Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Charusa: Yes, the tatoos are perm but I know some do ink and put tape over it or something like that but really, I'm glad I went with the tatoos - didn't have to worry about washing away the ink, etc. They are very small, like a pin point - can't see the one in between anymore but can see the ones on the side - they look like small blue freckles, not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things! When it was done, reminded me of when they first put in the novacaine shot at the dentist.
Cybermab: That is GREAT news!!!!!!! I remember being apprehensive when I went in for mapping, it was so much easier than expected and I got myself all worked up before - I think the worst part was the young man who was the tech was awesome, funny and HANDSOME so it was a little embarrassing laying there with a deformed breast while this handsome (20 years my junior) mapped out my breast!
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mripp ~ I had a wonderful appointment with the PT lymphedema specialist yesterday. The LE not in my head…….it's in my breast, arm and trunk. I am so grateful I am getting this issue cared for. Exercise and massage is the key along with wearing my sleeve when exercising, flying and in the mountains. I will see the PT/LE once/wk for 6-8 weeks.
I must say, I have made the acquaintance of lovely caring people in my journey but I am sad that I have had to refer myself for wound care, HBO therapy and LE treatment. I feel no one is helping me but my friends/sister on this sight and me. Lemonade out of lemons. At least things are going in the right direction.
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TGIF & Happy 4th of July!
Cakes - glad LE appointment went well...takes time, but so helps! At my BS checkup this week, he carefully points out to the young resident...the now subtle LE brushes arm to show how to move it...resident just seemed a bit uncomfortable ..perhaps felt line looking at his mom.
Charusa - the tats are so small you really gave to hunt for them!
Cybermap - yippe! Good News
Hope everyone is healing well...taking no c vacations...and rads is going well!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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I'm back and Italy was wonderous! A couple of quick pics of my DH and myself in Florence and Verona and the painting is on the ceiling of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. It was all unbelievable.
Cindy, so happy for you on your MRI. Happy Dance!!!!
BigD, how's it going? I was in Cindy's pocket with you in spirit.
Really tired so headed off to beddy bye. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
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beautiful pics Red!!!
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The pictures of Italy are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I haven't been here for a while, but grandkids are visiting and early to bed gives me some time to catch up on reading the threads and seeing progress of friends. I'm doing well so far, after a set back with very mild LE. But as we all know better safe than sorry. The PT was very unimpressed with the swelling as I know she sees much worse. But she did measure me for a sleeve so I could get the right one. I ordered from Lymph Divas on the BC website. Quite sassy if I must say so!~
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Hi ya Lumpies!
RedReading - wow, what fun! Good for you 2...enjoying your retirement
. Love the pics...moreMiminiemi - grand kiddos
happy dance memory making times! Grr...LE. I live in my sleeve and compression bra...can't get that last bit out of my arm or chest...but RO said that MRI noted the reduction in fluid! Really? I've worked or PT has worked hard to reduce...massage, pump arms, breathe. Which sassy one...I've got a dragon tatto! Need to go kick something...Hope everyone is doing well. Speedy healing...remember to take no c vacations along the way...it really does help...living my new normal!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Cindy, I don't get to retire for another 8 years. I need the benefits. Once I'm 65 the govt will pay most of it but until then I've got to work. Sigh.
But I'm going to be taking some kick butt vacations in the meantime.
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Just catching up - what great photos!!!!!!!!! So happy to see them - Red; the one with you two and the statue cracks me up!!!!
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Dogsneverlie, apparently it is good luck nowadays to hold Juliet's breast. My hubby was giving it all he had. Lol.
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Hi Girls,
I had a segmental mastectomy about 6 wks ago. They took a bit chunk out. The breast that has cancer is pretty swelled up and hard where the cancer is. The surgeon had already aspirated some a few weeks ago. I do not have fever, nothing is red. Is it normal to be having pain 6 wks in??
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Dancingdiva
I believe some pain is quite normal. I had quite a bit of pain for probably 6 months after my surgery. That was in November 2011. It is fine now. I no longer get those sharp shooting pains, which my RO said was caused by the nerves healing from all the handling during the surgery and my internal radiation. I developed a seroma and had to have it aspirated 2 different times. IT DOES GET BETTER!!. The BS told my husband that even though my tumor was small, he removed enough tissue the size between a golf ball and tennis ball. That breast is quite a bit smaller than my 'good' one, but at least it is here!! Good luck with your healing process....Vickie
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My sassy LE sleeve is paisley print that looks like a tattoo up my arm and on my hand (gauntlet). I haven't worn it much lately as almost all swelling is down. The surgeon could still see some, but my hands and knuckles look normal now. I do feel tightness in my breast that was not there before the LE episode. But not pain. Swimming at the lake has helped tightness in my shoulder. The swelling was very minimal, but I sure don't want it to get out of control. Careful ladies. This is a lifelong "be careful" kind of thing. I hadn't realized that. I thought after healing of surgery, it was OK to go back to normal lifestyle and not protect that arm. I was wrong or might I say, poorly informed.
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miminiemi...my arm is not swollen...I asked pt about sleeve to prevent LE and she sounded like I would want to have one if I was flying...but I asked about exercise and if I needed one and she said no to just be careful about bug bites to that arm and blood pressure...the first girl at the pt center who explained about lymph system said I should wear one if I was kayaking...so I am getting conflicting info I think!
Should we protect the arm even when there is no sign of LE when doing exercises or activities?? That was my question yesterday to massage therapist.there who was working with me...thanks for any clarification! Rosie
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Hi ya Lumpies!
Dancing diva - give your BS a call...I did not have pain, but some discomfort, tenderness, and hurt to put pressure on her. We are all different so call and ask! Sending healing comfort your way:)
Red - wow, long vacations! How fun. I retired early and we made plans and than hubby fought c than me...we are planning some big trips now that we've caught our breathe...your DH just found an excuse to feel her up!
Rosie&Mimi - LE ugh:(. A lifetime of being careful on alert and proactive...besides the sleeve looks cool:). But yes take good care...LE is not kind.
Vicks - thanks for the encouragement...:)
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Hi everyone I'm new here and have a few questions!
I was dx with LCIS after a stereotactic biopsy this week. I had a contrast MRI done today and am scheduled to see BS about a lumpectomy. I'm not really sure what to expect with a lumpectomy? I was thinking it was just a more involved biopsy? Now I've been reading some of the threads and I'm a little concerned. Am I going to have to take off a lot of work? This is in my right breast , I'm right handed and am a dental hygienist so I have my arm raised a lot and work with it a lot!
I would really appreciate anything you can share with me!
Thanks! Lorri
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Lorri - Welcome, but sorry that you qualify to join our lounge...grr this BC:(
Breathe, you are in the hardest part...waiting. You've got some great questions so start writing them down, read on this site all about lumpectomy sentinel node dissection and your pathology report. Select an appointment buddy to go with you and make 3 copies of your questions...BS, apt bud, and you. Our minds are already on stress overload so you ask and your buddy records the answers. If you have any concerns on how your breast will look ask if BS has pics, can draw on your body, or visit a ps...so much depends on where your c is...so ask.
I felt good after lx&snd, but you want to know when BS says you may return and how much activity for your arm. I was very cautious with arm...but not in position that required heavy use of my dominant arm...desk job 2 weeks...not sure what to say other than ask. Just don't overdue and don't stress out...it's important to heal...not just your body...you too!
We will be in your pocket {{{squeeze}}}
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Rosie- from what I can tell heat, repetitive motions, and heavy lifting are to be careful about. The lifting seems to be mainly more than you typically do. I did all three cleaning the garage. It turned suddenly hot outside, I hauled all the heavy stuff out, and swept the place clean. LE showed up that night and took two weeks to go down. Hope that helps
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Lorri- I had Lx left and SNB x3 with 3 incisions, 1 under aerola, 1under breast where meets chest/rib cage and 1 for lymphnode under arm on side. My incisions healed quickly by my post op 6/3 surgery to 6/12 postop. After that I've been using pure vit E oil and pure 100% Aloe gel twice a day (until rad starts) and my scars are flat and look really good. Try it! I had a ton of questions and wrote tem all down. I had a copy for my BS and he went over them in detail for me and answred ALL of ghem. Made my anxiety level way better.
I have to say that I've been healthy my whole life and only ever in the hospital to deliver my 2 boys which was a breeze and naturally, no meds. So this is a new journey for sure! I only have went for preventative caee except a couple bouts of strep in past years. But mamm screening found my BC early. Thank God!
My experience: Lots of waiting between procedures and next appointments. Make sure to ask for a hard copy of your pathology report and have them explain diagnosis, type, grade, ER PR status, HER2 (if applicable), recurrence, treatment recomnended, followup care, diet, side effects, short term and long term, risks and symptoms for lympedema, etc.
Dx on 5\19, Lumpectomy Surgery 6/3. Day of outpatient surgery was very smooth too and the nurses and docs were great. I arrived at 6am. They did the normal physical, weight, blood pressure, questions about health. Then I had an EKG, Next I had to get a wire placed to mark my Lx spot. They used a local anethesia and it didnt hurt at all. Then I had an IV placed on my hand for the general anethesia and the other meds. My surgery lasted about 2 hours and I woke up a little after noon. We (my husband and sister) met the doc briefly after and he said it went well and I had good margins. I was on my way home by 2pm. They gave me pain meds and I only took them for tge first 24 hrs as they gave me a headache. I switched to ibuprofen. I iced the incisions for 15 min every hour and this helped alot. I recommend you take at least 2-3 days off work and have a caregiver fir meals and to help you if needed. I rested alot the first 2 days and the following week worked 1/2 days. My boss is very supportive and health is #1! If you want a list of questions to ask, pm me and I can send them to you. Wishing you well and we're here for this journey!
PS I start my rad on 7/22 for 6.5 weeks daily. Next phase beginning.
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miminiemi...yes , your story does help me figure things out with LE. I saw my therapist today and said I was confused...she clarified that repetitive motion ( like you said) and heavy lifting could make it flare up...I think I should get a sleeve in the event I do activities out of my norm...kayaking, or other strenuous things...she also mentioned about heat as I have upper back neck issues and had been using a heating pad....not directly on that side but now I know not to use heat. How are we supposed to learn it all and remember it for the rest of our lives??? Yeeks!! Thanks! Rosie
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Hi All , the date has finally arrived. I am scheduled for my ALND tomorrow, Friday 7/11. Very anxious and nervous about the next phase of this journey. Any support or words of wisdom for after my surgery recovery is welcomed. And preparation for chemo. I tried to post and engage in the forum before, during and after survey but I think because I am not having a Mastectomy I didn't get much response ( I have currently been diagnosed with occult primary BC --meaning no tumor found). Hopefully the Bs finds the primary during the surgery. Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom and sharing your experiences.
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hi, ladyb1234,
I can not give much advice as to your particular situation, since I had lumpectomies and sentinal node biopsies, and did not go through chemo. But I can offer you my support. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Good luck with your surgery, and hope they can find the primary tumor. Try to relax and not worry. The ladies on these boards are a great source of comfort and information. Hopefully someone else can chime in with more advice.
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ladyb1234 - in your pocket! {{{squeeze}}} ALND is a big SND so expect to be swollen tender be very careful with your arm. Confirm with your BS when and how you will receive results of path! Ask your BS or discharge nurse what are your arm limitations and ask for exercises and timing! LE will be issue so error on the cautious side of arm care...so be careful. Front zip bra with extra room...just watch the arm...the area takes time to heal, you may have a drain, so top with pockets, but you will feel relief because you are moving forward! Stay on top of meds and take stool softener...and breathe...you got this...we are here for you!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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hello lumpies!
Well from the CT scan results, I apparently have a 7 cm hematoma where they took out the C. That's prob why it hurts and is hard like a rock. Will be seeing BS in a week.
Am starting AC this week. Ugh! Scared as hell of going through it(hours with IV) and SE.
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ladyb1234, We're here for you and this site has many informational sections. Schedule a post surgery consult with PT to learn about LE. That is what I did. I see my PT on 7/22 and will keep you posted. post surgery ice 15 min every hour helped me alot the first 48 hrs and lots of rest. ((((hugs))))
Mari
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Dancingdiva.
No wonder you have been having pain. When I had my surgery, on a Friday, by Mon morning the breast was swollen HUGE and deep purple in color and I had a little split starting. Called my BS, went in to see him (75Miles away). His office gal told my husband they had never seen such a large hematoma.
The next morning I was in surgery again, this time he removed 1000cc of hematoma. Much more comfortable when I woke up. Took a long time for it to heal, but also I had the contura balloon inserted and started brachytherapy rads just a few days later. All is okay now.. 2-1/2 yrs NED..
Vickie
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Dancingdiva, LadyB, and anyone else that is going to start chemo...chemo is very frightening but is very manageable. I have panic/anxiety disorder so things are a bit intensified than the norm for me and I got through it. The worst part of the AC was constipation. I didn't realize the first round how bad it was going to be so I was better prepared rounds 2,3 and 4....so stay on top of that. Take the meds they give you to combat nausea I was fortunate not to have an issue with that but my eating habits did change the first week post each infusion and I wanted comfort foods....creamy comfort foods like mac and cheese and home made potato soup. I did receive the nulasta shot 24 hours later and soon found out what days and how many days I would have aches and pains. Usually a week later I was feeling better, week 2 my WBC was back to normal and I was going about normal activities. I had 4 DD of AC every 3 weeks followed by 4 DD of Taxol. I had more of a problem with the taxol then I did the AC but also manageable. Mostly it was just aches and pains for me. There are a lot of side effects I did not experience at all and some didn't show up (mildly) until the 3rd round. The taxol made me hungry all the time and I gained weight which is annoying but just have to pick up the diet where I left off. The AC was just a couple of hours, the A part is pushed and the C part is the drip. They had to slow down the rate of the drip for me b/c it was making me feel lightheaded but I can't take benedryl so I may have had a reaction you may not experience. Gosh all this sounds like it was all so long ago...so yes you will get through it and kind of forget it.....I had chemo first, then surgery and now I am heading to radiation once my dr gets back to town....hopefully it is the final frontier....it helps to bring a friend to chemo, I had my sister who kept my mind off of things and made the time fly by. Hope something I wrote helped you!!!
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Weekend Lumpies!
Hope everyone enjoys!
Dancing diva - ouch. A hematoma...makes sense you hurt...BS will make it better. Breathe, we will be with you in chemoland. Pack a bag, playlist, iPad, books, blanket ( they will furnish but you may have a favorite) the big C is a problem so take your meds, molasses helps, and try and chill. Join a Summer/July chemo thread and walk through with others...it helps to not feel alone. I didn't do chemo, have sat at chemo with GFs but can't even begin to know or understand...one day at a time ...we will be here for you {{{squeeze}}}
Charusa - thank you for sharing...these threads help so many be playing it forward...a comfort and encouragement.
Ladyb - hope you are getting help for LE! Stay on top of it...prevention is everything.
Yesterday, was my 1sr infusion of Zometa. Went well...a bit achy and sleepy...ready for nap time. Got my blankie and pjs curing up...zzz
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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chemo is doable...I had TAC...kept ahead of nausea with pills that made me sleep...neulesta shot: took Claritin a day before and then 1 1/2 dose for the next week....I ate good but favored snack pack pudding, sweet potatoes and baked chicken from grocery store...my sweet teachers at school provided meals every Tuesday and Thursdays from January to June!! So I had different foods and awesome support system!!
After the first session, my symptoms were predictable except the fatigue that would creep up ! All in all I would say it felt like the flu for me...by the 5 th one, symptoms lasted longer but were manageable...then it's done and it's the best feeling!!! Now radiation and it will be done soon too...we have a lot to celebrate...new beginnings!!! Rosie
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You guys are doing great!
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