Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Mechq - I had a seroma at the incision under my arm. That's when your body produces liquid that fills in the places where you had something removed. Most seromas just go away on their own but you can also have them drained - something my surgeon did at my follow up visit. Stay strong and don't hesitate to call your doc if you need to!! Better to call/ask questions than to worry.
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Bauer4: I do have a pulling sensation when I reach with my arm over my head. It feels really tight. I’ve had that since my lumpectomy last June.
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If I don't remember to stretch my arms good every morning, I also find that my underarm on my "bad" side feels tight or even seems a bit tender / sensitive. After nearly 4 years.
HUGS
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Mine is not always there, but when it is the "burning,pulling" feeling is not a pleasant one.
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So thankful for all of you ladies and your posting on this site! I don't know if any of you can help me, but I am 12 days post lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy( they took 4 total, only 1 had cancer) I didn't get a clear margin so this Friday have to go back in to get more tissue removed. Has this happened to anyone else? I can't believe that I have to go back in again, just as its starting to feel better😕.
Also, the under part of my upper arm feels like it has a bad burn, or a terrible painful rash, I rub lotion on it many times during the day and that helps a little. Also, still swollen under the arm in the area of the lymph node incision, been trying to ice it and put some pressure on it. Can anyone tell me their experience with any of these things?
Thank you all and God bless
Maryan
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MAC58,
Very sorry to learn that you need more surgery to get that clear margin. But it will be OK. Got to get it all, so you can go on with your treatment.
I can comment on your lymph node discomfort. I had six nodes removed, one cancerous. Overall, my underarm was much more uncomfortable than the incision on my breast. Mine was just as you describe yours-swollen and a kind of burning. Icing it seemed to help me the best. I also did gentle stretching of my arm while lying in bed, and that seemed to help as well.
My surgery happened one month ago, and only this week can I say that I don’t notice my underarm areaanymore.
Hang in there, it will get better. Do mention it to your surgeon when you see him on Friday.
Prayers for a clean margin on Friday.
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MAC58- I too needed a reexcision. Its not as bad as it sounds. They go in thru same spot, its less drugs - I wasn't intubated, and really didn't hurt. From what I've read its quite common.
The node removal - I too felt like I had ...something like a rug burn from my elbow to my shoulder, up the back of my arm. I kept massaging it. It took some time but it got less and less annoying. Then finally one day I realized I wasn't holding and poking at my left arm.
It's the node removal that is way more painful than LX and reexcision. YOU'VE GOT THIS! HUGS.
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Hi MAC58,
Hang in there! I too had burning/stinging in my armpit after sentinel node biopsy. I'm now five weeks post surgery and I only get the occasional stab of pain. Good luck on the surgery - you've got this, and we've got your back!
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MAC--just wanted to add that I needed a re-excision two years ago and at the time read it happened in 25-40% of lumpectomies. Also, a nurse explained to me why they can't handle breast tissue like a mohs surgery (where they take a skin cancer, run off and test it, and repeat until they get a clear margin). Something to do with the sample having to be frozen and that negates its ability to be tested for breast tumors or something. Anyway--it is very common. These surgeons are trying to preserve as much breast tissue as possible and can't check margins until after the surgery. (FWIW--this last time I told my BS to "go big"--came out with nice, clear 3mm margins all the way around, although as others have said, having to go back in is NBD.)
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thank you All, so glad to have found this community..I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow
Maryann
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Hi Cindy,
I see you are taking armidex, how are you doing with that? Has it changed the way you live your day to day at all? This is the drug that was mentioned to me, that's why I'm asking.
Maryann
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Anybody have any experience with a bilateral lumpectomy?
I have a large palpable lump on the right, and a small spot on the left that was found on mammogram & ultrasound.
Biopsies on both came back positive.
Have Genetic counseling tomorrow, MRI scheduled for Monday, CT and Bone scans scheduled for Thursday.
BS is saying, depending on test results, she is thinking bilateral lumpectomy is most likely. Have not heard of that. Thought lumpectomy was only for one side.
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Hi Donna,
Don't know if it helps, but yes, I had lumpectomies on both sides, years apart. One was much smaller than the other. I know this isn't the same as simultaneously. Maybe your surgeon thinks breast-conserving therapy is a good option to consider? I found recovery and cosmesis ery good overall. Genetic testing and Mammoprint definitely helped in our decisions. Good luck tomorrow with all the new information! Get copies of everything.
Dee
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Mac, sorry about the re-excision! I hope it is not too troublesome. Like you, the node incision was the more annoying of the two...good luck and thinking of you!
Dee
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Mechq: I wonder when your follow-up visit is. Might be worth giving them a call to mention it.
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Like astynyax, I've had lumpectomies in both breasts (actually--two in one; one in the other) (and one needed a reexcision). They've been really easy surgeries.
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MAC58- I sent you a private message on my Anastrozole use. I'm hoping your reexcision went well today.
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Hi everyone, I am brand new here as I was just diagnosed this past Wednesday. Still feels surreal. I met with the surgeon yesterday for the first time and he started to explain some things to me. My tumor was caught very early, so I am stage one. I still need to go for genetic testing and an mri hopefully this coming week. At this stage I’m just lookin for some opinions and reasonings as to why you ladies went with lumpectomy vs mastectomy? As of right now he said I have a 25-30% chance if it returning in the other breast but we’ll know more after other testing is done. Thank you very much for any comments, as I am just days out from a diagnosis I feel very confused and shocked as I wasnot expecting this at 33.
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SLL101984,
Appreciate and understand your feelings. Has happened to just about everyone here, but as facts and knowledge begin to flow it will get better.
From my read you are doing all of the right things.
My surgeon said that what used to be almost an automatic mastectomy decision has now been replaced by lumpectomy with radiation. Numerous studies show the odds of long term recurrence to be similar. And now genetic/genomictesting reveals so much more about the tumor and specific treatment options for each person. Being premenopausal vs post menopausal also plays a role in the decisions.
I was advised and chose a lumpectomy. Had the genomic testing, which showed that chemotherapy would not really increase my long term odds. So am moving forward with radiation followed by hormone blocking therapy.
Keep a clear head. Ask lots of questions. Take someone with you for a second set of ears. Get a second opinion. And don’t be rushed.
This community of strong, intelligent women is a wonderful resource. Together we will all see it through.
Best wishes and prayers.
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I had a lumpectomy on 4/9/18 as well as a sentinel node biopsy. The node biopsy at the time of surgery seemed to be clean.
I went for my follow up appt. with the surgeon on 4/17/18. He told us that the margins were not clean and one of my nodes showed micrometastases. We were both disappointed. I know it is not unusual to have to go back in for a second lumpectomy, but we were both disappointed. I am very concerned about the lymph node involvement, even though the surgeon said that could be treated by radiation.
I go back for the second surgery on Tuesday, April 24.
Anyone have similar experience? Thank you so much for your support. This is a rocky road. I thought I was handling everything okay, but this week has been hard as I feel I am starting from ground zero again.
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Hi, everyone...I'm a new poster.
I had a lumpectomy done on April 9 as well as a sentinel node biopsy. At the time of the surgery, the nodes appeared clear.
My husband and I went for my follow up appointment on Tuesday, April 17. The surgeon told us the margins were not clear and also that one of the nodes showed a micrometastases. Even though I know a second lumpectomy is not uncommon, we were both disappointed. I am increasingly concerned about the lymph node even though the surgeon said that radiation has an excellent success rate in treating it.
I go back for my second surgery on Tuesday, April 24.
Anyone with similar experience?? Thank you for your support. This is a rocky rock that we travel, isn't it?
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Hi, SLL101984,
I'm sorry that you have to go through this. It certainly is shocking and surreal. I know for everyone, the decision on surgery is a very personal one involving the weighing of benefits and risks. Like you, my tumor was very small, and my surgeon told me that a lumpectomy with radiation would have almost the exact same rate of success as a mastectomy without adding in long recovery and other issues (we did look at Mammoprint and genetic tests as well in making this decision--no genetic factors, but high risk of recurrence, which is why I ended up also taking chemotherapy). JosieO's advice was great--ask questions about the recommendations. Every person is different. Hugs to you this week--it's a hard one!
dee
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SLL101984, your young age is going to play a major role in your decisions and treatment plan. I am much older than you and way past menapause. I was just diagnosed in December. My IDC was caught early also although my tumor was large. My breast surgeon was confident that a lumpectomy would excise the tumor but he was concerned that I would not be happy with the result because he was going to take so much of the breast. He did mention mastectomy. I said no way. I went with the lumpectomy and was thrilled to find out my nodes were clear! The plan was to do radiation...until the full pathology report came back. My margins were not clear. Huge let down! There were two places in the margins that were in question. My BS said there was no breast tissue in those places. He had removed all breast tissue so all that was left was skin an muscle. I could only think of metastasis occurring down the road. So I wanted additional surgery to remove the areas in question. The amount of skin he would have to remove indicated that I just wouldn't have much breast left. I was tied in knots over this dilemma. Since I had the lumpectomy my BC team knew a lot about my cancer and then my OncotypeDX score came back at 14. If I had the mastectomy it would be a simple mastectomy versus a radical mastectomy. I would not have lymph nodes removed and I would not have any muscle removed from my chest wall. If I went with the mastectomy I would not need chemo or radiation. That was huge for me not to go through chemo. So I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction. I had a real peace about my decision. It was the right decision for me. I went with BMX because I didn't want to go through this process again if it spread to the other breast.
Your young and have other factors to take into consideration. Technology is on your side as you can see by the early detection of your tumor. The chemo and radiation is so targeted now. You have options for reconstruction that will allow you to have beautiful breasts again.
I will pray for you as you go through this process. The shock, anger, confusion and feeling so overwhelmed at all the information you need to process and difficult decisions you need to make are all normal for this early stage of this cancer journey. Stay close to breast cancer.org. This place is overflowing with so many women who have made this journey. There is so much information here.
Stay close and keep us informed of your progress
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I had a Lumpectomy yesterday. A little tender and still feel some of the anesthesia but other that overall I feel well.
Now comes the dreaded wait 🙄.
I had an excisional biopsy that found Atypical Ductal Cell Hyperplasia. I’ve read that it’s usually upgraded to DCIS (not sure if that’s true)??????
I did have genetic testing because I found this area four moths after my Uterine Cancer (Stage 1A). My risk of breast CA is 43.3% chance of breast CA in my life time. which is apparently very high.
Dr recommends a Bilateral Mastectomy but was willing to do the Lumpectomy first.
I’m not a patient person so the next few days are going to be rough
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Hi,
I am new here as well. My surgery--lumpectomy for 2 lumps, left breast, plus removal of one lymph node--is happening on April 24. I feel quite unprepared and would like to know: do I need a sports bra immediately after surgery or can it wait a few days? Also, do you have nausea for days after the operation? What is the best kind of food to be eating in the first week?
I am 71 and although my daughter will help me to some extent, I am pretty much on my own.
Would appreciate any help!
Thanks.
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Louisa--I've had three lumpectomies + one re-excision and they are just not that big a surgery. Yes a sports bra is recommended around the clock for about a week following surgery just to keep things from moving too much, but keep in mind it doesn't have to be super tight--you do need to be comfortable and be able to sleep too. I've never heard of nausea after this surgery, unless you don't tolerate anesthesia well--I suppose there might be some right after surgery. I typically take the prescription pain meds for about two days, although really the pain is not bad. (I do it more as a treat to myself!) Many women do just fine on OTC pain meds.
While I have y'all, I posted on the "free to good home" thread (or whatever it's called) that I bought two front-close bras for this surgery but only wore each one once or twice and really don't see myself wearing them again. If anyone is interested, please PM me--I'm happy to pass them on. Women's size Large.
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SLL101984, your surgeon can (and should) give you options on both lumpectomy and mastectomy, along with statistics and info on both. I decided lumpectomy, since the percent of reoccurance was about the same, surgery was much easier, and recovery time much quicker. I only missed 2 days of work, vs weeks if I had chosen mastectomy. But this is YOUR decision. Don't let anyone, including doctors, force you to do something you don't think is right for you. Do your research, ask lots of questions. We here have all been through what you are facing, and we understand your fear, confusion, and feeling of being overwhelmed, and are willing to give advise or just be a sounding board when needed. Somebody else suggested taking another person with you to your appointments. ABSOLUTELY! You will receive far too much info to be able to process and remember. Or ask the doctor if you can record what they are telling you. Just make sure you have the best doctors for YOU...ones that you trust, that are willing to take time with you to answer your questions and not rush you through. You will be dealing with these doctors for years to come, they are your team. Your pcp, surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist, along with their staff. Make sure you have a team that is interested in YOU as a person, and who listen to you.
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Hi Louisa,
Yes, I bought 2 "close in front" bras to wear during recovery from lumpectomy. I wore them all the time for about 2 weeks. I did order a size slightly bigger because I had some gauze padding tucked around my incisions. The bras were 100% cotton and not too tight. After surgery, I woke up in this velcro "thing" called a surgical bra. It itched and poked and...whew! I put on my cotton bra once I got home, and it felt much better! Like others, I only had to take prescription pain meds a few times over the following 24 hours. I had very little pain after that.
As for nausea--I am (in my surgeon's words--we laughed and agreed) a "barfer." So, the anesthesia team was highly pro-active on using meds during and after surgery to prevent and control nausea. For me, the magic combo is Zofran + Decadron. Others find the Zofran headache a nuisance and prefer Phenergan (a strong anti-histamine). My lumpectomy had no nausea--it was great! But not so much with my port (that may not apply to you at all) because the resident wouldn't listen to me about my long history of nausea. I've learned--speak up and make note to everyone if you have nausea or a history of it. It can really make the experience much easier. Good luck to you on the 24th!
Dee
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Ingerp,
Thanks so much for your advice...makes me feel much less apprehensive! I would love to take those bras, but unfortunately I'm in Canada--too far!
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SLL101984: take a deep breath, you are not alone. As to mastectomy vs. lumpectomy, I think many who choose the latter have the rationale of "I can't put them back on, once they've been removed." Or more formally, when presented with a choice, always pick the least invasive treatment first.
Louisa: I'll be thinking of you Tuesday. And yes, it can't hurt to get a sports bra before your surgery; make sure it's easy to pull on, as you may have limited arm motion, and will be ouchy. That way you know it's comfortable. Hospital bras are an unknown quantity. No, I didn't have nausea after surgery, but then I don't have adverse reactions to anesthesia; have you had surgery before? As for what to eat; something easy to make (individual servings of casseroles you can microwave) might be a good idea.
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