Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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I just had my wire-guided lumpectomy and bilateral breast reduction on Friday, and the wire insertion was no worse than the needle biopsy I had for diagnosis, which wasn’t bad at all. General anesthesia for me, and I had no problems with that either
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re wire guided being painful--not if a local anesthetic is used, as was my experience. Others have not had the same experience, however. Ask!!!
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Urdrago71, for what it's worth, I didn't find the wire localization procedure bad at all. The compression was far less than a regular mammogram. They set me up between the plates, and the doctor injected a local anesthetic. Then, with the technician watching the screen and reading off some kind of "coordinates", the doctor inserted the (incredibily thin) guidewire so that it pointed at the biopsy marker. They took another film to confirm proper placement. Then they taped the end of the wire to my breast so it didn't stick out and get jostled, and I headed over to the pre-op area.
My SNB dye injections were done in the OR, after I was under anesthesia, so I can't speak to that part of it, but the wire localization was a piece of cake. Best of luck to you - it looks like you've already had quite a journey.
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Ask for EMLA (topical anesthetic) cream. My friend was given it 1/2 hr before wire insertion and didn't feel a thing. I had a radioactive seed implanted instead--all I felt was the very thin lidocaine needle, not even the seed (about the size of a grain of rice) itself. They did an ultrasound, not a mammo afterward. But the injection of the radioisotope tracer for the SNB (I didn't get the blue dye) hurt like a mofo--right up there with cortisone shots or novocaine into the gum around a tooth abscess. Fortunately, it hurt for only a few seconds.
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My surgery is tomorrow. I'm so nervous, however I'm tired of the waiting. I want to find out where I stand and what my treatment will be. I was wondering though, right after surgery the suggestions are for a sports bra. Mine is really tight and I would think that would hurt? Would any full coverage bra be fine?
I was also wondering, does the surgeon have results right after surgery or does it take a few days? I am wondering about my lymph nodes and also if all the cancer as removed.
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AMLMom, you will want a bigger sports bra. You will be swollen. And no, not any bra will do. No underwires for awhile. And you won't want them. It is easier if you get a step-in or front close bra and wear a button up/zip top in case you don't feel like raising your "bad" arm. You will likely be bandaged tightly. Some women get surgical bras.
You won't have your results for several days to a couple weeks. I had mine 2 days later. If an Oncotype test is done, that takes at least 2 weeks (determines if chemo is desirable).
You'll do fine. We were all nervous since no one can tell you what exactly your experience will be like. It is amazing how many different ways there are to approach all the things leading up to the actual surgery. But it all passes. Make sure you have plenty of ice. And if you're given a prescription for pain relief, be sure to fill it. You may not need it. Or you may need it. Just make sure you stay on top of any pain. Take whatever works. Tylenol is all I took but others have been glad to have prescription drugs. Again, your experience will definitely be your own.
Good luck tomorrow!
HUGS!
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Thank you all for replying. I will make sure at my pre-op apt. in Sept. I ask more question bcuz of the differences each doc. might take. I didn’t think about bigger bra size, i was thinking sports bra?. not sure if any of you have tried that. I will check back in as I have more questions. For now I’m still recovering from chemo i’m 6 days PFC. Can’t wait for Neuothopathy to lighten up.
wishin everyone good vibes as we head into a Big long weekend..woohooo
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AMLMom,
My surgery was last Friday, and when I woke up I was in a white sports bra courtesy of the hospital. Wore it for a few days, then after I was allowed to shower I switched to a very soft, NO WIRE, front hook Jockey sports bra I had purchased and prewashed. Just got my pathology report yesterday, so cultivate patience....I know it’s hard! Pre-filled my pain meds and was glad I did, even though I didn’t need them after Day 3. Good luck, and let us know how you’re doing
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Hello all,
Just had a lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed - fortunately no lymph nodes had cancer and margins were clean. Side effect was a large uncomfortable seroma with cording down the upper right arm which was uncomfortable and distressing. One month since the surgery and it is finally starting to get better. Oncotype score was 20, was told that chemotherapy was not necessary.
Just had my setup for radiation therapy. So here I am in your club.
Avibaby
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PontiacPegg and Ring,
Thank you for the info and the support!! I appreciate it! I'm off to bed, hopefully I'm tired enough to fall right asleep.
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My surgeon told me that a general anesthesia was preferred especially for the sentinel node biopsy.
I found that a tight sports bra really helped keep movement down and therefore pain down. But I am large chested so perhaps if you are smaller a looser fitting bra would be ok.
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I am 69. I am having chemo before surgery. The ladies on this site that are older don’t seem to be having chemo. I am small and tumer is large. Several lymph nodes 1, 2 and 3 cm. Double mx seems logical to me but maybe at my age too aggressive. Radiation also planned. I am Ok on chemo and in good health but seems like a lot of treatments. I have to decide about the lumpectomy in a couple of months.
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Benji44, I am one of those "older with no chemo". No chemo because all nodes were negative, no mets, and Oncotype score was in the low category. While there are treatment guidelines/protocols, we are all individuals and our treatments will vary! I at least thought I was fully prepared to consider a doublemx but when my BS said I was a good candidate for breast conserving surgery (AKA lumpectomy) I did not hesitate. I figured if I have a second BC diagnosis that will be the time to look more deeply at all options.
Best wishes as you make your decisions. Keep us posted, please.😊
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Benji44, I'm a "young senior" (was 64 at diagnosis). I too had no chemo: Stage IA, clean margins, Grade 2 but mitotic score of 1, and Oncotype of 16. I never considered a bilateral mastectomy, but it wasn't because of age--plenty of women in their 70s have had BMX. It was just excessive (not "aggressive:" some cancers do need aggressive treatment) for the size & kind of tumor I had. I also have very large breasts, so taking a golf-ball-sized chunk out of one was really no big deal.
For those who haven't been on this thread earlier, I got sent home after my lumpectomy squeezed into a size XL white knit velcro-front Royce surgical bra. (If my name had been "June" I'd have been "busting out all over"). Seeing as how I was a size 38H at the time, we're talking at least two if not three sizes too small. I had no trouble, it turns out, fastening a bra in the back (though I do have some trouble now due to wrist & hand fracture surgery). Until I got the green light to go back into my underwires (5 wks post-op), I took advantage of "sister-sizing:" as the band size increases, so does the cup dimension even if the same letter designation. So 38H=40G=42F/DDD=44DD. (Of course, the band being too big will affect support because it'll ride up in back, but it'll be easier to step into or fasten in front and then turn around if your gut isn't too big). Reason I had to do that was because I knew these bras would be temporary, so I wanted to spend as little as possible (Kohl's) to get comfortable wirefree bras that gave some lift--and most low-to-mid-priced bra mfrs. don't offer any cup bigger than DDD or even DD. For sleep, when all I needed was something to keep the girls at the same level with minimal bouncing (like if I had to open the door or greet hotel room service in my nightgown), I got a few Leading Lady knitted front-hook "leisure" (one was labeled "nursing") bras. Relatively cheap ($25), available in colors and in cup size up to F/G/H. HerRoom.com, BareNecessities.com, FigLeaves.com and some of the plus size clothing sites all sell them.
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I am amazed at how fast many of you had surgery after dx. Even after biopsy and PET scan I am only now coming out of denial. I was sure the large lump and the lymph node was from an injury. With port in place and one round of A/C chemo behind me I am starting to believe it but it took time. Of course now I am anxious to get it out of me but have to wait either 3 or 6 months for chemo trying to shrink it. The large lymph nodes seem to be the problem. Per PET it hasn’t spread beyond them, no thanks to me. It helps to be able to hear others experiences
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Benji, every treatment path is going to be different. Your tumor is large at 5cm. Mine was 5 cm too. Your team may have chosen chemo first for you based on the size and the location of your tumor. They do not want to risk any cells breaking away when they remove your tumor so they want to shrink it.
You will get thru this! Stay close to BCO...we are here for you!
Blessings
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Had my mammogram and visit with the surgeon on Monday (supposed to be my 6 month, but a little late). Surgeon came in smiling, said the mammogram was "beautiful". I asked about the aching and soreness that I've started having recently, and he said it is from the radiation. Tight sports bras are the best relief for me. I've been taking Anastrozole, and side effects for me are horrible hot flashes, and neuropathy in my feet. My pcp started me on Gabapentin for the neuropathy, and it has worked wonders. I take less than prescribed, and went from feeling like I was walking barefoot on sharp gravel to normal. No other terrible side effects at this point.
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dlj140, Great news on the beautiful mammogram! Glad the Gabapentin is working for your neuropathy, but isn't it too bad that we end up taking more drugs to deal with the side effects of other drugs? Guess that's just the way it is and I am thankful that we do have those opportunities for help on this journey even if I feel the need to gripe about it every so often.
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I've started using arnica, Bio-Freeze & CBD balm on my sore joints, and taking half a dropper of CBD oil at bedtime. Goal is to ditch the NSAIDs I've had to take for inflammatory post-root-canal and post-op wrist pain. The stuff, distilled from industrial hemp, is 100% legal in all 50 states per the Farm Act. No high, because it's not THC. (Might add some of that--edibles only, because these lungs can't vape or smoke--when my cannabis card app. comes through...or our state finally legalizes the recreational stuff.).
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Agreed, I dont want take different prescriptions for fatigue, pain and anxiety. I rather take CBD oil it works on alll my symptoms.
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I had my lumpectomy on the 28th. Happy it's over. I am sooo sore. The hospital provided a bra. I think from everyone's comments I will get a softer sports bra. I don't have any results yet, except the surgeon thought my lymph nodes looked good so only one was taken to biopsy.
Never in my life have I had a problem sleeping. Since I found the lump, when I lay down at night I can't turn off my thoughts. I was hoping it would be better after surgery, however not yet.
Thank you to everyone sharing your stories.
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AMLMom51, Likely it will be easier to sleep once you get the rest of your treatment plan in place. It is so hard when you don't know if you will be having chemo, radiation, anti-hormonals etc. Once you know, you can plan,even if you aren't thrilled with what's ahead.
HUGS!
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amlmom51
Maybe try a sleep aid? Sleep is helpful with healing, I'm told. Or get answers to unanswered questions. I have called a few times to clarify things. I will start radiation Sept 10. ...presuming my wounds are healed. Hope you find a way to sooth yourself to sleep.
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Good Morning, Ladies! I haven't been on in a while...
I have just 5 Herceptin infusions left...DONE with treatment December 14th! YAY. I'm wondering if anyone has had any kind of reconstruction since lumpectomy? I already have implants, and fared pretty well through lumpectomy and radiation. I really thought not too much about reconstruction, but now that I'm nearing the end of treatment and notice the difference between my breasts more and more all the time...I think I may pursue it. Since I've had my implants for 15 years, I figure it's a good time for exchange, anyway. I'm wondering if a simple (?) implant exchange will do the trick, or if something more might be needed? I know this is a vague question, but just wondering what others' experiences have been. Thanks!0 -
Hello everyone.
This is the first time I have been back to this site since I finished my radiation. I spent a few months doing nothing. Just trying to get through the rest of my Herceptin treatment.
My first mammogram was in August of 2017. It hurt like hell. I didn't know they could scrap the chest that close with that machine. But it was all good.
We went to Rotan in September and met a wonderful couple from Colorado with whom we spent half of our vacation. I wound up with a really bad urinary infection and had a trip to the hospital there. Thankfully antibiotics knocked it out. The rest of the vacation was awesome.
Then I went to Little Rock to spend most of a week with my 92 year old father and step-mom. I had a wonderful visit with them before I left to go to my home town of Shreveport for my 50th High School Reunion. That was a great thing. I was able to see my best friends (we were friends from 1st grade and have stayed in touch all these years) Then back home to Canada. I am so very glad I was able to go. My husband is an angel (most of the time, LOL)
My last Herceptin was in October, 2017. It was so great to finally ring that last bell. It took a couple of months for them to schedule the removal of the port, but that was the last vestige of the treatments.
The beginning of 2018 was spent getting my strength back. Walking more and working in the garden. In May, we went to Costa Rico with the couple we had met in Rotan and some of their friends. It was a good trip and I was able to snorkel a lot while we were there.
Brad and I watched a documentary when we came back home on Prime TV called The Magic Pill. It talked about the Keto Diet. This is a diet that changes your metabolism from sugar burning to fat burning for energy. Since cancer lives off sugar for growth, we started this diet. I said what did I have to loose, I am hoping it will help prevent a recurrence. I have lost about 40 lbs since May and have decided to stick with it in one of its forms or another. If interested here is a link to explain : https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-die...
This July, I took a PADI Open Water Diver course and became a certified scuba diver. It was very gratifying. At the end of this month we are going on another trip with the couple from the States. This time we are going to Bonaire where the diving is extraordinary. Brad said it would be a perfect place for my first diver vacation.
I am back to singing again. Jam nights and karaoke with my friend, Luann. She was by my side through all of the treatments and I love her as if she were a sister. This is not the latest picture, but it is a good one since my hair came back in. It was taken at a jam session by a good friend. I'm skinnier now. LOL
I thank all of you for your support during that time and hope that everyone is doing well.
Love,
Elizabeth
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Lookin' great, Elizabeth (you might want to use that or a later pic as your new avatar). Had no idea you're a singer. (Me too--in fact, I have my first gig since my hand/arm/wrist surgery coming up next Fri). The doc (an MD who's also a homeopath--sounds like a paradox) who certified me for my medical cannabis card application strongly advocates a keto diet (vegan except for wild fish & game and occasional grass-fed meat); I used to be low-carb but since my dx three years ago I've been on something of a pity-party, eating whatever I like--which is way too carby for even my conventional oncologist & primary care doc. (The PCP says Atkins-esque with sane portions and some whole dairy & occasional berries is the way to go; the MO says "don't eat anything white except fish, cauliflower & yogurt"). As to cancer cells being fueled by sugar, ALL cells are fueled by sugar. Maybe triple-neg cells are more sugar-dependent, but all cells in the body require carbs & protein.
That being said, low-carb has always been the easiest diet for me to follow, with the best results. We love to travel, and that includes the foods & wines of the regions & countries we visit. It's a passion my DH & I share. And though I don't really tour to perform any more (don't want to spend so much time apart from my DH now that we're empty-nesters), when I did I found that in small rural towns, "dead animals & leaves" (with hard-boiled eggs and the occasional string cheese & nuts) guaranteed me that no matter how late our gigs ended, my singing partners & I could always find a burger patty and a green salad---even at Mickey D's drive-through window at midnight. (I usually don't have dinner before a gig, because I don't like to sing with a fulll--and sometimes "active"--gut, because it's uncomfortable and gives poor vocal support.
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Cannabis is being legalized in October here in Canada. I have had a Medical card for about a year. I use the CDB oil during the day to help with pain relief.. I have osteoarthritis in my neck, hands and back. But I use a THC oil at night to help me sleep. I seem to have problems with that since I finished all my treatments, so it may be related to the menopause symptoms I acquired with the use of anastrozole.
Sandy, I hope you hand is better soon. Right now I am using the higher protein version of Keto. 5% Carbs, 25% protein and 70% Fat. Staying in ketosis is a matter of balance and hopefully I can loose another 40 lbs before I switch over to one with a higher percentage of Carbs. I started at around 210 lbs and would like to get to 140 lb.
This is a picture from Jam night with the leader of the band that runs it.
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Thanks... I'm having this done tomorrow and I'm worried about the needle! I am having a reduction on one side only and having the other done in the spring. My doctor felt that they may not look even after radiation. How are you feeling? How is the pain? Any tips? How long until you could leave the house?
Thanks so much!
Jackie
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My surgery is tomorrow and I'm pretty nervous. I have stage 0 DCIS and am getting a lumpectomy and a reduction (and a lift) in one breast only. After healing, I will have radiation. After a few months, I will have a reduction done on the other side. Is this common? My surgeon feels that it's the best option to make the breasts look the same after treatment is complete. I'm open to any advice you all can offer. I love tips and anything that may help the healing and help me know what to expect!
Thanks ladies!
Jackie
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I had (still have) oversize breasts--with the "healthy" L one ("Thelma") being nearly a full cup bigger than the R one ("Louise"). I didn't get a reduction or lift because I didn't want to delay radiation so long that we'd have had to cancel the Mediterranean cruise we'd booked (yes, we took it and it was wonderful). After "Louise" side-swelling enough after radiation to temporarily be the bigger one, the tumor-cavity seroma has shrunken to the size of the cavity; now "Thelma" is an H or I and "Louise" an F, so we split the difference and I'm a 40G. My breast surgeon says that three years out, a reduction & lift of "Thelma" would be a fine idea--"Louise" is big, but round & perky with nipple pointing straight ahead. That might get me down to a 38F or even DDD...allowing me to buy bras in regular stores again.
jacks, everyone's experience is different; but I left the hospital the same day as surgery under my own steam (no wheelchair). The next day, I was well enough to go out for a nice dinner, with my sis (visiting from VA) driving. Day 3, I held a pizza party (we ordered in). And Day 4, we walked first to brunch and then to the beach & back (a total of 1 mile). That night I drove home from dinner out. 2 weeks post-op, I drove (solo) 90 mi. each way to & from Rockford to play a 2-set concert. 3 weeks after that I drove (again, solo) 4-1/2 hrs. each way for a weekend folk music conference in Iowa City. (I shamelessly asked for & accepted help carrying all my instruments & luggage).
You will be fine.
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