Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Kitty, welcome to the sorority nobody wants to pledge, but where everyone is your “big sister.”
There is no such thing as “grade 4:" tumors (based on their cellular characteristics & behavior, aka histology) are graded 1, 2, or 3 in order of likelihood of aggressiveness. There are four stages of invasive cancer (in situ, or DCIS, is Stage 0), determined by tumor size and lymph node involvement (number & location of positive ones). Stage IA through IIIC are confined to the breast &/or its immediate nodes or at most has spread “regionally" but not to distant organs. Stage IV designates cancer that has metastasized to distant organs (bone, liver, lungs, brain). The bone & body scans are to make sure the cancer hasn't spread or if it has, to where (and there is another kind of bone scan, DEXA, to check for density, since some treatments--aromatase inhibitors--can weaken bones, and in that case you will be given bone-strengthening drugs); the echo, since you have an AICD, is important because some forms of chemo (and radiation to the left breast) can be cardiotoxic, and the type of antihormonal (Tamoxifen) that doesn’t weaken but strengthens bones can also cause blood clots—a no-no for someone with arrhythmia.
You’ve got some challenges ahead of you, but you will find answers and comfort here. We are “in your pocket” (present with you virtually) for your test results, scans & appointments. Once you find out grade, stage, hormone-receptor and HER2 status—and what treatments you expect to get—please put them in your profile and make each of those “public” below your posts so we can see that here and more easily help you.
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Kim, I didn’t have chemo, but the women in my support group who did swear by Lemonheads candies to combat the metallic taste (my cancer center has baskets of them in the chemo suite), and popsicles during infusions (especially Adriamycin) to lessen the likelihood of mouth sores.
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Sandy, I heard from another patient who had chemo that Lemonheads were great for combating the metal taste, however, she said she couldn't drink lemonade or eat lemon bars after it was all over. I LOVE lemonade, and we are getting a brand new Chick-fil-a this month 10 minutes from my house. I cannot take the risk.
So, my strategy is to get a flavor of sugar-free hard candy that I don't like to begin with (licorice for example), so if I hate it afterward no biggie. Of course, I may not be able to tolerate and it may not work as well, so I may have to try watermelon or such. It's on my list of things to purchase for my tote bag on Friday. ML, Plastic utensils is a first for me, but my orientation is in 2 hours. I am sure I will learn much then. Just in case not, thank you. It makes great sense!
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(((Poodles))) Sending you big hugs during this sad time for your family. I pray your mom passes peacefully.
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Kim - I did the lemonheads my first treatment. Can't do lemon anymore. This Southern girl always loaded up her sweet tea with lemons .... not anymore. I have a friend who didn't like lemony things before chemo - now it is all she wants to eat. My MO told me it was much like pregnancy and she was so right. I tried hard ginger candies ... made me nauseous and some swear by ginger. I think you just have to figure what works as you go. The soft peppermints and Cape Cod kettle chips ended up being my thing. I could not drink for abt 3 to 4 days after chemo, so I usually went and had fluids a few days after chemo just to hydrate. I found that the fruit tea at Blue Coast Burrito was my go to. It does have lemonade, but it didn't taste lemony plus I diluted it with water. Loved Mexican before .... just now getting to where I think I could try it. Craved Chinese food
. You are smart to avoid the foods you love. About the time you figure it out, this will all be behind you. Prayers and hugs.0 -
ML, Funny, but I have never loved lemons in my tea, but I do in my water and love lemonade. I will find an alternate to lemonheads. Not having had children, who knows what I may/may not crave, but I do hope it doesn't mess with my love of chocolate!
I do love Kettle chips. I really only dislike beets (which is a super food and most greens - collard, turnip, etc, though I like kale) So, the chemo orientation was information overload -- not in a bad way. The nurse was great, but I really like learning some things as I go. I let my DH off the hook then wished I would have had his ears. Everything was printed out nicely, so I just need to follow instructions. They told me to drink 10-12 glasses of fluid during chemo. They said it did not have to be just water, even soups or jellos count. Ok. I would feel like I am drowning with that much water alone, but I know you have to get that stuff flushed out of your system.
Interesting that my fasting glucose in early April was 101, but it was 100 same time last year, so my PCP wasn't concerned. Because I have really cut back on soda and sweets, though I don't completely deprive myself, my non fasting glucose today was 79! I was impressed. I think I will celebrate with a piece of chocolate!
My blood counts were all good to go, so we are ready for my chemo this Friday afternoon. Because I was so ambitious today, I got a wig appointment right after and found "the one." It was pretty darn close to my natural hair color. No complaints, really. Friends said it looked a tad darker, as I was texting them pictures, but loved the style. I liked the simple style, and I personally don't want to deal with this when I may not be feeling well. Check another thing off the list to get done.
I haven't talked to a friend whose DH went through brain cancer with my first DH back in 2009-11 in more than a year. (He lived 2 years longer than my DH, but they had different types of tumors.) I messaged her a couple of weeks ago and didn't hear anything. She finally messaged me today to say she had cancer on her leg (not sure yet if skin or what), and had two successful surgeries. (Yeah for that!) I told her I had stage III BC and start chemo Friday. She was at the doctor's office but said we would talk tomorrow. She wrote that this was insane! (I'm going to be.)
I am so convinced S-T-R-E-S-S induces so much of this! Surreal!0 -
Kim, I am quite convinced that stress plays a huge part in some BCs, including mine. I was caring for my DH 24/7 by myself for 4 years, then BC and he went into a nursing home and died a year later. I was totally exhausted when my BC showed up. Your attitude sounds very positive and that will help you get through chemo. And what a supportive program you are in. My DH was not helpful at my first appointment with the BS. He kept looking at me like I was dying or dead. He also never saw a glass that was half full, always half empty. I went alone or with my SIL to subsequent ones. And I also told him very little and even that was only positive. I couldn't handle the negativity.
HUGS!
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My mother passed this morning at 11:30. It was not altogether peaceful until the last 90 min. We did what we could to soothe her until medication finally kicked and she got some relief. I never want to go through this again.
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oh my goodness, I am so sorry, yet strangely relieved for you. I know when my father passed I was torn between absolute grief and relief that his suffering was over. It's different for all of us. I'm thinking of you all. Nikki
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Poodles, I'm so sorry. Sorry she's gone. Sorry because she's your mom. And sorry that it wasn't peaceful. I hope you never have to go through it again, too. There's small solace in knowing you did everything you could and were with her. There are no other words except, I care. Loads of hugs and a shoulder if you want it.
HUGS!
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must love, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayer
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Oh, Poodles, I am so sorry! Her suffering is over, she is at peace—but she was still your mom. No matter how old they and we are, no matter the circumstances, losing a parent leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. May her memory be for a blessing.
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Poodles, so sorry for your loss, prayers and hugs
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Thank you all for your love and prayers. There is so much to do, it hasn't all hit me yet. I'm so glad that I have 4 siblings to share this experience with.
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Mustlove, I am sorry for your loss and for the difficult time this has been. May you find peace and rest in the days ahead.
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Mustlove- I am so sorry. My heart and prayers are with you. Thankful you have brothers and sisters to stand with you.
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Poodles, I think sometimes it takes quite sometime for it to really sink in. Then you get those "gotcha" moments when you want to call your mom about something and then remember you can't. It definitely helps having your siblings with you. I'm glad they're there. Take care of yourself. And do allow yourself time to grieve - it's vital. Love to you.
HUGS!
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I'm so sorry, Poodles. Once again, PontiacPeggy is the voice of wisdom. I would add from my own experience that, with time, you can allow the memories to wash over you and you will smile. We're all with you in spirit.
MJ
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Hi all,
I just found out I need to have a lumpectomy. The samples were taken by way of a vacuum-assisted, MRI-guided biopsy, and turned out benign but didn't look very good for the long term, and it's questionable whether another area of the mass in question might indeed be cancerous, so they insist (and I'm completely on board) that it all be taken out for preventive purposes.
I'm wondering if any of you had lumpectomies with solid masses of about 6cm and if you needed to look into prosthetic options because of the size. I know I need to talk to the surgeon about this, but I don't have one yet and I'd like to get some input from various sources anyway. My sister had a double masectomy with reconstruction so I luckily have her in my corner to talk to (though her surgeon is too far away to go to).
Any thoughts would be very welcome.
Thanks!
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Sweet_Pea, I am sorry you are here. I can only speak to my size, which was 3.6cm at it's widest point. I had LX on 5/19 and am very pleased so far. It's probable I am still swollen, but for me still having what is mostly mine seems like I made the right choice at this time. I have read that you can certainly have options for reconstruction with lumpectomy, but my surgeon recommended against it for future imaging concerns. She said I had zero fat in my breasts, thus the original thought mine was just dense breast tissue, then 1cm, because even on the MRI it couldn't show it completely clearly. Since I have to begin chemo this Friday, then have more lymph node surgery, then rads, then hormonal therapy for 10 years...whew, I think I am good with no more surgery to my delicate lady parts.
I am sure others can offer you different advice. Once you find a BS, I am sure they will answer all the pros/cons. If I weren't 49, and maybe 29, perhaps I would feel differently. I am ok with just being healthy for now and look forward when all this long treatment protocol is behind me. All the best in whatever you decide.0 -
Poodles - Deepest sympathies on your loss. Hugs coming your way.
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I have a question, last September I had a lumpectomy and 17 nodes removed, how long does it take for the pain and tenderness to go away, or I should ask, does it go away? My breast and armpit hurt and feel tender, any effort to clean, wash dishes just hurt, does anyone have this problem? I was told by my oncologist and lymphedema therapist to use my arm normal and that I had no restrictions or limitations, I am starting to doubt that because I do feel better when I rest.
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Hi ladies. My lumpectomy is scheduled on 6/26. It is being done on an outpatient basis. I received the pre-op paperwork today. It mentions drains, and I cringe at the thought of drains. They sound horrific.
Since my carcinoma is small (0.7 cm), the surgeon feels confident about a good cosmetic result.
I'm thinking I'll have to sleep on the couch for a few days, as we have a waterbed, and I may have difficulty getting up out of it.
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Best of luck to you, nightcrawler! I don't know if all lumpectomies are done on an outpatient basis but mine was. I checked in at about 9 am and was home by 5 (after stopping to pick up pain meds and stool softener - very important!!). I didn't really have pain - mostly discomfort. Are you have a sentinel node biopsy? That was the area that gave me the most discomfort. I found keeping a small pillow under my arm helped.
My mass was 1.5 cm, in the 6 o'clock position. My incision is several inches long but looks good. No mention of drains was made to me and I didn't have any.
I found myself quite sleepy in the days after my surgery - due in part to the anesthesia, I imagine, and also to the healing process. My DH was very helpful. He went out to buy me Popsicles as my mouth was so dry and I couldn't eat much in the way of solid foods right away.
Keep us posted on how everything goes.
MJ
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~mustlove~
Thinking of you at this sad,sad time.
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Mustlove- lifting you up! Find peace and comfort in the happy times you shared with your mother when she was healthy. ♡♡♡♡♡
Teresa
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nightcrawler, my tumor was twice as big as yours, I had an outpatient lumpectomy & SNB, and no drains. Why does your surgeon think you’ll need drains?
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I have had chemo and now a lumpectomy. Leaning towards not doing radiation no matter what. Yes I'm afraid of radiation. Has anyone else not done radiation but had chemo and lumpectomy?
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Nightcrawler- I had my surgery and SNB last Wednesday and my post op appointment today. No drains were ever discussed or apparently needed . My SNB (2 nodes taken out) bother me the most. I haven't worn my regular bra yet as the strap cuts into that area. I bought some fruit of the loom cotton, razorback bras which I have been wearing nonstop for support. I was able to sleep in my bed but was also very comfortable in the recliner with ice for a few days. The good news is SNB was clean as were margins! I will be going back to BS next week for her to put in the Savi in the office and then radiation. Sweetpea, if I were you I would start asking around about surgeons. I had two who were highly recommended and then went with the one whom a coworker just loved- and I'm glad I did. She has been amazing...educating me and my husband and just keeping us calm. Now I just need to heal up for the next stage of this journey.
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Glad to hear you're doing so well, Barb. I also found the SNB site the more troublesome. I kept a small pillow under my arm to avoid skin-to-skin contact. It helped a lot!
MJ
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