Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Heartiest congratulations on the retirement! Love the mountains!
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I've had soreness and numbness in my right triceps area since my lumpectomy and SNB. But this morning when I stretched my arm out, the soreness was all the way down my arm. It's also sore if I rub it. Any thoughts?
BTW - I posted this in the May rads thread but wanted to let you all know I had turquoise highlights added to my hair yesterday to celebrate the end of my rads!
MJ
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Congratulations, Poodles. Tappermom, I love the idea of color highlights!
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Had the Lumpectomy 7-7-17. Hurting alot. Wish I knew why? The pain that hurt's the most is under my arm. Is the hardness scar tissue?
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Hi Chewey,
So sorry to hear you are uncomfortable... I had a similar challenge and it was due to the depth of my SNB. There are lots of nerves disrupted during surgery - I found that a better bra (my normal underwire) that gives better support helped along with ice. Question - have you called your breast surgeon to discuss your pain/hardness? Your doc may be able to help you so definitely give them a call. Things will get better for all of us. Thinking of you, please let us know how you are doing as the week progresses.
Kindest regards,
Blipkitty
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Hi Ladies,
Please send your wisdom my way. : )
Anyone have peeling skin on their breast post lumpectomy and before radiation? At first I thought it was excess skin glue from the surgery that I missed in the shower but that's not the case. I'm sure given the trauma to the body and having a bra on 24/7 isn't helping the skin. I bought aloe lotion and calendula thinking that may help. I'm thinking as radiation begins it will get a little worse. Anyone else experience this? Thoughts?
Thank you all! Wishing you well.
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Hello all.... it's been a while. And as per usual I have a question. Lumpectomy in March. Finished Rad. Healed well from both. Have been on Anastrozole about six weeks. Feeling pretty darn good physically.
I am supposed to go see my Medical Oncologist in late August. He will do labs (CBC/CMP. W/OV).
I think I will see him every six months for five years. To be honest, I am wondering why. At this point, What can this very expensive specialist do that my regular physician can't?
I feel as if I have entered a big system created to continue exploiting the diagnosis of cancer after the fact.
I don't feel that way about my surgeon or Radiologist. Or the drug. Just the role of the MO. Just this tail end of the ride. I am tempted to go rogue.
Am I crazy?
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RobinLT, I've always wondered why too. I switched over to my breast surgeon, she orders all my scans, and I like her better. Plus, she feels the surgical area better and knows where she cut, etc. The MO kind of feels the breast area, but she doesn't seem to really know what to feel for. My breast surgeon always reminds me my lump was tiny, and not to obsess. I love her calming words. My primary care doctor has a very good approach as well. Plus my MO is incredibly busy and I always had long waits even though I had an appointment, and my breast surgeon and primary care doctors see me timely. I've actually left the MO's office before, telling her assistants that there are people in the room who need her time more than I do when I've been in a waiting room that was standing room only with people in wheelchairs, or that were clearly in distress.
I did see the MO for the first year after chemo, and then realized she wasn't giving me anymore data than my other doctors were.
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Blipkitty, talk to your RO about your concerns about the peeling skin. Robin, the MO will follow you as long as you are on the AI and possibly on an annual basis after. Their expertise is meds, chemo etc and you want someone experienced to follow you.
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When I moved to Spokane, I found an MO and a PCP. I don't need a BS or RO. My MO is thorough and never rushes me. He's terrific. Lots better than the one I had in Michigan. He knows about LE and all the things to look for. A complete oncologist in my book. He also seems to be up on all the latest research, theories and just "out there" stuff. I adore him.
HUGS!
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DaraB. Chi Sandy: My MO is putting me on tamoxifen. I'm 64 years old and had a complete hysterectomy more than 10 years ago. His decision is based on my need for dental work (I need two implants and a crown) and an aromatase inhibitor would be risky until after I have the dental work done.
After reading some of the comments I'm concerned about the risks from tamoxifen.
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SJI, I can’t imagine why needing dental work would make an AI contraindicated, except perhaps that your MO would have put you on a bone drug (oral or infused bisphosphonate or Prolia shots) with the AI and might want to lessen the risk (albeit low) of jaw osteonecrosis. AIs cause bone loss, tamoxifen doesn’t (may even strengthen bone by a different mechanism than do bone drugs—which are given more to prevent or slow bone loss than reverse it). He probably doesn’t want you to delay starting anti-estrogen therapy, and if you aren’t at cardiovascular risk, a short course of tamoxifen (six months post-dental implants) isn’t concerning. Six months after you’ve healed from your implants & crown, you can switch to an AI. And it might take months after you start an AI for you to need a bone drug (get a DEXAScan to test bone density).
Cataracts are more likely with tamoxifen than blood clots, but cataract surgery is no big deal (had mine done last year). If you’ve already had cataract surgery, that risk is moot. Tamoxifen can cause endometrial hyperplasia, but if you don’t have a uterus you don’t have an endometrium. There are some antidepressants (like bupropion) that compete with tamoxifen for the same enzymatic pathway, but there are several other good ones that don’t—and if you don’t have depression, that’s not a consideration either. (And many women report they tolerate tamoxifen better than AIs).
AIs are a bit more effective than tamoxifen, but with an Oncotype of 11, the difference shouldn’t be much—especially if you will eventually be switching to an AI. With anti-hormonals, you’re in it for the long haul anyway.
As to cancer specialists, my RO turned me loose (except for any questions or concerns I might have) after I finished rads. My MO manages my AI, bone treatment (Prolia) and checks my bloodwork for subtle changes that might affect my recovery—changes that most PCPs might not look for. But she coordinates with my PCP. She sees me every 6 months until either 5 years have passed or I get a recurrence. Same with my BS—only I am now on an annual, rather than 6-month, mammogram schedule. I see my GYN only every 3-5 yrs., now that I’ve had a succession of negative Pap smears, normal pelvics, and negative HPV tests. I’m seeing my PCP oftener these days, but only to figure out why I’m slightly anemic (which developed gradually since before my lumpectomy) or when I get an infection or injury that Immediate Care or common sense can’t (or shouldn’t) handle.
Blipkitty, that peeling skin in the intramammary fold (under the bust) might be a sign of a mild yeast infection—especially if your breasts are on the large side, you perspire, and you spend a lot of time braless. Tell your RO, and he might prescribe something for it (which he might have prescribed for any redness or irritation that crops up during radiation). In the meantime, some soft clean cotton-knit material between your under-bust and bra band (or between breast & under-bust) can help heal or at least prevent further problems. A clean piece of an old plain white T-shirt will do fine, and may help you during rads as well, since it prevents skin-on-skin contact.
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ChiSandy: I have some osteopenia of the lower spine, so my MO is assuming I'll most likely need a bone drug. He noted the tamoxifen strengthens bones. I'm really concerned about depression. I've been on a combination of three drugs for depression for many years. It took a long time working with a specialist before we hit on a combination that worked. One of the drugs is wellbutrin unfortunately.
Thanks for all the good info you provide in the various forums. It is really helpful.
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Thanks ChiSandy,
The peeling isn't under my breast it's next to the incision and on the other side of my nipple. Great point though to watch out for signs of a yeast infection. All the very best and appreciate the perspective.
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SJI,
There is risk for depression on the AI's as well. We all react differently to these drugs. Peggy has had little to no problems on anastrozole (Arimidex) while I just about came unhinged on it. I was fine for nearly 6 months and then started having panic attacks and felt like I had flu symptoms. MO wanted to put me on Tamoxifen but I have a very strong family hx of blood clots, stroke and heart disease so he switched me to exemestane (Aromasin). Except for mild depression (which I tend to have anyway) and some tiredness, I am doing pretty well so far on this drug. I have developed mild osteopenia but I get DEXA scans every year so MO can monitor me.
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Wanted to chime in a bit late to wish Poodles CONGRATULATIONS on retirement! You sooo deserve it! and, having been officially retired for exactly one month, I can tell you that it is the best job move I ever made. I love it, I think you will too!
I like seeing the MO; he is the one overseeing the AIs, and I am comfortable that he will help address any issues that arise (I already switched from Arimidex to Letrozole after issues with the former). I don't feel that my PCP has the specialized skills to deal with the AI concerns. I might feel differently if I wasn't estrogen positive.
That said, I absolutely LOVED my breast surgeon. One of the most, if not the most, awesome docs out there. Indeed, when I had my check up mammogram two weeks ago, the technician took one look at the breast and said, 'You must have gone to Dr, H, right? She does such good work.' However, seeing BS long term was not in the cards. At my last check in visit with BS after scars were totally healed, when I asked her when I would see her again, her reply was "unless we run into each other at the shoe store or a ball game (we discovered that we owned the same favorite shoes, and like me, she is a huge SF Giants fan, though I can't brag about that this year), I hope never."
Octogirl
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Thanks for all the congratulations. So far, retirement is wonderful. We had a lovely, relaxing time at our camper in the mountains. Our house is pretty close to being finished. We had our hardwood floors refinished and they're BEAUTIFUL. I think that alone is going to sell the house. All we have left is to clean inside and out, spruce up the yard, paint the porch, and clean the carpets. I anticipate we'll have the house on the market by mid-Aug.
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Poodles, you are a whirlwind! I can't believe how much you've accomplished in such a short time. It's awesome!
HUGS
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hi, Dara. My cousin had DCIS along with radiation and is post-menopausal. She was also put on Tamoxifen.
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Poodles, a belated mazel tov on a well-earned retirement. Enjoy!
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Hi ladies! I keep saying one more question.
So... one more question. Six weeks out snd my breast is still hot from radiation. Not as bad as the last few weeks of treatments, but obviously still Cooking.
Is that normal
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Greetings! A writer is looking for women's stories on why they chose the surgery they did for BC. He's found several women who chose Mastectomies, but hasn't had much luck finding a woman with IDC / ILC that chose LX. If you are interested in telling your story to a major publication, please PM me and I'll forward you his information.
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Robin, the fact that the “cooking” seems to be ramping down to a “simmer” is a sign that you’re healing slowly. If it were an infection it’d be getting worse. Took a few months before mine cooled down. Remember that the damage is from the inside out and continues relatively long after the zaps have stopped.
Lisey, I’ll PM you.
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I just posted this on the May Rads board, and I'm too lazy to retype, so I copied and pasted here. Hope too many of you don't have to read it twice!
I'm 6 weeks post radiation and I've been having pain the last couple days under my incision and in my armpit. It's not a sharp pain, but more of a persistent ache and kind of a stretching feeling. If I lay on my back, just the gravity pulling down on my breast makes it hurt. I can also feel a very hard area underneath the incision running the length of it, but sort of rounded. When I stretch my arm over my head, it also hurts, as does the area under my armpit. I'm thinking I should be totally recovered from radiation effects by now.
I see my MO next Tuesday and I still have to make an appointment with my RO in September. I don't see my surgeon until November. I'm hoping I get some answers from the MO or at least a direction of where to go, because the pain is making me cranky.
The good news is that the Arimidex is giving me fewer SEs than the Letrozole did. I'm still having massive hot flashes, but they are lessening in number. I've also been sleeping better. I guess I just have to accept that I can only sleep 6 hours a night...which is tons better than the 4-5 of very interrupted sleep I was getting. My hips are hurting, but I don't think much more than usual. I have been taking Ibuprofen at night, which I know shouldn't be done long-term, but if I don't, I don't sleep either. Other than that, everything seems to be ok.
It was good to catch up with everyone...will try to read more often. Summer is busy!
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I got my results back today; I don't have clean margins. Two of the samples still showed the cancer. The good news is it is still all DCIS so no invasive cancer. My BC is recommending another lumpectomy. He is optimistic he can obtain clean margins; if not I will probably need a mastectomy. I have seen that some of you have gone that route-- more than one LX and eventually a MX. Would you recommend more than one LX or just be done with it and get the guaranteed clean margins with a MX. My LX is scheduled for September 12 but I can always switch to an MX. I recovered easily from the LX & still have my breast...2 pluses. Any feedback would be appreciated.
On a side note, I just retired from teaching in June. I can't imagine juggling all of this craziness with a job. I am in awe of all you amazing women who manage to have a career, family, outside responsibilities AND BC, It, initself, is a full-time job. you are truly an inspiration!
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Linwentz,
Being retired is a blessing for sure. I have a happy little retirement job... bookseller at a small indie bookstore.... but I was able to take off as needed. And I erred on the side of staying home... maybe more than necessary. I sometimes wonder if sitting around on my rear and contemplating in my boob all day was a wise choice for so long. I got lazy too easily. Starting back took some adjustment but am now back in full swing and realize it has helped me heal. Nothing like interacting with people you adore and having a job you love, to take your mind off cancer. But I have always loved working.
I don't know that anyone can advise you about multiple lumpectomies versus mastectomy. It's not a one size fits all decision. I personally choose another lumpectomy. But mostly because a mastectomy is a multi step process and I was anxious to leave this all behind me.
But others find comfort in knowing a mastectomy removes almost all of the fear of reoccurance.
No right or wrong answers. Thank goodness. And my favorite part of this site is that everyone honors YOUR journey and simply supports you.
Women basically rock. I am convinced we keep the planet spinning.
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Linwentz, did your surgeon recommend another lx or just giving you options? If you have enough breast tissue and feel confident your surgeon will get everything this time I would do what makes you comfortable. You may consider having a consultation with a plastic surgeon just to see what reconstruction would be like for you. It's not an easy process and is a lot to consider. I didn't have a choice, there was no way my surgeon was going to get clean margins and since my cancer was at 12:00 she ended up taking the nipple. I am glad she did because there was DCIS in the stem. Good luck and do what's right for you.
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Molly50, my bs recommended another LX & scheduled my surgery at that appointment. If I end up having a mastectomy (either now or later) I am leaning towards no reconstruction. Ease of surgery/ recuperation & keeping some of my breast are reasons why I am probably going with the lx. Thanks for your wisdom.
RobinTL, I appreciate your feedback as well. What I enjoy so much about this site is the knowledge that I gain while sharing personal stories with others that are experiencing a similar journey. The decisions I make are mine alone. It is paramount to me that they are informed decisions... & I look to this site to help me make mine!
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Molly50, my bs recommended another LX & scheduled my surgery at that appointment. If I end up having a mastectomy (either now or later) I am leaning towards no reconstruction. Ease of surgery/ recuperation & keeping some of my breast are reasons why I am probably going with the lx. Thanks for your wisdom.
RobinTL, I appreciate your feedback as well. What I enjoy so much about this site is the knowledge that I gain while sharing personal stories with others that are experiencing a similar journey. The decisions I make are mine alone. It is paramount to me that they are informed decisions... & I look to this site to help me make mine!0 -
LInwentz: I had a second lumpectomy. I had IDC initially, but they found lots of DCIS the first time. After the second, there was still DCIS near the margins but not in them. The surgeon said he could do a third, but he thought the radiation would take care of it because there was so little of it remaining. I opted not for a third and I didn't opt for a mastectomy after the first. I'm a "less is more" person.
I agree about admiring people who do all this BC stuff with families, career, etc. I'm retired also. Couldn't imagine doing it with a family and job too.
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