Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

HappyHammer

Welcome to those of you who are new...sorry, this thread has been blowing up and I cannot keep up...,you have now joined the most compassionate, educated, funny and a bit quirky group of women you could have found. Hope you are healing and resting...and, remember...ICE is your best friend! Sloan is right...wear a tight sports bra... and, if needed a soft cami or fabric under it in the places that are tender and you need to take the pressure off of...(not grammatically correct..sorry)

Sloan15

Two more, Happy Hammer, two more. You got this!

HappyHammer

Thanks, Sloan....it IS only two more. You are right....will swear chemo was not as hard as rads have been though...isn't that just weird?!?

Sloan15

Yeah.....and now only two more, and you're DONE! It'll all be in your rearview mirror very very soon. Don't look back, look forward now!

queenmomcat

HappyHammer: no, not weird much. I didn't do chemo, so haven't a direct comparison, but several on the fall rads thread mentioned that rads was very stressful psychologically.

LovesToFly

you guys are freaking me out! I'll do rads in the spring I think...trying not to think about it!

Sloan15

Lovestofly - Aww, don't get freaked out. I did 33 days of rads and had no problems at all, not even a sunburn. I was a little pink. Waaay easier than chemo for me. These things affect everyone differently. Remember, expect no SE!

PontiacPeggy

LovesToFly, I also did 33 rad sessions and had no problems. Just use Aquaphor or whatever your RO recommends for your skin, don't use deodorants with aluminum (99.9% of them) - I was allergic to Tom's of Maine which has no aluminum, so just didn't bother with deodorant. Anyway, don't worry about the rads. As Sloan, said don't expect SEs!

HUGS!

Peachy2

LovesToFly, I just finished radiation this week, and it was like a spa treatment compared to chemo. Sloan's advice is the best: expect no side effects. My co-worker who was also diagnosed in May didn't have chemo, so finished radiation before I started. She said she was terribly tired, like go to sleep at 8:00 tired. My boss kept asking during treatment, "So, are you tired yet like she was?" It didn't happen.

Melclarity

Welcome Newcomers! Gosh, I cannot keep up with this thread!!! I see you already got some great advice from these wonderful ladies!! So Im not going to chime in plus I feel wayyyy behind haha!

Happy Hammer!!! - Well done!!! you're nearly there! Hope pain killers work, this is the tough part now, just make sure you use something a gel or something. I got special gel to use after that they give to burn victims, it was soothing and helped heal quickly.

I'm with Sloan and Peachy on this one...I found Rads way easier than Chemo, for me a huge comparison and eventhough I ended up with severe radiation burn, it was still heaps easier than Chemo. Peachy I do agree though very psychological! Lovetofly don't worry about it honestly, you'll be ok!! everyone is different and theres just no way of knowing how you will be, but its nothing to be alarmed about.

april25

I had a horrible time with Chemo (2 hospitalizations, weeks of IV drips, neuropathy, couldn't eat anything, plus nothing stayed in anyway due to diarrhea). Rads was a breeze (made better by it NOT being chemo!). But everyone is different. I know lots of people who were fatigued from Rads and had skin problems. As Sloan said, it's probably better to just deal with any side effects if they make an appearance, but don't worry about it before. I have a TON of stuff I bought and was prescribed but never used! (Anyone need mouthwash for dry/sore mouth? Most of this stuff can't really be passed on...)

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Congrats to those who finished rads and are soon to finish! That's a lot of treatment that is OVER and DONE!

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Glad to hear about everyone who just had surgery and are recovering well.

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Interesting question about non-traditional treatments (no chemo/rads). I'm guessing that is coming down the line what with the immunotherapies... But it's not here yet, unfortunately. I think people are getting it in certain cases. Jimmy Carter, for instance, but he was mets, (and not BC). I am very excited to see what happens with that! It sounds very promising.

ChiSandy

For those scheduled for a lumpectomy, it's good to be prepared but from experience I can tell you it's possible to go overboard into obsession. I was told to expect “profound fatigue" and not even be able to go upstairs to sleep in my own bedroom for a couple of days. I was also advised that I would have some range-of-motion problems and wear nothing that needed to be hooked in the back or pulled over my head, and that I would probably never be able to wear my underwire bras again. (When you're a 38 H or I, “no underwires" is tough to swallow). So I went out and spent an arm and a leg on front-hook soft-cup bras (most unavailable in my cup size so I had to make do with too-large band sizes that gave no support), front-button-or-zip tops and front-button PJs. The BS' nurse told me that I would probably be given a scrip for an opioid for pain, but not to fill it unless I needed it--because “you don't want that stuff around the house, it's illegal to throw it in the trash or flush it, and it would have to be turned in at a police station or authorized pharmacy disposal station."

I checked in for my radioactive seed location at 8 am, had the lumpectomy at 1 pm (was given Zantac to prevent GI side effects from anesthesia) and discharged by 4:30--with no pain prescription. They gave me a bolus of Fentanyl before pulling my IV and then a couple of regular strength Tylenol. My lumpectomy incision was on the outside of my breast, away from the underwires--and the SNB incision was far enough up in the armpit that it too cleared the top end of the underwire. First night I was able to order out for Chinese (and serve it), and pull on my button-up PJs over my head. My sister came in from VA the next day to “take care of me;" instead I played hostess and we had a fun (if all too short) visit. Second day I went upstairs to dress, and I met her on the porch--and we were able to walk to the grocery. Second night we went out for dinner I was able to sleep in my own bed. As soon as I was able to shower and remove the agonizingly tight (and too-small) surgical bra they put on me in the OR, I switched to some (still a bit too small) front-hook knitted leisure bras. Third day I was walking >1/4 mi. each way to a restaurant and the beach. Fourth day, I tried to reach around my back and found I could have done so all along, so I wore rear-hook soft-cup bras until the day before my seroma popped (the surgeon said it had nothing to do with returning to underwires, but everything to do with the size and weight of the breast). I was driving by the evening of the fourth day and shopping solo by the fifth. Drove 90 miles to give a concert 2 wks post-op. Because they don't make post-surgical bras in my size, I never got a scrip for anything other than a compression sleeve & gauntlet to be worn on long flights or during exercise.

DON'T overbuy! Buy no more than two each of front-hook (or if you're small enough, step-through) bras, front-closing tops, and front-closing PJs or nightgowns--you may not need them, and you can always buy more (Amazon ships quickly). But you should have a small pillow to put between bicep & breast, a “reacher" tool to keep from overstretching (which tool will save your back as well), long-handled shoehorn, soft cloths (well-laundered tees & cotton underpants too tattered to wear) you can cut into small squares to cushion your bras, under-breast crease and SNB incision. Gauze is too scratchy. You might also want to put away anything too scratchy, especially lace bras, until your scars and/or irradiated skin heals. Gel ice packs or bags of frozen peas or corn kernels can be rotated in & out of the freezer. If you are tired enough to be stuck at home in danger of getting bored, stock up on stuff to keep your mind busy--whether it's puzzles, coloring books, or a really nice journal and very good refillable pen. (I like fountain pens). Or even great stationery--you might find you like writing and exchanging handwritten letters.

As to that compression sleeve & gauntlet, no need to fill the scrip for it unless you plan a long flight or strength training. If so, talk to your BS after surgery, or get a consult with a physical rehab medicine specialist. Odds are you won't get lymphedema...but sadly, it looks as if despite getting only 4 nodes out and not having my armpit irradiated, I'm developing an early case of it.

As soon as you are able, declare the comfort-eating pity-party over and get back to a more healthful diet (whatever has worked for you in the past) and walk as much as you can tolerate. Then walk some more. You will also want a big water bottle. I wish I had lost more weight before going to Europe and then starting an aromatase inhibitor.

And don't assume a lumpectomy will make that breast smaller. The tumor cavity usually fills with fluid, a “seroma" that can resorb within a few weeks....or a year or more. You can't tell in advance. My seroma grew to be bigger than the chunk-o'-boob it replaced, and then radiation hardened the tissue surrounding it. So I had to go up to a size 40 I bra!

And--this is very important--a fistful of takeout menus.

LovesToFly

thanks guys, I will return to not worrying about rads!

ChiSandy I was also told I'd never be able to wear underwire again. Not by my breast surgeon (who laughed, but another bulletin board I was in woman after woman was saying they could never wear an underwire bra again, even years after lx. I was totally freaked out because I'm an f-cup. Also, I buy matching sets from Europe (which is not as luxurious as it sounds, I buy them new on eBay and because they are made in Europe, they are much less expensive than if I bought them at a good bra store here) and have a nice collection, I would hate to not be able to wear them again! Luckily I am wearing them all again just fine.

RLM

Good morning,

Happy, I will be able to remove compression and water proof bandage later today. So far so good. Only Tylenol and occasional ice. I was ready and able to eat once I got home from surgery. Right now I'm feeling positive. I get final pathology Tuesday.

JerseyRenee01, glad to hear you're doing well.

Chisandy, thanks for the info on the upper back pain.

As always, best wishes and prayers to you all.

MLP3

You are a rock star Renee! Glad to hear that you're doing well.

How's the lift part of it all? I was thinking about that... I'm a 36C/D

HappyHammer

LTFly- no, no, no....don't freak out! Sloan's right...expect no SE's! My skin has been weird throughout the whole BC thing. Sorry to raise your stress level about it...I shouldn't complain anyway- only 2 more to go. Moving ahead, moving ahead!

brithael

1step - These were really great after surgery, and I'm still wearing them. Not too expensive either. I bought two Sports bra

MLP3

I was happy too Peachy!! Wore this hat for the entire game;)

LovesToFly

happyhammer: please, do not stop complaining. I didn't mean it that way! I just meant that I keep hearing how easy radiation is, so I keep not worrying about it, and suddenly I started feeling a bit worried! But this is our safe place, never feel like you have to not complain. I'm glad you only have two sessions left, and hope you heal up quickly and easily afterwards!

brithael

Here's the newly trimmed #1 wig. Still not as happy with it as I would like, but it'll work.

Brutersmom

Ayr1016 I agree with the ladies who suggest that you don't get anything unless you need it. I did have pain when I laid down at night and the pain medication came in handy. I bought sports bras after the surgery because they were the only thing that did not rub my SN incision. They were all cotton and worked really well during radiation. Still can't wear regular bra's but that is another story. As for under wires, I have not been able to wear one since I broke a rib while coughing during a really bad asthma flare years ago. Broke it right where the under wire goes across. As for after the surgery. I tired out easily for a couple of day. I had full arm movement. I was told not to do heavy lifting until I returned for my followup The only real pain I had was in the SN area. I was able to shower the night of surgery. My surgeon used internal stitches and glue. Because I am allergic to adhesive, they used a special surgical tape that I was permitted to get wet but was to leave on until they fell of. Other than an allergic reaction to the blue dye I had no issues with the first or the second surgery I had to get clear margins. I was back to work in about 3 days. Follow what your body tells you and yes ice should become your friend. It really helps keep the pain down.

LovesToFly

I think it looks lovely Brit!

Sloan15

Great pictures ladies! You both look happy and content. This goes to show that we must live life outside of bc, whether it be celebrating the Patriots or finding a new wig. Dwelling gets us nowhere; find joy.

Speaking of joy, my friend who was essentially cured of cancer when they invented the meds for HER+ cancer said that her doc told her when they thought she was terminal to cut out people from her life who didnt give her joy. I like everyone in my life, but I am spending less and less time with "downer" friends and relatives. It's like the cleaning tip from Peggy's book, "if it doesn't spark joy, toss it." Anyone else friend cleaning since bc diagnosis and realized that life is short, and u don't want to spend your time with some people? Haha, good thing my husband made the cut!

HappyHammer

Thanks, LTFly!!

Brit- love the cut- it is very chic! The wispy bangs are good and it really looks natural. You look great with that big smile!

Ditto on not buying too much before surgery. I did the whole thing like Sandy- and really did not need the button front pj's at all. Wore them for a few days and then realized my range of motion really wasn't affected. (I was lucky enough to only have one incision about 3 inches long...nothing under the arm- surgeon got the SN from that same incision.)

The front close bras were good as they also had no underwire and were soft. They are coming in handy with rads as well. Only bought 2 - already had several sports bras. Have decided that after rads and the Aquafor stains, I am getting a few new sets of pj's. Looking forward to getting back to my underwire bras as well!

As for the pain meds- did take that the night of surgery- and several doses next day-I really hallucinate while on them but needed to stay ahead of the pain...it makes for funny conversations, though. Ice, ice, baby- that was the best thing for swelling and pain!

Those of you just having surgery- you are going to do great! If yo do have bumps in the road- here we all are to try to help.

HappyHammer

Sloan- Yes, I have done some friend sloughing....sometimes it is hard to do but gee, makes me feel better about things not having to try to explain and hold the Debi-downers up all of the time. Glad you husband- and his leg- made the cut haha. Mine did too!

Brightsocks

I have noticed on my pathology report on the core sample. "Also noted is focal atypical lobular hyperplasia" has anyone else had this on their report? If so how were you treated radiation or chemo or both?

Melclarity

Brit - looks lovely and you look happy.

Sloan - guilty..I cut out 4 people from my life late 2015 friends I'd had for 27yrs I couldn't deal anymore with people who say are there for you...but never are! The past 6 months I've put less energy and time into people who bring you down. Only want true people in my life who love and support me and not just when it suits them. I choose joy and I'm happier with things

etnasgrl

Melclarity.....it's funny that you mention that. I just cut my best friend out of my life. It broke my heart to do it, but she is not a true friend and I can't have people like that in my life.
We've been best friends since Junior High, she was Maid of Honor in my wedding, and was like a sister to me. Prior to be being diagnosed, when I was in "waiting mode", she never contacted me. Once I found out that I had breast cancer, I let her know and that was the last I heard from her.
At first, I chalked it up to being busy.....then I thought well maybe she is scared of my diagnosis so she is staying away.....but then I realized that if she were really a true friend, she would be here for me because I need her, scared or not.

marijen

I think some people just "chicken out" of going the distance when a friend has a serious illness or other reasons.

PontiacPeggy

Brit, love your wig #1. You're pretty!

Sloan, Since I discovered Marie Kondo's books, I've applied does it "spark joy" to everything. I'm very lucky that my small circle of friends were there for me. Once you start using that yardstick, life really becomes easier. And since I'm decluttering prior to my June (I hope) move, I've found I'm keeping far less than I would have had I not discovered her books. I guess it gives you permission to get rid of stuff you "think" you should, not that you want. And friends certainly fall into that category. None of us need friends who aren't there for us and the Debbie downers.

HH, yeah!

Speedy healing to all of our surgery-this-week sisters! If you're starting rads or hormonals, just don't anticipate problems. If they come, we'll help you deal with them.

HUGS!!