the reduction+lumpectomy thread

cookiegal

They probably have a good reason, but to me that still doesn't make sense since the breast surgeon has to be at both.

If it is just a sentinel node, maybe they want to know in advance if there is a dissection.

I know they had to wait during my surgery for pathology, perhaps this makes the operation quicker?

Honestly I am just guessing at this point!

I would absolutely ask if it is a sentinel node or level one dissection. 

My surgeon was great, except for being dismissive of lymphedema issues. 

cookiegal

I have another guess. Perhaps they want more definitive pathology from a sentinel node than they can get mid surgery?

now I am curious

Yogagal

PinkCam

I had my lumpectomy and reduction 2+ weeks ago. Recovery is going well, if not slowly, but I am extremely happy with my decision to have the reduction. After my diagnosis last summer, I dealt with a nasty bout of cellulitis in my breast that delayed the start of treatment. I then had chemo, which was really difficult for me. I am glad I have done all I can to make the radiation easier and smaller breasts should make it easier. I went from a G cup to what I am guessing is a D cup - big change! Prior to surgery I purchased 4 different front closure, no wire, sports bras. But because of the drain placement, the surgeons didn't want me in a bra. From what I have read on these boards, this is unusual. So I haven't had a bra on in2 weeks. I still have the drain, hoping it will come out soon. 

I enjoyed reading your perspective on the "fight" and I am also uncomfortable with the language. The last 9 months have knocked me on my ass, and I am not so much "fighting" as I am complying with treatment. Besides, fighting sounds so energetic, and the best I can do for my health now are things like gentle exercise, good nutrition and lots of rest. 

That is my perspective as I rest in my lounge chair

tekwriter

Hello everyone, I just found your thread.  I am coming up on the end of my chemo and will be going to surgery soon.  This is the type of surgery I am considering, at least this week.  it was good to find  y ou.

PinkCarn

Thank you. It is so nice to have people to talk to who are in the "club".

tekwriter

I have just started researching trying to find out about the lump/reduction.  I am heavy and have always been heavy on top. I wear a DD and would like to go to a C. My tumor was quite large but is completely gone now.  Does that sound like it might be reasonable?

lilyrose53

Hi Tekwriter!

I am on the heavy side too.  I was also a DD  (long)  haha!  My PS took me down to a C.  She said if I went too small, I would look off balance with the rest of my body.  I am very pleased with this size...it's what I used to be in my younger days.  Good luck with your research!

Wishing you well,  lilyrose

tekwriter

Thanks lilyrose53, that sounds pretty good to me.

TXLisa

Hi everyone.  I have been reading your posts for the past week.  I am scheduled tomorrow for a lumpectomy reduction/lift on the left and an excision biopsy on the right with reduction/lift on  the right after radiation.  I was wondering did they put in drains after the reduction?  I know they dont use them just for the lumpectomy.

lilyrose53

Welcome TXLisa!

I did not have drains.  But you should ask your PS.  I am now almost 8 weeks out from surgery and am really pleased with results.  They are no longer swollen and have softened up  quite a bit.  But they are still firm and perky!  My scars are still fairly red to pink in color.  However, my PS tells me that it will take six months for them to look 'finished'.  Also, scars will continue to fade.  Good luck with your surgery!

Wishing you well,  lilyrose

TXLisa

Thank you lilyrose.  I think I am more nervous about the reduction part of the surgery than the lumpectomy.   I too am  a DD (long- lol) figure I will probably go down to a C.   wondering how I am going to hide the difference till I get the right side done and that will be at least 12 weeks away.

tekwriter

You guys are funny DD long, I am a DD wide.

momoschki

I did not have drains either.  Fwiw, I am now almost exactly 3 years out and the scars are practically invisible.  I would strongly recommend silicone scar sheeting once you are all healed-- that stuff really works.

PinkCarn

I have my first  surgery today. This is for the lymph nodes only. It is separated due to some scheduling issues with the MDs. Monday I have the lumpectomy and reduction. I will keep you posted. 

tekwriter

Please do.

lilyrose53

Pink Carn - I will be thinking of you today.  Hope your surgery goes well and you get a good report!

momoschki - Glad to know your scars are almost invisible.  Thanks for the tip on the silicone sheeting!

Tekwriter -  You are funny too!  I guess most of us were all DD or bigger!

Wishing you all well,  lilyrose

PinkCarn

Good news my lymph glands were all clear! Tomorrow I will have the lumpectomy and reduction. Keep the prayers coming. 

Thanks to everyone. 

tekwriter

Great news PinkCarn!

aviva5675

I had lx in 2 spots on my right, and reduction, and left reduction at same time. No drains, no nodes. Was happy going from a DD long to what was probably a C...Great decision. In my case 10 days later after path report came back finding invasives on BOTH sides, I had a bmx. But for anyone considering the lx/reduction, its a great idea. And insurance by law covers an uninvolved side.

tekwriter

Will we need button down the front blouses after surgery?

lilyrose53

hi Tekwriter!

Yes you will need button front shirts for the first few weeks.  It will be much easier for you.  I had to go out and buy some because I usually just wear t-shirts.  Also, try to find a few front close bras.  I was told no underwires for the first six weeks.  I am eight weeks out and still don't wear an underwire bra... Because I no longer need to!

Good luck with your surgery!

Wishing you we'll,  lilyrose

tekwriter

Thanks.  I wanted to make sure my material wasn't dated. I will need to buy some also.  I have not a single one.

cookiegal

I am not a big fan of the button ups so I got some stretch jersey nightgowns with very deep necklines. I got a matching robe so I felt a little less like I was in my PJ's all day.

PinkCarn

Have you every read the children's book, The Velveteen Rabbit? I don't know that it is so much for children as adults could learn a lot as well. The pristine stuffed Rabbit was a Christmas gift in a child's stocking. He was placed in the child's room along with other toys. One of those toys was an old rocking horse originally given to the child's uncle. The rocking horse is worn and tattered. Before long the rocking horse becomes a mentor to the rabbit. Let's listen to the story,

What is real asked the rabbit? Real isn't how you are made, said the skin horse. It is a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become real. Does it hurt asked the rabbit? Sometimes, said the skin horse for he was always truthful. When you are real you don't mind being hurt. Does it happen all at once, like being wound up, he asked, bit by bit? It doesn't happen all at once, said the skin horse. You become. It takes a long time. That is why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all because once your are real, you can't be ugly except to people who do not understand."

My husband calls those folks who haven't experienced life or hardship "unformed". They haven't become who they are capable of being. They are shallow and vapid. They just aren't "real" yet. I am reminded of story someone recently told me about when she got breast cancer and reorganized out of her job at the same time. Imagine the stress of that? The good news was that she got a new job with the same company. The new manager was young and ambitious. She explained to him that she was going to have to have surgery, chemo, etc. He could not understand why she could not fly across the country and spend 3 weeks away from home for training during her treatment. She told me she did not wish him ill; but wondered what would happen when something bad hit his life. Would he change his values, priorites, etc.? Would he become real?

As I look at all these scars on myself I could be sad that I am not what I originally was. My mental health training taught me it is healthy to morn loss. And I am sure I will do some of that. But I do not wish to spend too long a time in that zone. I choose to look at those scars and recognise what it takes to accept myself as I am today. Through this experience I have felt more loved than I thought possible. I may be scarred; worn and tattered, but well loved. I guess that makes me "real". 

PinkCarn

I am one week post surgery (actually I had two surgeries in 5 days; one for lymph and one for lumpectomy and reduction). That two surgery deal was the result of a scheduling issue with the two surgeons. Anyway my breasts are doing fine; but they are tight and uncomfortable. Went to dr today and he did not seem to think any kind of lotion would make a difference. To his defense I still have the "super glue" on the incisions so it would not impact the scars. What I want to know is whether anyone has found any thing that solves the tight titty problem. Any suggestions?

lilyrose53

PinkCarn - I had the super glue too.  The only way I can explain the way my breasts felt was like they did after giving birth and my milk came in...they were like two giant rocks sitting on my chest!  I was told to expect swelling for weeks.  My PS told me to gently rub cream on them daily.  She said it helps with circulation which in turn helps with healing.  She said to use something like Aveeno or Aquafor.  I used Aquafor because I like it and there is no scent.  I am now ten weeks post surgery.  My breasts are no longer swollen and no longer looking bruised.  They have softened up so that they feel completely normal but are still perky.  I have occasional weird zingy pains around my nipple area, but was told this is normal as the nerves regenerate.  My scars are fading fast.  The only ones that are still noticeable are the ones under the crease of my breasts.

I hope you are pleased with your results.  Sending good healing vibes your way!

Hugs,  lilyrose

PinkCarn

Super helpful. Thanks. I will look into getting one of these products. Your description was perfect about how they feel. Just checked and some friends sent me a gift basket with Aquaphor in it! How fortunate. 

leeleeleepan

Had right breast lumpectomy (ductal, stage 1) and bilateral reduction on Tuesday. Sentinel node was negative. No node engagement. No dissection. Was relieved at this.  How did it happen that larger invasive in your "other" breast had not been noticed before? For instance In mammogram?  Won't have full pathology report for about a week. Troubled now.

leeleeleepan

Sorry: new to this.  My last comment, a moment ago, was prompted by Aviva5675......

leeleeleepan

Lilyrose 53: Did you start massaging with cream almost right away after surgery?  I was told by PS Vitamin E (any form, any brand, any dosage) before showering (dries skin if left on), plus Mederma on incision lines (can stay on), and creams ok, but only starting after around 3 weeks, when "steri- strips" and such come off. Just got into Sports Bra (24/7 for 2 weeks) yesterday and saw myself.... Bruised an awful yellow.Odd proportion. Stiff, etc. Don't want to make wrong move.....