Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Hi everyone,
Well after a night and half day of fighting with my hubby, I think we've cleared out all the stress and fear. Surgery is coming up quick for my lumpectomy - sentinel node removal. This site has helped me get organized - did some fun grocery shopping at our local organic food coop, got 4 gel pack ice bags, created a cool bohemian style sleep space for my daughter who is coming tomorrow, bought after surgery button up tops from Goodwill and today splurged on a nice soft zipper hoodie and new smart wools socks from REI. I've read my after care instructions. Tomorrow morning we go pre-register at the surgery center and go to a sports store to get a good comfortable sports bra.
Tomorrow night, we're going to go see "Hail Cesear" which should be a laugh.
QUESTIONS....Do you get a sling or a scrappy thing to keep you from moving your arm after the lymph node removal? I'm worried about keeping it still. Just wanted to hear how you navigated that.
Thanks,
Annie
-
Hi Froggie -
My surgery is Tuesday also. I'll be thinking of you. I went to Goodwill and found a lot of shirts that will do...gonna go to a sporting goods store to try to find just the right sports bra tomorrow. I hope everything works well with the weather for you.
Annie
-
...what is this about wearing sleeves?...what/where/when/how?
thanks,
A
-
HH - Glad youre feeling better, I really think you'll be ok on Arimidex, just take it a day at a time.
I got extreme cording from Chemo, my right arm is very severe, uuugh I dont worry about it, another battle scar LOL, my arm is quite deformed everyone is like ewwww whats that!!!!??? ummm Chemo damaged the vein, happens sometimes that was the FEC not Taxol, as Taxol is a lesser chemo.
Extreme day at School/work, on my feet 6hrs, feet and leg ache, hoping that gets better. High meltdown day with some Autistic students whoa!!! have to be quick on my feet, they can be violent, puts me through my paces. So its a workout in itself going to work!!! LOL
Peggy I think you'll absolutely love the new beginning, you'll really get a new lease on life! x
-
My surgeon's nurse said a sleeve and gauntlet should be worn on flights >4 hrs (donning an hr before and doffing an hour after) for those at risk for LE. The LE specialist said he wouldn't have prescribed compression after having "only" 4 nodes out, but he said for future flights I should go with a glove instead of gauntlet because I reported finger swelling in flight. But the LE therapist said to wear compression on any flight and at elevations >3000'.
My insurance might have covered my first compression set had I not gone to a shop that didn't take that insurer. And by the time I needed a second set to alternate days, I was on Medicare which doesn't cover it either. Here's the strange thing: though I had a lumpectomy, it's considered a partial mastectomy, so Medicare will cover 2 mastectomy bras a year and a partial prosthesis every 2 yrs! We need to get the Lymphedema Treatment Act passed--despite broad bipartisan sponsorship, it's stuck in committee because a certain faction is using it as a pawn for political horse trading (and mixed metaphors)
-
AnnieKaja, you don't need to keep your arm still. You need to move your arm. Otherwise sounds like you have things planned well.
Froggie, I haven't worn a sleeve (don't even have one). Thanks for the good thoughts!
Mel, thanks! That's what I'm hoping, too.
Sandy, nothing like a dysfunctional Congress to not get the real work done that benefits real people!
HUGS!
-
Annie: I didn't get anything to keep my arm from moving. After the first the day I was supposed to start moving the arm anyway, I was told that and I did. Because it was my right arm it was kind of instinctual, but healed quite well and I have no strength or movement issues, so hopefully it was the right thing. Either way, your underarm arm is going to be achy so I don't think you're gonna have a problem remembering to baby it a little. Before I had surgery, they told me the main reason they want me to make sure to stay on top of painkillers is so that my arm is not too painful to move, because movement is important. I do know that some other ladies here were told to restrict movement for longer than I was, but either way I don't think you're going to need anything specific to keep you from moving too much
I would recommend you not get a good sports bra, because those are pretty tight and hard to get into. You don't need that much compassion in my opinion! I am an f-cup and a runner, so I have some pretty good sports bras. I did not wear them after surgery. I bought some inexpensive sport style bras from Walmart that had thin straps and large neckbands I was easily able to step into. I certainly couldn't use them for sports, but they were comfortable and supportive For after surgery and sleeping.
Because I hate button-down shirts, I only got one for the hospital. After that what I did instead was wore stretchy tank tops I could step into for the first couple days, with a cardigan over top. I learned how to pull tops over my head pretty quickly, but when I didn't want to this worked well without having to get new clothing I'd never wear again.
The size of the incision can be quite variable I believe. My breast lump was just over a centimeter, and my incision is about 1.5 inches long. My underarm incision is about 3/4 inch, I lost two lymph nodes.
I haven't worn a sleeve or done anything specific about them putting a risk except tried to keep from hurting that arm, and of course all my blood work IVs etc. go in the other arm.
These were the sports bras (I could never do any kind of sport in but they were perfect for after surgery)
-
anniekaja and froggie, sending you good thoughts for surgery tomorrow! You are both well prepared, and will do great. Hope that you'll both be saying "Wow, that wasn't all that hard."
On the subject of scars and bras: my tumor was at the 1:00 position, so not sure if that was a factor in recovery, and like LovestoFly my lumpectomy scar is about 1 1/2" long. The SNB scar is under an inch. I wore my regular bras since neither incision was in a place that there was rubbing or friction. As everyone else has said, ice is your post-surgery best friend, and my surgeon told me that it's good to move as much as you are able without lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. I also applied scar gel every day as soon as the incisions healed, and now I almost can't find my SNB scar eight months later.
-
About bras, you really need to ask your BS. Call the office and talk to the nurse. Every one of them seem to have different ideas. Mine doesn't want you wearing any bra and no compression after. I had alnd with a drain so I was actually a bit restricted in my use of my arm until the drain came out. Even after my mx I wasn't allowed to wear bras.
-
Annie and froggie, in your pockets for tomorrow. Are you getting wire locators inserted?
-
Katja, cellulitis can present with itchiness and redness. Mine was a fairly large area on my breast. it never was painful or warm, just red and itchy. My PS recognized it immediately.
Speaking of my PS, I'm still trying to reach them. I can't imagine that they would be off on President's day. It's such a minor holiday here in the U.S. I've left two messages so far.
I have an appt to see an ENT this morning. My hearing has worsened since I started chemo, as has the tinnitus. Sometimes the tinnitus is so loud I can't hear the TV well. DH is always complaining about how loud the TV is.
Next thing I need to do is have my vision checked. Same thing. It's gotten worse since chemo, too.
And then there's the rather large area of numbness on my left leg, no better, maybe just a little worse.
As Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say, "It's always sumthin'." Sheesh.
-
Yes, ask your BS. Mine wanted a really tight sports bra. She quoted a study that said a tight wrap after surgery for a week or two lessoned the chance of a seroma developing. I posted the link on here a month ago. It might have something to do with how they do the surgeryery, so ask BS.
Froggie and Annie - Don't buy too much stuff pre-surgery (or pre-chemo or pre-rads). I did, and I hardly used any of it! But, I do understand your stress because of weather situation. We say in here to expect no side effects, and then deal with anything as it comes up. I'm in CA, so it's easy for me to say, "Just run to the store of you need anything." But, I grew up in the snow, and running to the store was shoveling out and driving with chains for 30 min to get to town... My BS didn't use drains either, and I had no problems. Keep the wraps tight and don't lift your arm above your shoulder is all I was sent home with.
-
anniekaja best of luck to you too tomorrow. I am just relieved these suckers will finally be out of me.
The phone call just came. I report for wire localizations at 9:30 and will be escorted over to the surgery center afterwards. Surgery is scheduled from 1:30-3:30.They are planning on 2-2.5 hr recovery time total. We should hit the tail end of rush hr and will get home in time to get to the pharmacy for painkillers. I asked about ice packs and they said they will give me plenty for the ride home.
Each BS at the center that I'm at has their own nurse navigator (and most have had BC). Mine said BS wants me in a bra 24/7 for the first 2 weeks. I asked at that time if their was a specific bra and she said whatever was comfortable. Most folks regular bras give sufficient compression when you factor in any swelling that occurs. I'm avoiding step in bras since I will be having SNBs on both sides, I don't want to worry about having pulling anything up. Nav said I could shower 48 hr after surgery and they want me doing as many regular things with my arms like drying hair and the like as long as I tolerate it. I also got the no lifting more than 10lbs talk. I have an old button front blouse I will wear on tuesday and I will be wearing the hubby's chamois shirts around the house.
I had two significant fibroadenoma excisions years ago and they were easy for me so I am not terribly worried about the LXs. I am worried about the SNBs and the possibility of LE as both my arms will be affected - blood pressures and blood work now becomes dicey.
-
ayr - You can get a prescription for a sleeve from your BS, MO or RO. My ins. covers 2 a year, but like Chisandy, I bought more than that because mine weren't fitted right the first time! Also, I find I like Mediven Harmony brand the best because it has a thinner spot in the elbow for movement. Juzo is number two for me.
When I first started having problems, the doc said to wear my sleeve 4 - 8 hours a day. Now, after several months and sessions with a PT, I only wear my sleeve occasionally. My first flight since my surgery is Thurs, and I'll let you know how it goes. Yikes.
-
Physcially, I think I have done remarkably well with my recovery. I am back to work full time, my labs are all back to pre-chemo levels and my MO says now that I only have to see him and have labs every third Herceptin infusion. They will end in June and he supports removing my port. Emotionally though, I am not so sure. Before I was diagnosed, my art career had just started to take off. I am a landscape painter and my medium is pastels. I had won a few awards, been in a national exhibit and had been chosen as one of the top 35 landscape painters in Northern Florida. I was invited to participate in a 3 day event at our local arboretum and sold every painting I had at that event. I had a few galleries talking to me about carrying my work and my name was really getting out there.. Exactly one month later I was diagnosed with breast cancer and it seemed like the bottom fell out of my world. I tried to paint a bit during treatment, but I was too weak most of the time. Now that I am feeling better, I just can't seem to go back into my studio. Somehow, I think in my mind I have linked the success of my painting with breast cancer and I am afraid that if I start painting again that my cancer will come back. Strange and ridiculous, I know, but it is really bothering me. I should probably talk to someone about it......
-
Annie and Froggie- in your pockets tomorrow. You both sound well prepared and as ready as you can be prepping for surgery. I'd advise to take pain meds before needed to stay ahead of the pain, ice like crazy if doc permits and using Colace or something like that as directed for dealing with anesthesia and pain meds issues with digestive tract. I used bras from local dept store that actually zipped in front and happened to be BOGO at the time. Still wear them some. I actually was very lucky and only have one incision- BS was able to get SN from lx incision which is about 2.5 inches long for lump that was about 2cm.
Damn, Poodles- hate you are having such troubles. Thinking of you and flinging healing mercies your way.
Mel- Your job sounds challenging but so rewarding. Glad things are going so much better for you!
-
Annie - I'm sure everyone's recovery is different depending on all kinds of things. I had a lumpectomy and a reduction. I was told to take it easy and not overdo it but also that I needed to get up and get my water and stuff instead of letting everyone else do it for me because it would help me recover quicker. I was getting around pretty good the day after surgery but I also stayed on top of my pain. I took my pain meds as they were prescribed and didn't wait to be hurting before I took them. My Mom came up from AR to help me and I had surgery on Monday, she left by Friday because I was pretty much doing things on my own by then. I was only home from work a week but I do have an office job.
-
Creativevintage...I don't think making that connection between your art and the dx is that strange, but talking it out probably would help...was your cancer on the side with the hand/arm you use most for painting? that might be a factor, an additional reminder...
I am not an artist but I do write as part of my job...and when I get writer's block I solve it by just writing anything, just to be writing...in fact we teach an exercise for those who have to write where you basically have to set a timer and write whatever comes to your mind for three minutes...then you circle the words that make the most sense and write about them for another three minutes...I wonder if something similar would help you: just go into the studio and put paint on a canvas, even if not in your usual style or method. Might help you get over that block...I guess the worst that could happen is you waste a canvas. Anyway, thinking of you. That must be hard. (((hugs)))
Octogirl
-
Annie and Froggie- good luck tomorrow!! I'll be in your pockets too;) my lx incision is an inch and they took out 2.7cm total tumor and margin tissue. My snb incision is a little bigger as I had 6 nodes total removed, 2 from each level. I didn't get home until almost 9:30pm due to 5 hours in recovery because I had a tough time with anesthesia. But I went home, had some rice and went right to sleep. I babied myself the next day but started with some shoulder rolls and arm movements. My nurse and bs said to do the exercises as soon as possible and to where it gets uncomfortable. Not to push it.
I'm flying in March from Boston to Florida... I'll have 2 chemo treatments under my belt and mild cording under armpit(6 nodes removed)... Should I get a sleeve?
Getting a bit nervous about chemo tomorrow. Or maybe I'm getting a bit nervous for the buzz cut and final wig fitting in 10 days....? And the unknown of when I'll feel lousy and when I'll feel good is a bit unsettling too.
I'm hydrating and plan to drink lots of water tomorrow... Tomorrow is chemo day!! What if you have to use the bathroom during the infusion??
Did anyone wear the cold mitts and booties? How cold is it in the infusion area?
Also... Which day/days isthe immune system at its lowest during chemo?
-
Annie & Froggie - In your pocket tomorrow!!
MLP3, that first chemo has to be hard since you have no idea of what to expect. But you'll do fine. I'm in your pocket too!
HUGS!
-
MLP- in your pocket for tomorrow. The unknown can be so nerve-wracking. Do you have a port or picc line? If you have to go to the bathroom- the nurse can unhook you and you take the IV stand into the bathroom with you...it's very doable. If you have benedryl as a pre-med you may need a bit of help getting in and out but should be fine. I dressed in layers, wore socks and they also had wonderfully heated blankets! My 6 chemo treatments lasted around 6 hours each so I was in a private infusion room and was in bed a lot of the time. I did walk up and down the halls some each time- same way- unhooked from wall and taking IV stand with me. (I have a port.)
Now, during Herceptin infusions, usually takes about 2 hours- am in reg infusion area, in a recliner that has option of heated seat- LOVE that, same heated blankets and I walk around some. Same heated blankets. It is FREEZING in there!
I also always had Pandora on phone with headphones, magazines (premed Benedryl made real reading with comprehension hard so flipped through mags and catalogs my mom would bring by), and Ipad for games and FB.) I drink seltzer water so always brought that, nuts, fruit and saltines.
-
MLP, Froggie and Annie - Tomorrow I'll be in pockets, too!
-
mustlovepoodles, thanks so much for alerting me to the possibility that the rash was cellulitis. I went to my primary care physician practice urgent care today (surgeon's office is close for President's Day holiday), and the nurse practitioner said it was cellulitis and prescribed an antibiotic. The only time I had heard of cellulitis before was when a tree fell on my father's leg and he got it bad there, so I would have never thought that a dermatitis-looking rash on my breast appearing more than 3 weeks after surgery could be a bacterial skin infection.
-
MLP3, since you're going to "my" chemo place, maybe I can help! Here's the basic routine:
- Drink water when you wake up, but pace yourself so that you don't have to stop on the way. (A couple of times we got stuck in the start of morning commute traffic, and we had to pull over for me to run into the Museum of Science. Thank goodness we're members!)
- Definitely valet park the car. It's so much easier. Then get your parking card validated at the MO check-in desk so that it costs $18 to park instead of $36.
- Arrive and check in at the desk on the 2nd floor. The guy who checks you in will ask "Do you have an IV or a port?" and every time you'll want to ask him why it doesn't say that anywhere in the information on his screen.
- Wait, meet the nurse du jour, and get your IV placed in your forearm or hand, then wrapped with blue tape.
- Often there is time between this appointment and the MO appointment to go for coffee in the cafeteria on the 3rd floor. Then go check in on the 9th floor.
- Wait for the MO. Get weighed and your temp taken, then sent back to the waiting area. Be called into the MO examining room, and wait some more.
- VERY important: after this, check back in at the front desk for infusion. I forgot once, and it delayed the start of my infusion an hour. And after this, you will wait some more!
- Meet the infusion nurse, all of whom are super nice. You'll either get a private room, or an area that is curtained off. It's chilly, but the infusion chairs all have heat and massage. They will offer you a heated blanket, which is heavenly because it feels like it just came out of the dryer.
- When you need to go to the bathroom (and you will!) just have your infusion pump unplugged from the wall (it runs on battery) and take it on its wheeled cart down the hall with you to the nice big ADA compliant bathroom. It's like doing an odd dance with a coat tree on wheels, but not all that hard.
- That night and the next day you'll feel good, just take the anti-nausea and steriods, and you might find you need a nap in the middle of the day. The following day you will probably start to feel a little off, and more so the next day or two. Some of this is the low white cell count.
If getting a buzz cut makes you nervous, don't. I didn't, and it was easier dealing with long hair falling out than short hair. Everyone has her own way of dealing with the inevitable, and that was mine.
-
MLP3, adding, since HappyHammer posted her great advice while I was typing, you won't have Benadryl before the AC infusion (I had it before Taxol, though) so you will likely be alert through your treatment. You will get two medicines back to back, and the total infusion time is about 3 hours. The red one will make you pee pink, which the infusion nurse will tell you too.
-
Wow, Peachy- so nice that you can tell MLP all the info about where she will be going! I agree about not getting a buzz cut. I did have a haircut before starting treatment that was a cute very short bob. When hair starting really coming out pretty good- I just took it out in the shower. Gave me control though I totally agree with you- everyone has to deal with the hair loss their own way!
MLP- You've got this. Please be sure to wear something with big pockets...look like you are going to have a lot of company!
-
After the operation I had a reaction to the drugs and was sick each time I went for a walk. Yet I was still fine my body did not like the drugs. The worst part was the two nurses rush in the bathroom when I pulled the cord who left the door open. My experience was when the wire went in the spot was tender. When they did the radiation needle for the wire it was like a 3 second sting then it was over. I had to travel to another hospital for my operation in a car for 30 mins. I would say my friend was far more stressed. It was cancer eviction day so I ready to get the squatter out. When you wake up keep in mind you are now free from that lump. I was on the same schedule in theory but due to being sick I was in the car going home at 10pm. So if posssible have your pains med script in place in a pharmacy that does not close early. Pack a small sick bag to have in the car if needed
-
Thanks Peachy, HH, Peggy, Sloan!It's going to be a long day... Echocardiogram starts the process at BWH at 7am. Then over the bridge to Dana Farber for mo visit, iv placement, blood work and vitals and then 10:30 infusion start. I agree... Valet is the way to go there!
Heated massage chairs... Oo la la!
-
Wow, that's a lot of money to park. Quite shocking to me. Valet parking at the hospital (not where I had my surgery but next door to the cancer center) was free with handicap tag and $5 otherwise. Cancer center had all free parking as did radiation. But my facility isn't anything like BWH for size. Valet parking is definitely the way to go. BTW, my kids filled my pain pill prescription while I was in surgery or recovery. That worked well. I didn't use it though.
HUGS!!
-
in your pocket, MLP3
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team