Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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~Leawoodgal~
Sandy is so right! I had a local when I was in my twenties to stitch my right thumb and forefinger back together when I put my hand through a glass door, but the idea of being totally unconscious was terrifying. I have anxiety and need to feel in control of myself and my surroundings. My surgeon explained the entire procedure to me and I was convinced I did not want to be awake or aware of anything that they were going to have to do to make me well again.
The entire process was so smooth and I didn't have any after-effects from the surgery. I was intubated, but didn't know it until I read the surgical report later. I don't even remember anything from the time they wheeled me into the operating room until I was wakened to go home, but my surgeon told me I was alert and talking until they gave me the anesthetic.
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I had sedation, which meant no intubation, which I was glad for.
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what type of sedation did you have so you did not have to be intbated
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When I had a large lipoma removed from my neck three years ago, the plan was for simple sedation because it's not a deep surgery. The surgeon changed his mind and had me anesthetized, because, as he explained, even under sedation, the patient can flinch slightly, and he was going to be working close enough to major veins/arteries that he didn't want the chance of an accidental nick. Under anesthesia, there's a temporary paralysis that ensures the patient's safety.
Remember: You don't have to be brave. You just have to show up. (I found that quote here months ago, but I've lost the attribution.)
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salamanders
Do you remember what the sedation drug was?
Lrawoodga
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The sedation drug I had for my orthopedic surgeries (two knee replacements and this summer's TFCC debridement/scaphoid internal fixation/ulnar-shortening osteotomy) was Propofol, so no intubation there. I was intubated for my lumpectomy, and was also given the powerful muscle relaxant succinylcholine ("scoline") as soon as I went "under," to make sure my upper body was unable to move or twitch. When I had trigger-thumb release surgery in 2010, I had a local plus I.V. Versed--I was awake the whole time but my arm was numb and I felt relaxed.
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I don't remember, I'm sorry. And it's not on my surgery report... I can try to find out. I remember that the name reminded me of the date rape drug, so it may have been propofol like ChiSandy had. I think they gave it to me through an IV in my hand. I feel asleep very quickly after they started it.
Before the operation, the anesthesiologist came into the room and explained it all to me and let me ask any questions. I felt very safe and well cared for.
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Leawoodgal, Have you had a chance to discuss your fear of general anesthesia with a surgeon? Is it possible that having such a discussion with your surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist would be of assistance? As ChiSandy has so clearly explained, there are very good reasons for general anesthesia being the norm and a primary reason is your safety.
I'm rooting for you to find some reassurance close to home!!
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Yup, Salamandra, sure sounds like propofol. (It burns when injected into the I.V. and suddenly you're wide awake and surgery's over). Not a date rape drug, as it's administered only intravenously--its notorious connotation stems from being the drug that killed Michael Jackson, who abused it in order to sleep. (His doctor left the room instead of monitoring his vitals). It takes effect immediately and wears off quickly. It's used either to start general anesthesia or, via infusion pump, as a form of anesthesia. If you didn't get a sore throat, you weren't intubated--so you probably had it as your only anesthetic. It replaced sodium thiopentothal ("truth serum") because of its immediate effect and ease of waking the patient up, with no "anesthetic hangover."
The date-rape drug you may be thinking of is Rohypnol (flunitrazepam, a very powerful benzo tranquilizer), aka "roofie," which is colorless & tasteless and can be slipped into the victim's drink. It has no legitimate medical use in the U.S., though some other countries use it sparingly to treat severe insomnia* and formerly as an anesthetic. Internationally, it's Schedule III. In the U.S. it is an illegal Schedule IV drug.
* even after one use, rebound insomnia can result as a withdrawal syndrome.
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so last Thursday I had pain under both arms. I attributed to some heavy workouts I did. Thurs as I was packing for a trip and trying on clothes I noticed lumps under my right arm. I had to talk myself down, and take some deep breaths. Then I see the same, though less ,going on under the left arm. I went to my general doctor right away, she said it's an infection, Lymphadentis,gives me an rx, I leave for my trip that night , got back today, day 5 on antibiotics and still have lumps and pain. I am seeing my oncologist nurse practitioner Wed for a 4 month check up. My doctor is telling me this is not related to breast cancer. I have had pain in both breasts and seem to be a bit swollen. Any one have any experience with swollen nodes ? Incidentally my last period was 11/23, never had an irregular cycle ...so that’s going on as well. Keeps things interesting ..
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Re: anesthesia. I had a wire guided lumpectomy 2 weeks ago with propaphol (sp?) sedation---same as with colonoscopy.. Not much pain--Rx meds only first 2 nights to sleep. Ice packs worked best.
Just back from follow up. Stitches are out. Good news---clear margins! If they weren't clear, radiation would have been a sure thing.
BS says next step is to send path to have recurrence risk evaluated-Oncotype DCIS-DX. Will need consult w/ RO but If risk comes back low enough- may be no RT needed!
After that comes eval w/ medical onco to see if risk is low enough to be safe avoiding long term oral meds like tamoxifen. Hoping to avoid it all!
Keeping positive and focusing hard on that best case scenario. Eyes on the prize. Wishing you all some good news this week.
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"Back in the day" (I hate that phrase) I used to be able to tell my period was coming on by swollen lymph nodes behind my ear plus a canker sore or two--which would all resolve by the second day. Nowadays, when I have any kind of infection--sinus, cold, bronchitis, big zit, whatever--the lymph nodes closest to the infection get swollen. (And sometimes, when getting over a bacterial infection, I get breakouts--as if the dying bacteria are trying to bail out of my body through my skin).
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Ask about using an LMA. You are still out, however no tube down your throat
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I thought I'd let you all know my rather peculiar experience. Ever since my Lx, I've felt that my muscles on the bad side had been put back together weirdly. My back would ache. My arm would ache. All on the left side. This started happening not long after the surgery.
This winter, I started having more pain in my arm, in my back, even in my shoulder. Lordy, am I dying? Having a heart attack? Went to my new PCP and she ordered an EKG. She said I maybe had a slight heart attack. OMG!! I got into see the cardiologist 2 weeks later, having done absolutely nothing all that time except mope. He did an EKG. I'm fine. No heart attack. He thinks it is all from my Lx surgery. All right!
Then I discovered that if I wear a bra (which I prefer not to, wearing a padded camisole most of the time - I'm an A cup), nothing hurts! Nothing. That was eye-opening. Some of my camis have hooks that make them racer back and provide a bit more support and that works too. Since that appointment I have had zero issues with aches and pains that are what I consider surgery related.
So if you are having such pains, do check with your doctor AND try a more supportive (or any) bra. Maybe my fix will work for you.
HUGS!
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Support is more important than most people believe.
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Sandy, it certainly is. I went braless most of my life. Those days are gone it would appear. I don't need much support but I sure need some. I would guess the weight of my saggy breast pulls on all those re-organized muscles.
HUGS!
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On the anesthesia, when I've been completely intubated, I do not get a sore throat. When they've used a lighter-weight (or shorter) knock out with a shorter breathing tube, I do get the sore throat. So the smaller surgeries are a bit rougher in that respect.
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hello ladies. 3 yrs out this month. Just wondering if any of you have had a lump develop over your lumpectomy scar. Sometimes I feel it more than other times. Been there a couple of months. Praying it is just scar tissue but that fear of reoccurrence never goes away. Yearly appt Is March 3 but I’m a little anxiou
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Interesting timing. I've had a small lump after my lumpectomy all along that I could feel. It recently feels different and seems larger to me. Long story short, I am going in tomorrow to get it checked out. I first noticed it in December and was trying to wait it out until my regular appt in May, but nagged myself into calling and they said even though you are low risk, you should come in now. I'm 2 years out in May.
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Mickey, hope it's just scar tissue. Fingers crossed & in your pocket!
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Kbutler, they tell us that scar tissue continues to form for a year, but mine increased considerably (and alarmingly) between years one and two, and slightly more since then. I've also heard of people who have had abdominal surgeries having problems caused by adhesions years later, so I guess there is no absolute timeline for these changes. I know your appointment is coming up pretty quickly, but maybe you'll feel less stressed if they can see you sooner? The downside, of course, is that you'd probably still have to go back in March for a regular mammo.
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I just got back from my appt. Have to return on Monday morning for mamo and ultrasound. Think the only way they can dx it is through test, Kbutler. Hopefully you and I will have peace of mind soon.
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I felt a new lump in December, a few weeks before my scheduled first year mammogram and ultrasound and, of course, I was worried. Mammogram did not provide an immediate answer but with the ultrasound the radiologist assured me all he was seeing were normal post surgical changes, or in other words scar tissue. May the same be for both of you!
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That darned scar tissue-so anxiety producing!
Me too-about 6 months after my lumpectomy I felt a lump in the scar from my sentinel node procedure/removal. As I never felt the initial cancerous tumor (discovered with mammogram and ultrasound), feeling this lump made me nervous. At my mammogram I mentioned it to the staff and I was immediately given an ultrasound, with the radiologist determining it was likely a seroma or scar tissue. I do have another ultrasound scheduled for followup, but am glad to know the staff noted it on my records for future. Just hope it recedes somehow
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I felt a new lump in my breast 3 1/2 years after my initial diagnosis and went in to see breast surgeon right away. She told me it felt like scar tissue but ordered a mammogram and ultrasound immediately that I had right at the same time. After reviewing both herself she confirmed it was just scar tissue changes. She also told me that the scar tissue could change multiple times for up to 5 years after surgery
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This information really helps - it's going to be a long weekend and it helps to hold onto positive thoughts. Many thanks for sharing your stories, The NP that felt it said it could be fat necrosis, is that the same as scar tissue?
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Asking for prayers for successful surgery I am having my lumpectomy on Monday February 4 praying for clear margins and no node involvement.
I am having general anesthesia and an still freaked out and very anxious. Does not help that my surgery is not scheduled until 2 pm. Anybody here given a Antanxiety med and if so what was it!!!
Leawoodgal
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Sending prayers your way...
I tool a xanax the morning of which helped. The meds pre and post surgery took care of any potential pain and anxiety.
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thanks MickeyB17
I already take clorazepate 3.75 so hoping what the give me will help? Were you too scared of the unknown??
Leawoodgal
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The clorazapate should help you. It is scary, but getting to the point of moving on is good too. Honestly, the surgery went pretty smooth and easy - it will be a big relief when it's over. The waiting is very hard.
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