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Boxergirl

In july I was diagnosd with IDC w/grade 3 tumor - 74% - no necrosis.  In August, had tumor removed and suprised the incision was approx., 3.5 inches long. Was to have sentinol node remove and lymph nodes.  Was injected with dye and after surgery, told family that he didn't need to take out as may nodes as he thought. No axilla dissection was needed.  I hope this is a good sign.  I am only to see the surgeon 2.5 to 3 weeks after my lumpectomy.  Unfortunately, post lumpectomy I am not sure what I am to do, it is day 8 - is it ok to take a shower, is it ok to get the tape wet....didn't have clear instructions from family, as they were not sure what to ask.  If you could provide any information post lumpectomy that would be great.  Thank you.

lemont

Your surgeon or a nurse should have given you written instructions. I suggest you call the surgeon's office right away and ask for them. You can search the web for "lumpectomy care instructions" but it's best to get instructions from your own surgeon. If you're talking about steri-strips, the little strips of tape across the incision, I was told it's ok to get them wet and they will fall off on their own. In the shower, try not to let the water hit your incision directly.



It is definitely a good sign that you didn't need more nodes removed.



Also ask for a copy of the pathology report. That will tell you your hormone and node status, also the grade. They may say you have to get it when you see the surgeon.

Boxergirl

Thank you for your reply.  I get my results of my lumpectomy tomorrow.  Its been 21 days, so I am taking that as a good sign.  I am nervous and scared. 

She

Hi Boxergirl, just checking in to see how it went today.  Like Lemont said, be sure to get a copy of your pathology report.

All the best, She

Boxergirl

Yesterday was one of the happiest days of my life.  5 nodes were removed - all clear.  Tumor was removed with clear margins.  My doctor said, he couldn't of been more pleased.  Although, the tumor had grown from 1.67cm to 2cm by the time surgery came around.  After 2 months of worry and sleepless nights, finally, finally got to the bottom of it.  I am healing quickly from my lumpectomy, although I have a 51/2" scar along the top of my breast, but to have clear nodes and margins, I am ok with that.  I completely, forgot to ask my doctor why my scar is sooo long, wasn't expecting that, along with forgetting to ask for my path report.  I was just so happy being ing in the clear. Wll see and oncologist soon, and have 4-5 weeks radiation. I am a little scared of radiation - not sure of the effects.

Thank you for your concern, I am so greatful for this site. 

rockysmom

YAY for having clean nodes and clear margins!!

My tumor was 1.6 cm and I have a real long scar too. I believe it is because they need to have a large enough opening to "see" what they are doing.

Radiation was not too bad for me, hopefully you will have an easy time of it too.

Boxergirl

Congrats on your clear margins and nodes too. How long did you have to do radiation? Do you loose hair with radiation?  I was told in the begining of this that I would more than likely have to do it for 4-5 weeks, not sure if once a week, or how it works.  But I heard it burns the skin, not sure of the other side effect.

She

Boxergirl that's great news!  I'm not surprised your grade 3 tumor grew in that time frame, mine did pretty much the same.

Rads are not difficult.  You will not lose your hair.  The level of damage (burns) to your skin depends somewhat on your colouring.  I'm very fair, and have had both sides nuked.  Yes there were burns, and discomfort but honestly it wasn't that bad.  You do get progressively more tired, but you can still function.  The first time around I had a 2 week break between chemo and rads - I went back to work full time after a week of rads and worked all the way through.  Don't be surprised if you are offered the option of chemo.  Grade 3 is agressive, 2cm used to be the benchmark for chemo, but I'm not sure if it's still the same.  Even if you do chemo, it's still doable.  It helps to keep reminding yourself that this period of surgery and treatment is only temporary.  Yes, it changes your life, but that doesn't mean life will be bad afterwards. 

All the best, She

Boxergirl

Not sure what you mean by 'having both sides nuked'. Both breasts? Or front and back? I am so new to this. Also, how long after a lumpectomy do you do rads?