cause it to let go. Of course I haven't met with MO - do that on 5/31, but both my BS and the SW said that chemo is normal protocol when the lymph nodes test positive. Ok...I know it deep down, but let me just see it in writing.
So much of this is still so hard to believe. Everything has happened so fast. I guess that's how it works. Thankfully, I am nearly a week after my lumpectomy, so I have gotten that behind me. One thing down! Praying she doesn't want to take any more nodes. She eluded to that on the "more bad news" phone call, but I guess we will see what she says tomorrow.
For now, I will finish watching DWTS -- can't believe I have been able to not find out who won, and enjoy some pecan pie a friend made me. So much for less sugar! HA!
I wish each of you a day of happiness and peace. God is good!
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Kim, be really careful shaving that armpit. I know it was months before full feeling returned to it. And you definitely don't want to cut yourself on that compromised side. Use an electric razor if at all possible. My MO says to be exceptionally careful about cuts on my left side. Infections can be bad, worse than on your "good" side. I have a kitty who bites so I am always careful to pet her with my right hand, especially in situations where she seems prone to biting (she has no claws - I did not do that - so biting is her response to things she doesn't like). I've already had 2 infected bites over the years so when she does bite I take immediate action.
I hope your path report comes out much better than predicted. Also, was an Oncotype test run? I'm in your pocket for your MO appointment.
HUGS!
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I saw my BS yesterday. She did an ultrasound of my right breast (she wasn't happy when I had my post-radiation/post-surgery mammogram six months ago that the radiologist only did 2D & 3D imaging). I guess it was okay because she didn't say much about what she saw. She did point out the scar tissue in the breast and said it looked good and there is a small spot of fluid on the DCIS side that she says will disappear.
She is very thorough and I like her, but she has an issue with the RO. He was not her first choice for radiation for me , but I asked for a second choice because the first one was too far from home for me to be able to get to on a daily basis for seven weeks. It is so obvious she doesn't like him. She has told me every time I see her that I don't need to be going to him anymore. She can handle whatever complications or side effects that may come up. I agree she probably can, but I like this man and want to continue under his care. He says he will keep me for at least 4 years. Anyway, the BS was looking over my chart and asked, " Dr (PCP) and Dr (MO) are helping me with your care, correct?" All I said was yes. I didn't have the nerve to tell her that Dr (RO) is still in the picture. I have no problem telling my other doctors I will or will not do something because they listen to my reasoning, maybe offer an option or let it go. BS gets upset and I become uncomfortable. So, I lie (by omission) which I hate!
I had a dental appointment this morning for a routine cleaning. I have had the same dentist & hygienist for about 20 years, so they know me well and are aware of the cancer and AI. He wants to trim my gums sometime before November. Apparently, I have fat gums!
Ain't life grand!0 -
LoveT welcome to this forum! I'm relatively new here myself. It's a shame we have to meet under these circumstances, but it's so good to find other women who are going through what we are going through and get support. I have not heard the term "radial scar"LCIS. Hope someone else here can help you.
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Welcome LoveT! Take someone to your appointment with you to take notes. It is all so overwhelming you can forget really fast what the doctor told you. Kim, I bought an electric shaver to avoid accidentally cutting myself after my alnd. Since you have over 3 positive nodes I would say chemo is a given. They don't even do oncotype DX with more than 3. I had two positive nodes and managed to avoid chemo.
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Peggy, Good advice about the "pit." I didn't even think about it, honestly. I will see what BS says tomorrow.
I have made a phone call to start taking advantage of all of these wonderful programs available to me. Had to leave a message.
Velvet, Interesting that your BS doesn't like your RO. When I told mine who I was using, she was like, "Good." So that's a good sign. The SW is in her office and said I will like her. I did not like when I checked in today that the front desk girl was more occupied with her computer than making me feel at ease. They really don't realize how their dispositions can go a long way to ease a patient's anxiety. Nurses I saw getting patients from the waiting room seemed much more personable. I just think if a person walks in, drop what you are doing on a computer! You can get back to it in less than a minute! Rant over. Interesting that you have "fat gums," though that procedure doesn't sound fun. I think I will change dentist's for my next appt. Haven't been happy with mine since I left GA. Every time I go, it's a new one. I used to love my dentist!
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LoveT, many doctors don’t even consider LCIS to be cancer! (According to Susan Love, she doesn’t think so, either). But it does increase the risk of developing invasive bc (though not as much as does DCIS), so as many doctors recommend removing it as do those who advocate “active surveillance.”
Velvet, it’s pretty unusual to keep seeing an RO so long after you’re done with rads. Mine says he’ll “keep” me too, but only if I think I’m having a problem and call or message him (or my BS, MO or derm notices something that might have been caused by radiation). Are you on Zometa or Prolia? You need to talk to your dentist or MO about whether a gingivectomy (usually done to reduce inflamed gum tissue, or hyperplasia that could pose cleaning problems, trap food, or give you a “gummy smile") is invasive enough to pose a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. I know deep root planing does, but this is surface-only. (I had a gingivectomy 45 years ago and never needed it again).
Trish, in your pocket for your BS checkup. Thanks for reminding me—gotta schedule mine!
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Wow—my BS is booked up till Oct! (A 10-month followup is unacceptable). So I’ll get my mammo and see her NP next month instead—and if the radiologist or NP sees anything untoward, my BS or her partner can squeeze me in.
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Molly, Good information about the Ocontype DX. I guess that makes sense. Well, nothing really makes sense right now.
I do have an electric shaver, but I still have my first husband's, too, that I keep charged and use occasionally on my knees. Since I am a natural strawberry-blonde, (some call me redhead, some blonde, but I prefer s-b) the hair is light, but I still like to shave the knees and below every day. Now if all my leg hair could fall off, that would be fantastic! Is that asking too much?0 -
Something happened between the BS & RO. They used to work at the same breast center. Now he is the medical director of the Cancer Center I go to and she is a breast specialist with a surgical group in the same hospital complex. I read somewhere on the American Cancer Society website about how long to expect to be under certain specialist's care. I need to try to find it again. I will have to screw up my courage and talk to both of them eventually.
I agree with your assessment about front desk people. I usually find my surgeon's receptionists on their cell phones. I check in early on-line, so all they have to do is verify that I have done that and collect my co-pay. I annoy them because I want them to print out my receipt instead of emailing it to me. I worked a public reference desk for 13 years and when a patron approached, you made eye contact, smiled and asked how you could help...all before they opened their mouths.
I am having problems with pockets around my teeth. My dentist wants to trim them with a laser. I guess I'll schedule for September.
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Sandy, I alternate seeing my BS and her PA every 6 months. The PA is every bit as thorough as the BS. They both do an ultrasound and take a thorough history each time. I have no problem with seeing the PA. She's never rushed and takes my concerns seriously.
Well, my mother is being released from the hospital (another UTI. ) She is calling in hospice now and says she wants to have more control. I wholeheartedly agree. My MS sister and I will be down there this weekend and NC brother will be there Mon. The sister who lives there plans to meet with the rest of us to talk about selling the house, so we can present some clear options to Mother.
Got word today that Christian may have a respite provider. I sincerely hope he doesn't have to come home this weekend. I'll be gone for about 10 days, at least. That would be extremely hard/nigh impossible for DH to manage. It could very well put him in the hospital. Fingers crossed.
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Saw BS today for check up. Everything is fine. She said to come back in 6 months, YAY!
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~KB870~
I don't have any pain and I use a Waterpik morning & night. My gums have just gotten bad since the cancer. My dentist thinks it might be the AI (or the radiation). I am going to e-mail my MO tomorrow to see if that might be possible.
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Trish, Praise!!! Thanks for the great news!
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Surgery went well. Just as you all said - a little sore and tired, but not really painful. I had my port removed and that is bothering me the most. Also, my stomach muscles and abs feel very sore - Like I have done lots of sit ups. Do they sit you up during this procedure some? The only time I got a little nauseous was when they gave me fentanyl prior to injecting the radioactive dye to find the SN. Had great medical team and being a nurse myself, I expect quite alot. I usually don't share that I am a nurse because I want them to treat me like any other patient.
You ladies are hard to keep up with
. Miss a few days and miss lots of info. Tappermom - my son just turned 15. He does very well and is such a fighter. His biggest issue is with vision, slower processing speed, and he has bilateral facial paralysis - which is very hard - we miss is beautiful smile every day. But all in all, he does well because he is so determined. I am so sorry about your nephew. It is a hard and long road - prayers for him.
Gardennerd - great news for you!
Kim - hope you are doing well. I know the news caught you by surprise and I am so sorry about that. Did you have the oncotype or mammaprint testing? That is how my BSO determined that I would do chemo first. I will be praying for good scans for you! I was told that there might be a "swishing or sloshing" sound where the fluid is filling in the empty cavity. Haven't noticed yet. And what Peggy said is true - be careful with shaving. The lymphedema therapist told me that from here on out I will have to be very careful with cuts, bug bites, etc. on that arm, chest, and back for that quadrant. I understand about telling aging parents - that was the hardest part for me. It didn't help any that we had just hit a year out with my Dad who had a dissected aorta. I had been helping them and they still could use my help. Truly a miracle that my dad survived that, but he is not himself and most likely never will be. we were hoping to celebrate his recovery, but instead i was having to tell them that their only child had BC. Not fun at all.
I also love sweet tea and McD's - but trying as well to cut out on the sugar, so now I do half unsweet, and half sweet - baby steps
. Oh! ---- and one good thing about chemo - you won't have to shave at all for a while! I tried to focus on the positives and like you said trust God who is ordering our steps. I too had to stay away from google etc. But if you have any questions - I am here. will keep praying that maybe chemo won't have to be for you.JoaniePA - I am so sorry you are not happy with your outcome. haven't had a peek at myself yet. Hoping that healing and decrease in swelling things will be better. Hope 2nd time brings clear margins for you! I am anxiously waiting for my path report.
Blooming - i found some sports bras at Wal-mart that zip in the front. My nurse suggested these.
NCBeachGirl - My surgeon placed a prosthesis called Biosorb. He said the tissues will fill in and the prosthesis will dissove and leave a smaller cavity. It contains marker clips that are permanent making it easier for them to see the area for radiation and for the doctor to easily locate the area where the cancer was. makes it easier for follow up mammograms as well. He said the healing tissue and biosorb marker may feel firm for a while, but that will resolve over time. Does that seem similar to what you have?
Mustlovepoodles - so very sorry about your sons caretaker. I have a daughter with Down Syndrome, so I can relate to how hard it can be to find someone to care for your child that you trust and know will treat them well. Prayers that you can get that all worked out.
I would love to know more about brachytherapy from those of you have done or are doing this.
As always thankful for each of you for caring and encouraging along this journey.
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ML, so glad surgery went well. Gentle hugs
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Update on Christian--I just got word that a respite provider has been located. It's a lady that I've met, who has taken care of him before. Yay! Now I can go down to take care of my mother without worrying constantly about DH.
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Hi Ladies,
Just a quick update on my strange symptoms and bizarre rash. I want to my BS today with a long list of questions and issues. She takes one look at the rash underneath my breast and exclaims, "SHINGLES!!"
Geez, immediately I thought of the commercials and felt 100 years old. Shingles? Well, yeah, the rash did start soon after that first chemo. Guess my immune system took a very fast dive!
Anyway, it's late and I've had a crazy day filled with medical appointments and tests--BS, pain specialist, blood draw, X-rays, pharmacy... Long freaking day. I am so tired!
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NC, I got shingles after I finished chemo and was recovering from a BMX. At first I thought it was poison ivy, but I couldn't think where I would have come in contact with it. Then it started stinging and burning, waking me up hurting at night. I knew right then it was shingles, so I took myself off to the PCP. Yup, shingles. One thing my PCP said is that I still needed to get the shingles shot because I could get it again. Unfortunately, I promptly forgot ( chemo brain--the gift that keeps on giving.), so thanks for bringing it up. I'll try to remember to make an appt to get it soon,
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I notice many of you keep seeing your BS long after your surgeries. As far as I know, I'm seeing my surgeon on the 31st for the last time. I have an MO that I am seeing every 3 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year and once a year for 2 years. He's the one who directs all my treatment and progress and prevention of a recurrence.
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Thank You Ladies!
I know my situation is very different & definitely not as involved as most of you going through the wringer! Bless your hearts! I'm so happy to find a place where there is so much support & information on every level. Thank you to all of you who took the time to answer some of my questions!
-terr
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NC - shingles .... bless you. They are ao painful!! I am so sorry. Did you see my response abt the prosthesis? Just wondering if that is what you have as well. Hope you can get some rest.
Tbalding - so glad to see your good news!
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