Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Sandy, how awful that wine isn't on the menu most of the time. That must be really difficult! I'll have a glass for you!
HUGS!
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Hi there,
I'm new at this. Just got diagnosed a month ago. ER+/PR+ and for a short while HER2+ although I just got the news that the first test was faulty. So now it's HER2 - . So for a about a week I thought I'd be getting chemo which I was dreading. I might still get chemo after the surgery but for now, I think they might suggest lumpectomy and tamoxifin. The tumor is about 3 cm and is on the right side. On my left side there's a radial scar which is benign but they want to take out to be safe. So far nothing showing up in my lymph nodes. I would prefer surgery first but BS is saying that because the tumor is big it would not be cosmetically pretty. Can't they get some fat from somewhere else and fill the lumpectomy site?
Also, I'd rather not have a double mastectomy right now (I'm 46).
Any thoughts/advice/etc is helpful. For example: since two lumps need to come out, does that automatically put in in the double mastectomy category?
Also.... damn I'm scared.
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Nodi, Welcome. Soon someone will chime in and answer your challenging questions.
We all understand how scared you are. How can you not be? But it does seem to get less terrifying as you go along. Getting active treatment seems to help.
Please take a few minutes and fill out your PROFILE (and tell us where you are!) and then go to the SETTINGS tab and make each and every item PUBLIC. All this information (including your locale) is extremely helpful when we answer your questions and it pops up every time you make a post (our memories aren't quite good enough to remember everything about everyone
Good luck with all your decisions (you might want to read Dr Susan Love's "Breast Book" - it's great).
HUGS!
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Nodi welcome to the party you never wanted to be invited to. No you can have two lumpectomies. How it looks will depend on how big your breasts are. If you have a lumpectomy you may have to wait for a fat fill up but they can often do reconstruct on lumpectomies. Of course you're scared that is so normal. Cry, research find a hug then make a plan it does help. Check in here whenever you need to someone is usually around to help you out or just cyber listen if that is what you need. Hugs and good wishes.
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nodi, it's a lot to process, so it's logical to be scared and confused. Can you find an "oncoplastic" surgeon in your area--i.e., one who specializes in getting the best possible cosmetic results from lumpectomy? Mine actually made my lumpectomy breast look more "normal" than the uninvolved one!
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Nodi as ChiSandy said maybe you need to find a different surgeon. Are you close to a breast center? I had a BS and PS team that did my Oncoplastic Surgery. The BS removed my tumor, and the PS reshaped my breast so I didn't have a divot and then reduced the other one to match. I also had IORT to give a radiation boost to my tumor bed. Remember it is your decision and second opinions are good.
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My oncoplastic surgeon is ready to reduce & lift my L breast as soon as I've lost as much weight as I can, and give her the green light.
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hi ladies, I had a lumpectomy in November 2018 and finished rads in May 2019. Started tamoxifen around the same time. My treated boob is still quite sore, itchy and hyper sensitive, especially the areola. Is this the new normal? I hope after some time the zingers willstop
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Freebee; my MO said that I would have ongoing discomfort for a long time after the lumpectomy; she actually said pain and discomfort, but I would describe what I feel more like discomfort that just pain. Sometimes when I stretch that side seems very tight and other times it feels fine.
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Hi, I am one day past you. I had that exact experience on Monday. I am a little more sore today.
The windex colored pee was wild! I hope you continue to have minimal pain. Now we wait for the results!
Cindy
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Freebie, I also finished radiation in May, (May 3) and my areola has been quite sensitive! My skin held up very well during radiation, but my areola was darker and much bigger. Just over the past week or so, I notice that it is finally returning to its lighter color and smaller size, although it is still not as light as the other one. I have also had a few days here and there where it really was zinging and would get easily irritated. One day, it hurt terribly and I couldn't figure out why until I realized that the sport bra I had worn had a seam right down the middle which must have been rubbing it. Obviously not wearing that one again! I would say the itching and pain was at its peak in early July and then really started to subside, but I do still experience it now and then. It was sore again a few days ago and I noticed that the bathing suit I had worn that day also had a seam right down the middle of the inside the cup. I didn't expect it to be so sensitive since it doesn't look irritated; it just looks a bit darker and bigger. I have my follow up with the radiation oncologist next week, so I'm definitely going to ask if it's normal, but I suspect he will say yes.
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Cograts Peggy! I saw on an earlier post that you are no longer talking an AI. Did you have the BCI test to determine whether or not to continue? I'm coming up on my 5 years soon...hoping to discontinue AI due to osteoporosis. Have you noticed any changes since quitting? My SE's have been minimal but I'd still like to quit if at all possible.
Thanks!
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hi all - so I am looking at only 3-4 more chemo treatments (the Herceptin will continue through May 2020). The end of chemo means radiation will be coming soon and my MO hasn't really talked about it. Is there anyone with a similar diagnosis that had rad therapy can tell me how many days for how many weeks it might be
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Dogmomrunner - for rads, you will have a radiation oncologist who will determine how many days you need. I had 28 days so about 6 weeks.
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Nash54, I'm still on anastrozole until October. My MO did not order the BCI test (nor any other). He said that the threat of breast cancer was less than the threat to my bones. He also felt that my risk of recurrence is very low. He was not my original MO since I moved to Spokane 2 years after my DX and surgery etc. But I adore him and completely trust him. I also talked with the BS that just joined the practice - another oncologist that I really like - and she was totally on board with his recommendations. From the first, my MOs both said 5 years seemed to be right for me unless new information arose that would contradict that. BTW, I will continue with Fosamax for at least 6 months after I stop anastrozole.
FYI, I had osteopenia before I started anastrozole and it has stayed stable.
I'm interested in seeing what changes in my body occur, if any, after I stop.
Nash54, perhaps age has something to do with it. I'm 74. Who knows?
HUGS!
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Dogmomrunner: since you were node negative you may only have 16 (plus possible 4 boosts) so your range is between 4 weeks and 6 weeks (I hope you only get four weeks) the five days a week thing is a bit of a drag. Be sure and tell them your preferred time of day they are actually pretty good about it after the first week.
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I am three weeks post lumpectomy/SNB and am wondering if it is normal to still have numbness and tightness under my arm from the SNB. Sometimes it feels like it is getting better but then it will tighten right up under my armpit. Should I schedule a visit with a PT for evaluation or is this normal at this stage? Thank you in advance, this forum has been an invaluable resource for me.
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Polkadot1, that SLNB site is one that most of us find is a royal PIA. It can stay numb for up to a year or forever. The zingers eventually do stop. All those nerves that were cut are the problem. Gently keep stretching your arm - it helps both the underarm and lumpy sites. Don't do it until it hurts. I find that even after 5 years, I do better if I stretch that side when I wake up in the morning. Normal feeling returned to my underarm after about 13 months. Many people have it come back sooner. So many things have been "re-arranged" with your Lx. Eventually a new normal will come! Definitely consult a PT-preferrably someone who is familiar with the effects of breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema is always a concern and my MO says it will always be a concern.
HUGS!
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thank you GoKale and GiddyupGirl
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Polkadot I'm almost 8 months post op and still have numbness under my arm and in my breast. It has gotten better, but as Peggy said it can take a year. I'm assuming you might be doing radiation in the future which can cause more tightness so PT with someone who works with breast cancer patients wouldn't be a bad thing. I started seeing my PT about 3 months after finishing radiation. Stay strong.
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Thank you both for your replies. Even though it is discouraging that it can take so long, if ever, to get better, it is nice to know it is a normal part of the process. And yes, I still have radiation to get through so it sounds like it will be a long process. I have been doing light stretches but usually push a bit through to the point where it hurts so I will not do that anymore. I had oncoplastic reduction and they also said my lymph nodes were very tight and didn’t remove easily so yes, lots ofrearrangement of tissue and nerves.
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polka dot. - I saw a PT who specializes in breast cancer patients. Her therapy and guidance helped me immensely. I had regular appointments with her through chemo and radiation and for several months beyond and I hope you can do this too.
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Peggy - waiting to hear if you feel and different after stopping AI in October. I have more time left than you, but my oncologist is also saying I will be able to discontinue anastrozole at 5 years. Just wondering if transient aches and pains are just aging, or if it will make a difference
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Katzpjays, I'm curious to see what changes I notice, too, Sue. Are there things I attributed to aging that are actually AI related? Or vice versa. Guess I'll know in a couple months. I'll keep you posted!
HUGS!
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Katzpjays and Peggy,
I finished my 5 years last December and the aches and pains are gone! I did one year of Arimidex and just wanted to cry every night when the leg pains kept me from sleeping. Oncologist switched me to Femara and that helped but still aches. Two weeks after completion, I suddenly realized that the pains were gone and I slept the whole night. Best of luck.
Jo.
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GoKale 4320 - Thank you, I hope to find a good PT for guidance. I am so glad it was helpful for you!
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Jo6202, I'm glad you've seen the SEs disappear. I've been lucky with few SEs. At least that's what I think! I'll know in a couple months!
HUGS!
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I'll chime in in agreement Peggy, Katz and Polka. I do wonder the level of aches and pains I'll have once I am done so will be following this thread as always.
I noticed when i switched from Accord back to Teva ( just this month due to lack of availability) that hand and feet pain and hand weakness from Accord brand were GONE (I must have just gotten used to them) but a lower mood and initial headaches were back, with headaches improving over the course of the month. Not really sure what to think these days so just trying to monitor things and keep walking and moving. I have preexisting joint issues and migraines due to an autoimmune disorder which complicates things a bit. 🙂
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So sorry. I've posted Arimidex comments in the Lumpectomy Lounge and may have confused newbies. Best wishes to those starting or in the midst of their Lumpectomy journeys. 🙂
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No, the LL thread is for all of us who've had or are going to have lumpectomies--and anything else related to our breast cancers is ok to discuss.
I ran out of my Accord letrozole and so have dipped back into my stash of Novartis UK Femara (thank you, Canada) for the time being, My little deli-drugstore's pharmacy desk is closed till Mon., so will ask them if they can get Teva again. Sadly, the fewest side effects were with Roxane's generic, but its new-ish parent company WestWard no longer makes letrozole. Still on the stuff till 12/31/20--will ask my MO next month when to take the BCI test, unless she feels that statistically I can roll the dice and stop it at 5 yrs. w/o finding out the BCI numbers.
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