Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Judy, I will be praying for you.
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Sandy, Yes, I am allergic to it.. they gave me benadryl and it stopped the itching... I don't know what caused it, felt sick the night before then woke up to sunburnt breast.. and they told me I needed the IV infusion because of the severity.. they do have pills, but didn't want that for now.. I find out today if I need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days, so see how it goes.
Molly, Thanks, I appreciate it
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Judy, so sorry about the Vanc. allergy. I had the same reaction to sulfa (Bactrim) once, and spent the entire morning at my HMO's clinic on a Benadryl drip. Good thing they were able to short-circuit your reaction before it could become anaphylaxis. Hope they find an antibiotic that works to knock out the mastitis (and that you can take it as an outpatient—my mom got a PICC line implanted so she could). If you have to stay in the hospital, make 'em wait on you hand & foot and eat & drink whatever you want.
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Sandy, They switched me to dalbavancin infusion.. they told me to take benadryl before coming and they gave me another dose before the infusion, so no reaction.. and I didn't have to stay in the hospital.. I see the nurse practitioner on wednesday to check it.. I asked why I didn't have my mo check it, but they said she only dealt with cancer.. so I guess the dr. sees you to do whatever you need to have done, then shunts you to the nurse practitioner... so much for dr. visits.. and I really don't like seeing nurse practitioners
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Judy, hope the new antibiotic takes care of the mastitis! And no allergic reaction! I understand where you're coming from on not being happy seeing a nurse practitioner but sometimes they have more time to be with you during your appointment and are a great help. Feel better!
HUGS!
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Thanks Peggy, I'm hoping by Wed. my redness will be all gone, happy that's all it is, it isn't painful, just itches.. I guess the days of actually getting to see the Dr. are over, it's hard getting used to just seeing the nurse because the Dr. is busy with something else
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Whew, Judy. Glad it’s not IBC.
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Judy, hope the antibiotics work quickly and you get some relief from the itching.
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Sandy, I'm so glad it was this instead of IBC.. was worried a little, and Trish, it itches a little, but not bad and it is starting to clear up.. not as red.. so will find out more Wed. when I see the nurse practitioner
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Dalvance does list itching as a side effect—so it doesn’t mean the drug’s not working. So glad it’s beginning to clear up and you can recover (and celebrate the holiday) at home. I’ve spent two successive Fourths in orthopedic rehab centers after knee replacement surgeries—one watching the Macy’s fireworks on TV and the other going up to the rooftop lounge to watch impromptu displays around the city. Hoping to make it to Evanston or Skokie’s fireworks—just too crowded in Grant Park or around Navy Pier.
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quick question...had 1st lumpectomy on June 14th, re-excision on the 23rd. My steri strips from first surgery were still in place on the breast before the re-excision. The new ones they put on are also still on a week later. I had post op on Thursday. Breast Surgeon said everything looked good. Last night the incsion area became very itchy and red. There is no pus or drainage and i do not have a temp. Do you think this could be just from steri strips and not being able to put anything on the incision or around that area? Can i put aquaphor on area with steri strips? Also does not feel hot to touch.
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runnermum, it could be the steri strips. My skin doesn't like adhesives. Maybe a little a little antibiotic ointment would help. Judy , I see an NP at the dermatologist office. I really like her and she takes her time. NP's are very educated and not just a nurse.
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gardennerd
The appointment turned into a total nightmare I met initially with a resident who said," good news it's not cancer." This was short lived because as he was going to start asking about history there was a knock on the door and the breast surgeon that I had the appointment with entered. She said," I'm so sorry. There was a mistake in pathology at the hospital that ran my pathology report from biopsy. You have cancer." I was then handed the pathology report- infiltrating mammary carcinoma with tubal features well differentiated-
I'm a strong person. I had one of my six children with me. But I must say I was in total shock. I wanted to understand the words on the pathology report Yet I couldn't understand anything but cancer that is invading
The surgeon does not recommend a mastectomy but a partial mastectomy/ lumpectomy and sentinel node(s) biopsy
Surgery is July 5th
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Kaso, I'm so sorry that your appointment was a nightmare and that there was a mix up. But glad that you had someone with you? Did the pathology say that there tumor was tubular? If so, I was told on mine that tubular was slow growing and non aggressive. Just take a breath and try not to worry. I had the lumpectomy and they removed 3 nodes. The surgery wasn't too bad and I was back at work the next week. Did they give you any more information? Sending prayers, positive thoughts and a big hug! We're here for you.
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If you have to have invasive ductal carcinoma, tubular is as good as it gets.
Runnermum, sounds like your skin is very sensitive to adhesives (welcome to the club, alas). When the Steri-Strips fall off (or it’s safe to remove them), your itchiness & irritation should resolve very quickly. From now on, look for the words “sensitive skin” on any bandages, dressings, & adhesive tape you buy.
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Molly, Thanks! I'm more used to just seeing the actual Dr.. had bad experiences with both, but guess I'll have to get used to seeing the Np now... I go Wed. to see how the Mastitis is doing... The two infusions I had helped a lot, and the redness is going down, and I am happy it was just this and not the ibc.
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Hello i haven't posted lately, well after my first chemo everything was ok until last week the seroma came back again with a lot of pain. My surgeon was out of the city so i had to go to a family doctor. It became worst until it got infected. My Onco gave me antibiotics and after one week Pus and liquid was coming from the sentinel incision. 4 days after that, the day of the second chemo finally i saw my surgeon and she said she had to open the wound to take everything out. So i couldn't have the chemo that day. She left the wound open and i have to go every 2 days to change a gauze. The first change i felt dizzy my pressure went down very low i almost end up in Emergency until my husband gave me a gatorade and i felt fine. They said that because of the chemo that wound will take more time to heal. Next Wednesday i have the 2 chemo and i am afraid of another infection. Has anyone of you have this.?
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Vivian, I am sorry you are dealing with this. I haven't had issues in this regard, but I pray things will improve rapidly! I finished round 2 of A&C chemo on Friday. I have felt pretty good thus far. I think now that I know what to expect, I was less anxious this time around. Please keep us posted. Maybe someone can identify with your situation. Glad you are on top of getting care as needed.
Kaso, I am really sorry about your shocking news. It is the most difficult part to navigate and process, looking back just two months ago. Know you can feel supported here! Deep breaths. You can get through this.
**My hair started letting go Fri/Sat/Sun mornings in the shower, so DH gave me a one-inch crew cut last night. I did not shed a tear. Doing it ourselves gave me a sense of control, in what was to be an inevitable outcome from the chemo. Glad it's summer.
DH thought I was beautiful, and that's all that matters to me. We are more than our hair! This process is about a path to wellness and wholeness again. 0 -
Judy - thinking of you and praying for a quick heal.
Stephanie - its my understanding that the incisions may take up to a year for them to truly heal. Since my incisions are not exposed I have taken to using lotion I had on hand (no particularly type). And even not so religiously either. But I can tell over time the red/pinkness of the scar tissue diminishing over time.
If you are like me I take each day as a blessing and today an extra pause in memory of some very intelligent men that saw fit that WE needed our independence. Happy Fourth to ALL.
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Gardennerd, Thanks! I have one more infusion of antibiotics and Mon. have my 1st mammo since surgery.. then see the BS.. Pray this will take care of everything... I saw the np today and she told me my mastitis was the worse she had seen... so glad it's getting better...
KB, glad your mammo went well... praying mine goes as smoothly...
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kb870 - glad to hear you are past your mammogram. My first will be in August and so kind of reassuring to hear you describe as "just the usual squish". No doubt stressful. I can only imagine my even returning to the building and having triggers of all the visits. One step at a time for all of us. Glad you've got one step conquered.
Judy - they must have really dosed you with some heavy antibiotics. Not trying to put doubt in upcoming mammo but I think I'd like to have the mastitis cleared up before they squish me. But then who wouldn't want to have their first mammo (after surgery) to be over and done too. I'm SO glad you are getting better. Keep on healing and hope the mammo is as comfortable as it can be. (hmmmm? how is one to say that? I hope you know what I mean)
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I had my lumpectomy in Dec 2016 and they went back in 2 weeks later to take more tissue . Had the Savi catheter for the 5 days 2x a day in Feb 2017. Have pain ever since. My ribs on that side felt like it was broken then it felt like a sponge or something was left in and felt like it was moving down the pain seemed to go away for a bit but now it feels like I got beat up on that side my ribhurts to the touch and a deep pain in my breast. I also get a slight swelling in my calf and ankle and foot when I stand a lot. I was wondering if anyone else has that problem too?
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Kb870 I glad you felt no pain I have to get my first post op mamo this month and am scared of the pain it may cause since I'm still having breast/ rib pain. Hope i am lucky like you to have no pain!!!0
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badboobiesurvivor, get back to your PCP STAT! Demand at least an ultrasound on your leg (and possibly a lower-extremity venogram—an X-ray contrast study to determine if there is any interruption in or diminution of blood flow in the veins of your leg). Leg, foot and ankle edema—in the absence of an obvious benign cause like excess sodium and inadequate fluid intake—especially if painful, can be the result of phlebitis, which can lead to DVT (deep vein thrombosis, a clot in the vein), and is a risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be fatal. It is a known complication of lower extremity surgery, especially knee (and to a lesser extent, hip) replacement. Never heard of it resulting from lumpectomy, mastectomy, axillary dissection/SNB, or brachytherapy, though. Could be a coincidence that began after SAVI, but unrelated. Nevertheless, better get it checked out (and hopefully, definitively ruled out or treated).
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badboobiesurvivor, I also had one calf swell and my pcp had me get an ultrasound the very day I saw him. Nothing was found and the swelling did go down eventually. Please go in and get checked.
I also had internal radiation. Mine was with the contura balloon. I also had some rib soreness for awhile and breast soreness. I developed a seroma that had to be drained twice. My breast was quite swollen for several months after radiation.Ice was my friend. I still have an area that appears bruised but its actually a burn from inside out
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Here's a question ... what's the deal with underwire bras after lumpy - okay or stay away? I remember after the surgery it was a no-no but I'm nearing a year post op now. I'm small so it's not actually necessary I wear them. I had packed the ones I had away and have stuck with exercise style or non wired all year. My thumbs have been acting up (carpal tunnel and chemo SE suspected...issues just keep coming...) and fastening in the back is just painful. I pulled a front closure out of the "wired" bag since the workout style really wasn't going to work on the frilly blouse. I forgot how uncomfortable they are! I'm sure I won't go to a daily wear but wondering if I really need to go bra shopping- which is something I hate doing. The fashion world seems to think someone my size will only want supadded, push up in wild prints or be willing to pay 3x as much for something "normal". I'm neither. And now try to find a front closure...shoot me now
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CC2016, you can wear underwires once you've completed radiation. I also find them very uncomfortable. What I've taken to wearing are padded bra camisoles. I get mine at Walmart. I'm an A cup. Walmart NoBoundaries Cami. In most things I'm a 10-12 Medium. I wear a Large in these because they are junior sizes. I have about 15 of them. I step into them. They are nice and long. The pads do come out for washing. If you are "fluffy" as Spookiesmom says, then these won't work. And if you are much larger than a B cup they wouldn't offer enough support. Some of them have little "hooks" on the straps in back to make a "racer-back" style. You never know what color or style (there's another style besides the one I linked to that isn't gathered at the cups) they will have in stock. I snag new colors as they come in. At $5.88 I can't go wrong. Maybe they will work for you. Good luck!
HUGS!
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I am large-breasted - 44DDD or F, depending on where I buy - at least the left breast is. The right breast shrank considerably with radiation. I went in to Lane Bryant for a fitting and all I could get were under-wires for my size. I have never liked the wires because they pinched, but I was assured I 'would just love them' since my surgery because they would offer more support. I honestly tried, but they were a no-go. I took the wires out, both under the cup and on the side. They fit just like my old no-wires. I have to wear a form in the right cup to keep that breast from sliding around, but that's not a problem. I would have needed the form in the wired bras as well.
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VelvetPoppy, I removed the underwires from some Victoria Secret's bras I got years ago. I find underwires very uncomfortable and really don't need them. Why VS thought an A cup bra needed them I'll never understand. The bras have done just fine without the underwires and they are at least 20 years old
HUGS!
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~Peggy~
OOOH Victoria Secret. I have always wanted to be able to wear something from there, but I guess gigantic boobs aren't considered sexy enough because I could never find anything to fit me. But the guy who stole my identity about 6 years ago was able to get something. He spent almost $2,000 in a Victoria Secret in Austin. I sure hope he looked good in whatever he bought!!! How do I know it was a guy?...I'm only guessing because the thief used a masculine form of my first name & kept my last. It all worked out after about a year of not being able to write a single check in local stores and writing to the credit bureaus to get my name cleared.
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