Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Autum, my BS gave me a pink bra in her office, front velcro closure, velcro on straps, with a loop on each side to hold a drain bag, she fitted me at the preop appointment and said it is a standard surgical type, It was $60. I forgot the brand name but could find out in a day or two, have to find the old wrapper and figure out how to post pictures ( sadly, no tapatalk option for this forum). Perhaps others got a similar one from their BS and could post? I had bought a couple online but they were not as nice
I slept upright on a type of special sit-up pillow you can get on amazon that supports head and has armrests to prevent slipping and rolling down, plus a puffy down pillow right under the side with the wound, and DH was there to bring me icepacks every few hours for better pain control ( along with my pain meds lined up next to me already out of the bottles, and a fluorescent clock visible so we could track timing)I took sleeping pill ambien to get to and stay asleep through the pain. DH also helped me to the bathroom in my drugged state, with a path pre-cleared and light on, to avoid falls. My abdominal wall was very painful for three days too from the anesthesia. I had asked not to use succinylcholine and they did not use it ( bad for my fibromyalgia) but the alternative still made me sore, so DH had to pull me up with my good arm and a 1,2,3 count to get me out of bed with our combined strength. DH said he knew when I needed new icepack or a pain pill because I would start talking in a nightmare, in a foreign language from my childhood, with a distressed tone, and he would wake me to take a pill and get a pack.
Worst pain was at the node biopsy sites, as others have said.
0 -
No drains for me either, Moth (lucky us!). I didn't need painkillers (just an occasional ice pack), nor did I have any problems sleeping, as long as I didn't roll onto my right (affected) side. I did keep my right arm elevated as a lymphedema precaution & I slept in a sports bra like KB870. And, as several other posters indicated, pillows do help keep you "in place" while sleeping. If you can, try to walk everyday - it will help. Good luck with your surgery & quick healing!
0 -
Autum1030 - They will have you in one after surgery. I couldn’t stand the thing they had me in as it was way too tight, (was like a flat straight jacket), so I went to Walmart and bought cheap clasp front closure sports bras by Fruit of the Loom. It was a relief. They are very soft and they had others you can step into and pull up. I’m still sleeping in them too. I bought different colors and 3 white ones so I had plenty to use until my breasts get through radiation. I’m still not sure what size I am and do not want to buy bras until I get through the radiation stage. Then I’ll get into sexy bras- but don’t feel too sexy going through chemo right now, so this is all I wear. Walmart does sell better sport bras that you could also wear. (Doesn’t have to be Walmart - anywhere that sells soft sports bras will do). I think the main thing is to stay away from any underwires, so sport bras are the softest. I had the exact reduction operation you are having. You will like being smaller when they lift you up a bit. My tops fit better too. It’s a bit frightening to see the results at first and they will be swollen for a while, but you’ll be amazed how they transform in time.
0 -
I woke up from surgery in a sports bra too. And was told to wear it all the time and sleep in it. I didn't have drains either and 2 nodes were removed. I will say I feel lucky because my surgery was later in the day so I didn't wake up until about 7:30pm. Dr decided to keep me overnight and leave catheter in. I didn't get any sleep because nurses come in every hour but I think it was easier for me than going home.
0 -
I woke up stuffed into a white velcro high-backed Royce surgical bra, size XL, several sizes too small (at the time I wore a 38H or I). The NP told me it was either that or a giant ACE wrap. I found some pretty, soft knitted front-hook "leisure" bras in a variety of colors (even leopard) by Leading Lady, on HerRoom.com (also on BareNecessities or WomanWithin). They run from 30 A/B all the way up to 52F/G/H, and are about $25 each. I found them easier to put on than constricting front-hook sports bras, some of which gave me an "ice-cream-cones" silhouette. Once you find yourself able to reach around the back, Lane Bryant has some soft cup unconstructed sports bras which give more support than the leisure bras but a more natural silhouette than the Freya, Panache or Elomi models. If you wear no bigger than a DD, take a look at Playtex 18-Hour, which now comes in colors. I slept in a leisure bra for about the first 10 months post-op, especially when traveling. It makes me look presentable in a nightshirt if I have to answer the door.
0 -
Moth, you might want to take a small pillow with you for your trip home to keep your seat belt off your chest.
J
0 -
Moth - I had lx with 5 sentinal nodes removed. A friend and many blogs recommended a bra. I hate bras; small breasts; product of the 70's where braless was normal. I purchased 4 front zip sports bras from JC Penny. I wore one to the surgery & home. Slept in it that night only. Now I use them for the gym.
Everyone is different. I slept on my right side and back with my regular pillows. Woke often if I tried to sleep on left side.
0 -
I haven't had a lumpectomy but a vacuum assisted lump excision (of LCIS) but I think ladies here might know the answer to my question. I had a LCIS lump removed Feb 17 and a staple placed. I have pain in the area. It's not agony but there's a constant dull ache. I wasn't told this was a side effect. Is it common does anyone know? Many thanks!
0 -
Hello. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January 2017 at age 45 after I noticed a lump. My surgery took place very quickly after the biopsy result came back positive. Long story short Radiation was a beast --- burnt to a crisp and I refused chemotherapy as I didn't see any evidence that there was any chemo treatment that was targeted to ER+ and PR+ HER2- negative carcinoma. I am also on Tamoxifen for at least the next 5 years.
I have already been DX with mild lymphadema and use a compression sleeve regularly.
Shortly after my radiation ended I started experiences pain on my left side near the axillary lymph node removal location. The back of my left arm is still numb and I experience moderate to severe pain in my left arm and side. Does anyone else still experience pain post radiation/post surgery.
Bigger kicker is I am allergic to all the good "Narcotic" pain killers so I cannot receive any pain meds. How do you deal with the constant pain?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Dx: 24 Jan 2017, IDC, Left, 1.3cm, Stage 1B, Grade 2, 1/3 Nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
- Surgery: 13 Feb 2017, Lumpectomy, Left, Lymph Node removal Sentinel and Axillary x2
- Radiation: 11 Apr 2017 - 22 May 2017
- Hormonal Therapy: Tamoxifen 20 mg x 5 years
0 -
wb1971, welcome to Breastcancer.org!
We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're really glad you found us. You're sure to find this space an incredible source of information, support, and advice.
We also noticed you've manually entered in your diagnostic and treatment information into your post -- if you'd like to save yourself some time/effort, you can elect to make your diagnostic/treatment information from the profile you filled out "public" (as opposed to "private"), which would allow your diagnostic/treatment signature to show at the end of every post you make. You can do so by going to the Settings tab in the blue navigation bar to the left of your screen, scrolling down to the Diagnoses and Treatment Privacy Settings area, and then selecting "Change to Public" for each diagnoses/treatment you wish to share.
We hope this helps and we look forward to hearing more from you soon!
--The Mods
0 -
wb1971: I still have pain on the SLN area. My surgery was last June. I just went to the doctor to confirm that it wasn't lymphodema and she said no. That it will probably always be painful. Thank goodness it isn't too painful. It just a slight tenderness that's more sensitive at times. Also it hurts when I stretch my arm up high to reach for anything.
0 -
Moth: I had to sleep on my recliner sofa for the first couple of weeks at least. It was just more comfortable. I am large chested and lying down caused too much movement. Once I switched to my bed I found the small pillows that Kaiser gave me helped support my affected breast and alleviated some pain. I also used one for my seatbelt because it crossed directly over the incision area. The other thing I found helpful was wearing really tight supportive bras without underwires. The greater compression caused no movement. I even showered in my bras. I would pull it down to wash and switch into a dry bra after my shower was over. That helped tremendously because it was so horrible to try not moving while showering. Wearing the bra gave me more freedom to shower properly.
0 -
Shocked, it will get better. Took me about 8 months before my axillary seroma (which had shrunk from the size of a small orange to the size of a large grape after popping and being sutured) stopped being tender & sore. The pain on stretching could be cording or soft tissue (tendon, probably) contracture--ask for a PT referral; massage and targeted slow stretching exercises should help.
0 -
Hello LX Ladies:
Looking for your thoughts. Had a lumpectomy c/w sentinel node biospy last Thurs. Got my pathology today. Nodes are clear, but there was DCIS in two of the margins (inferior and lateral). Surgeon wants to do a re-excision on Monday. Wondering if any of you who have experienced a follow-up lumpectomy would still do the re-excision or would you go straight to mastectomy? I don't feel emotionally ready for a mastectomy, but not keen on surgery after surgery after surgery either. Appreciate any insights you may be willing to share! Thanks in advance!
Dance
0 -
Just recently passed my anniversary dates of diagnosis and lumpectomies. Dealing with minor side effects from hormone treatment and just had a cyst unrelated to cancer removed from right breast. Sister just called and tells me she has breast cancer too!!!!!! Welcome to the club that no one wants to join!! So far it looks like her diagnosis is similar to mine but it's really making me mad!!!!! She seems OK so far but she lives alone and I worry she won't ask for help
0 -
Dancesmartly, if you aren't prepared for mastectomy go for the re-excision. You can always do more but can't get back what was already removed.
Artymom, sorry about your sister.
0 -
DanceSmartly - similar to you I had DCIS and ICS, and had a re-excision. I too recommend it. More people have said the same as Molly50 said, you can always do more but can't go back. Its a much quicker surgery, no nodes taken so less painful as well. PS - I cried when bs told me I needed more surgery. I felt like cancer broke me. But its behind me, we can get through more than we know.
ArtyMom- sorry for your sister too. Let her know about this site for support and info.
0 -
So I had the surgery on the 12th and recovery has been pretty smooth so far. Pain managed with just otc meds and ice packs.I was dopey and sleepy all day yesterday but today I'm feeling more awake. I will camp in the living room and watch tv and read today. Yesterday I couldn't even stay awake enough to scroll through twitter.
fwiw, they didn't put a bra on me in the hospital and I'm only wearing one to hold an ice pack in.
DanceSmartly - bummer about the pathology but good that you got it so quickly. I've thought about what if and I think I'd just repeat an excision - because I think it would be fast and small surgery, brief anesthesia, low bleeding, quick recovery and they'll clean it all up nicely. They're so good with all these surgical procedures now that the repeat thing is much less of a worry physically - though obv it's stressful. Hugs.
0 -
Glad to hear you’re doing well, Moth. I heeded the advice of the wise women here and took it easy for a couple of weeks. What I didn’t realize until I got my operation report was that there were stitches below the surface (just like with my hysterectomy). So...when you start feeling like prancing about, just take it easy a bit longer.
MJ
0 -
DanceSmartly, I suggest you go for re-excision. Mastectomy is a HUGE step and has a lot more risk. I had LX and re-excision successfully, and was happy with the results. Unfortunately, we found out afterward that I had two gene mutations that cause BC, so the breasts had to come off. To say I am unhappy with the result would be a massive understatement.
0 -
DanceSmartly, I will join the chorus of those recommending re-excision. With surgery, less is more; when a breast is gone, there's no going back.
Speaking of surgery, I had my annual surgeon visit, and all is well. But she is enthusiastic about my desire to get a unilateral reduction on my other breast to achieve symmetry--especially because my upper back issues are all on that side. It won't make a huge difference appearance-wise: maybe I'll go down one cup size and be able to wear dept. store bras again (oh, to be.a DDD again), and perhaps even wear button-down shirts without gaping; but if it eases my pain and corrects my balance that would be major. She suggested her favorite oncoplastic breast surgeon, and said it's not a very major surgery and is usually done same-day outpatient (or 23-hr observation admit at most). I'd much rather have that than mess with augmenting my cancer breast--which, after the lumpectomy, looks round and normal compared to the droopy, long floppy "healthy" breast.
0 -
ChiSandy, I hope you get the results you desire with the reduction. MY RO told me she will write a letter to insurance for me to get a lift on my left side if the rads leaves me too lifted on the right. I don't know if I want to mess with lefty who's been behaving herself all along.
0 -
So, gals, who is it on your medical team who is in the driver's seat on breast adjustment for symmetry? It really hasn't bothered me until this past week when I've gone commando during this last uncomfortable week of rads. The girls definitely don't hang out at the same level. I need to give things some time to heal, but I've been wondering who would work with me on making that decision.
0 -
Thank you everyone, for the responses on bras. I've been hesitant to spend too mucn money because I don't know what size I'll be after the oncoplastic reduction. I do know it's gonna be a shock -- I'm currently a DD, but plastic surgeon says that's mostly excess skin, not actual tissue. (I lost a bunch of weight a few years back, 100+ pounds). So he says I'll be a "small C" or even a B when I'm done! :-O I've been "full figured" since I was a teenager, so that is going to be super weird.
0 -
I’m still struggling between lumpectomy and rads or mastectomy with direct to implant (hopefully) recon. I have to have my decision finalized by next Friday and am meeting with a radiation oncologist before then due to a variant found in my ATM gene which might impact me being able to have radiation. How did you ladies decide? Any info is greatly appreciated!! Being 33 at diagnosis I need to make sure to keep this at bay for a loooooomg time!!
0 -
Molly50, CindyNY, Moth, Poodles, ChiSandy: thanks very much for your replies re: re-excision. Here's hoping I get clean margins!
0 -
Toughcookie have you spoken to a genetic counselor? I ended up removing my good breast due to CHEK2 gene. Tough decision. Dancesmartly, I will be in your pocket for your re-excision.
0 -
I made my decision based on the "breast Bibles" by Drs. Susan Love & Elisa Port, plus slides and info my BS gave me at my initial consult; and after lumpectomy, I had genetic testing due to my ethnicity. Had I tested positive for a known mutation I'd have proceeded with a BMX (and, depending on the mutation, possibly ovariohysterectomy).
0 -
Thsnk you Molly50 and ChiSandy! I have spoken to a genetics counselor. She went through my family history and I was tested for: BRCA 1 & 2, ATM, CDHI1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, STK11 & TP53, no mutations in any of them.
I did have a variant of uncertain significance in the ATM gene, however my genetics counselor said the prediction is for this to turn out to be not a true mutation and just “different” down the road, and she strongly recommended I not let this impact my treatment. I obtained second and third opinions from two other well known breast cancer doctors who specialize in BC genetics, they said the same thing. I am lucky I was able to obtain these opinions as a favour.
I will look into breast bible! My surgeon is really reassuring me, but he says he is on board with whatever surgery I want. He has a great reputation, which helps. He says that he only has to do a re-excision surgery 5% of the cases and even at that when he goes back in for the 5% they only find they need to remove more in 20% of the cases (but usually do to be safe).
0 -
I made my decision to have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy based on survival statistics. Survival stats are the same for lumpectomy +rads and mastectomy. Also, I fear cancer coming back somewhere else in my body - and if that happens it won't matter if I chose lump or mastectomy. If it comes back in my breasts I'll have a mastectomy then. Don't get me wrong, chemo was awful and I'd rather not do that again but I know I can get through it if I have to. I had my lumpectomy 17 days ago and I feel really good. Good luck in your decision. Whatever you decide will be right for you! Hugs!
0
