Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Spinsky, if you have a preliminary diagnosis, you might consider posting it here. Good luck on the 6th. I've been waiting for a month for my surgery and it's finally tomorrow. The butterflies are exceptionally busy. My DS and his lovely wife are here to care for DH and me. I won't be able to help hubby for sometime (he does need a lot of care requiring "muscle." Thankfully, my surgery (along with the wire localization and radioactive dye) will be done early. I'm to report at 7:15, with the actual surgery at 9:20. I'm having a Lx and SNB.
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Hi there! I had a busy week at work and a crazy weekend so have not been on; just catching up with everyone and reading posts.
Spinksy and Rwiley - A BIG WELCOME to both of you; this site is a life saver for your sanity and support. The women out here are so compassionate and helpful as you can tell by the responses you have received. YES, surgery and RADS and CHEMO are frightening for all of us and we all deal in our own way but the best part is, we all share out here.
I have no family history of breast cancer, I am 50 and have had annual mammograms since I was 40 years old. In October 2013, went in for my annual on a Saturday morning and then got a call on Tuesday that I had to come back for another. Thought is was comical because when we left I told my husband I would get a call back because "it didn't hurt enough"!!!!!!! I was NOT expecting any issues at all - I had been called back before because when I was in my early 40's, my tissue was dense so really, I was confident it was nothing.
Went back for the mammogram and was asked to wait for results - also not scared, they probably want to make sure it is clear so I don't have to come back. Lovely women in the waiting room, all of us chatting about different things and one woman says to me, "no need to worry dear unless they call you to the back room"..........I'm telling you, the words were no sooner out of her mouth before a nurse came out and asked me to come speak with the doctor.
No lump, suspicous cells that looked like star clusters - one cluster really close to my chest wall and one a little closer to the surface.........stereotactic biopsy #1 scheduled - that was not fun. Called back for stereotactic biopsy #2 because they were not able to get tissue from the chest wall. OK, that was the worst or so I thought. The nurses were wonderful of course, I couldn't believe I was crying and how much it hurt but we got it done.
This is the bad part...........we went in for the consult and results, BC surgeon told us I was all set, nothing to worry about so we were relieved and left. Stopped at a restaurant about ten minutes away, husband goes into washroom to wash his hands and my cell phone rings. BC surgeon told me they gave her results for another patient and I in fact did have BC and would I please come back to discuss.
It was awful. First lumpectomy.............they had to do this needle placement first; I did not expect it to hurt the way it did and I have to say, whenever I hear of anyone getting stabbed, I feel sick. Surgery was fine - I had surgeries before so I knew to have stool softeners at home because let me tell you, if you THINK you have experienced constipation - there is NOTHING like constipation from surgery!!!!! TAKE THOSE STOOL SOFTENERS - the max the bottle says!!!!!!!
Unfortunately the margins did not clear and I had to have a second lumpectomy but NO NEEDLE PLACEMENT. It is very scary but truly, deep breathing helps. Radiation set up can be frightening as well - I think all the pre-rad stuff is more frightening than the actual rad treatment.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN. This is SO important, keep it soft. I used Eucerin lotion (easier to spread on than Aquafor or Eucerin cream) mostly; I brought a bottle with me so after the rad treatment I put it on and then no joke, I put it on probably ten times/day. I really think that made a difference.
Make sure to visit all the discussion boards as they relate to you - for me, it was easiest to take it one step at a time so I didn't get ahead of myself (i.e., I started in "waiting for diagnosis", then joined "lumpectomy lounge" and then when it was time for rads, joined this room and then finally the Aromasin room....it was just easier for me to process if I did it one step at a time.
We are all here for you.
Hugs.
Donna
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PontiacPeggy, Good luck tomorrow with your surgery. I am glad you have help for after the surgery so you can rest and allow healing to take place. Mine was early in the morning too and I was glad it was so I didn't have to sit and think about it all day. Hugs to you. Enjoy your evening.
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Thanks, Debster! We're going out to dinner - always a good thing. I hate waiting around, too.
I, too, had no history of breast cancer in my family. I'm 69, mammograms since I was about 40. So this was out of the blue.
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Hi everyone,
It all started with an itch. My left breast had an itch and for the first time in a long time my fingernails are very short. Because they were short, I was able to feel my skin and the lump as I scratched. I am very large breasted (G) with cysts and thick, dense tissue that I've never really been able to do a self check.
I called my Dr. the next day and he felt it too, sent me for a mammo and ultrasound. Both of these looked not 100% clear, but I didn't really look worrisome either. He sent me for a biopsy.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 3.9 cm by 3.5 cm
My surgeon recommended the lumpectomy with the lymph nodes (3) removed. Surgery is booked for Aug. 11. Trying to stay busy and not think of it!
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(((Peggy))) - we are in your pocket! Glad you have your backup team in place. Breathe, tomorrow evening you will be so relieved it's out! Take care.
Lori - welcome
but so sorry about your dx ugh BC 
Read through the main site...great info. You are in the hardest place...waiting. Use your wait to choose your BC team, check out services provided by your BC center and avail yourself of them. If they have a support group go...great way to ask questions...must are lead by an oncology social worker and BC RN so solid info. Select an appointment buddy and make your list of questions...so you are confident and comfortable with your plan. Breathe, you will be fine SND you can do this...we are here for you {{{squeeze}}}Glad the weekend was good! And yeah, tomorrow is hump day
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Spinksy,
Surgery can be scary for sure but they have great drugs these days so just follow your doctor's recommendations and don't let pain take hold by not taking your medications on schedule. Usually in a day or two you can switch to over the counter meds. Radiation did not make my hair fall out but the Arimidex therapy has thinned my hair in front quite a bit so have new style with bangs to cover some of the thinning. Sorry I can't remember the British name for bangs but it is the hair that covers your forehead. My grandparents were from England and I'm quite sure grandma used a different term. Welcome to the forum.
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Lori: I itched too! It was so bad it woke me up, and then at 2 am I found the lump. I hadn't heard of another itcher before. Good luck. You know, you're in the hardest part of this whole "experience." Even chemo was easier for me than just after diagnosis when it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under. Honestly, it gets better. It's hard to believe when you're so very scared, but really, this is the worst part.
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Hello everyone - I've been lurking for a few weeks. I am 52 and my mom had BC at age 60 but its still a shock. Luckily my DX was early as I had my last mammo 6 months prior and it wasn't detected then. It had an MRI and later a core biopsy to officially get it identified. I did get a second opinion and it helped me. However my original BS ordered a lot of tests - PET scan, bone scan, other scans, etc that my 2nd BS did not feel were necessary since it was definitely early stage (stage 1). In addition, the new BS reviewed my ultrasound and wanted another one as there was a 2nd mass in my left side that they thought was suspicious. In the long run, it was benign, and I had a previous fibroadenoma nearby so when I had surgery, they were both removed. So I actually had 2 lumpectomies, the cancer is on the right. I had no problems from surgery except things I was unprepared for. I've never had major surgery so the breathing tube they stick down your throat caused major irritation for days (it was hard to swallow hard food), and for the 12 hours or so after surgery I had that awful taste in my mouth from anesthesia. It would not go away and I was initially nauseous from it, but I kept drinking and sucking on candies (which I normally don't like) and I got through that. They gave me a prescription for pain pills, but I only used 3 because I really wasn't in major pain. People had told me to stay ahead of the pain so I took them in case I wasn't really feeling it, but eventually I realized I was fine. My biggest problem after surgery - they removed 7 lymph nodes (fortunately all negative) and I did not wear a bra until after 48 hours. As I would get up to walk into another room I heard sloshing...I figured it was where the nodes were. I saw my BS 10 days after surgery and she said that they were fluid pockets and I needed to heal them up so she urged me to wear a sports bra day and night. In fact everyone has now said to wear a bra 24/7 after surgery until healed. I wore the sports bra for 36 hours and it itched like crazy but when I took it off, the sloshing stopped.
Now I'm waiting for news about chemo. My oncotype score was 21 which is an in between number so they don't know yet if I would benefit, so now I'm having a Mammaprint test to help give more info. I hope to find out in another week as I would really like to get this treatment going. I feel great right now but trying to plan ahead and reading these boards you realize that there could be side effects to chemo and RADS. Nice to hear from all of you who are going through this too and I hope you heal quickly and feel normal soon!
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Two days past my Lx with 3 sentinel nodes removed. Surgeon said the nodes looked good but no path report until next week. Like everyone else I was dreading the wire localization. I'd had one 12 years ago and it was awful. The wires sticking out, nothing to numb the area, extremely painful. What a different experience this time. A couple of lidocaine shots that were uncomfortable but not bad and no pain from the wires! My dear nurse held my hand and patted my back during the whole procedure and told me not to look until they got me all bandaged up. Of course, then there was nothing to see. First hurdle survived.
I was also very worried about the radioactive dye injection since I'd heard it was extremely painful. My surgeon (!) gave it to me after a lidocaine shot and it didn't hurt at all.
I was allowed to walk down to the operating room which made me feel "not sick." A nice touch.
My incision is vertical from below the nipple down about 2" (maybe less). About 2" for the lymph nodes.
No nausea or problems of any sort from the anesthesia. I was hungry and I did take a hydrocodone/Tylenol pill before leaving the center but that was the only one I took. Just Tylenol since.
I've been very comfortable. No problem moving my arm at all. Now using the muscles is another story. Lifting and twisting aren't very comfortable. But I've been driving. Wearing a Genie bra - thank you to all who recommended it. I'm a small 36A and the Large is perfect for me. I even put on a regular t-shirt (not button front) today with no pain).
I can't say enough good things about my surgeon. I really got lucky. Now to get the path report and find out when I start my rads (assuming that everything is as she anticipated and no surprises).
Then I can concentrate on getting DH's kidney cancer taken care of. A partial nephrectomy should do the trick for him.
Thank you to all of the lumpies who posted their experiences and advice - it's been invaluable. Gave me lots of hints on how to cope.
I'll post again when I've gotten my path reports.
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My BS just called (Friday night at 5:15!) with my pathology report and it's really really good: Lymph nodes CLEAR; Margins CLEAR; tumor size 9mm. Looks like rads next then hormonal therapy. I can breathe!!
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TGIF Lumpies!
Ooo who! Happy Dancing
))) celebrations : DPeggy - you did it! Great news...clear margins&nodes! Ah, the wait is over....rest well and speedy healing...give yourself time and enjoy the help of your kids with DH!
Rwiley - you did it:). Hoping the haze has lifted and the healing has begun. Fingers&toes crossed for clear nodes&margins...you did great:))) now breathe!
Lisa - you did it. Rads are done! Take a victory bow
So happy for you...you finished int style 
Spinksy - breathe, your time is coming so soak in all the love! We will be in your pocket on 8/6...ha ha radiation will not make your hair fall out...maybe make your butt look bigger!
Mripp - happy family camping times
Jet gal - fingers&toes crossed during wait for final path results...breathe you got this!
Yes, love those extra large genie bras...step in and comfy to sleep in too. Watch your arms and if you think you have any issues with cording or LE ask your team for RX for PT.
Enjoy your weekend
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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PontiacPeggy,
So glad to hear all went so well and happy dance for the good pathology report. Nice that doc called and you didn't have to worry all weekend. You are rid of the cancer and the rest is like insurance. Have a restful weekend.
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Thanks, Cindy and Jo! I'm in heaven. Ready for my first shower. I was allowed to remove all the dressings (except the Steri-strips, of course) day after surgery and today is 2nd day after. I usually put my hair up in rollers and think that probably that will be beyond me though I'm not having trouble with the SNB incision. That would be too much above my head stuff
Oh well, I do straight hair very well.Thanks again to everyone here for making me aware of all the things I need to know to be an informed patient. I also recommend Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. An excellent resource though by now it does need updating - 4 years is a long time in cancer-land.
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Thursday when my surgeon met with me before surgery, she said the MRI had showed 4 (I think that's the number she said) and possibly more affected nodes. She explained about lymphedema being a side effect of removing all the nodes, and I said 'hmmm..swollen arm vs cancer in my body...I'll take the swollen arm." She did end up taking all of them.I have one drain. Chemo is now in the treatment plan in addition to radiation.
Oh my, the shots with the radioactive dye or whatever it was...at least it didn't last too long. I was blessed to have a good friend who is a pre-op nurse on duty on Thursday and she was my nurse. She even got to be my post op nurse. It was really nice to have her there.
I'm starting to fade, and I think I'm not making much sense. I think I'll go sit in my recliner for awhile...
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Hello everyone,
I had a lumpectomy with node removal on June 26, 2014. I am healing ok, but my breast is very red. The swelling has gone down. The incision site (one incision) is healing nicely, but breast is still very red. My surgeon put me on a round of antibiotics (10 days) 2 weeks ago. I went back last Wed. and the redness was still there. The antibiotics did not help. The Dr. said he thought it was just blood that had settled. The redness was mainly in the lower part of my breast. Now almost my entire breast is red! It is a dull red almost looks like red velvet. I have not had any fever during all of this. Do you think it could be possible that I could have an infection and not have a fever? Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem after lumpectomy? I will go to my radiation oncologist for my simulation set-up this Wed. I'm hoping that this will not effect the start of my radiation.
Thanks
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My congrats to everyone who has finally had their lumps removed and can move on to healing. Like Cindy said, let people help you. You may be independent and self-sufficient, but remember that this is affecting them too. Most husbands and kids feel really helpless and if you let them do for you, it not only assists you, but it makes them feel like they are doing something to fight this with you. Get lots of rest - if you want a nap, take a nap! If you are hungry, have someone make you a sandwich. You don't have to eat at mealtimes, just eat! It's good for you. Take a deep breath, it's finally done.
cfranz, I think another doctor's appointment is in order here. Remember doctor's work for you! Don't feel embarrassed or shy about asking them to identify what is going on in YOUR body. (((hugs))))
Peggy, are you allowed to wall walk yet? I think that and the pillow under my arm helped the most.
Cindy, how are you doing sweetie? I'm so used to you looking after everybody else on this thread that I sometimes forget that you are fighting your own battles too. Didn't you have a procedure scheduled around now? I don't remember - stupid Tamoxifen.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
(((((hugs)))))
Deb
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RedReading Deb, I've had no problem with my lymph node removal. Arm hasn't been sore and I was able to raise it with ease almost immediately. I did do wall walking in the shower last night but it wasn't needed. I was able to wear a t-shirt yesterday without it hurting to put it on. Now if I am actually lifting something and using those muscles, that's another story. Then they complain. Twisting also isn't comfortable. I haven't even taken Tylenol today (surgery was Wednesday, this is Saturday). I'm amazed at how good I feel. My son is taking good care of me and hubby (who cannot care for himself).
When my surgeon called with my results last night I thanked her for the great job. She seemed embarrassed that I was complimenting her on making my experience virtually pain-free.
Thanks, Deb, for asking. How are YOU doing?
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I'm okay Peggy, thanks for asking. I think I was really terrified of LE, so I did my exercises religiously. Wall walked with every shower, even though, like you, I had no real ROM impairment. Also the reason why I still sleep with the pillow under my arm and it has been 8 months since my surgery. I was lucky, my bc was positioned at 10 o'clock, so my bs did the lumpy and the SND though one longish incision. About 4". The worst for me now is my reactions to Tamoxifen, but that is another site. lol. Glad you are doing well and had a magnificent BS. ((hugs))
Deb
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cfranz, Welcome to the BCO community, We are sorry that your breast cancer brought you here but know that you have joined a unique group of supportive and knowledgeable others who be a great help to one another. As suggested you may want to consult with your physician about your continued breast redness. While there are a lot of experiences to be shared here it is always best to seek medical opinion. Keep us posted as to how things go this week. The Mods
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RedReading Deb, You are likely younger than I am since Tamoxifen is not an option for me. I'm sorry that you are having such issues with it. I'm not sure which AI I'll be getting - that's down the road after radiation. Will your reactions to Tamoxifen lessen over time? Are they mostly annoying or debilitating? Is there another choice for you? Your path has shown us the difference between Canadian and US approaches, hasn't it? Don't know where you are in Ontario but I'm only a stone's throw (or a bit more) from Windsor (just north of Detroit). So we're sort of close!
I've not used a pillow for my arm. I had 2 separate incisions. One at 6 o'clock up to nearly my nipple (2" max) then about 1-1/2" one for the SNB. I'm glad someone suggested Genie bras because they've worked well for me. I'm very very small so don't need much support (well, virtually none to be honest
). I am sleeping in it. I'm moving my arm regularly. I'm just so pleased that I'm so comfortable. I never expected to be. Definitely kudos to my BS!!Again, thinking of you, Deb!
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Peggy, you can just use my name, Deb. I am 57 and was dx last year. I am peri-menopausal, and my with my dx, chemo wouldn't help much. In answer to your question, yes there are other AI's I can take and if this doesn't work out then they will go that route. They felt that Tami was the best for me even though they didn't think it would work. Doc said she had to try...Rwiley, how are you doing girl? I kept telling Cindy to keep it down, but she loves pocket parties and kept cracking me up with her jokes. Be kind to yourself. Sleep when you want, eat what you want, laugh all you can. Let people help you if they want to. Listen to your doc but equally important, listen to your body. Hope you are doing well. (((hugs))))
cfranz, what did your doctor say about the redness on your poor boobie? I'm hoping it is a natural reaction of some sort, but hope you have sought medical advice. Hope you are okay and let us know what's happening, okay?
Jet, okay the sloshing would have freaked me out. I was lucky enough to hook up with this board before my op so I knew about bras and avoiding complications like LE by gentle exercise and bra-wearing and a pillow under the arm while sleeping. In fact, I'm pretty sure a few girls here (Cindy?) remember my absolute panic about not being able to find a bra that would fit. They were all so helpful. Don't just lurk - we don't bite, lol. Jump on in. Ask questions, give opinions and join the pocket parties for those headed into surgery.
Hugs,n.kisses,
Deb
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Deb, I'm 69 and definitely post-menopausal
I'm 6 days post surgery and poor boobie is swollen. No pain anywhere. Just a "C" boob instead of my usual "A". And I"m tired of wearing a bra at night. I see the surgeon in 2 days. I don't see that I have an infection. Just the swelling. I'm icing again which I'm not a fan of. But thanks to everyone here, I'm doing great. Full range of motion, still not lifting anything heavy (like hubby which I have to do once my sons leave in 2 weeks). Anything else I should do for my swelling?0 -
Good Morning Lumpies!
Jet gal - fingers&toes crossed results soon! Keep us posted.
Cfranz - hope your girl is doing better. You will rock rads...laser tag! It does not hurt, you spend more time taking clothes off&on, the planning takes the longest, but the actual rads is zip zap 20-30 seconds each field and done! Be sure and ask for samples of moisturizer your RO would like you to use...start applying now. Rads is more mental, showing up each day, jumping up on the table, and doing the countdown to finish. Make it fun for yourself...and HYDRATE! You will do well!
Peggy - yeah, 7 days post lx
it takes time for the swelling to calm down...frozen peas...or cool gel pack...watch the arm. Sleeping in my bra still...it just feels better with the support. Like Red/Deb I kept my arm up, did joy exercises, and just baby. I did develop LE so you may wish to discuss with your BC team the demands of caring for hubby and ask for RX for a compression sleeve...prevention is smart and most medical will cover the cost with RX. Better safe than sorry. Take care nd let those kids help as much as possible with hubby! Speeding healing!Riley - hope you are doing better. This is all so much to wrap our heads around. Fingers&toes crossed for your path results...remember you can do this and we are in your pocket {{{squeeze}}}. Discuss LE with your team and please please please follow all care directives. I only had 7 nodes removed and LE hit so be cautious and ask for help and guidance as needed. You did good! Let us know when the drain comes out they are such buggers
Mripp - family camping pics with smiles:)))
Spinsky - breathe, countdown...promise you will feel so much better after crossing over and getting it out! Get all those fun girl things done, hair, pedi, new post lx clothes, we always need an excuse for retail therapy ha ha! You got this
sending calm confident thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Thanks, Cindy. Nice to know I'm normal (it happens so rarely
Good idea to ask about LE and sleeve. So far I don't see any signs of it and I've been using my arm a lot starting right after surgery. Maybe it makes a difference that I had only 3 nodes removed. I'll add it to my list. It's amazing having my son here (other son comes in Sunday). I haven't had a break caring for my hubby in 4 years except when he was in rehab after hospital episodes. Sleeping through the night is heavenly. I appreciate all the advice.
New lumpies, you can do this. Some of the pre-op procedures sound scary but I found they were quite doable. And it's nice to have that bad stuff out.0 -
LOL! Everyone seems so surprised, since they think I found my tumour during a normal breast exam! Nope, just an itch
Massage app't tonight, CAT Scan tomorrow then Pre-op on Thursday. Countdown is on....
I just want it out, and I want to know more than just IDC....Now that it's been diagnosed I'm envisioning cancer cells/pain all over and I need to know that it's not.....feel like I'm going crazy!
12 more days....
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Lori1967 - Welcome to the lounge...a club no one wants to join, but so glad you found us. A busy week with all your appointments, be sure and breathe! Ask and confirm how and when your BS will give results of nodes&margins...very good to know:)
Try and stay focus on today and not run ahead of yourself...yes it's hard, but be focus on today. My BS said it took time 3-5 years so the 35 days from dx to lx&snd was not issue.
Breathe, prepare for surgery, front zip extra large sports bra, front opening top, hair cut, pedi, girls lunch out, date night, family time, go wiggle your toes in the grass, blow some bubbles, soak in things that make your heart smile!
We will be in your pocket...Red is the rowdy one...I'll work on the playlist:) any requests...Peggy will bring goodies and we all will keep our thoughts&prayers with you.
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Lori1967 - I was diagnosed June 5 and lx was Jul 23. Since I had to arrange care for hubby the extra time was welcome. My wonderful BS called me 2 days later with my path report - after 5 on a Friday night! You CAN do this. Since I'm really small busted (A), I got a Genie bra and that's worked well for me. I finally got smart and removed the modesty pads and that made it even more comfortable.
I'll definitely bring the goodies. Your pocket will be rockin' - we don't do anything halfway in this group. Lots of hugs to you. We're here for you. Just ask and we'll tell you what we know!
More HUGS!
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peggy please be careful! even some of us here with only one node out can get lymphedema, believe me, you don't want it! it is more than just a little arm swelling. i hope with only three out, that you are good to go. wow you do an extraordinary amount of care for your husband!
welcome lori!
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kathec, thank you. I haven't quite figured out what you need to do to prevent LE. Sounds like it is rather random. I certainly will be checking this out with my BS. I definitely want to avoid it. My son is very good at reminding me to not do too much with my bad arm but I do keep raising and lowering it etc.
How are YOU doing? Are you taking Femara and Herceptin both at the same time? I don't know much about either but didn't realize you could take both together..0 -
Peggy,
My oncologist told me no lifting over 40 lbs for the rest of my life and to never have blood pressure taken on the left side (bc was taken out of left breast) just to be safe as far as LE. So having to lift your husband is an issue to discuss with your doctor for sure.
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