Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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thank you Lumpies for all the encouragement and advice. Am taking it all in. will check in with how hypnosis goes....
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hello ladies! I actually joined this because I just found out two weeks ago my mom has breast cancer. She found out June 1. She goes in for lumpectomy of right and left breast on Tuesday. It has been great reading all your posts to educate myself in this. She is very quiet about it with my sister and I. Still trying to protect us.
One question I have, help with the pain afterwards???? My mom does not take pain meds, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, nothing! I think she has done like a 1/2 tablet of baby Tylenol. So I'm looking for some help to relieve pain afterwards. Any suggestions would b appreciated.
I just really want to b as helpful to her as possible.
Thanks so much and God Bless you all!
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I only had right breast lumpectomy but with lymph nodes removed...ibuprofen will be her friend and if she is in enough discomfort she may take it...I never liked the strong pain meds like Vicodin...but when you go through this sometimes your mindset changes....someone should be going with her to appointments to take notes...I always tried to protect my girls too....they are 20 now and have been great support....good luck dear. Rosie
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I had my surgery in Nov.2011. Dr. ordered pain meds, but I had my husband get just half the order and didn't even use them. Some discomfort but not real pain.
Vickie
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I had a lumpectomy and I really didn't have any pain either. I had some discomfort when I slept but could turn over or lay a different way and relieve that so she may not need any pain meds either. I suppose it is like everything else though with this and each person is different and how it effects them. I am very glad you are there to support and help her with all this. Hugs
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Nicole, if your mom is old school and opposed to pills, try to encourage her to use a gel icee afterwards for a couple days. She will probably be ok with the idea of ice packs because she probably used them on you and your sister when you were little. Having said that, she is going to get used to depending on pills because she may have more than just two lumpies to look forward to. Sorry, but all of it is doable. Hugs to your mom, you and your sister.
Hi everyone else. Hugs'n'kisses
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I'm 9 years post surgery. Had two tumors with DCIS and LCIS. Very talented surgeon removed both and rotated the remaining tissue to make a very well shaped breast, sparing nipple and all skin.
The breast is now half the size of my other one. It's big enough that young male doctors say to just make the other one match and be done with it. But, older male doctors say, "Don't touch the good one!" Haha! I think this may say something. But what is it?
Both breasts are well shaped and attractive less the scars and the dimpling that happens when I lean over. The larger one droops a little but not enough that one would want to get a lift if both matched. One theory is that younger doctors think the perkier, smaller breast is sexier and think making the other one like it would be more attractive while at the same time the older doctors (male) think the big one is hot and must be preserved. You know how you can get those vibes, ladies?
Another theory is that due to our age difference, the young ones don't see me as a sexual being whose future includes passionate sex or dressing to please or wanting my original hourglass figure back and are merely suggesting the least complicated (now and in the long run) surgical option that should avoid various problems including dealing with radiated tissue, capsular contracture, and so on---while the older (middle aged versus baby docs) docs see my larger, unaffected breast as worth preserving.
Having been single and extremely busy for a long time while raising my child, I really haven't had anyone to ask. I'll make my own choice, but still. I was told by one baby doc that I have good values and therefore don't need to be a DD. Well, that's my normal size, doctor! I don't consider restoration to be a matter of having bad values. Another doc said that he'd do fat transfer, but he'd never done it nor had he researched it. He said he'd get it approved by tricky wording to the insurance company. This was at a teaching hospital. I declined. A third said he'd just pop an implant in there, on top of the muscle, but my BC nurse consultant I called from across the country said, carefully, "that is not the standard of care." Insurance wouldn't pay for anyone else.
Now, I've moved to a large metropolitan area. I am going to get insurance but not sure what kind. I hear that fat transfer now is known to make implants less likely to cause capsular contracture and also helps the radiated skin quality which is not really an issue with me so far.
Between the BC treatment (stage 0 but a lot of travelling and some anemia) and two accidents that made it hard to exercise, I gained weight. I'm now 20 pounds over my normal, but my normal is very thin. Trying to figure out how much weight I can lose and still have enough for fat transfer. Also wondering if I wear a 32DDDD now and my smaller breast is half the size of my other one, will I even be able to make up the difference with fat transfer? I think I'll be a 32D when I get back down to a size 4 dress size, so my smaller breast might be a 32B then. Those D and B sizes of course are smaller because the merely signify the measurement difference between the bust and the ribcage, so not as big as you'd think. I don't know that I'd have enough fat on my body though at that weight. I am 18.5 BMI at that size. If I lose 10 pounds only, my bust might be a DD and a C, so I'd have ten more pounds of fat but a larger amount of fat would be needed. I'm going to lose at least 10 pounds because I've resumed exercising and have a hard time keeping the weight on when exercising. I would have to work hard to keep my weight up to a 20.5 BMI.
Wondering if just reducing/lifting the larger breast to the size of the smaller one after it's had as much fat transferred as possible and then adding implants to each so they stay the same height and have as much volume as they normally would is a good idea. I know I need to see a doc to figure this out. Just wondering if anyone here has had this experience. It will be a few months before I can probably get this done. Want to sort of mentally be prepared and have it to look forward to as it's been a long time with a big prosthesis, and I want to be free of it and be able to wear a swimsuit that doesn't have a pocket, not have my prosthesis slip into sight at the edge of my neckline (it's big as I'm big chested), and not have to wear a bra with a nightgown if I want to look nice in it. I'm totally fine with not lifting my bigger side if my smaller side can be made the same size and height. I've seen porn photos of young women with breasts that are much droopier than mine. It would be delightful to have to do nothing to the larger side. But, I have to wonder how that would be accomplished.
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WellSaid, welcome.
I have zero experience with reconstruction but my boobs are also now a D and a B. I have decided to do nothing about it now, but 9 years post, I may be thinking as you are.
I think the reduction may be easier on the body, but there are several reconstruction sites on BCO that might give a more professional and accurate assessment of your issue.
Hope all goes well for you.
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Hi I've been reading through this group for a long time now so I thought I would now say hello... I'm 28 got diagnosed in Feb this year while 30 weeks pregnant with our 3rd baby, I only found It while putting on stretch mark cream. I have now fished my 6 rounds of chemo had the first one while pregnant. I'm now waiting for results of the mammogram to tell me whether I will be having a lumpectomy or masectomy. They are confident it will be a lumpectomy and should be on 6th Aug. I'm so scared never had any type of surgery and hope I won't be in to much pain after with 3 children and it being school holiday. Any way that's me :-) any advice or anything at all would be great.
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This is my first post here. I'm not sure if it's in the right place or not, so please feel free to "tell me where to go" so to speak. :-)
I'm having a lumpectomy next Thursday 7/24, and I'm going to ask friends to help with meals so that my husband doesn't have us living on fast food. What is a reasonable length of time? I'm pretty sure 6 months is way too long :-) but I don't have a good feel for what's appropriate.
Oh, diagnosis....invasive ductal carcinoma, tumor is T2, ER and PR positive, don't know for certain about HER 2 yet.
Thanks for your help!
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Welcome Spinksy and Rwiley! Sorry that you are joining us here, but so glad you have found us!
Spinksy - congrats on the beautiful baby and finishing chemo! You did it!
Rwiley - breathe, note my profile your dx is very similar to mine.
Breathe, you can do this and you will be ok! The waiting is the hardest...but use your wait to your advantage...The Breast Cancer Husband is a good read and I underlined comments that spoke to me to share with husband and care givers...sometimes we do not have all the words. This site has great information on each step of procedure, understanding diagnosis, so read and if you have questions Ask! Ask! Ask!
Select your BC team, choose your appointment buddy, make your list of questions, read the main site regarding the lx&snd procedure and then update your list of questions. Things to do before...get your hair cut/colored, pedi no finger nail polish for surgery, shop for a front zip sports bra (Walmart $10) at least 2 sizes larger, plan on wearing yoga pants, big front zip hoodie, and flip flops day of procedure. Confirm with BS when and how you will receive path results of margins and nodes... The day of procedure expect to come home tired but feeling relief. Most likely you will only need your pain meds for the 1st 24-36 hours and then maybe at night. While taking them take a stool softner
. You will be very surprise at how good you feel...the cloud over your head will have gone and you can breathe. Because you do feel good it will be easy to over do...don't! Watch your arm...the SND is the most bothersome...just the location. Ask your BS limitations on movement...picking up kids, heavy cleaning, hauling laundry...but also ask for exercises and timetable...so you can work on range of motion as appropriate. Let family and friends pamper you...and be kind to yourself and take the time to heal!
Meals...humm a week or 2 of food...it will be 2 weeks before stitches come out, but you know best the dinning demands of your family...the arm is very important so watch it...LE is always a potential threat so ease into every activity as advised by your BC team.
The days before lx&snd enjoy your family and friends...yes it is all very surreal...but soak in the love. Breathe, blow some bubbles, wiggle your toes in the grass, capture pics or video clips of family that make your heart and spirit sing. You will be fine!
Sending calm, confident thoughts&prayers! We will be in your pocket:D {{{squeeze}}}
Rwiley - 7/24 any pocket party requests...playlist!
Spinksy - 8/6 we do get a bit rambunctious...playlist:)
With little children, get some extra help, arms so you don't overdo...your breast will be tender, swollen, hee hee you may wish to take a pic of the girl before and after...I did.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Spinsky and Rwiley, welcome! It's perfectly natural to feel scared, anxious, and more. I can share my recent (June 3rd) lumpectomy (Lx) with you. I was diagnosed on 5/19 a few weeks after my routine yearly mammogram which led to needle core biopsy and then surgery. My BS was wonderful, answered my long list of questions before and post surgery. I researched ALOT and used this site to get info and see others experiences. Outpatient Surgery went really well for me. I had surgery on a Tuesday and me and my husband took off the rest of the week. He drove me & I checked in early 5:30-6am surgery day, changed into hospital gown and footies, then went to get a wire placed for my DCIS site with ultrasound guidance and local anethesia (didnt hurt at all). Then I went for surgery prep. Nurse took all my vitals. Met my BS briefly and went over the surgery plan one last time.Then the tech gave me an EKG which amounted to some taped on electrodes, turned on the machine to get my heart rhythms on a graph (another 1st but no big deal). Next the nurse asked a long list of questions health related. My sister and husband (DH) were in the surgery prep room with me (good for support and extra ears to advocate or take notes). Well one question was are you pregnant? I'm 52 and peri-menopase. My DH and I laughed and I said NO, as that would be a shocker! Next I got an IV inserted in my hand, with local anethsia again. Only a little sting. The Anethesiologist came and met me and discussed my plan. I had General Anethesia (I had only had 1 other outpatient surgery in my life; no complications). Ask about anti-nausea med to be included in anethesia if you want. Then they gave me some med in the IV and wheeled me to OR. I transferred to the surgery table and that's all I remember until I woke up in recovery. It was about 2 hrs surgery. I had 2 breast incisions and 1 incision under arm for SNB sentinnel node biopsy x3 removed (all negative!!!) They used large steri strips covered by pads and dissolvable stitches. Wear comfotable clothes, a front button shirt, a cotton sports or like bra preferable front hook and a size or 2 bigger. I checked out around 1pm. They sent me home with pain med and stool softner (my husband got at hospital pharmacy). I rested and my kids came up to check in. Got some phone calls from other family & friends too. Make sure to rest, you'll need it! My husband did meals the following 4-5 days. I mixed up crockpot chicken noodle soup the night before surgery and put it in the frig and we put it on to cook the next morning while we were at the hospital. That was a great plan and we got a few meals from it. My appetite was light, but be sure to eat a little and drink lots. It helps flush the anethesia from your system.
I used ice for 15 minutes every hour on my incisions. This helped with swelling alot. I wore my bra 24/7 for 3 days until I was allowed to shower on day3. One of the best showers ever! Support the girls and keeps stitches from pulling/gravity! Took pain meds for 1st 24 hrs the figured out they gave me a headache, so switched to ibuprofen. Get your doc to prescribe a 600mg tablet if you can. Day 2 I slept alot. Day 3 was better and I napped a couple times, but much shorter, got outside some on our patio, and had more visitors. I also used the stool softner on day 3 to get a BM to follow. It worked! I returned to work the following Tuesday and worked 1/2 days that week. Stitches healed nicely. At post op on 6/12 (9 days post surgery) the doc removed the final steri-strip (I was instructed to not take them off as they would come off themselves). I then began using vitamin E oil (found at Fred Meyers in health/organic section) and pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol) twice a day on my scars. They are really flat and look good.
Well take care and keep us posted. You'll do great! (((hugs)))
Mari
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omg help! They cancelled my rad today as a part won't be in until weekend for repair. So adds an extra day and now next Monday is my last instead of next fri. THIS SUCKS BIG TIME! I was so ready in my head for Friday, was planning dinner out with friends etc. Friday to finish was perfect. Who can I yell at?! I cried on the phone when I called them back to say I would come at any time if it was done today...please please please. But won't be fixed until weekend. Ahhhhhh it feels like they are adding 3 extra days, from fri last day to now Monday. It's like Im always going to remember the end of treatment this way, with a postponement and extra weekend to wait. Ugh!!! Because I was so ready in my head to be done. Have to change my mindset now. Need to get out maybe and expend some energy now, before I hit something! I try so hard to be in control but so often with this stupid disease we aren't. And just when I was seeing the finish line I now have to wait 3 more days, which seems like an eternity. Monday will seem just anticlimactic now. Ranting/raving on as many forums as I can!
Cindy, I didn't get selected for CFR. I wanted so bad to go this year. Heard do many good things. Would have been 6 wks after finishing radiation and almost 11 months after diagnosis and would have been perfect. My region encompasses so many states and is in Skytop lodge PA in the poconos. They said many applicants. I wasn't alternate either. They will automatically put my registration in for next year, which will be 2 yrs after dx! will I still want to go then? I hope this whole experience will be a distant memory ( nightmare) by then, (although it will always be with us, right?)
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Lisa, you can rant all you want! We understand your frustration!!! How many machines in your center? Mine has 3 they told me. Hope we dont have breakdowns ever.
I hope I hear if they can change my appmt time for session #2 next Wednesday so I can leave in afternoon to set up camp vs. sit in rush hour traffic after treatment (they gave me 2:24 pm vs the 11am or 1pm I asked for!) I will try to get a ride along for Wed/Thurs/Fri so I can at least use the HOV lane coming home or to camp. I just decided I'm calling them again today to see if my request is accommodated. No one has called me back when I asked Tuesday. That's my rant!
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thank you mripp, yes! I decided to call, again and ask if I could use the other machine. There are 2 and I am set up on the one that needs repair. There are 2 sides and my treatment plan is set up on the other one, she said they usually don't do this but they could re calibrate it for me (I'm on boosts now) but it wouldn't be ready for me until 4:00. I said OF COURSE as long as it's correct etc!! So thank god I can go back to my original mind set of next Friday! ( god forbid if there is any other delay or breakdown), but at least I know I can ask, implore, demand (lol) to use the other machine no matter how long it takes to set it up. Us BC patients can't wait and watch out when we are determined. (Why didn't they give me that option initially...probably because it means more work and that someone probably has to stay later BUT I DON'T CARE!)
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Lisa - rant! Ugh
during rad the door broke at my center ...I asked if they had another location so I could stay on schedule...they did so I drove 45 mins more to get her done...door was down for a week. Breathe, enjoy dinner out. Controlling our mind sets can be hard...we've been through so much. CFR sorry, it's such a wonderful opportunity. Stay on the list. See if there is a NY women's fly fishing association...there's always a local group that volunteers. TWFF supports and provides volunteers for CFR and they do many outings during the year...my guide at CFR is member so fun to reconnect . YOu WILL want to go...fingers&toes crossed for you Love the run avatar:DMripp - hope you get your time slot! Can you make plea in person... I've arrived early and been squeezed in...never know best wishes...countdown
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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YES! Per suggestion of mripp asking how many machines there are at my center...(there are 2), I decided to call, again and ask if I could use the other machine. I am set up on the one that needs repair. my treatment plan is set up on that one and they said I would always be using that one. the machines are a little different and she said they usually don't do this... but they could re calibrate it for me (I'm on boosts now) but it wouldn't be ready for me until 4:00. I said OF COURSE as long as it's correct etc!! So thank god I can go back to my original mind set of next Friday! ( god forbid if there is any other delay or breakdown), but at least I know I can ask, implore, demand (lol) to use the other machine no matter how long it takes to set it up. Us BC patients can't wait and watch out when we are determined. (Why didn't they give me that option initially...probably because it means more work and that someone probably has to stay later BUT I DON'T CARE!)
I wouldn't have called again, but when mripp put the bug in my head I said, hell, why not ask.
Thank god for you girls. When we are not thinking its good that someone else is, even if just a little prodding and nudge
Thanks Cindy for the info on CFR. I will keep my name on the registration
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I got my Wed 7/23 changed to 7:54 am! YEAH!!! Decided driving in for rad at 2:24pm on Thursday and Friday is fine cuz then I won't have to get up at crack of dawn and drive almost 2 hrs. Camping trip here we come!
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mripp, yipee we both made good changes to our schedules. Yes!
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TGIF! Yippee
Lisa & Mripp ! Glad you both were able to get your rad centers to work with you and accommodate your needs...0 -
I wish I had discovered the Lumpie lounge sooner. I'm having a lumpectomy on the 23rd along with SLN. The plan is radiation and hormone therapy. Hopefully, all will go as planned.
However, I have huge concerns. Not so much for myself but how I will be able to care for my hubby. He has Parkinson's and had a heart attack 4 years ago. My days are spent "tossing" him around: getting him in and out of bed, on and off the toilet, pushing him up to the table and back out, in and out of his chair. The hardest is getting him in the car. None of these are 100% of the time but on bad days it's close. I cannot leave him alone longer than about 15-20 minutes (walk the dog). So my caregiving is extremely physical. It gets very tiring and I'm 69 in good health (at least I was
). I've been doing this without help for 4 years.
My sons and one daughter-in-law are tag-teaming so I'll have 2-1/2 weeks of help with hubby post surgery. Is that going to be enough? They live on the west coast and won't be able to come back and stay. My sister-in-law has been very supportive and I'm blessed to have her.And the kids have been great.Anyone who has been in my shoes I would appreciate advice.
Thank you to everyone who has posted here. I've read over half the postings and picked up many valuable (I assume) tips and insight. You are all so brave and strong.
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PontiacPatty - Welcome to the Lumpie Lounge! Wish you did not meet our qualifications, but so glad you have found us:)...ugh the BC
Breathe, you will be able to do this and it's sounds like you've got a good support team to help...but it's hard to switch gears and begin to put your needs first...but you must so that you can heal!
You might try over the next few days seeing if you&DH can work it out with your arm held back...just don't throw something else out of whack. I'm sure DH understands he needs to help more. My hubby has bladder c and spent months in hospital most in ICU in coma...came home with horrific cafe schedule of infusions, TPN food pumps, irritations, and vitals and moving a man a foot taller and 100# s more even with a walk is a job. Home Care not what I had hoped it would be and no family in the area...so it was just us...
Please talk with your BC team,,,your BC needs to know you will have issues...call your insurance rep and discuss, talk with the BC Centers medical social worker...share and ask for help. Are you member s of a church? Check out Caring Bridge...your kids can help get you set up to receive help via that means...there are many wonderful people out there who bless people with their service...so please reach out for help and accept...it won't be a great as you...but it will be given in love
We will be in your pocket{{{squeeze}}} and you will be in our thoughts& prayers.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
The lx&snd will go well. You will be surprise how great you feel after:). Keep on your meds the 1st 24-36 hours...have some meals predone, watch your arm, LE is something to consider. Confirm how and when you will get results of nodes&margins. Ask about arm use and range of motion exercises and don't be an overachiever just slow and steady...take good care if you!
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Spinsky and Rwiley
Hope you are soaking in family and friends this weekend...hug those babes:)
Loading up your pockets.
Cindy
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Thanks, RMLulu. I've read many of your encouraging postings. You know exactly where I am. DH is also 80 lbs heavier and 6 inches taller. And there's nothing heavier than deadweight which he often is. He has kidney cancer and we are waiting to hear what will be done about that.
I'm lucky that I'll have my sons here for nearly 3 weeks so shouldn't have to toss DH around. That will be lovely. And getting a good night's sleep will be heavenly. Poor guy is up 2-6 times a night, which means I am since he can't get out of bed by himself, on or off the toilet, and back in bed. The boys haven't seen their dad in 2 years so, even though I've told them how he is now, they are going to be shocked.
I do plan on taking care of myself. I have told everyone that I have care issues. We'll see how things progress and I don't plan on overdoing. Not a member of a church. Thank you for ideas of sources I could tap.
You take care too, Cindy. Can't tell you how much your support means!
Peggy
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PontiacPeggy - best suggestion home care nurse gave was for us to sleep in separate rooms. Please conside...the night before your procedure have DH sleep I another room hopefully with 2 twins and have your sons rotate into room with dad...that way you get a so,I'd nights sleep going into surgery and over the next few weeks...it makes such a difference...I was fortunate hubby had foley so he didn't have to get up in the middle of the night also nurse told him I was off limits 12-8
)) I could rest.CaringBridge check it out!
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RMLulu, I had planned to sleep separately. I have a baby monitor and the boys can use that if they don't want to share a bed with their Dad. Hubby's short term memory is quite bad a lot of the time so he wouldn't remember that I'm off-limits.
I think having the boys care for him is going to open his eyes to how much I do. A good idea to sleep separately the night before. I was considering it but hadn't decided. The butterflies have landed quite heavily. I will check out Caring Bridge.
Thank you again!
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Friday night and yesterday I got to go to a large scrapbooking event. I was with several friends, and although I didn't get all that much scrapbooking done, I did get in a *lot* of visiting, laughing, and hugs. For me, that was as important as the scrapbooking.
I've got more questions. I bought a couple of sports bras, one my current size, and one a size larger, but I'm kinda confused and need your help. The surgeon is going to be removing a bunch of tissue. I realize there will be some swelling, but why the need to buy a larger sports bra?
Also, realizing that we're all different with regard to pain levels, assuming the surgery goes as planned: lumpectomy and SNB, how incapacitated will I be with regard to left arm movement/usage?
Thanks!
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you won't be incapacitated, exactly, but it really best to treat yourself gingerly at first. you may feel better than you would think, but really, everything needs time to knit back together and heal, it is the best chance of less problems later. i didn' buy any bras until after, just used the after surgery one they gave me. they will give you a little bit more direction with what you should be compliant in doing.
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Rwiley - scrapbooking fun
The larger front zip sports bra accommodates swelling, bandages, and prevents rubbing especially underarm. Your BS should have a list or booklet on range of motion exercise and guidelines...at discharge RN should provide some info too. I was not advised not to lift my arm above my head or lift more than 4# ...hubby was a terrible hairdresser shampoo boy so ponytail time.
You will feel great! You will not be incapacitated just need to be aware and use caution..let everyone pamper you...great excuse not to haul laundry, take out the trash, or major cleaning or hauling 2 kids in your arms...just be careful...you will be fine!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Hi we had a great weekend at my parents caravan with the kids by the pool. I've got an appointment tomorrow to go over exactly what they will be doing I know it will definitely be a lumpectomy now with some nodes to test, also it will be on the 6th Aug so scared never had surgery before. But on the other hand exciter to get the horrid thing out. I am now starting to get fed up I really want my hair back it's starting to grow a bit.
Does radiotherapy make your hair fall out because I've got to have that after surgery ahhh just want it all over now.
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