Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

ndgrrl

Kay, no problem, you can ask me anything you want, you are not badgering at all!

 Its always so hard to determine what we should do especially when not many seem to have done it. My RO is the one who told me about fat grafting. My BS never even gave me that option before surgery. The BS told me fluid would fill in the dent, which it did a saroma which hurt like heck so I had it drained- My BS is a regular surgeon(he also fixed my hernias and GYN removed my Ovaries) and only sees us once for Post Op after breast surgery so I really do not think he sees the results of the surgeries. He asked to see my scar and commented how good it looked, and then I told him the PS fixed it, his face sort of fell as it was not his work. LOL

I asked others questions about the fat grafting and also about internal radiation, its always hard to do something that is not yet quite the norm but getting there. 

 

 

ndgrrl

I want a singing surgeon!!  That sounds like a great person..

ndgrrl

It was 55 degrees today, but we still have snow in the backyard- We got 8 inches last week and a lot has left. hot flashes today, uff I had this idea that rolling around in that snow might be a good thing, nakey even.  My hubby might just enjoy that sight but I may get frost bite where on areas that never seen the outside before so maybe its not a good idea. But it was tempting!! 

Nash54

ndgrrl...have you tried magnesium for the hot flashes? I have not had any hot flashes but I was on magnesium before my DX. I've read on other boards that women have had great success with magnesium. Just google it ...there is a ton of info on this topic.

florida2015

need help or a link to questions I need to ask my MO and RO at first meeting

Curlykat

Florida2015, I am working on lists for my meeting tomorrow, but don't have them with me. Off the top of my head:

RO:
When start, duration of treatment, length of first and subsequent appointments, will I be tattooed, how many boosts?

Skin care, products to use and products to avoid. Sun protection (e.g. Can I still go boating if I wear a rash-guard top?)

Are there any supplements to avoid during rads?

How often will I see him during treatment?

Will it be possible to work around planned travel Memorial Day weekend? (potentially 2-3 missed sessions)

Also, I'll be asking him about the pathology, as I haven't received that yet an won't see my surgeon until 4/7.

MO:

Which drug, how long, side effects, instructions for taking (same time every day?)

What medications/supplements to avoid, which to take?

Will I see him to manage any menopausal symptoms from the medication?

Other questions - not sure which I'll ask these:

If my mom's BRCA tests come back positive, who will coordinate my testing and counsel me on results?

How often will I have to have mammograms and who will coordinate? Cancer center or GYN?

Can I get a letter justifying the services of a certified oncology massage therapist so that I can submit the costs to my flex account for reimbursement.

I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.

florida2015

thank you!!

PontiacPeggy

Today is my first mammogram since my lumpy in July. Quite the milestone.

SweetHope

Peggy, I am wishing a pristine, clean image on your mammogram today.

PontiacPeggy

Thank you, SweetHope! I appreciate that. Fingers are crossed

kayfry

Peggy, that is indeed a milestone. Beaming positive thoughts all the way to Michigan!

Nash54

Peggy.....sending positive thoughts and ((((hugs))))

PontiacPeggy

Thanks, Kay and Nash! Positive thoughts definitely appreciated!!!! HUGS!!

jeanelle

Peggy - Sending you positive thoughts for clean pictures!

PontiacPeggy

Thank you everyone!!!! The tech had the radiologist actually read (vs. just making sure they were clear to read) my mammogram and he said it looks good!! I assume that he will look at them more closely but I'll take it! Not uncomfortable at all (and they usually aren't for me). But glad it's done!!

jeanelle

Yeah Peggy!

PontiacPeggy

Thanks, Jeanelle! I'm feeling pretty darned good

MaggieCat

Hitting the LIKE button, Peggy!!!!!!!

PontiacPeggy

Thanks, MaggieCat. Much appreciated. LIKE is good

Vicks1960

Fantastic News Peggy. I find that the newer 3-D mammograms are much more comfortable than the older ones. I think they have less compression but clearer picture for the RO.

Vickie

PontiacPeggy

Vickie, I don't know if these are 3D or not. But I've never really had an issue with discomfort with mammograms. Possibly less compression. Don't really know.

Suzannecarol

Hi Peggy, I tried to send you a private message as I wanted you to see it and not sure if you will here as I am referring to an older post. I am paying almost 700 a month for BC/BS Heath Advantage (Use to be called gold plan). I am a retired teacher. Our rates have always been high. That is just for me. I am 63 so not ready for Medicare but very curious about what you guys were talking about. Wondering if a private insurance would be cheaper. I am diabetic so always thought I would not be able to get anything else.

Oh it said I had sent too many private messages today! LOL I haven't sent any.

PontiacPeggy

SuzanneCarol, I'm on Medicare so my plan is very likely different from yours. I pay for Medicare Part B, I have a BlueCare Network Medigap (NOT Advantage) plan at $202/mon and AARP Rx plan at $45/month. Private message me whenever you're allowed

kayfry

Wonderful news, Peggy. Woo-hoo! So how long can you go now before having another mammo?

PontiacPeggy

Kay, I really don't know. I would guess 6 months or a year. I'd better put that on my list of questions. I just show up However, I still will have a small reservation until I get the "official" word from my BS (who does the coordination of my care).

kayfry

I just wondered, since I'm behind you on this road, Peggy. Not that one size necessarily fits all. I THINK my BS told me previously that after my 6-month mammo & follow-up, it might go to yearly exams. My RO is leaving it up to BS as to when I need to have my next bilateral mammogram, as the one in July is only the lumpy breast.

Vicks1960

Ladies,

Just for information, I see my MO every 6 months and the RO every 12 months. The RO orders the Diagnostic mammogram, and it is done just a few minutes before I see him. Imaging place is right across the hall from his office. So the results are immediate..

Vickie

Nash54

Peggy so glad to hear all went well. I know your glad that's done for now....celebrate with a glass of wine!!!

PontiacPeggy

Kay, mine was bilateral. This is about when I would normally have my annual mammogram. Plus, I have micro-calcifications in my non-lumpy breast - that could have played into it. Or maybe this is SOP for my BS.

Vickie, my RO apparently has nothing to do with my mammograms. I'm sure he looks at them but he doesn't do them and they are in separate buildings. My RO is part of national group of radiology clinics, while my breast center is attached to my hospital. They all work together, of course. Whatever, my RO doesn't do the ordering. BS is in charge.

Nash, I did have my glass of wine to celebrate.

I'm still going to wait to do my happy dance until the final, definitive report is received. I don't think mine today was that. But I'm very encouraged.

Suzannecarol

I have looked at the abbreviations and cannot find BO. There was another _O but can't find it now. I did find RO so does the O stand for oncologist each time?