Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

HappyHammer

You ARE a badass for fighting BC (we ALL are that) and a Harley, well damn! That man of yours is not kidding, right? Warrior on, friend!

Melclarity

HappyHammer - Absolutely!!! WARRIORS!!!! everyone should be proud of themselves for every step theyve muddled through..

ChiSandy

Amy, you have a gorgeous daughter! Congrats on her confirmation. (My son refused to do confirmation after his bar mitzvah--but the rabbi emeritus had him return the next two years to read his Torah portion on the anniv. of his bar mitzvah. Otherwise, the only time he was willing to set foot in temple was for the annual talent shows).

Marisarose, I join everyone here in urging you to consider lumpectomy first--you can always go back later for mastectomy should it be necessary. And even with a mastectomy, if they find cancer in the breast tissue they’ve removed near the chest wall they will do radiation anyway. But once the breast is gone, it’s gone--and reconstruction can come close visually but it isn’t the same.

614, I believe the Boss has SE FL on his tour list (not sure how many cities, though).

Peggy, the saint YOU need is St. Joseph--you’re supposed to bury a statue of him in your front yard so your house will sell. (I was told that because I didn’t, the estate sale of my mom’s condo didn’t go through. Of course, it was the prospective Italian es-Brooklynite buyer--whose all-cash price was rejected by the lienholder--who told me this. Digging up the yard was against condo assn. rules. The bank ended up with the place when I found I could walk away w/o consequence to me--and they ended up selling it for 10% of what the buyer had been willing to pay).

Just found out that one of my best friends--who was inspired by my story to get a mammogram--was diagnosed this morning with DCIS (size and hormone status not yet disclosed). She meets with her BS’ PA tomorrow, so I will know more about what they recommend and when. She’s 70, but prefers to have a lumpectomy rather than mastectomy. That’ll depend on how extensive the DCIS is. (A preliminary scan of her lymph nodes found nothing, but we all know one can’t be sure until after at least a SNB).

1step

Marierose- FWIW, I had itching surrounding my biopsy site for probably a good month after. In my case, it was just my body healing from all of those punches. I'm going in the morning for lx and SLNB. I'll do rads either way, but chemo if there's cancer in the nodes.

1step

614 and Peggy, thank you for your words of encouragement. I guess I won't worry too much about getting admitted. If I am than I am. I recovered pretty quickly from my sinus surgery back in August, so, hopefully, that's an indication.

BrandyR

I don't even know if I'm in the right place. Recently diagnosed and going through the litany of consults, appointments, groping and confusion. Because of my tumor location, an lx will cause nipple loss (biggest deal of my diagnosis so far). After meeting with the PS have been leaning towards lx with reduction/lift andrads. Today, the biggest wave of anxiety about recurrence or another cancer literally rendered me helpless and seriously considering a dmx Is this normal? I'm waiting for genetic testing, which could dictate a course of action. But was so blown away by my inability to deal today. And, honestly, I don't know what I need. If anyone has some pearls, please share. Nights are the worst for me. I'm 44, planning on getting married in September, with a south pacific cruise in October. These things weigh heavily on my mind.

HawaiiMom

Molly--mx is my thinking too...when the pendulum in my head sways that way. Bmx just to be done with it all, especially since there were two independent lesions.

I will check with ILC group what they think. I think my HER2 is negative but I will check. No other family history though my big sis is fearful.

You guys are GREAT!!! Warm Hawaii hugs to all!!!

Gemma12

Sandy - sorry to hear about your friend. I seem to be running into BC a lot lately too. DH's aunt just was called in for a biopsy after her last mammo. I'm hoping she gets an all clear. My MIL has been on HRT for 12 years because she had bad hot flashes. I told her to get off them. One of her sisters battled BC 18 years ago and now the other one is being biopsied. Hormones at her age aren't good! Then, I bumped into my son's friend's Dad at the supermarket the other night. He told me his Mom was just dx and is stage IV. She fell and broke a rib. They thought it was odd that her rib broken given that that fall wasn't serious. When they investigated they found she had breast cancer that had already spread to her bones. I was very sad to hear that.

BrandyR - when I was first dx I was floored and very anxious. I got the very good advice that I had time on my side. Try and take a deep breath and relax if you can. Gather as much info as you can before you make your decision. I was always hoping I could do a lx as I never really want an implant, but waited until my genetic tests came back to rule out the dmx. If I had been BRCA +, I could have got rid of everything. Thankfully, it was negative. The data out there suggests a lx with rads has the same prognosis as a mx. I can't speak to losing your nipple as my tumor was very deep in my breast (at 7:00 from my nipple and 8cm back)

KarenR - welcome! Sorry that you have to find yourself here, but glad you found us. This is a great group that has helped me tremendously. Even when I don't post reading everyone else's posts gives me strength and raises my spirits. Good luck on your journey!

Molly - funny you mention my DD's smile. Behind those Anjelina Jolie lips is a mouth full of braces, LOL. She can't wait to get them off!

1step - sorry to hear you are upset about possibly being inpatient. I wouldn't want that either, but I hope it all works out for you. My brother had his knee replaced on Tuesday. He comes home from the hospital on Friday. I guess he's in a lot of pain, so he probably likes the constant pain management, but I hate hospitals and couldn't wait to get home to my own bed!

MariaRose - Welcome! Good luck with your decision. If you are on the fence, the women here have great advice and have been around the BC block.

I probably missed some posts, but hopefully I get points for trying! Have a good day everyone!

Amy

Gemma12

614 - the RO did refer to the 4 week one as what the "Brits and Canadians" are doing. I'm not sure what I'll choose. She asked me how important cosmetic results were to me, so I'm thinking that the higher dose in s shorter time has more cosmetic SE. Of course I like to look good, but cosmetic results come after my concern of a recurrence and my general health.

Happy Hammer - I like your thinking. I have time to come up with something if I do end up losing my hair. Thanks for the reminder!

PontiacPeggy

BrandyR, welcome to the best place you don't want to be. If you've done any reading you probably have discovered we are warm, comforting, informative and a bit crazy. Please fill out your profile and make it PUBLIC so we can see your Dx and treatments as they come along.

I think most of us have that first thought: just take 'em off! But that's not often necessary now. A lumpectomy with radiation (and even chemo) can be just as effective and you'll still have your breast. That's discouraging and the loss of your nipple is a big deal. Perhaps with your Lx and reduction etc they can reconstruct a nipple for you.

We all worry about recurrences, especially the first year or so. While that never goes away, we learn to tuck it away and go on living life with a renewed vigor. It is so hard at first. We hear "cancer" and think "Oh my god, I'm dead." But we're not and neither are you. Certainly scary because there's so much to learn in a short period of time. And so many decisions to make. The results of your genetic testing can change the course of your treatment. I recommend Dr Susan Love's "Breast Book" for learning most everything there is to know about breast cancer and treatments. I found it immensely helpful and it helps you understand what your oncologists are saying and to know what questions to ask.

Keep asking questions and we'll answer. Wrapping our arms around you.

HUGS!

MLP3

Gemma- your daughter is beautiful!

Brandy- this group is so great... Hang in there!

I'm at the hospital getting my pre-op and seed implant this am. And guess what I did last night....? I HAD SEX!!! Great sex too and I didn't cry. God... I soooo needed that! I may do it again tonight before surgery tomorrow👍🏻 DH was happy!

Here's a view from our room last night... It was such a wonderful night and I was truly spoiled..

PontiacPeggy

MLP3 -YES!!!! Hugs and love.

HUGS!

MLP3

brandy... Peggy is 100% spot on. At first I said take em and I'll get a new set. But now that I've had time for second opinions and gathering info on my own, I'm having an lx with snb to try and save my breasts. Knee jerk reactions and acting in them aren't always the best decisions. Once they're gone... They're gone.

Take the time between appts and tests to do some research. Most times the chance of reoccurrence between an lx vs mx can be a slight 3%. Not enough for me to take em off. And if after my lx, I'm told that I need to, then be it. But id rather start with baby steps👍🏻

octogirl

BrandyR: Welcome! I had lx with nipple removal, because of tumor location, and it was the right choice for me. I had clean margins and no node involvement. I wanted the least invasive surgery possible (I would not have chosen reconstruction if I had needed a mx) and didn't want to lose my breast. It is a very personal decision, but just wanted to reassure you that removing the nipple was not a huge factor in recovery. You can have a nipple tattoo later if you want, they are supposed to be very realistic. Unfortunately, it may be unlikely that you can have nipple sparing mx surgery if the location of the tumor is too close to the nipple, but the surgeon can discuss that with you.

There are some threads with good discussion of the pros and cons of each if you search the boards on the topic of choosing between mx and lx.

Good luck to you and we hope you stick around regardless of what you choose!

Octogirl

MLP3

Thx Peggy😘

LovesToFly

WTG MLP!!!

mairew

MLP3 ....jealous

Molly50

MLP3 Brandy, welcome. I recommend you get a second opinion to help you ease your mind and help decide between lx and mx. You might want to also consult with a plastic surgeon about reconstruction from mx vs lx. I had to have a mx after my lx due to extensive lymph vascular invasion. It may help with your decision making process to request a MRI if you haven't already had one. As the other ladies said you can always take off more but you can't ever undo the removal of your breast.

In your pocket Mlp3 for tomorrow.

Gemma12

MLP - 4 Seasons? I can see the State House up the hill on the right. God, I miss Boston! I may come home next weekend and see my friend's new baby before I start the next phase of treatment. Kids want to come too. I hope the weather cooperates! Good for you re: sex. We were okay before surgery, but I think my DH is afraid to hurt me since I'v had the surgery. I'm going to work hard to convince him it's okay. I'm in your pocket tomorrow. I just saw a FB post from a HS friend (guy) who is at Dana Farber today. He has stage IV prostate cancer Good luck to you as you evict your cancer! Positive thoughts for clear margins and no node evolvement!!

((hugs))

Amy

Brightsocks

Just wondering how is everyone treating their scars from surgery? I am trying Vit E and Bio-Oil. What seemed to work the best for you?

Molly50

Gemma sorry about your friend.

mairew

my oncotype is 14.

Meeting with Dr Gloom in the morning to discuss. She was very pro chemo (TC) due my young age ad size of tomour

Gemma12

Bright socks, I haven't done anything with my scars. The sterastrip just came off on my snb incision and the one under my breast is still covered. I have put cornstarch baby powder on the areas as it feels chafed and bugs the crap out of me. I'm anxious to see what others reply. I used maderma on a scar I got from my son closing the back hatch of my svu as I walked around the car. Hit me in the shoulder (on my cancer side, but pre dx). It left a nasty scar that looks like I've had shoulder surgery. I can't say I see that it made any difference. I'm hoping to see a ps some day to have it layered off as much as possible. My poor left side!

Gemma12

Thanks Molly!

MLP3

Yes... Four Seasons. It was nice to be treated like a queen👑

Just waiting for my seed implant😬

HappyHammer

YAY, MLP, just YAY!!! What a great way to get close, get rid of some stress and just have FUN! In your pocket tomorrow.

Gemma12

Good luck Mariew. 14 is the high end of the lowest risk, right? I'm afraid that I'll come in in the intermediate risk bucket and It will be up to me... I'm secretly hoping for a score of 2! I hope you and your MO can come to an agreement that you are comfortable with!

Amy

HappyHammer

Those of you just starting this journey, welcome to this fabulous group of women. We really are in this together! Sandy and others who have just learned of friends facing the cancer battle- I am so sorry! Someone posted this on FB this morning and though I'm not sure who to attribute it to- thought it worth sharing.

"Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could."

Molly50

mariew, if you are uncertain about chemo can you get a second opinion? If I were your age and had ILC I would probably opt for chemo but you need to do what's best for you.

mustlovepoodles

1. Brightsocks, I haven't put anything on my scars and they are already fading to pink and white.
2. Happy hanmer, i live outside of Atlanta, GA, right off I-75