Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

Musosgirl

I got news today that I can skip my last chemo cycle (due to neuropathy) and move on to surgery. I am scheduled for Dec. 11, but I asked today about breast reduction and now I have to meet with a plastic surgeon and decide if that is something I really want to pursue. The LX was simple--one, straightforward, quick surgery. To do the reduction will be longer, at least 2 surgeries, and (at least in my head) more complicated.

First, my reasons for considering this: I am somewhere near a FF in size. The girls are heavy and I have always had back trouble. At 35, there is a lot of sag. Bras are hard to find, only come with underwires, and are expensive. This is something I have thought about since high school but thought I would actually do.

Reasons not to: I am not a big fan of extra surgery. They will do the right side during lumpectomy, but wait to do the left side until the full pathology comes back--smart in case we have to take out more or go to a mastectomy. I am not really vain enough to need perky girls. More risk things could look/go bad--more scars, but also one side wasn't going to be touched, now either side could end up mangled in many ways. More recovery. (How will this effect radiation?)

Did anyone here have a breast reduction? This seems like a silly question, but does extra surgery affect risk or recurrance rates? What am I not thinking of that I need to consider?

Waterstreet

PontiacPeggy Well the cancer is out for now he removed both masses with a good margin, I go Nov. 25 for the surgery to place the Brachytherapy baloon and catherters for the internal radiation. I meet with the RO the 27th for a scan and simulation for the treatments. They begin the treatments the following Monday. We pegged the E-cadherin so I have a higher risk for cancer to recur in he left breast or go to the right or go anywhere from what I understood. BS is meeting with the RO and MO to consult about adding Chemo to the list again. Now I have to go look for a bra that will contain the catherters sticking out from the baloon and keep them from getting caught on anything. It will be an experience having that in me for 10 days. I will have to figure out how to sleep with it. They have a website called SAVISisters.com I guess I will go there and see what information I can get there. SAVI is the name of the device. He put me on high dose antibiotics and I will stay on those until a week after they remove the device. The RO removes it through the incision the BS makes to place it. He asked me to have it done in the clinic and I asked if he ws putting me out and he said they will use the injections like they did with the biopsy and I said no way. This thing is big and I won't do it awake, it;s three times as big as that core needle. He said he was not aware I had had problems with the injections for the biopsy and scheduled the surgery. He also went and printed me a full copy of the pathology report before he left.His nurse got me scheduled for the tests they need prior to surgery and showed me the device and she said she would not let them put it in her while she was awake.

The pain I am having now could be an infection starting up so he scraped the area and sent the shavings to the lab and he will call in the perscription for the antibiotics after he gets the results. He said if not today it will be tomorrow. The procedure is scarry to me, but the outcome is what I want to focus on. Only five days of radiation twice daily instead of 5 weeks. He said to try advil for the pain I'm having and if it doesn't help try the codine I have left from the lumpectomy. I am so tired its been a long day and I am going to try to get some sleep. It will probably turn out like last night went to bed at eleven fifteen and woke up thinking I had slept for hours and it was one thirty in the morning. Thank God for Hallmark Channel. You take care and heal. God bless you sweet lady.

Waterstreet

Molly50 Please read the post I sent to Pontiac Peggy Its for you too. God bless you and heal you. Thanks for being there.

PontiacPeggy

Shirley, thank heavens for clear margins! I don't blame you for wanting to be knocked out to have that thing implanted. I had 6-1/2 weeks of radiation so can't offer anything helpful. For me, that wasn't an issue. But I can see where having one week of inconvenience would be good. Haven't you gotten your Oncotype score yet? Or didn't they do one? That might help in the decision making. Like you, I was willing to do whatever it took to get rid of the cancer. Hope you can get that infection under control ASAP. Good luck with finding the right bra for those 10 days!!! I tend to watch HGTV when I can't sleep. Give me a House Hunters anything and I'm happy. I suspect once everything is settled and you know if you're to have chemo you will be able to rest a bit more. Sweet dreams!

HUGS!

marijen

Hi Waterstreet, I've been following your situation. Just want to say great job! You took charge. It can be done. We all have to speak up more. Thanks!

PontiacPeggy

Musosgirl, you must be relieved to be done with chemo. I don't know anything about breast reduction surgery but can certainly understand why you will want it done. Make your list of questions for the PS. I would guess this is the perfect time to have it done. I don't know how radiation effects things. It seems I am encouraging you to have it done.

HUGS!

mustlovepoodles

I have now talked with 3 elderly relatives in the effort to fully fill out my medical family tree. The results are sobering. On my father's side there are 19 cases of cancer in my 1st & 2nd degree relatives, 21 if you count his grandparents (3rd degree) who both had colon cancer. In fact, colon cancer counts for 5 of those 22; 1 breast cancer; 1 pancreatic cancer.

On my mother's side there are 7 cases of cancer in 1st & 2nd degree relatives, two of whom had breast cancer at an early age (47 & gasp! 24); one pancreatic cancer. In my family of origin, both my parents have had cancer, and 2 siblings have had cancer including breast cancer.

That is a whopping total of...are you ready for this?

31 cases of cancer in my 1st & 2nd degree relatives, including 5 of the 7 people in my own family!

Holy sh*t! This is really heavy stuff.

Lisaj514

mlp, ask your mo about genetic testing called myriad myrisk. Google it for info. Tests for something like 28 genetic mutations. There definitely seems to be something genetic going on. You should be eligible insurance wise to pay for it with your fam history. I just had it done due to bc (only me) and ovarian cancer (grandmother) and tnbc (often genetic) and all came back with no genetic link. Have you had brca 1 and 2 test at least. They keep finding new genetic mutations that could affect treatment courseor surveillance methods for you and/or family members

PontiacPeggy

Poodles, OMG! That's truly astonishing. I also would recommend genetic testing. Lisa has an idea which one, I have no clue at all. But it sure seems like something is going on. That was a worthwhile effort. Even if there isn't anything genetic, there seems to be something in the water or environment or just a predisposition to cancer. Rather scary.

HUGS!!

HappyHammer

Sooooo, I met with the local RO today...he was very easy to talk with...had a good "vibe"...says he thinks a 4 week schedule with prob 5 boosts will work out as opposed to 6-7 weeks of rads.....he was able to see the seroma I thought was prob there....it wasn't when I went for followup with surgeon but, I have been thinking things were a bit off for past week....he isn't really worried...and, thinks my body will re-absorb...am hoping so. WIll start rads right after T'giving.

PontiacPeggy

Happy, glad you like your RO. It helps when you jibe. Let's hope the seroma absorbs quickly. The four week schedule sounds good.

HUGS!

mustlovepoodles

Oh, yes, I've had two genetics tests, a small one that looked for the most common BC genes (like BRCA 1&2, and pTen) and then another 32-gene panel that looked for BC, colon, thyroid, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. That one revealed two rare gene mutations, PALB2 and Chek2. I can't remember which it which now, but I know that both increase risk of breast cancer--in my case, the PALB2 gene raised my risk to at least 45% lifetime risk. Yowza! But it is unknown what the risk is for these other cancers, so they're recommending increased monitoring, such as colonoscopy every 3-5 years and periodic imaging of the pancreas, following the thyroid with an endocrinologist yearly, etc.

I'm wondering, now that I've learned all this new information, how much does this increase my risk? I don't know if numerically it matters or is even quantifiable, but I'm going to call the genetics counselor tomorrow and see if she thinks we need to revisit this.

PontiacPeggy

Poodles, sounds like a good idea. That's a lot of information and it's hard to know what to do with it. The recommendations on the thyroid and colonoscopy certainly make sense. I'd guess your chances for prostate cancer are zero But it certainly is unsettling.

HUGS!

MJS1266

Musosgirl,

I had oncoplasty, reduction, and lift at the same time as my lumpectomy. Total surgery was about 4 hours. PS worked on opposite breast while BS worked on cancer side. I only had triple D and am now a C/D. I would definitely choose to do it the same way if I had a do over. I too had chemo first and my pre-op mammo showed that the lump was no longer visible and pathology after surgery confirmed a complete PCR. Recovery was definitely longer than those getting just a lumpectomy but still not really bad. Neither the BS or PS, seemed concerned that my pathology report would change enough to require a BMX. The only question going in was whether I would need a full ALNB or just the SNB. Fortunately, my nodes (two had previously showed for cancer) were clear. I did have genetic testing at the start prior to making the lumpectomy decision. Also the reduction and lift plan allowed the BS to take extra material so there wouldn't be a question of clear margins. I have also had radiation 28 rounds. the radiated breast is a little firmer than the non-radiated. It is hardly noticeable and definitely not apparent in clothes. If you have any more questions, let me know. MJ

Waterstreet

PontiacPeggy Hey they switched my surgery to tomorrow morning, they had a cancellation. My head is spinning trying to get ready on such short notice. My son is taking me we have a drive so I need to get up at 5am to get there on time. Just wanted you to know and ask you to keep me in your prayers. I have to run to get the meds he wants me to take befor the surgery. God bless you sweet lady.

Nash54

Shirley....I had the Savi implant and honestly it was a breeze for me.   I took a Valium before the procedure....which makes me think I'm a comedian 😜.   I joked with my BS during the procedure and it was over before I knew it.   My incision was at 3 o'clock so I was able to tuck the tubes in my sport bra and it wrapped around my back.  They taped the tubes down and my bra held them in place.  The removal was even quicker...again I took a Valium.  I simply took a big breath, exhaled and my RO pulled it out.  Didn't feel a thing.  I pray 🙏🏻 your procedure goes as well as mine did.  I think if your BS is experienced with the procedure it should go well.  Best wishes!!

PS.  I'm a B cup and they used the 2nd smallest device. 

Nash54

Shirley....I had the Savi implant and honestly it was a breeze for me.   I took a Valium before the procedure....which makes me think I'm a comedian 😜.   I joked with my BS during the procedure and it was over before I knew it.   My incision was at 3 o'clock so I was able to tuck the tubes in my sport bra and it wrapped around my back.  They taped the tubes down and my bra held them in place.  The removal was even quicker...again I took a Valium.  I simply took a big breath, exhaled and my RO pulled it out.  Didn't feel a thing.  I pray 🙏🏻 your procedure goes as well as mine did.  I think if your BS is experienced with the procedure it should go well.  Best wishes!!

octogirl

Waterstreet, we are in your pocket for tomorrow!

Hugs;

Octogirl

PontiacPeggy

Waterstreet, Hooray for having your surgery sooner! In spite of having to run around like crazy today, it has to be nice to finally get things going! You will feel me dancing (and I'm horrible so it will be herky-jerky) in your pocket. Take all drugs they offer you before, during and after your surgery. No being heroic. Valium is your friend! So are pain pills. Hoping for a smooth, uneventful, comfortable surgery. Write when you feel up to it and let us know how you're doing. It is scary but you'll find everything (!) is doable! Hug Hug Hug!

HUGS!!!

Molly50

(((Shirley))) Praying for you!!

Musosgirl

Peggy and MJ, thank you for the responses. I am still uneasy about the reduction, but the few people I have talked to sound very positive. I am sure my meeting with the PS will be the deciding factor. I will have to have complete confidence in this person!

keepwalking

Musosgirl - Hoping you have a good meeting with your PS and have all your questions answered so that you can feel confident about your decision, whichever way you choose. It is helpful to sound out others, especially those with experience, but in the end it is your decision according to your unique needs and desires. I wish for you clarity of mind and an ability to weigh all the factors, with a view towards the long term and what is best for YOU. We all understand how difficult it is to make these types of decisions. All the best and hugs!

keepwalking

Shirley - Will be thinking of you today with positive thoughts that all will be fine and you will soon have rads all done! All the best and hugs to you today.

luvdsny

Thanks for a great thread! I am new to this site, about a month ago I had a mammogram showing calcification's, after a repeat diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and sterotactical biopsy. The pathology report came back and I was told, "I have some good news and some bad news". Good news, no cancer cells in the calcification! The bad new is I have an intraductal papilloma. It was explained a lumpectomy may be recommended and will be seen by a breast surgeon next week. I have read the papillomas are benign they can sometimes hide cancer cells.

Running the gamut of emotions and worry, but know many of you understand this and so glad I found these forums.

PontiacPeggy

LuvDsny, welcome! We think we're pretty darned good too! If you've been reading posts here you've likely discovered that we are warm, caring, comforting and very knowledgeable. We're so sorry you're here though. I don't have anything to contribute on your particular condition but I'm sure there are many that do and will pipe in. It is a scary trip but we're here for you! Also, please update your profile and make it public - that's a huge help to us.

BTW my niece works for Disney Orlando and loves it too!

HUGS!

brithael

Tomorrow's the big day. Packing my bag, and doing things I probably can't do for a while in the house. Ritual cleaning tonight, then on with the show!

PontiacPeggy

Brithael, also helps keep you busy which is not a bad thing. I'm dancing in your pocket!

HUGS!

Molly50

Best wishes on your surgery brithael!

Nash54

Brit and Shirley ....it will be a relief to have surgery over and done.  We'll be waiting for you in the lounge!

Jhmomof4

I had a lumpectomy and 3 sentinel nodes removed a week ago. Since surgery, my pain has been manageable with extra strength Tylenol. Retuned to work two days ago and have felt okay. Tonight my pain has been greater though...throbbing pain deep in breast...not incision pain. Is this considered normal as nerves are healing?

Thanks