Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

PontiacPeggy

Tresjoli2, welcome back! You know we don't exile lumpies just because of chemo, Mx or anything else! I feel this is my "home." So glad you are done with chemo. Smart of you to shave off the remaining hair and start fresh. Sorry that you are miserable with your rads. I always hope everyone will sail through with no troubles like I did. Keep slathering on the Aquaphor to keep the skin moist and keep that arm moving, perhaps that will help with the swelling.

HUGS!

Molly50

Hi Tresjolie2, hooray for finishing chemo! I should be starting rads soon.

Waterstreet

I will have a Lumpectomy Oct. 23, 2015 if things go well. I was told sometimes they have to go further once they see what actually in there. Could use any input I can get. So far its just been waiting for Oct. 21 for mapping, Oct 22 for implanting radioactive seed and then the surgery on the 23rd. At this point I would say waiting is the worst part but other than the Biopsy. I was assigned a nurse for support and to ask questions but she is never available. I found this site today. I am a 66 year old widow and its just me and my dog. I am retired from teaching. My daughter in law will ake me for the surgery and watch the dog after the surgery till I can handle her again. Good dog but she likes to pull me around. I am going to search the site for more information and will be checking for any input I can get. Thanks.

PontiacPeggy

Welcome, Shirley! You've come to the right place for answers and support - we're very good at both. But sorry you had to find us. It's a shame that the nurse is never available. You shouldn't be experiencing that.

Glad that your daughter-in-law (DIL) is going to be with you. Waiting is terrible. You are have a different treatment path than I had. But I had a lumpectomy and can speak to that. Your surgery day will be long. The surgeons generally don't want to SEE your cancer, they want to get nice margins around the tumor and remove it. So it could be they will take more than initially planned. I was just happy to have the cancer out. If you are offered a Valium or anything to relax you, take it! They also offered me a Dramamine to take care of any possible nausea reaction to the anesthesia.

You will likely be offered pain pills for after your surgery. Do fill the prescription. You do not want to be in pain, it doesn't help. You may or may not need them, perhaps only Tylenol will be needed. Have plenty of ice on hand, it helps keep things comfortable.

You will want a soft bra, maybe a sports bra or Genie bra, to wear after your surgery. No bouncing boobies for awhile. But no underwires. Loose clothing, especially the armhole, is good. If you are having a sentinel lymph node biopsy done, that will probably be the most annoying thing. Not hurting particularly but clothing does seem to rub it

Some of us feel good that day or the next. Others take longer. What you do need to do is rest - rest a whole lot. Even though it is usually outpatient, it is surgery and a major shock to the body. Don't push yourself. While you likely will not want to hold your dog's leash with your left hand for awhile, no reason you can't hold it with your right! Walking is good.

You mention targeted therapy in your profile, are you HER2 positive? Or is your BC ER+?

Keep asking questions. I'm sure I've forgotten important things to tell you. Others will chime in with hints they've found worked for them.

HUGS!!!

Nash54

Hi Tres.  Congrats on finishing Chemo!   Just keep counting down those rads....you'll be done before you know it.  (((Hugs)))

Nash54

Welcome Waterstreet!   The ladies here will be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.  Some of us are further along and like to encourage those just beginning this journey.  We are here to support you in any way we can.  Welcome to the lounge!!!!

Molly50

Welcome to the lounge, Shirley. I am sorry you find yourself here. Peggy gives great advice and encouragement. I found after my Lx that ice was the only thing that made me feel better. I also wasn't able to wear a bra even the I had purchased some comfortable ones. My snb site hurt too much and my drain was in the way.

Reader425

Welcome Shirley, I also had a lumpectomy and echo what Peggy recommended.

I wanted to mention, you may wish to remove your last name from your signature for privacy reasons. It's rare on these boards but once in a while I'll notice complaints about 'spammers'.

My husband's kitty was a great nurse. I'm sure your dog will be also!

keepwalking

Hi Shirley! - Glad you found us, but sorry for the reason you have to be here. I also share your sentiments about waiting - its the pits! I was about to get my surgery date (Lx) 2 weeks ago, but then they found another suspicious area and took another biopsy, so I am waiting again. The unknown is more frightening and stress-inducing than the active, fighting mode. Hopefully we will both graduate to the latter stage soon!

I am so sorry that you are facing this without family support at home. Even though sometimes those closest to us have trouble understanding what we are going through, it is comforting to just have a hug. (Giving you internet HUGS - hope you can feel them!) It does sound like your DIL is nearby and I hope that she will be a comfort and support for you. I hope you will feel comfortable with having your dog back home with you soon after the surgery, as their cuddling, wet noses, and love can be very therapeutic. (I haven't had a dog for several years, but love them and remember what joy and unconditional support they bring.)

BJ - Oh my gosh! You must have been mortified!! You probably wanted to stick your head in the sand like your avatar pic! Sorry, but I couldn't help getting a chuckle from your story every time I thought about it. Laughter is the best medicine! Here's hoping that the results are all clean!

Tresjoli2 - Hooray that you are finished with chemo! Before you know it, the RT will also be a thing of the past. (Alas, time does seem to just keep going, even more so the older we get - so why does the waiting time seem to be so slow?) I hope that it goes better from here on out and the SEs will be minimal.

-----

For me, the waiting at this stage continues to be a source of stress. Poor DH doesn't understand the emotional part and the million scenarios that keep swirling around my head. He just sees that I haven't done any treatment yet, so no SEs or after effects to deal with - I should be just peachy, life as usual. But I find myself being distracted and preoccupied, and I get snappy from the least little things. I hate that! Hopefully I will get results some time this week and be able to go into active mode again.

HUGS to all,

Rina

Keys-Plez

Waterstreet/Peggy..It's amazing to me the difference between the different facilities. I woke up after lx wearing a tightly bound surgical bra. It had velcro adjustments in every direction. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall watching them put that thing on.me while under anesthesia. Anyway they told me to leave it on for 3 days. Period. Actually, the snugness felt good. I slept in a mountain of pillows. Kinda like the bra, an infinite number of adjustments. I think your nuclear appt the day before is for a nuclear tracer. They will use a Geiger counter type of device to locate your lymph nodes during your surgery. I had the same thing.

i totally agree with everyone else. Take the Valium. Take the Dramamine. Take your pain meds for at least the first 24 hours. You need the rest.

If things go as planned, you'll be off the heavy meds in 48 hours. Listen to your body. We're all different.

Ringelle

Keys - My friend had an extensional biopsy and she's a rather large girl. A few times it has come up and she always asks - "how do you think they got that ace bandage around me so many times while I was unconscious!" We've had a pretty good chuckle over the thought of how it happens - especially after I explained to her being wrapped while standing and conscious! At one point we commented maybe they just kept rolling her! I too am amazed by the differences in techniques, dressings and other things. After all 3 of my surgeries (bmx included) I woke up with nothing but glue on my incisions! After my bmx - they even forgot to put a gown back on me - that was a bit awkward when I was heaving and I heard someone say - "oh sweetie - lets see if we can find you a gown"

Trej! So glad you are done with Chemo! You are almost to the finish line - I pray these next few weeks go quickly and with little discomfort!

Shirley - glad you found this group - sorry you are here! This ladies are amazing! and a wealth of experience, comfort and laughter! Waiting is terrible! By far the worst. I was just thinking this morning what a relief it is to not have those thoughts lingering in the back of my mind all the time. You'll be there again. This whole bc stuff is the most crazy roller coaster you may every be on but there is strength to be found to get you through. Are you having any nodes removed? I didn't find the lx too bad (I had 2) Recovery was about 4 days before I started feeling pretty well back to normal or normal enough to take care of myself and my surroundings. Do you have any crafts? If not, may be a good time to pick up one! I found my crafting and painting helped keep me from going crazy during the waiting and recovery times. Ask all the questions you need - we'll help in any way we can!

Molly - Hope you are doing well. When do you start rads? How is the recovery going?

Peggy - how are you holding up these days? Still thinking of you often

Not much new going on with me. I had my seroma drained again and of course a little more came back. I don't think it's too bad this time. I think we may let it go for a little while. I got fitted 2 weeks ago for my prostheses but they haven't come in yet. Instead, I've been learn to knit knockers! I had no idea that was a thing! My family thinks its weird - my friends think it's funny! They actually look kinda realistic and I've been wearing them for a couple of days. Having shape seems weird and its surreal to take my bra and boobs off at the same time. I told one of my friends she was just jealous because I can take my boobs off and put them on my back if I wanted to! That stopped the weird comment!

Okay - does anyone else think this is weird. I had to hold my tongue - I was shopping at BJs today and they had all sorts of samples out today. One lady offered me a brownie bite for Breast Cancer Awareness! How is a brownie bite going to push awareness. I'm trying to not eat crap and loose weight so I have a better chance of not getting cancer again and so I can have reconstruction after cancer. Sometimes I think the rest of the world thinks Breast Cancer Awareness is just another reason to party and eat crap! I'm oddly put off by this. Hmmm . . . just venting!

PontiacPeggy

Ringelle, Thank you for asking. I'm doing pretty well. As always, the big things are easy to cope with. It's the little ones that catch me off guard - like wanting to share a delicious piece of gossip that I know Chuck would really love. Oops. But otherwise, okay.

HUGS!!

Keys-Plez

Ringelle....Rolling me over and over. Hmmm....That explains all those other bruises. lol

Molly50

Peggy, I bet those moments are very difficult. You are always on my mind. Ringelle, recovery is going really well. I am returning to work tomorrow. My second opinion appointment is tomorrow as well. I have my rads planning session next week. I didn't realize you are waiting on reconstruction. What type are you planning on?

PontiacPeggy

Molly, sometimes they are. And sometimes they are just frustrating. Had the best political gossip/scandal news break over the weekend from Detroit and it was one Chuck would have relished as we had been watching it for years. Dang!

Glad you are going back to work, getting your second opinion and just waiting for your rads to get underway. Glad you are doing well. Hope your 2nd opinion is satisfactory and you like the MO.

HUGS!

Ringelle

Molly - I'm glad your recovery is progressing and you are going back to work. I'll be thinking of you for your 2nd opinion tomorrow. Yes - I'm waiting on reconstruction. When I met with the PS, he was upfront with me and told me he really wanted me to loose weight and get my sugars under control before surgery. I've lost 45 pounds since my dx and I'm about 15 pounds of my half way mark. My sugars is already in the range that they need to be. I'm not really sure what reconstruction I'm going to do. PS said if I can get all the way to my goal, I could do just about anything I want but if I can only get to my halfway goal then my only options would be implants. I'm hoping to see PS again at the halfway mark to talk options. I really want to go all the way so I have all options available to me. For the most part, I've kept a pretty good sense of humor being boobless. Well, actually, I have really itty bitty titties - like my budding 10 year old - thanks to all the skin and the inframammary fold.

KittyL

Should get call from BS office today confirming date/time 2nd surgery. My BFF Posse gal Sus WILL drive me, was a concern. A nice older church friend offered to drive me when she found out DH absolutely not into hospitals & waiting rooms; was trying to get w/Sus who was out of town, because the minute I dropped an F bomb in front of that good Christian woman, it would take me 3 years of coffee hour duty to make amends. Laughing with relief that I can tell her Thanks so very much, it's already arranged. Love those "no faults"...

DH got home from yr in UT, couldn't remember which bedroom was his :-\ Sorta funny. A lot of catching up, and waaay too little rest for me trying to gear up for the 2nd go. A lot of catching up to do- our "conversations" right now are like the talking version of "Dueling Banjos". A friend brought some tiny old-fashioned snaps to sew at the very top of the hook-and-eye front-open bras which keep coming unhooked, a gentle sewing project for today. After foot doctor, where I'll hit her up for 2 of the smaller gel packs. Those are just right size to slip into the breast pillow to chill the post-op boob. If you order from Amazon, get the Comfort Gel Pack 6"x9" I think it is, although for generous gals, the larger 8"x10" is wonderful. Moldable to the shape that comforts instantly. And I've found plenty cold enough just refrigerated instead of frozen. Those Gel Packs are better than the "cold only" because they can be heated or frozen, so a great "mom" all-purpose thing. About $8-9. Posse Sue is an ex-RN and came up with that (ice has incredible number of sharp corners).

Last night, told DH I absolutely MUST take more naps. And my "back-brain" has hacked how to get OFF the laptop (phone and tablet no problem, but my 1 hr on laptop Sat. turned into 8!! And meds late, lunch late and no nap--not good). The hack? Unplug power source! When laptop needs to recharge, so do I! Love my back-brain!

BJ- Still LMAO at the scan/tampon story! That is SO something I would do! In fact, yesterday at girlfriends, was sitting on floor next to her rocker, went to throw my head forward, & slammed face into the end of her rocker arm===she was horrified, Are you okay? I said It's okay I had my windshields (glasses) on. Imagine how creative I would have had to be in pre-op if I had given myself a black eye..... ah. but the fiction possibilities.................:)

Nailed a smart-mouth at church yesterday. Wore my breast pillow because my only incision is a combined excision/SNB site & my arm bangs on it. Also felt it would keep the L-R-L-R involuntary eyeball swivel down, answer the unaskable question. My friends were so cute, gentle joking, but one guy, who irritates me anyway, said So you're bringing a pillow to church? I grinned and said, Trust me, if your boob looked like my boob, you'd carry a pillow too! Guess I used a little take-no-prisoners humor, but his tone set me off. Am I jumping the gun to wear an "I'm a Survivor" bracelet? #1 Didn't think I'd wear one. #2 I've only survived the core biopsy & surgery #1 so far... I bought 3 of those black silicone "Hope is better than fear" to see if my posse wanted to wear? So weird, ALL my friends want one to support me and the small $ benefits NBRF. Feels strange that they'd do that, kinda "sheepish grin wow" awesome! Ordering a few more....

PontiacPeggy

Kitty, sorry you're having far too much drama right now. Hopefully DH turns out to not be too much of a burden. Good luck Wednesday!!!

HUGS!!!

Molly50

Kitty that's a lot going on! Praying for you on Wednesday.

Outrunning

Holding on by a thread mentally. Work is too much. I keep joking the BC is nothing. I have doctors telling how we're going to fix it, and when and where to be. I need that for the other parts of my life.

Talked to DH about the need to not do what I do any more for work. I really just want to quit. Felt like this before BC but now you know, how a DX can change priorities. Problem is, I'm the steady income and the health insurance. Trying not to let the anger bubble out that he gets to play at his recording studio, keep his own hours and then complains when I ask him to do stuff, which he can do and I can't, because he works for himself. The studio doesn't actually bring in any income to the household budget either. DH's investments, thanks to his father's good business sense, are his contribution to the family operating budget. Before he could suggest it, I said point blank, 'I'm not going to give up my volunteering, those activities that bring me joy, so I can work late.' Really I just want more time with my kids. More time to relax and have fun. Monday morning and SOOOO tired. I'm not sure how I'll make it through the week.

PontiacPeggy

OUtrunning, I can tell how stressed you are. I'm sorry. You have far too much going on. I really do understand. While I wasn't working when I got my Dx, I was the fulltime carer for DH and had been for 4 years. I was exhausted as suspect you are. It sounds like you need to be able to have a heart-to-heart talk with DH. Perhaps a counselor could help facilitate that. He needs to realize that you have and are experiencing a life-altering event and to step up to the plate and help. Perhaps just finding someone YOU can talk to will help. My MO has a NP who helps with survivor issues and is available. And my nurse navigator is also available. That might be a good place to start. That might help you sort out what you really want with your job, husband and life in general.

Know that it is always safe for you to vent here. We've all gone through similar things and totally understand!

HUGS!

MaggieCat

outrunning....geez, a tough situation. Hope you will check with the best contact ( MO, BS, primary physician, etc) about available support options. After all, the reality is U need the health insurance right now and will for a while. So, how do you do your best to take care of U????? You know it would be really wonderful if some of this pink October stuff actually could help in your case..... thinking of you today... Maggie

Nash54

Outrunning.....I really feel for you. You are barely a month out from surgery.  It took me a good 4 months before I began to feel somewhat myself again.  And I didn't have to work so I could concentrate on getting better....yoga, walking, time with family and friends , no added stress.  I think BC takes a toll on us emotionally and we need time to recover.   Sorry you don't have the option to quit right now so it sounds like hubby needs to step it up and help out at home.  

Waterstreet

Peggy- Thank you for the reply, still can't get in touch with that nurse maybe she only helps after the surgery? Yes, my DIL is helpfull I am thankfull for that. I will be happy to get the cancer out also. I was going by the surgeon saying he would know more after he got in there and not thinking about how much margin they would include. I was nervous that day and I had to go alone since my DIL was having mid term exams that day. Couldn't ask her to miss those. I will take you up on accepting meds on surgery day. I ordered an after surgery bra it is supposed to have pockets and holes for tubes and a snug fit. I am planning to shop for loose tops also.The surgeon said he will make an incision under my left arm to check the lymph nodes.He said targeted theraphy but I thought that was the radiation seed implant. I was not given any test results other than invasive ductal carcinoma 1.9 they said I will get some prognosis information at post op appointment. Thanks again take care.

Nash54 -Thanks for the welcome and the support. you have all brought tears to my eyes just knowing you are there. You are one great group of people.

Molly50 -Thanks for the reply and the tip about keeping ice on hand, I will do that. I was so happy to hear there would be no bandages because I am allergic to any adhesives. I only lasted three hours with the steri strips after the breast biopsy. I had blisters and itching so bad. I told them that would happen. I have had surgery for a strangulated small bowel twice in 2008 and 2014 and I have more scars from the bandages than the incisions and drains.I do have a very high tolerance for pain now. I guess that is a plus, but getting there wasn't. thanks for your input. Hope I didn't give more info than I should have.

Reader425- I just went and removed my last name as you suggested, thanks.I rescued my dog from being put down after she had been abused and left to die. She has been with me through two surgeries and she is a good nurse then, she has a way of making my laugh. You said you had a lumpectomy and an echo, what is an echo? If I may ask.

Keepwalking- I am so glad I found all of you, you are a God send. I felt so alone till I saw all of your responces. I am sorry for your set back. I thought they were going to change my date because of a core biopsy of my cervix. They haven't yet.I haven't gotten any results of that test yet. Here is a big hug for you. My DIL is in college and is raising my three beautiful grandchildren so she has a lot on her plate too. My grandchildren (two boys and a girl) are all in school and have before and after school activities. Band, choir, and soccar. Yes I will enjoy getting my dog back, she loves to snuggle and lay on top of me, and give me kisses. thanks for the reply.

Keys- Plez- thanks for the reply. I never thought of anyone else dressing me but I have had surgeries before but I don't want to even think about that. You made me chuckle though. I guess the tracer implant is like having another biopsy? He mentioned an incision for placing what he called a radiation seed. I hate needles, epecially the big ones. He also told me after the surgery he would let me have only two pills for pain. He said to get some asprin, I can't take asprin because of heart problems and esophogus ulcerations. They will check the nodes but have not said speciffically. I do crochet and paint a little. I spend a lot of time on the computer, I was an instructor at a two year college teaching computer clsses for 14 years till last year. I will stock up on yarn. thanks for the information.

Thanks to all of you, you are all on my prayer list. I hope things get better for all of us. Take care, hugs to all, you are great people.

Outrunning

Hi Waterstreet. Sorry. Wallowing in my own self pity today and not remembering to be helpful to anyone else when I posted earlier.

More than loose what I needed after surgery was shirts that buttoned. It was hot the week when I had my surgery and I discovered I own basically zero summer shirts that don't pull over my head. He to borrow something from my husband. But it wasn't anything I would have gone out in public in.

Also, I'm with you on the bandages. I had a blister after my second biopsy. But keep in mind if they just stitch and glue you, it looks pretty bad at first. I had to remind myself the first couple of days that if I had stri-strips or other bandages I wouldn't have seen the incisions until they'd had a couple days to heal. Plus there was blood in the glue so the incision looked much larger than it actually was.

PontiacPeggy

Waterstreet, I *DID* have steri-strips for both my incision and lymph nodes. Make sure you remind everyone you see the day of surgery that you are terribly allergic so they glue you up! Definitely you want button up shirts or zip-up. Tylenol should work. That's what I took and I can take aspirin. However, if you are in pain that Tylenol or other NSAID doesn't help, then call the surgeon and get something for it. I was given enough pain pills for a week though I never used them. Being in pain does not help you heal.

BTW, in case you have to go to any of your appointments alone again, I have a couple of suggestions: First, ask the doctor if you can record the visit on your phone. And two, write down your list of questions and write down the answers as you get them. When you get a chance, read Dr Susan Love's "Breast Book." It has tons of information on breast cancer, treatments etc and might answer some of your questions and help you ask the right questions. It IS overwhelming but like all of us, you'll be an expert real soon.

HUGS!

Waterstreet

Thanks I will do as you said, and will go see if I can find the book tomorrow. You are an angel. Hugs for you.

PontiacPeggy

Waterstreet, if possible get the edition that just came out in September. While the earlier version still has good information, it IS 5 years old and some things have changed in that time. It's worth every penny.

HUGS!

Waterstreet

Thanks for the input. When I had my 2nd small bowel surgery I had somany sores I got staff in some of them it was horrible. I have some loose button down shirts from when I taught classes. I will pull them all out and get them ready. My body looks like a road map so scars won't bother me. Only if they get infected. I have had this problem ever since my gall bladder ruptured. Hugs for you too!

Molly50

(((Outrunning))) I am so sorry you are so stressed and working so hard. I do hope you can have a conversation with DH and he will at least take home rresponsibilities off your plate.

I had my second opinion appointment. I think I can rest easy without chemo now. He said that it's my decision but only would improve my odds by 3-5% which is not enough to offset SE's. He gave me some great advice about the anastrozole and my overall health. I really like him.