Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
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How adorable, catfurr!
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Beautiful pic, Catfurr!
Count me among the few who got definite enlargement after lx & rads. My RO & PCP both say it's the tumor cavity seroma and not breast LE, but from the hardness & pinkish tinge it sure sounds like the latter. Will make an appt, with the LE therapist tom'w.
Vacating my stateroom, losing my wi fi till I get through airport security. We're in Barcelona but it's still dark out and the cruise dock isn't very scenic
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Sloan- yo are gorgeous...you make 1/2 inch hair the "RAGE".
ChiSandy- glad to hear from you but so sorry about all of the cording etc issues. AM planning on stealing your phrase- "auto incorrect", though.
ALL- need to vent for a minute- am so very sad that I now have a staph infection on my stomach- starting antibiotic tonight...dammit...3rd one since starting treatment. Went to PS last week to check lump in good breast- fibrocystic and that was great news. Today- internist found enlarged node under arm and referred me to oncologist to check it out. Ok, REALLY??? Is this what life is? I am so dang SICK of all of this...scared all of the time though trying to live life to the flest every day. Radiation making me crazy- and now this?? Feel like I have PTSD and yet, I am so grateful for the good stuff. Having a good cry as I type this and know that wil be healing in and of itself.
Just need to get it out and wondering how you gals handle these bumps in the road?
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I usually handle bumps like this by losing my temper extravagantly. My medical oncologist is now exceedingly polite to me.But my sympathies in regards the staph infection! I'm on my fourth antibiotic in three months, with unfortunate but predictable effects.
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Venting helps. Three times I have typed up a complaint about my incisions ITCHING!! I have deleted every one because I know others are going through worse: infections, cording, LE, etc. But Frankenboob is determined to drive me out of my mind. I am 12 days post-op and still have some discharge and even tiny bits of blood here and there. I still have a crazy cough that I think is from the anesthesia and I slept the entire day today. At least my low-grade fever gave up a few days ago.
Healing thoughts and prayers for all of us. -
Catfurr....what a fabulous photo of you and your son. Herceptin only has to be better than it with al of the other drugs but I have had SE's too with it only so it isn't without it's own issues, Your hair looks AWESOME...think we are at about the same length- hair is definitely NOT over rated, right? Sending healing energy your way!
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Oh, HappyHammer, I'm thinking of you. This is all so stressful. Hugs.
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Happy hammer,
I totally feel for you,the bumps are super tough, and I think you're doing the best thing you can is letting it out, venting and being whatever emotion you feel! Allowing yourself to cry or get angry anything is how we cope...through treatment I had incredible moments of anger that my kids would say oh no chemoroo is here, I laugh now but it all drives you crazy and you wonder how on earth you're going to get through it. The wonderful thing is you absolutely do, not without trials heartache and pain. Day at a time and be kind to you..big hugs.
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HappyHammer, that's why you come here....because it is a safe place to vent. That we totally understand and sympathize. I'm sending you a lot of very gentle hugs and love. I'll just hold you while you cry. You'll feel better, or not worse. A little mothering always helps.
Boy, too many gals having infections and more infections. That's rough. Sending healing thoughts.
I've been really busy setting up a new computer and a few holiday things. Finally today not much going on. I'd gone to my first cookie exchange Sunday and it was over the top. Came home with about 100 cookies (there were around 50 us at my niece's house) which I took over to the nursing home where DH was. They were glad to see me (which made me feel good) and appreciative of the cookies - they were for the staff.
Now to make more cookies for Christmas Day at my brother's. Here's a picture of some of the cookies I took (8 dozen of them)
HUGS and more HUGS!!!
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Good Morning Ladies!!!
I had my appt at Penn yesterday. Was there over 5 hours!
Ultrasound first, that was a waste as still couldn't determine what that second area is that showed on MRI. BS says not to get too excited over it as it did show after my biopsy was done. He will just include it with the microcalcifications & remove since next to eachother.
So then I was a little taken back as my orig pathology report stated intermediate DCIS. Well the Penn Pathologist is saying High Grade. So to me this is significant differences of opinions. My BS told me to relax & it not fast growing & could take 5 yrs to become something more. It is hard to relax! He told me stay off the internet. Well the internet tells me High Grade is faster growing & could recur. My fears are more in the future than dealing presently with what I do have!
I am scheduled for Lumpectomy, Jan 14. They prescribed me Ativan which I never have taken so now I worry how I react to that on a day of surgery!! The sounds of putting the wires in through MRI prior to surgery sounds tense for me! I hate MRI. The unknowns are driving me crazy! I know nothing is definitive until surgery. Will the Pathology from surgery accurately give the grade?
My BS said I could hit this with a "grenade" & do bilateral. Was leaving up to me. I will try the Lump & go from there.
He also mentioned I could be HER-2. What! So now something else thrown at me. I dont understand all of this. Is that determined in final path too? I understood it as needed to be tested with biopsy & since stated i was intermediate didnt. So frustrated!
Oh yea & Christmas is in 2 days. This is taking me over!
I wish all of you a wonderful Holiday!!!! 😘🎁🎄
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JerseyRenee, poor you! Far too many opinions and no real answers. Damn. I'm glad you are not choosing the "grenade." That seems to be overkill at this point and with your diagnosis. I don't recall if you are on Medicare, but I would recommend you demand an Oncotype test (which Medicare and some insurances pay for - it is expensive) since no one seems to agree on how aggressive or not your BC is.
Take the Ativan! I was given Valium. It does take the edge off. The wire locators are quite doable if you get lots of lidocaine. I know because I had that done 10-15 years ago without adequate amounts (definitely no fun). You will have someone with you so if you do become loopy from the Ativan, it won't be much of a problem.
Her2 positive does change things if that is borne out in the path report. That would mean a different treatment path that other ladies can comment on.
I know it is extremely difficult, but try to tuck all the BC stuff into a locked closet in your mind and enjoy the holidays. Eat, drink and be merry! Enjoy being with family and friends. Live in the moment, sometimes that is much easier than looking ahead - save that for after the holidays.
Come here and yell and scream. We'll listen and comfort you.
Merry Christmas!
HUGS!!
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thank you PontiacPeggy!!!
I am so stressed! My BS is very laid back. Maybe it a man thing! I went from a woman BS to a man! Ha! Different personalities! I do trust him. I just do not like being thrown this other stuff. I am concerned where he isnt. Ugh!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!! 🎄🎁🎅🏻
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JerseyRenee. Relax until after the Holidays as best you can. I think we all know the feeling of wanting it out now. Timing for me was everything because I am self employed and everything hit during my busy season. There is never a good time for BC but sometimes of the year are worse than others. Do avoid the grenade if possible. The decisions are hard but as my MO and BS said to me when I was given choices; some women need to be more aggressive in there treatment than others. You need to know that the options are out there. Do what you feel is best for you.
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Brutersmom:
Thank you!! My BS is seeing that i am in panic mode & he not so much! Guess cause he deals with this everyday & I don't! This is new to me!
He just emailed me back saying can fax me a script to be tested for HER-2. Is he saying it to shut me up & satisfy me & thinks it unnecessary!?? They dont normally test it with DCIS as I understand. He didnt suggest to be tested yesterday at my appt. He is a BS/ Oncologist that also does research & has vaccine trials.
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Jersey....never a good time to be dealing with this but the holidays do add more stress. I think you're right in that your BS deals with this everyday. They forget we don't! Maybe try that avitan during the holidays. Your BC is a very early stage and contained...try to concentrate on the positive. None of us are guaranteed no recurrence but I choose to live like I am...until I'm not. I know it's hard not to worry but worrying doesn't change a thing. Just adds to the stress. It's always harder in the beginning when we are waiting for answers and a treatment plan. Believe it or not it will get easier. We are all here cheering you on. Hang in there.
Merry Christmas 🎄
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JerseyRenee glad things are moving forward for you. You made the right choice in your care team. It's a big step to put yourself in their hands and trust in yourself that you are doing all the right steps. Congrats you now have a plan and that is a good thing. As for the script, your case was probably presented at a tumor/case review board this morning and they team decided it was the right move in your case. And don't stress that you worry and your bs does not. My bs is very steady and calming. He is very laid back and I am a stress worrier. He always had time to listen to my fears and calm me down. Also Ativan is gently calming. I had it in my IV at my last chemo. I did take Xanax to help me sleep when first diagnosed. It helped shut off my racing thoughts and calm me.
As Peggy said put bc away until after the holidays. Try to destress and enjoy time with family and friends.
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JerseyRenee, Nash and ShopGal, are right. Most of us find that we shove the thought that it might come back into the dungeon of our brains and throw away the key. It's one way to stay somewhat sane. You'll find that you likely will be able to do that as you progress and everything becomes more familiar. It is so hard at first. You don't know anything, not even the questions to ask. Then you don't know what to do with the answers anyway. Worry won't make your BC better or worse - but it will drive you batty (not a long step in my case
). Try to ignore the worry! HUGS!!!
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Well let me put my two cents in JerseyRenee. Diagnosis, like grade and staging,can change after the initial biopsy and the surgery. Mine did. I did not know I had DCIS at all until my lumpectomy. My grade changed too. The diagnosis can only be made on the sample they receive. With the lumpectomy there is a bigger sample. And that's when ER,PR and HER 2 neu are done And that's how treatment is determined. I work in Pathology and deal with this everyday and now I'm a patient.
You can't change what is, trust your doctor and don't worry unnecessarily( easy to say I know). Treatment had come a long way. Enjoy your holidays
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JCLC, so right. I knew I had IDC when I went into surgery and came out with some DCIS removed as a bonus. The surgeon was surprised. It hadn't shown up anywhere. At least it is gone!
HUGS!
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How long did it take for you ladies to completely heal up from the lumpectomy and SNB?
I'm not in any pain, which is great and I'm VERY grateful.....but obviously the incisions are still pretty noticeable and the lumpectomy incision still has some blue to it, left over from the dye they used. (I thought the SNB incision would be blue, but it's not, just the lumpectomy one is.)
My next step, pending the Oncotype, is radiation. Will radiation prevent healing of the scars or make them worse? -
Jersey, from what I understand, most DCIS will show HER positive, so don't subject yourself to that worry. The HER evaluation is only of significance if they find any invasive cancer. And remember, you can do the lumpectomy and a mastectomy is always a future consideration. I viewed my lumpectomy as a biopsy and told myself I would decide on a mastectomy at a later date, which so far I don't need. As for the MRI, I'm not sure how they are doing your, but mine was face down with these glasses type thing on my face. I worried about feeling trapped, etc., but I just closed my eyes and daydreamed a vacation. The worst part, honestly, was the pressure on my chest bone and my sinuses got stuffy from being in a downward position. As for the wire placement, they numbed me up and I didn't feel anything.
Can you try an Ativan now to make sure you have no funky reaction?
Hugs, and hope things turn out well.
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Etnasgrl, to be completely healed? Probably 2-3 months. To have the scars fade? A year or more. I can still see mine but I know they will disappear. As I recall, they injected the dye into my breast so that could be why you are blue there. They need to see where stuff goes from the breast - don't want to miss that sentinel lymph node. Glad that you are doing so well. Just keep reminding yourself that you are NOT healed inside yet. Still need to rest and let the body do its thing. Major surgery - remember?? We tend to think of a lumpectomy as not major but the body knows better. Hope the Oncotype score is fantastically low and you're on to radiation. BTW, I don't feel it did a thing to influence the size, shape or anything else of my breast.
HUGS!!
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Hey! Jerseyrenee!
Just read your post and totally understand your angst! you are right they are two totally different things they are saying, it sounds like DCIS which is early pre cancer, the lumpectomy will give you all the path answers in terms of exactly what it is grade etc. I know its so hard to not worry, your mind is racing 100 mile an hour into all different scenarios. I too have been where you are, so one step at a time. Not sure over where you are, but for hook wire here we get a local anaesthetic, its very quick. I'm drug sensitive and Ativan WAS the one thing that I could take and absolutely helped, no side effects, helped me relax..I actually took it through chemo as it acted as an anti nausea as well.
Once you do the lumpectomy and know everything, you will have more understanding, this is the tough part absolutely, try enjoy Christmas and the distraction, and keep venting, such great support here from wonderful ladies all traveling this path to help ease your mind. You're absolutely not alone, Im so glad I found this site, as Ive done it alone for 4yrs.
Hugs Merry Christmas,
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Thanks Peggy! After my surgical oncologist finished with the lumpectomy, the plastic surgeon did tissue rearrangement. He did an outstanding job! My breast looks exactly the same as it did pre-lumpectomy.
The original plan was to have him do a lift and contour of the non cancer breast, so that once radiation was over, both breasts would be the same size. (As they told me radiation can shrink the breast.)
However, I changed my mind. I thought it was putting the horse before the cart, so to speak. I decided to wait until AFTER radiation, to see how my breast looks. If it shrinks quite a bit and bothers me, I will have the lift/contour on the non cancer breast, otherwise, I'll leave well enough alone.
Thanks for answering my questions! I know that I'm only out of surgery 2 weeks and have a long way to go before things heal up completely.....I guess I'm just worried that I will have a frankenboob forever! LOL! -
Etnasgrl
I have to agree with Peggy, I've had 2 lumpectomies in 4yrs, it does take a few months to heal, and the scar will fade in time. With radiation, honestly I didnt notice any major shrinkage at all, if there is its slight. If anything the breast becomes more dense due to radiation. Sounds like you're doing all the right things for you. Nurture you as you go, before you know it you'll be healed.
Merry Christmas!
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Etnasgrl, You're welcome. The closest I come to a Frankenboob is my downward facing nipple. For several months it would get annoyed but not now - either I've quit wearing undergarments that irritate it or it's toughened up
Then again, I'm 70 and what is acceptable to me might not be to someone much younger. To be honest, the thought of elective surgery just isn't that appealing. If there were a real need, of course, but not now. We all wanted to know how we were going to look after surgery and radiation. As I said, I didn't see any change due to the rads. I guess some women do. As with so many things in breast cancer, it all depends on.....pick your choice of options MelClarity, I'm glad you finally found us, too. It must have been awfully hard going it alone. I know how much support I've gotten here, especially this summer when DH was extremely sick and then in hospice. Couldn't ask for a better group!
HUGS!
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PontiacPegg
Im so glad too!! that I found my way here. I dont know how I got through without support, when I was first diagnosed 4yrs ago it was only 2yrs on from losing my Mum and I was 6 months out on my own with my 2 children, my marriage fell apart. I have no sisters and had very minimal support through the first time. Then was bowled over with this recurrence 4yrs later, this has been certainly the tougher battle, I honestly never thought Id be back in this boat. My Mum was 26yrs free from BC and had a mastectomy no treatment. Gosh we are all so different. I really felt after battling through the past 5 months alone again that I needed to talk with other women going through the same or similar things.
The thing is everyone hear has great advice, and due to experience complete understanding of not just the physical but the mental emotional side of it.
I've settled down since I started on this forum, relaxed more, still weighing up the mastectomy option its not urgent as my Oncologist said just something to think about.
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MelClarity, it is very comforting to know that you're not alone. That other people have walked your path and survived reasonably in tact. We are all changed by the experience but knowing that it is possible to get through it and LIVE is the most important thing. The comfort and support are vital. While friends and family are wonderful and try to help, they don't always understand though they want to. Here we do. It has to have been especially hard since you'd lost your mom and marriage. That's a tremendous amount of stress.
My girlfriend is in Melbourne for a few weeks house sitting - she lives in Perth. The world is small
HUGS!
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thanks so much, Ladies!!!!!
I read all your replies! I just sat down. Whew! Just cooked dinner for my friend & her family! She needs some prayers! She has had quite a rough road with BC! 😞
Has two boys. She is not into Christmas. Today, I just found out she was back in the hospital, just came home today. Her left expander got infected & had to come out. 😞 Her spirits are just gone! My heart breaks for her! She has endured so much! DX back in July, chemo, then her port got infected, delayed her BMX & now this. How much more can she take!!
You ladies are amazing!!! I truly mean it in saying thank you to all of you! We are miles away from eachother but that doesnt stop the care,love & support!
I wish you ALLa Merry Christmas!!!!!!! 😘🎄🎁🎅🏻
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Renee, did you get a Ki67 score with your biopsy pathology? It is the rate at which your tumor or its cells are proliferating. While my IDC was grade 3, my Ki67 was only 20%
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