Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
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Lorrilynne,
I think the waiting for the pathology report is the hardest time of all. Hang in there and take a deep breath every now and then. It will seem like you are not breathing just waiting for that phone call. You probably do have a lot of swelling right now and the looks of your breast may keep changing for quite a while. I also had a lumpectomy but then had to go back and have more taken out because I did not have clear margins the first time. Then I developed a Seroma (accumulation of fluid) where they did the surgery. It was the size of my hand. Almost a year later and it is now down to the size of a golf ball. Also, radiation can make your breast shrink a bit. So....take another breath and know you will be seeing changes for a while in the looks of your breast. Feel free to vent any time that is something we all understand here. Great ladies with lots of good advice. Keep us posted. I will be thinking of you. My first year since diagnosis is Friday and I have come a long way and so will you. Take care.
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Here's my new look after the Look Good Feel Better Class, though I don't plan to recreate it for chemo today, just going to slap on a chemo cap! Have an appt with dietician during chemo, hope she has some suggestions to avoid diverticuli problems this round.
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lorrilynne...good luck,with all this...my breast looked much better and " even" a few months after lumpectomy...it was like you describe right after..it will change...then if you have rads, it will change again...but if the cancer is gone,then it's worth it! Rosie
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Puffin2014 - You look great! And a wonderful attitude will do a whole lot for you!
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Ended up spending most of the day at the chemo infusion center. Within
3" of starting the taxotere I had a reaction - felt weird, face got
flushed and red as a beet, breathing didn't feel normal, stomach felt
strange. Had 5 nurses hooking me up to oxygen, a BP cuff, stopped the
taxotere, gave me benadryl and called the physician's assistant to check
me. She ordered a dose of solumedrol, and after all symptoms had
subsided they restarted the taxotere at a slower rate so it infused over
3 hours instead of 1, and then I still had the cytoxin to go in, didn't
leave until 3 PM.
After getting only 4 hours of sleep last
night I needed to nap and just couldn't chew my ice for the 3 hours so
hope I don't get mouth sores. That also means the remaining 2 sessions
will also be long ones.
Got the OK to start probiotics to try
and keep my diverticuli calmed down. The dietician also came and she had
some good suggestions too.
With all the extra steroids I got
today my feet have swelled up again, Lew just brought me extra pillows
to get them elevated on my recliner, and just gave me the most awesome
foot rub.
Now have to drink, drink, drink to flush the poison out of my system over the next 24 hours.0 -
Jo and Rosie thank you so much for reassuring me and giving me some hope!
I'm a lot more sore today and now have come to the conclusion I'm allergic to the Hydrocodone. I've felt feverish all day but no fever! My face is beet red/ flushed so I just took some Benadryl and Tylenol. Hoping this helps! If I had a fever I'd be headed to the ER for possible infection I think.
Praying for results to be in tomorrow!!!
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Almost TGIF Lumpies!
Welcome to those joining the lounge...we are lumps of fun...but oh, how we wish you did not qualify to join.
Lorrilynne - Congrats on LX&SND done! Ooo who you did good...here's to clear nodes&margins...grr the waiting in this crazy ride. Watch the arm...it's ok to be pampered. Speedy healing:)
Nancy - yippee the drain is out! Oh, so much better:) Sorry about that stubborn margin...I was told from the beginning that good surgeons go back for clear margins...and many do...no need for the wire and nipple dye so breathe...we will be in your pocket on 8/19...playlist or food requests...Red/Peggy time to stock up!
Lori - BREATHE, we are in your pocket{{{squeeze}}} doing the countdown dance! Keep busy, soak in the love, you are doing great! In our thoughts&prayers
Peggy - our flasher! Ooo who you will do great during rads because free boobing is the best...a cami with the girl hanging out! Your poor son
)) watch that arm weight lifter Donna - wow, go for the FG reconstruction...you have done your research...follow your heart and hears to Thelma&Lousie!
Spinksy - how are you dong...keep us posted the pockets get rowdy!
Jet gal - any news on final path results? Will keep those fingers&toes crossed for results soon...gosh the waiting grr
Ramona - wow, 20 nodes...watch that arm and insist on PT for LE and all exercises your BC center prescribes for BC recovery. It makes a big difference and helps to be proactive...LE is not fun so be on it! Hope you are feeling good and healing nicely:) you are so incredibly organized...go GF!
Puffin - luv the new pic! LGFB is such a great great, I'm so happy that you went:) ah the little things that make a big impact. Sounds like you are very prepared and ready to get chemo going and checks off your list. We are in your pocket ....gosh you have everything so we will just {{{squeeze}}} and giggle try and not get into too much trouble...we got your back!
Linzer - time moves slow and time moves fast...midSept will be here soon enough. Speedy healing and if you can take a NO c break/vacation...give your body mind spirit a break...recapture your laugh! It does make a difference if between each tx you take a vacation...make BC off limits to discussed just enjoy life:)))
Mari - rads countdown! Does radiation make my butt look bigger! You will rock laser tag...it's mental...the daily grind of showing up and jumping on the table but it doesn't hurt and you can tell when the light is going to wave across the girl 20-25 sec and then a break and on to the next field...it takes more time to get undress and put your clothes back on that the time on the table...Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate!
Cfranz - zip zap later tag warrior! How's the countdown going! I wrote or wore sill stickers into rads..,my team laughed...it eased the tension for me...stick figures dancing! praying! Hope your rad team is awesome! Stay hydrated, mositurize front&back, free boobing as much as you can!
Linda - yeah, 9 T done, countdown 3, 2, 1! Done! You are doing great...praying for incredible shrinking c out of your body completely! Let us know when your LX&AND is scheduled...we will be so ready, but for now we are with you in chemoland! Ring that bell...I want to hear it down in the heart of Texas
Now, I can't find my glasses...my new pup just loves m stuff...so I apologize if I missed anyone...and for typos...I've got guest coming for 12 days, but will be checking in and never miss a pocket party, or bell ringing party, or Happy Dance!!!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Cindy, you do cheer us all up. It's wonderful! I was so thrilled that my son felt comfortable enough to tease my about my bra shifting. My lymph node incision is finally not bothering me. And I think that maybe my antibiotic is killing my possible infection. At least I'm less pink and I think, maybe, the swelling has gone a teeny bit.
Poor Puffin2014, that was a rough chemo session for you. Amazing that slowing down the rate of flow can make such a difference. I know nothing about chemo. Glad DH was pampering you so nicely. He's a keeper! HUGS!!0 -
Cindy you made my day!! I am craving grapes for some odd reason and I love me some Third Day, Mandesia, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, pretty much anything country. ") I have not been feeling too good and had a nagging cough so I went to my PCP today and found out I have a lung infection. UGG!! How can you get sick when you are on antibiotics ? Lol, Oh well part of it I guess. So now I get to add a Pulmonologist to my list of specialist. Good thing or maybe a bad thing is I am a Respiratory Therapist and know what to do for this. Its hard to be a patient and be on this side of things
Puffin I am sorry you had such a bad day. I hope the remainder of your treatments go better. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
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thinking about you Puffin. Wishing you better days
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Morning Ladies
Surprised I was able to sleep till 5 after all those steroids yesterday.
It
was very reassuring to see how well the nurses worked as a team
yesterday when I had my reaction, everyone knew what to do and within a
minute everything was taken care of and I was feeling better. Since they
had to slow the taxotere down and run it over 3 hrs, no way could I
chew ice chips that long, and after the additional benadryl I had to
take a nap. So being extra careful today to do my mouth rinses. Legs are
swollen up again so keeping them elevated.
Had a good talk with
the dietician, goal is 70 gm protein during chemo and radiation, do 15
gm lower soluble fiber foods 1st 4-5 days after chemo and then increase
by 1 higher insoluble fiber food a day after that and I've gotten the OK
to start probiotics. So at least there's a plan in place to try and
avoid the diverticulosis attack again. Probably wouldn't hurt to do some
tai-chi and gentle yoga too!
I get my neulasta shot this afternoon so I'm drinking my Carnation Instant Brk drink and taking my Claritin.
If
you can get to a Look Good Feel Better class definitely take advantage
of it. There were 5 of us ladies in the class and we had a ball. When
you register they ask you your skin coloring (lt, med, dark) and your
makeup bag is chosen accordingly. Glad I got light. You each have a
little mirror and your makeup bag has about $200 worth of free make up
in it from various name brand companies. They walk you through
foundation and concealer & powder, drawing on eyebrows, eye shadow,
eyeliner, mascara (I was having trouble till I realized there weren't
any lower lashes left to color), lip liner and lipstick. Once we were
all glammed up she demonstrated different ways of using the scarves and
combining them with hats, and sent home pamphlets and booklets with
diagrams to follow so we could tie them at home. Even had a scarf that's
made by cutting an old t-shirt off under the sleeves and using the
remaining tube part as a scarf by rolling it a certain way. I'd brought
my wig along and thought it needed the bangs trimmed until she showed me
how I was wearing it wrong. She said most people wear their wigs too
far down on their foreheads, that they should be positioned way back
along the edge of the forehead, and how to push in the built in metal
tabs to help make it stay put.Looks like Lew is up, time to eat some breakfast, sort clothes and get washing done while I still feel pretty good.
Hope everyone has a decent Friday.
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Puffin you are truly an inspiration to me. We seem to have the same type of BC the only difference is that as of now I don't have to have chemo for some reason. Although my BS told me that as of now I dont have to and that may change. I just hope that if I do have to have it that I have as great an outlook as you.
I had a melt down yesterday and finally balled and kinda panicked a bit. I think I am ok today. I hope this is normal and I am not just over reacting. It's just hard to believe this is happening and the fact I have to go back for more surgery probably has a little play on things. Plus the fact I have not even started any therapy yet only had surgery and I am already having problems fighting off respiratory infections. Ugg. Anyway, thank you ladies for being here and for allowing me to vent.0 -
Puffin2014, my daughter-in-law had colon cancer 2 years ago and she also attended Look Good Feel Better class and loved it. Glad it was such fun for you. And very relieved that you are feeling better today.
Nancy, my radiologist doesn't want to see me until 5 weeks after my Lx, so not until the 20th. Rotten you have to have more surgery but better to get it all out now - hard to face though. Hope your infection goes away ASAP!
Wish I were able to attend meetings of the various support groups but I can't leave DH for more than 20 minutes and he requires a caregiver that can lift him. Thank heavens for this forum which I *CAN* attend!!!
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Good Morning Lumpies!
Singing 'Your an Overcomer' and the YouTube video is going, pinching the air, and dancing around...just came in from puppy playtime...he's crashed on his bed
going to sneak away for shower and put on my face.Nancy - hee hee luv the play list..some of my favs to sing/dance. Yikers on RRT with lung infection grr, but know you will get it cleared up. Breathe, deeper
and just focus on healing. Checkout your BC center for services and if possible attend. Mine has social worker, support group, exercise, yoga, tai chi, meditation, diet, and movie afternoons...and a beautiful garden with rainbows healing time...give yourself time to heal and stay focus on today! Puffin - wow, you go girl! Sorry yesterday was so rough but your team was on top of it...a slower drip is better:) here's to feeling better than you hoped all weekend. Glad Lew is there to support:). Let Lew pamper you it's ok
Sailing wind - welcome, where do you sail in AZ? I'm an avid sailer
. Congrats LX done and internal rads will you be taking HT? Speedy healing Peggy - you gotta find some drop in daycare for hubby so you can get out. Have you spoken with the BC center social worker about your caring for hubby and all that weight
really you should not be hauling him to rads...no never just too much...so please ask and accept help! Feeling very impaired...can't follow instructions for this puppy gate and I have guest coming...can't ask them to climb over all the boxes blocking the kitchen/family room grr
screw driver, hammer please!(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Jo6202 - Congrats! Wheee, 1 year behind you...take a bow...Happy Dancing with you
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Cindy, day care is an option possibly. Parkinson's patients require so much care. If DH needs to tag along to radiation, I was just planning on leaving him in the car or lobby to read or sleep. I can't really plan anything until I know what comes next and when. I will talk to my nurse navigator. Promise!
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ncollet: ask your onc if you qualify for the oncotype test, they send your tumor sample in and test it for 21 genes that predict your reoccurence rate with and without chemo within the next 10 yrs, my score was high enough that chemo was recommended, my insurance covered it. A crying meltdown is normal! When you get to the panic stage, step back and check if you're looking too far forward into all the "what if" scenerios. That's what gets me overwhelmed and I find it helps to pull back and focus instead on what I have control over right now. It's a waste of precious energy to worry about everything that might happen. And take the time to pamper yourself, you deserve it now more than ever.
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I do remember that now. I did have a Onco type test done and he stated it was low. But because of my family history and depending on what they found in surgery I may have to have it. Hope everyone has a good day today!
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Looks like I'm going to have to file an appeal for my rotator cuff
shoulder physical therapy. I was 5 weeks post op when diagnosed with my
breast cancer so the surgery set back my recovery, then the chemo set
back my recovery. So I've used up my 30 allowed visits and don't have my
full range of motion back. Therapist sent in a request for once a week
for another month and it was denied.0 -
Sometimes I wonder about insurance companies and those who make decisions our health.
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Hi! I am new here. Thank you all for sharing your experience.
I had sentinel lymph node removal + lumpectomy last week and am still feeling light headed. Also, I am urinating a lot more than my intake. I lost weight easily and have already lost a couple of pounds even though this was a "small" surgery. I was at the pre op at 7 am and did not leave till 11 pm. I was very nauseated after the surgery. I was given a host of medications to stop the dry heave and vomiting but they did not help. I was sent home anyway. I got a cold right after and am feeling very tired even though I am not doing anything. My blood pressure is on the low side. I wonder if what I am feeling is "normal"? My right breast that got operated on did not feel too bad until the last couple of days, I am feeling occasional pulling and japing pain. It is quite swollen but it is not bothering me too much. I was told to wear a bar at all times for a week.
Gillyone, thanks for contributing to the forum. I am DCIS Grade 3 and ER-ive. I was wondering if I were the only ER-ive opting for lumpectomy + radiation. This whole journey has been very scary and upsetting for me because I am also a patient with other chronic illness. I don't have the pathology report yet but I am planning on getting radiation if everything goes well. Will greatly appreaciate any input.
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Spinksy - we are in your pocket and so ready! You are about to cross over and the haze will lift and you will breathe a sigh of relief...sending calm confident thoughts and prayers ...fingers&toes crossed for clear margins&nodes
)) you got this!Kitoko - welcome! Sorry to meet this way but glad you found our lounge. One thing I've learned is not to look back and second guess myself. Ask lots of questions of your team and than follow your gut...there is no right or wrong or one fits all...it's what is best for you! So write down your questions and give a copy to each team member before the next step in treatment. Make sure you understand all your options and are comfortable moving forward.
I have low blood pressure too. Hydration makes a big difference so drink up..,smoothie, protein shake, juicie, just be sure and get plenty of fluids..it also helps you not feels so drained. Set up a schedule for feeding...ha ha sounds funny, but I hydrate and eat about every 2 hours...met with nutrition counselor to ensure you are eating enough/right...I think the schock of all this makes not eating a reaction so I keep track to ensure something good is put in m stomach. When you are able update your profile with your path report, it will help others understand your dx and concerns.
Hope your tummy feels better soon!
And Spinksy...breathe
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Welcome to BCO Kitoko, but sorry you are here.
Keeping fluid intake a bit higher helps flush out the anaesthetic and other drugs from your system but beware of excess output for long periods as you can't afford dehydration. Your body has had an attack and everyone's reacts differently. Any major change, please see your doctor. Most find the soft sports-bra style bras are most comfortable for a while.
Thanks Cindy for your valuable feedback too. Everyone's help in these first scary weeks is so valuable.
The Mods
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kitoko, I am DCIS w lumpectomy and SNB (0/3) and ER- PR- too. I am in rad now, with 14 of 33 done. So far so good. It is scary but we'll all be here for you and we will kick this bc in the %&#! You need to contact your doc asap about your non-ability to keep fluids down and light headedness ASAP! They can help you to start feeling better. They are the experts and have lots of resources to help all of us!
Ask lots of questions, write them down and take a buddy to help support you and to listen (2nd set if ears), hydrate your skin as MO and RO suggest. I used 100% Fruit of the Earth Aloe gel and vitamin E oil after incisions healed (and also before surgery in prep). Now I use Miaderm lotion 3x day during rad Tx. Get lots of fluids and do it in increments throughout the day. I am on a 2 quart fluid daily minjmum. Also uped the protein intake (beans, hummus, nuts, dairy, broccolai, lean meat, etc.) especially during rad tx as our bodies are in high repair mode! Wishing you well!
Mari
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Hi! Moderators, Rmulu and Mripp,
Thanks so much for your input. I am worrying about excessive out put too. It should have stopped by now. I wonder if that's why my blood pressure goes down in the first place. I am feeling very lost because with my health plan, DCIS patients do not have a team of docs and nurses to work with. I am not even supposed to see an oncologist unless I am getting chemo. The surgeon was the only person I met so far but she is so swamped with patients. I will be meeting with some assistant post surgery but this is just a one time thing. That's why I am trying to look for help online because now I don't know who is supposed to do the long term post surgery care after my diagnosis with bc. Whenever I mentioned my condition, most of the time I got an answer like "Oh, it is nothing".
Mari, many thanks for your advice on moisturizer and everything. I have exactly the same Dx (I am still waiting for pathology report, so this can change) as yours except that mine is on the right side.
Thanks to all your replies. I am glad that I joined the forum. It really help me to calm down a little and find a lot of precious advice.
Dx 5/19/2014, DCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-Surgery Lumpectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)
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Kitoko, how difficult it must be for you. I'm so lucky. My BS discusses every patient with a committee of MO and ROs and who knows who else, every Monday. I had my surgery on July 23rd and I see the MO on the 19th to get my oncotype results and make sure that I don't need chemo (no expects that I will). The next day I see the RO to get my treatment set up etc. And then back to my BS the 21st.
Please call your local American Cancer Society. They will be able to help you find a nurse navigator or someone who can fulfill that position to help you find your way through this maze.
If you can, you might want to get Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. It is loaded with good information though some might be a bit outdated.
From what some of our fellow lumpies have written, it would seem that the BS follows us for about a year. Hope you can have that comfort, too. And you might even ask your health plan if they have someone who can help you, I'd think they would. It's advantageous for everyone to get you well!
Hugs!
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hello everyone. I found out from my GP on Friday that I have Ductal Carcinoma but don't know much more than that. I have an appt with the BS/Surgeon tomorrow afternoon to discuss Pathology report and whatever else comes next. I saw the lumpectomy forum and then saw your post Peggy. My DH has Parkinson's and relies on me a lot for lifting, washroom help, showers , cooking, cleaning, driving etc. I've been so worried about how we will manage with everything and then I felt hopeful when I saw that you and your DH are working through this. Thanks for your time ladies, I've been feeling nervous about seeing surgeon tomorrow but the thoughts of how will we be able to make this work has been in the forefront. Will let you know how I make out.
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Su-CQ51, sorry you have joined us. But this is the place for great information.
Having a DH with Parkinson's is terrible. Right now mine is going through a really, really bad spell - partially because he has a bladder infection that was really horrid before it was caught. I was so lucky that my sons came in (separately) so I had help with DH for 3 weeks. I could not have taken care of him after my Lx and SND. If your challenges are like mine, you don't get a good night's sleep EVER. Do you have family that can come in and help out? I am not familiar with how Canada's health system works but can you put DH in respite care for 3 weeks to help you recover if you have surgery and no family is able to help out? The only respite care here is if I can pay and it's really expensive.
SU-CQ51, you're the only person I've encountered who is facing very similar circumstances to me. Many hugs to you.
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hi Peggy, I'm so glad I found you! Everyone has been so helpful but finding someone else going through same challenges is priceless. Yes an uninterrupted nights sleep would be amazing. Just getting up once to take him to the bathroom is a cause for celebration lol. Your comment about your DH sitting in the car to sleep or read sounds just like my DH. I thnk he prefers it actually ! I'm sorry your DH has had the bladder infection. It's so hard to tell with them isn't it? My DH also has the neurogenic bladder so goes a lot anyway.
I thought that I'd wait until I found out today what surgeon has planned for me and then I can make plans. I'd thought of the respite care option but not sure how it works. I'm sure it's pretty expensive here as well. He doesn't do well in hospitals but we have to do what we have to do don't we? So you felt by 3 weeks that you could handle things? Thank you so much, it gives me a suggested time frame to look at. Anyway, this is becoming a short story and not a post lol. This site is such a blessing. Take care Peggy and hugs to you too.
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SU-CQ51, we are definitely in the same boat. Getting up once per night is heavenly. And getting up to a dry bed is also very nice. I didn't have a name for DH's problem but neurogenic bladder seems to fit. I think part of it came from his heart attack 4 years ago and the Parkinson's made it a whole lot worse.
Three weeks was all the boys could manage. One came for 2 weeks, the other for a week. I now think another week would have been wonderful but I can manage. You probably would be able to also. However, it has not been 3 weeks since my surgery and that is what is needed I think.
My DH was just in the hospital for his infection and he doesn't do well either. He regresses and never seems to get back to where he was before he went in. He is having a cancerous tumor on his kidney removed next month laparoscopically and the surgeon realizes that DH will need a few weeks in a rehab facility. That will be covered by insurance. I should be going through radiation treatments about then.
Please let me know how your appointment goes. Hugs! PM me if you want.
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