Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Shockedat48,
That sounds terrible. I had the opposite experience: the radiologist doing the core biopsy said, "My gut instinct is that these are fibroadenomas, which are benign, and you're gonna be just fine." I walked out of there thinking, "Whew! Glad that's over with." Two days later I got a call at school saying it was cancer and the surgeon wanted to see me later that day.
One side of my family is full of doctors and they have always said that medical professionals should never, ever "shoot from the hip" and tell a patient anything without test results/data to back it up.
0 -
I was pretty lucky once I got to the “real” hospital (not the local place that missed things twice). The wonderful radiologist said “this is an area of concern.” She didn’t say “it’s nothing” nor “probably cancer.” She simply offered the recommendation of a biopsy, which wasn’t too bad. And when she did the wire needles prior to surgery, I hardly felt it. I’m really glad I went to a specialty clinic...I’m just sorry it turned out to be more than surgery plus radiation due to the Mammaprint and pathology. I’m worried a lot about chemo—not just the effects, but the tussles I’m having with work. (I talked a lot with people on the Triple Positive board, which helped).
How are folks doing who had their surgery this week? I’m pretty amazed how well things look and feel at the 3 week mark overall and hope that encourages you. The one thing no one prepared me for was the lingering pain of the port placement, which not everyone has. It’ll be okay.
0 -
I had mammo with ultrasound 9/26, Dr reviewed me and said even if its not cancer, she suggested I see a surgeon and get it out. 9/29 core biopsy with nurse, ultrasound tech and radiologist; no pain, talked it over with them all through it. 10/6 results at OB/GYN, carcinoma. I think I'd prefer for it to be all in one day, waiting when you know something is wrong, is so stressful.
0 -
I had routine mammogram in July, call back for more films/US on August 10th. Biopsy 8/22, diagnosis 8/31! (9 days of hell apparently no one wanted to tell me ) Second opinion appt 9/12, surgery. 10/30, the waiting was awful. Then more waiting after surgery for her 2 status via FISH , then more waiting for oncotype results. I have to say I was never very patient but this experience required me to hone my skills in that department.
0 -
Oh my goodness!!! They left you waiting, gigibee, because they didn’t want to tell you?!? That seems wrong! I understand some tests take time and scheduling all the things takes time, but that seems cruel. I had 2nd opinion testing and biopsy on Thursday and got most of the news on the next Tuesday. They got surgery scheduled as soon as they could get a room (2 weeks). The only reason I’m a little delayed now is the port and the echocardiogram—all 3 locales booked solid until after April 1. I’m sorry about the waiting. Glad your Fish was negative.
0 -
astyanyx66, I think the delay after biopsy was they sent it out of the hospital for the her2 (ihc)
My pathology after surgery was all done in house at the “real” hospital I went to for my second opinion. If that her2 came back equivocal they were going to send it to Mayo, thankfully it came back negative and pretty quickly.
I see you got a curve ball on your fish test. I wish you smooth sailing on your upcoming treatments .
0 -
agree totally that no one should offer an opinion with certainty without the data. The examples cited here should not have happened to these patients.
I had a radiologist look at the ultrasound, call it cancer, then recommend a biopsy. When I did have the biopsy, a different radiologist and ultrasound technician were most professional about it. As they planned the areas from which they would take samplesthey merely referred to it as “abnormal tissue”. The number of tissue specimens taken is what told me it was very likely cancer. When I finally was told, and read the pathology report, I was grateful for their professionalism.
0 -
Hi MO-Beth! Thanks for the info and encouragement! I am really happy with my decision to go straight to the lumpectomy! Unfortunately my insurance is not that great so my bill is already pretty high just for the facility fee, but I am trying not to think about that part :-P
0 -
I feel like a wuss today...radiation is kicking my butt. I'm doing the partial breast targeted accelerated radiation therapy. Started on Monday, and finish tomorrow, 2 treatments per day. Today it hit. I am exhausted. My breast is swollen and very sore. Treatments are much higher doses of radiation than traditional therapy, so at the end of day 5, I will have received the same approximate amount that is normally given in a 6 week period. I was supposed to get mammoprint results yesterday, but insurance was dragging their heels on precert, so it just got sent off. Another 2 weeks to find out if I have to get chemo. Hormone blocking therapy is still in the future.
0 -
dlj, I had the accelerated partial breast protocol, but 16 daily (weekends off) high-dose treatments instead of 33 (or the 10 treatments over 5 days you had). I didn't get the fatigue and my skin symptoms were quite mild--but my seroma did swell considerably. Bummer about the MammaPrint delay--are they going straight to that rather than try OncotypeDX first?
0 -
ChiSandy: I felt a lump on my breast Sunday morning, June 4th. I had my husband feel it too. It just didn't seem normal so I made an appointment at Kaiser the next day, June 5th. The nurse practitioner was very concerned about it and scheduled a diagnostic mammogram, potential ultrasound and potential biopsy for Wednesday, June 7th. I went there thinking that I would be informed later about my diagnosis. They didn't warn me and suggest that I bring someone with me. I had the mammogram and they took many pictures over and over and then on the other side. Not as many on the "good" side. They told me that I would have an ultrasound next. The ultrasound technician did her job and then brought in the radiology doctor. He was using the ultrasound device and I asked him a question and he told me not now, he's examine a serious mass right now. I felt my stomach sink after he said that. He then proceed to tell me that he was going to do a needle core biopsy. That's when he told me that he believes that I have cancer. I wish he had said it afterwards so that I did not feel so traumatized during the procedure. It's hard to deal with pain when you feel like you could be dying. The diagnosis of cancer is just so stinking scary! I received a phone call at work the next day, June 8th, confirming that the biopsy came back positive for invasive ductal carcinoma. I remember joining this website not knowing anything. I thought, how weird, all these abbreviations (letters, numbers), it was greek to me. This website and group has been so supportive and I am so glad to have it available. They scheduled my lumpectomy surgery for June 22, just 3 1/2 weeks after I felt my lump. I really appreciated the quick timeline. When you find out that you have cancer you want it out immediately! I was glad that I was notified that I had cancer, I just wish it was after my procedure.
A few weeks ago my mom had her mammogram and her doctor told her that they discovered a mass. I went with her to her ultrasound appointment. My heart was racing because a month ago my friend was diagnosed with stage iv denova breast cancer and now my mom could potentially have cancer! We went there and the radiology doctor must have seen the look on my face because he actually told us that he didn't believe it was anything to worry about, that it appeared to be a benign cyst. Thank goodness!
0 -
ChiSandy, the Oncotype came back at 21. My MO said because I'm on the lower side of moderate, he wants the mammoprint results to decide on chemo.
0 -
Donna, MammaPrint is great in that there are no gray areas--just high risk or low risk.
0 -
I went for a recall on my mammogram thinking they just needed better scans as I’ve had this happen before. I have dense breasts. Pictures aren’t clear - no big deal. My mind wasn’t the least concerned about breast cancer as no one in my family ever had it. I was completely calm until the radiologist came in and said “I expect this to be a malignancy.” I went home that day completely numb. She was right, but I was in shock that point on. Also surprised they were looking at 3 different areas of concern. It’s amazing to me how fast cancer cells turn into tumors. After the MRI, there was a 4th area of concern, but the surgery only treated one tumor, and everything else was considered benign. I was ready for a mastectomy, but my breast surgeon saw no need and talked me into a reduction. I still wonder because of so many areas of concern that popped up in one year, if this was a good choice. I was so overwhelmed with buts, ifs, what’s this, or that, I didn’t know what to do or think. My BS was not helpful at all with my concerns. I learned more on this site and through others than I did from her as she’s old, and apparently tired of repeating answers to her patients. It made me angry that a doctor practiced this way
0 -
hi everyone just a quick update. I went in for my lumpectomy/ biopsy this morning. My husband and I drove 3 hours to get to a well known surgeon with a good reputation since the doctors in our area have really stunk and have provided zero feedback except for being “suspicious” about a lump... which turned into 2 areas of concern today. It was worth it because he had such great bedside manner. Both the radiologist who inserted the wires and my surgeon said that they look like fibroadenoma and when he was updating my family after my procedure he told them he didn’t feel concerned and that they looked benign. I am hoping he would only say that if he truly meant it. I also developed a rash over the lumps about a month ago that hasnt gone away and he said he thinks that it is just a weird coincidence (good one, universe!), but biopsied that as well. Nothing like some good ol’ Extra unneeded stress lol. I will know everything for sure Tuesday at the latest! Fingers crossed.
0 -
Good morning,
I am very new to this page. I do not have all the abbreviations of my diagnosis. As a nurse for 34 years, this is new territory for me so I am learning something new everyday. I had a lumpectomy and 1 sentinel node removed March 20th. Pain tolerable. Numbness in my axilla area and up on shoulder. Was reading this is a common symptom post surgery. My story happened quick and I have a wonderful team I trust caring for me now. Felt lump Feb 1st, GYN same day to confirm, mammogram and US done within week, Biopsy done following week, Confirmed positive Feb 21. Life from that moment just felt different. But then I decided to let my faith define me, not this disease. I do not know my upcoming treatment for this. I meet my oncologist next week, but whatever they feel is the best treatment I am all onboard. We all have stories. This will be another testimony of strength for me. Lost my sister to breast cancer 15 years ago, lost my baby brother last year to ruptured colon. So its just me and my older brother now. Our pact of living has been made. We will not allow our parents to bury another child.
So that is my story. My faith is stronger than this. I will win. I will stay positive. I wish you all the best.
0 -
Angieann1- welcome to a very supportive group, and also sorry that you had to join. I'm guessing you'll have more information this coming week on size, stage, grade, and receptor status. At that point you'll have a basis for making decisions. I was going to include more info, but without knowing if nodes are involved, etc.. Its overwhelming, so I don't want to add anything until you know more.
My arm pit ache was worse than 2x lumpectomys. I'm going on 5 months post surgery on sentinal node area, and its still does not have a totally normal feeling. It will ache now & then too, other times just annoy. Yours will get much better as the time passes. HUGS!
0 -
Angieann1 - welcome though sorry you find yourself here. Make sure you're doing all your post-op exercises - i think they will help with the numbness in axilla and shoulder. I had a set of exercises for Week 1 and then a different set for the following weeks. A breast surgery PT from the hospital prescribed them... If you don't have a PT on your team, I really recommend you get one
Best wishes & check back in once you have your pathology & treatment options. We're here for you.0 -
Angieann1:
Welcome to our group! I have similar feelings as you as I lost both my brother and sister and I am the sole surviving child. They were murdered within eleven months of each other abut 11 years ago. When I discovered that I had breast cancer my first immediate thought was of my parents. That if I die it would devastate them. How much could they go through. I think I was more concerned about my parents losing their last surviving child more then anything else at that point. I didn’t want to tell them and when I did I made it sound real good. I did the same for my daughter. I hope your pathology comes back soon and is good news. Stay strong
0 -
Welcome, angieann. The underarm pain from sentinel node biopsy was the most troublesome aspect of the lumpectomy process. Takes quite awhile for that to stop being painful (still can hurt if over-exert). I also had & still have some shoulder mobility issues that were aggravated by the radiation process & positioning. PT has helped & I also urge you to have someone on your team write up a PT "scrip". Please come back here with your questions, etc. Someone always has some good info to share. Gentle, healing hugs.
0 -
Dear AngieAnn - It's great to hear that you trust your medical team and have a strong faith to support you. That confidence goes a long way in this cruddy situation we find ourselves in. I'm glad you've joined the bc.org community. It's been one of the biggest aids to me as I go through my own treatment.
I wanted to ask if anyone has experienced the following after lumpectomy/SNB:
I'm almost 3 weeks out after surgery. I've had a burning sensation inside my breast up near the inside end of my SNB scar. A few days ago I felt something inside my breast; it felt like a hardened artery or tendon running perpendicular from the scar down toward the nipple. It wasn't at the surface but inside. The burning sensation seems to be coming from it. I've read about cording under and along the arm, and this seems similar.
I saw my surgeon's RN for a checkup a couple of days ago and she said I should just massage it. She said she hadn't seen something like it before but was sure it would be OK.
Anyone had "cording" inside their breast after lumpecomy/SNB.
0 -
AgathaNYC, I had several cords after my lumpectomy/SNB. My LE PT broke up some & I popped one at home doing a PT stretch. However - a full year later - I still have a single stubborn cord running from my armpit into the cavity where my cancer was (it does not extend down my arm, though, like my other cords did). It doesn't hurt or limit my range of motion, so both the PT & my BS suggested that I massage it regularly & continue the PT stretches to keep it from tightening up. Interestingly, my gyn (who had BC 2 1/2 years before I was diagnosed) told me recently that she still has a single cord.
Have you seen an LE PT yet? She should be able to tell you whether it's a cord & also help you loosen it. Physical therapy will also help you get you mobility & strength back. Good luck with your recovery!
0 -
Yup, I had cording after finishing rads (it was a short course). At first, burning pain along the inside of the forearm when rotating it (not visible but slightly palpable through the fat), which popped after a week, leaving a teeny bruise. Had a couple more episodes like that, and during my LE PT, the therapist was able to see a cord emanating from the axilla--she was able to pop it. No problems since.
0 -
Anyone who had a lumpectomy and has been on hormone blockers for a a few years or more now?
0 -
Hi, Blair, I'm so sorry about this happening like this for you. I know this may not be helpful, but after a flaky radiologist and wishy-washy diagnosis, I reached out to the local teaching hospital and cancer center an hour away. I've received the best treatment I can imagine there. Is there any way you could find a dedicated cancer center within reasonable commuting distance, maybe one with a nurse navigator or more options for a surgeon who is focused on you and your diagnosis and concerns? The commuting does get tiring, but it's been worth it. This is a time when you want the doctors who will take the time to talk to you. I wish you well in your next steps!
dee
0 -
grl06c--good news so far! Hoping you continue to have a benign condition. Fingers definitely crossed!
0 -
Hi Angieann1,
Another "yea" for the sentinel node biopsy being more troublesome than the lumpectomy. It kept hurting, and on followup, my SO found a bit of separation--not enough to worry about, though. It kept hurting until I had my chemoport installed and got a whopping dose of antibiotics. I think, deep in there, there might have been an infection--and the clindamycin I got cleared it right up. It was like someone flipped a light switch--it immediately felt better. I have done my OT exercises most every day, starting day 1 post op. I think they've really helped.
0 -
Had my lumpy 9/23/15, and have been on hormonal therapy (letrozole) since New Year's Eve 2015-16. So far, so good.
0 -
Astyanax- I’m almost through with all my treatments. (Going through radiation at present) I was commenting or chiming in on my initial diagnosis and lumpectomy (plus reduction) that was done last October. I found this site most helpful. I just wonder if the breast conserving choice (made by my bs), was the right choice. I’ll be very upset if upon my first mammogram after all of this hell, they find a new tumor in my other breast. I’ll be livid towards my breast surgeon’s choice if that’s the case. I will know by May.
My lumpectomy went smoothly compared to others at this post. The swelling, stiffness, bruising (on blood thinners), and annoying pain on the lymph node dissecting area was all I experienced. Chemo was ten times worse for me. I can take physical pain much easier than a sickness feeling throughout my body that chemo causes. I had no infections, seromas or anything seriously go wrong except the beat up tumor breast ended up with a pointy nipple that had been completely relocated. My plastic surgeon said he could correct it with a tuck down the road. It seems to me it could have been avoided, but I’m not an expert of plastic surgery techniques. You find you’re at the mercy of these doctors. I thought I had good doctors, but there are times I’m not so sure
0 -
Blair2, I had a really good conversation with my RO about this the last time I had an appointment with him. I had a lumpectomy just to dx the cancer, and since the BS got it out with clean margins, we never did talk about doing a MX. I have wondered if that was a decision I should have made, or not, and whether it would have made a difference in my treatment choices or my prognosis.
(My RO said that with my type of cancer, and with the lymph node involvement, they would have done chemo anyway, and rads anyway, and anti-hormonals anyway, and that my recurrence risk wasn't any different. We had a good talk and I felt much better about the non-decision.)
It might be worth your just having a conversation with someone on your oncology team and see what they might tell you.
I also think that we will always live with a heightened fear of what might happen next, no matter what we do! Even a BMX doesn't guarantee that BC won't find a stray cell or two. And it likely won't for most of us. We've got to live!
0
