Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

HappyHammer

PP- please do not be embarrassed....just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your words of wisdom and positive attitude. Have a great night!

queenmomcat

Etna: wonderful! Any bruising? What's next for you?

etnasgrl

Yes, there is some bruising, but it's not terribly bad. The nurse told me that as long as the bruising remains soft and doesn't turn hard, it's okay....so I'm keeping an eye on that, but so far, so good.

Next up is radiation! I have an appointment on December 21st with the radiation oncologist. I assume I'll find out then when radiation will start. I have an appointment with a medical oncologist the same day. Should be an interesting day! (The surgical oncologist told me that I shouldn't need chemo, so the MO appointment should be for Tamoxifen.)

PontiacPeggy

EtnasGrl, have you had an Oncotype test done? Hopefully, no chemo. Always good to have all your appointments in one day. Very glad that you're healing well.

HUGS!

etnasgrl

Peggy....yes, I'm waiting on all my results. The waiting never gets easier! UGH!

PontiacPeggy

Etnasgrl, nope. It never gets easier. And my patience gets shorter as I grow older

HUGS!

meme2006

Hey ladies...I am having a very hard time with this re-excision I had on Weds. I took off the big bandages last night and while I knew he was taking the nipple off to get clean margins, he took a lot more than I thought he was. I am so grateful that the cancer is out, but being large busted it is a Big change, kind of looks "squarish" right now.. I'm sure over time maybe it will "drop" down a bit. I am farthest from anyone to be vain, so please don't take it that way. Its just a huge shock! Please pray I get over this cry baby, whiny, bump in the road. I am normally not a person to show much emotion, but this has really gotten me down. Am I crazy and the only one who has felt this way? I do not like being like this!!

Also, I have a question. Has anyone experienced a lot of redness? Like 1/4 of the skin on my breast, up from the incision (which goes almost all the way across my breast) is red. Didn't know if I should call my surgeon or if its possibly a reaction to something like the betadine. I didn't have any reactions during previous lumpectomy.

Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer, but thankful to have somewhere to express all my concerns and emotions without being judged. You ladies are all amazing and I appreciate all the encouragement and advice you always offer everyone on here. Bless each of you for your kindness

octogirl

meme, while I had the nipple removed, I can't say that my breast itself really looks different (other than no nipple and incision) than the other one (I am also large chested). Your feelings are what they are, so DONT apologize. However, sometimes there is reshaping during healing (I've heard) so my advice would be to wait a few months to see how you feel about the shape and size then, and then consult with a plastic surgeon about your options.

I would call the BS's office about the redness. After my lx I developed a sensitivity to the bandages and surgical tape, which I had never had before, and my breast turned red. There are alternative bandages that are less likely to cause allergies or sensitivities (warning:: they are expensive)...or it could be betadine or something else. Good idea to call and check it out and it will give you peace of mind.

Please also keep in mind that you have had major surgery, and your emotions may be worsened due to the anesthesia and other drugs in your system . We all react differently. I am sorry you are feeling bad and am sending HUGS!

Octogirl

PontiacPeggy

Meme, You're quite entitled to cry, whine, rant, bitch, rave or scream here. We have all done everyone of them. Our imaginations aren't always up to the reality of our surgeries - I suspect that's what happened to you. And you've been through a lot so your emotions are a little tender (as is normal). Octogirl has good advice. Wait awhile before deciding what you might want to do about reconstructive surgery to see how things settle. I agree about calling your surgeon over the redness (yes, even on a weekend). If it's nothing, you'll be re-assured. If it could be the start of an infection, then you can start right away with antibiotics. Now accept our hugs and comforting and try to relax. It will get better as you grow used to your new body.

HUGS!!!

Musosgirl

How long did you ladies wear bandages? DH changed mine tonight and it got me wondering.... I see my PS on Thursday and BS Friday. Still have pain but Tylenol and ice help. I have cut out the Percocet for now because I hate that groggy feeling. My hands have been numb on and off all day--I think it's a oxygen issue.

queenmomcat

Meme: I too had a re-excision during which I lost my nipple. First and foremost, there is no need to apologize for bawling your eyes out at any point. Whine. Cry. Rant. Vent. All part of the process. It's a bleeped passage through a nightmarish diagnosis. (Just for the record, it was after finding out I'd need a re-excision that I melted down in a truly spectacular fashion. I mean! helpless little puddle of self-pity. Ended up seeing a psychologist and on trazodone.) I wouldn't have described myself as vain, either...we'll get back to that point in the next paragraph.

Secondly (to address your actual question): my "lumpied" breast did end up square also.. Whether you have corrective surgery is up to you, and indeed I too would suggest holding off on deciding until after you live with it a bit and figure out just how much it's going to bother you. (To put that comment in perspective, I knew I'd want cosmetic correction about ten minutes after I took the bandages off after the second lumpie. That was five months ago. I've only just now had the tweaking.)

queenmomcat

Musosgirl: after which surgery?

PontiacPeggy

Musosgirl, I took my bandages off the next day. I left all the little steri-strips on till they fell off. I wore my Genie bra for 2 or 3 weeks. I'm small and that was all the support I needed. I had surgery on a Wed and showered on Saturday.

HUGS!

Musosgirl

I could not bear to look. Turned my head away the entire time DH changed the dressing. I am supposed to keep it covered till I see my PS Thursday--there is no wearing a bra over these bandages though.

PontiacPeggy

MusosGirl, that's okay. You will look when you are ready. It's a very individual thing. And it could be that your imagination is working overtime.

HUGS!!

queenmomcat

Musosgirl: sorry--I went and looked at your list of posts. That surgery. We're with you.

meme2006

Thanks octogirl, PontiacPeggy and queenmomcat for the advice and words of encouragement! Time to try and get some rest as the meds are kicking in! Tomorrow is a new day

queenmomcat

Meme: (hums a lullaby)

Molly50

I had a hard time looking after my mx but after a while it just became the new me. I think seeing my radiated skin was harder in some ways.

PontiacPeggy

MusosGirl, when you feel up to it, please update your profile. Did you have a BMX? If so, I certainly put my foot in my mouth and I'm sorry. Of course, you're scared to see the new you. It will be hard but you have our support here and we have big shoulders to lean on.

HUGS!

Molly50

Can I share here that I am a bit worried. I have some puckering on my right nipple and what feels like a tiny lump on the outside of my right breast. I see both MO and BS next month. I am goibg to watch them in the meantime. I might call my BS nurse and see if she can arrange for an ultrasound. I pray that I am wrong about this.

Nash54

Molly50....hoping its nothing.  I know you'll worry until you see your BS.  Can you get in earlier?

octogirl

Molly, it probably is nothing, but I'd also see if you can get seen earlier, just for your own peace of mind. Calling the BS's nurse to get a take on it seems like a good idea. Sending HUGS!

Octogirl

PontiacPeggy

Molly, please do try to get in and see the BS ASAP. You won't rest easy until you do. I agree it is probably nothing but it's so hard to not worry. Wrapping my arms around you.

HUGS!

Molly50

Thanks so much my friends. It probably is nothing but with my genetic mutation increasing my risk of developing a new bc it does take my mind to a dark place. I will call Monday and talk to her nurse.

PontiacPeggy

Molly, I'll be with you!

HUGS!

octogirl

As will I, Molly!

etnasgrl

((((Hugs)))) and praying for you Molly!

Nash54

Will be praying that's it's nothing Molly 😘

Molly50

It probably is nothing. I started reading the crazy town thread and felt much better about my paranoia. I have to remember that I had a clear MRI in September.