Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

iammags

Thanks Peggy, HappyHammer, Molly- you girls are make me feel better already! 

Sunnyone22

Thanks HappyHammer!

I'll swing by and pick you up around 12:30 in South Carolina before my 1pm appointment in southern California!!

Seriously, thanks for being with me in spirit tomorrow. Getting post-surgery results can be scary. Still, I'm cautiously optimistic.

More soon............................

Jclc83

Welcome Sunny!

Thanks for the "drooling" chuckle Sandy. I hope your friend heals quickly whatever procedure she has.

MLP sorry your first chemo hit you so hard. My first was very uneventful until days later then boom!

Glad you are done with chemo Brit. LTF wishing you a good cycle with yours.

Sloan sorry about your elevated markers. Stress stinks. Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss. At least for a while. My MO is waiting until I complain about something to run tests.

Oh and I'm glad surgery went well Annie.

Hello Molly, Peggy, Hammer, Mel and all the rest of my sistas! Phew so much to catch up on. Rads start tomorrow. I am now a Lubing lumpie.

froggie

I skimmed the posts and will read more thoroughly later.

Annie, glad you survived.

MLP, so sorry you are feeling badly. I recken I'll find out on the 29th if I will be joining the chemo club.

Sandy sorry to hear about your friend but are so glad you can be there for her.

Welcome Sunnyone and any other newbies I may have missed.

We drove down to Baltimore on Monday to avoid the ice storm. the radiologist had a devil of a time placing the wires and I bled like a stuck pig and have considerable bruising from that. The LXs went fine and those incisions are not giving me any grief. The SN on the left side was close to the skin and came out easily. The right was deep and he had to dig for it. the right arm pit is killing me and it is swollen soft and squishy. He didn't put a drain in - just tissue glued it back together. I'm of the opinion it is filled with blood. That arm is swollen too but the resident didn't seem concerned. The surgery was scheduled for 2 hr but it was closer to 3 hr. I couldn't stop dry heaving from the anesthesia and at 10 pm they admitted me. After the third dose of zofran, I finally stopped at around 2am. I kept asking for pain meds and the nurse kept telling me not when I was nauseous. It's not clear why they wouldn't put it in the IV line but they finally brought me a pill at 3am. A couple of hours later I was itching like crazy and had a rash over my front neck. The resident didn't think it was from the narcotic but now I'm afraid to take it. That's it for now, I need to ice again.

mustlovepoodles

Oh, froggie. What a mess. I'd be willing to bet that the narcotic did indeed cause the rash and itching. Whether or not you are allergic, well, I don't know. Narcotics will often cause itchiness without causing allergy. It's miserable either way. I'm really surprised that they didn't start IV fluids on you, if for no other reason than to keep you hydrated. If you were too sick to be given a pain pill, then you were sick enough to need fluids, IMO. I'm really sorry they were so poopy to you.

PontiacPeggy

Froggie, if you had an antibiotic that could definitely cause the itchy rash as well as the narcotic. bummer that you couldn't get anything for nausea and pain sooner. Maybe you'll be able to get by on Tylenol. Just glad that surgery is over. Sorry the right armpit is miserable. Hang in there. Keep icing and take it easy!

HUGS!

HappyHammer

Jclc- in your pocket as you start rads tomorrow...remember to REALLY stay hydrated and keep up with your protein intake...that and maybe 1/2 of an Ativan if needed....seriously.

PontiacPeggy

Jclc, I didn't do any of the things HH recommended. I ran over to the center, got my rads, ran back to the hospital (well, I actually drove but it's the same idea). I did drink a lot but I always do. I didn't find the treatments scary or anything. They were easy peasy. Hope you feel the same way.

HUGS!

HappyHammer

Aw- Froggie..damn BC! SO sorry you had had such a rough go. Am hoping they have given you something and that ypu can sleep it all off tonight and that tomorrow is MUCH better! Sending hugs and healing mercies your way!

MabelJo

Got my results back from second look, have no idea what they mean at all. Doctor wants to see me after my genetic appt, which sorta worries me as she said we could talk in a few weeks.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS:

Left breast lesion, oriented wire localized excisional biopsy:
Cystic hypersecretory hyperplasia/pregnancy-like change with cytologic
atypia (outside consultation diagnosis from Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center), see comment.
Two previous core biopsy sites with metal clips identified in slice 1
and slice 7.
Focal florid usual ductal hyperplasia and rare apocrine metaplasia.
No evidence of infiltrating carcinoma, including evaluation of margins.

DIAGNOSIS COMMENT:
The entire case was sent to the expert breast pathology service of Beth
Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and they have issued the
above diagnosis and following comment: "Sections reveal variably sized,
cystically dilated spaces, some of which are filled with densely
eosinophilic material and other
s with more flocculent material,
associated with numerous calcifications. The cells lining the spaces
demonstrate pregnancy-like change, including abundant vacuolated
cytoplasm with apical blebbing. In addition, cytologic atypia in the
form of increased nuclear/cytoplasm ratios and nuclear pleomorphism is
present in some spaces. While the degree of cytologic atypia is focally
pronounced, in the absence of any architectural atypia, the findings are
insufficient for a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ, in this
setting.

It looks like I don't have DCIS but also nothing says benign - I looked up both and there is everything ranging from it might be some thing rare (secretory breast cancer) to pre cancerous invasive.

Gah.

ChiSandy

Froggie, I’d bet that you got that rash & itching from the antibiotic (Amoxicillin can cause a rash without a true allergy). There are painkillers other than opioids that they can use--strong NSAIDs like Toradol once your stomach settles down, Tramadol if you’re not on an SSRI, and anti-seizure meds like Neurontin (gabapentin) or Lyrica (pregabalin) that were once prescribed off-label for nerve pain but are now so prescribed with FDA approval. And sometimes a naturally derived opiate like codeine or morphine can cause reactions when a synthetic opioid like fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or oxycodone doesn’t. Let them know how much pain you’re in and stand your ground.

PontiacPeggy

MabelJo, I've no clue what any of that means. Too much medicalese. Call your BS and ask for it to be put in English. You should have to wait for "few weeks" to find out what is going on. I don't know when your surgery was but if the report is in, it should be explained to you. Don't let them put you off! Good luck!

HUGS!

LovesToFly

Froggie: so sorry you went through that. What a mess and it sounds like a reaction to me. Hope your recovery gets better!

Happyhammer: yes, half way done. A but tired and gross feeling this evening but nothing awful.

MabelJo

surgery was on the 4th, and then it had to be sent out for a second opinion. While waiting, I saw my surgeon and she said we could schedule another appt in a few weeks after the results came back.

Results back today, and a message from the nurse saying doctor wants to see me monday, right after my genetic counselor appt. I sorta wished I could have talked to her today.

I had hoped if it was benign, they would have just said BENIGN! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Instead I get, gobbly gook we want to see you. About ready to tell them to take my tit and be done with it. Take em both and give me my 21 yr old boobies back! Nice and perky! Ya!

Molly50

Awww, froggie what a terrible experience! Ice should help with swelling. I hope you feel better soon. Jan, lubing lumpy... That's great! In your pocket for tomorrow.

Molly50

MabelJo, I know it sounds like a long time but Monday is not far off. Sorry you have to wait. It seems like that's all we do.

Molly50

LTFly, huge hugs.

PontiacPeggy

MabelJo, at least you're getting in Monday. Still a long time to wait. Have a couple glasses of wine - that should help!

HUGS!

Praline

MLP3- I hope you found relief from the nausea and headache.

poodles- Sweet story.

ayr1016

The Prilosec is not working for me. So, the GI doctor is recommending an "gastric emptying study". Anybody had one? I am so determined to eat healthier to boost my immune system, but the nausea, constant stomach pain, and choking (while swallowing) is making this impossible.

Sloan: Sorry about the elevated tumor markers and stress. (hugs)

MLP: I hope you are feeling better soon and it is just the fact that it is the 1st chemo that is doing this to you.

Brit: How miserable to have to go to the ER. YAY on no mo chemo. That cake is awesome!

iammags: I have a swollen lymph node behind my ear as well. I had not idea what it was at first and thought I had hit my head, but could not remember when or where I did it. Then, of course some googling and realized it is a swollen lymph node. It is still there and I have no idea what to do about it. It is painful.

Sandy: Those classes amazing!! Glad you enjoyed them so much.

Froggie: Oh goodness, what a surgery day! Sending hugs your way!

HappyHammer

Have any of you HER2pos folk gotten payment help for Herceptin treatments through the drug co Genutech? The PA asked me about my participation in this last week during reg appt but as I told her- had not filed for participation nor did I have any idea what she was talking about....then, today, I rec'd a "participation" card from the drug company that I was qualified for them to pay for my Herceptin- for the next 12 months with my copay no matter about insurance- of 25.00 per treatment. While that sounds great as a state employee- thinking that takes some of the payment burden away from my ins company....that makes me think the pharm company could do that for everyone!?!?! UGH! Am looking forward to finding out more abt this!!

PontiacPeggy

Ayr, sorry to hear that

HUGS!

PiNKiDC51

Hello Ladies - I'm new to this thread. Previously I've only been part of the DIEP 2016 thread because I did not think lumpectomy was on the table for me. A little history -

End of October I was first diagnosed with breast cancer (see markers below). Then after MRI and an ultrasound biopsy on other breast, the beginning of December I was diagnosed with cancer in the other breast (again see markers below). MRI also showed another area of concern in the left breast, but they were unable to find and biopsy with ultrasound. After pressing BS regarding whether I should have an MRI biopsy or in his opinion forgo that and have a mastectomy, his opinion was to have a mastectomy. This devastated me, but I agree to see a PS. Based on info learned from PS, decided if I were to have a mastectomy, I prefer DIEP reconstruction. I truly desired to have immediate reconstruction, however, that is not advised because if pathology report came back positive on my nodes, radiation would ruin the transplanted tissue. I'm not much of a gambler, so I set about trying to figure out if there was a way to know if nodes were positive or negative before main surgery. Learned I could have a Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy and underwent that procedure in January.

Node on right came back negative, but 3 of 3 nodes came back positive on left. So, radiation on table and BS set me up with appointment with MO to determine if I should have chemo prior to surgery. MO recommended against this, but told about recommended protocol and that it would run for 20 weeks. So, now learned the one thing I really disliked about delay DIEP reconstruction - the use of expanders - would have to be endured for 14 - 20 months, assuming no complications. This news caused me to wonder about that area of concern in the one breast that had never been tested. I started to think that for my own piece of mind I needed to have this tested. Assuming it would be positive, I mostly wanted the test to be able to tell myself that I had no choice - lumpectomy was not an option (other area of concern was 3 cm distance from previously identified cancer and would mean removal of too much tissue to be able to conserve the breast). Wouldn't you know - test results came back benign!! Should've known as the decision process has been so difficult, so naturally I'd get a result to whammy me.

So, now what I'm considering is lumpectomy with oncoplastic surgery, chemo, radiation, and after healing then a mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. This will mean only potentially having expanders for 3 months vs 14 - 20. So, one less thing for me to worry about when having to be concerned with both chemo and radiation side effects. However, I've asked little to no questions about oncoplastic surgery. So,wondering a few things:

1. If I am a large C cup and I have to have approximately 5 cm removed to get clear margins (this is the anticipated amount), what size breast should I anticipate that I will end up with?

2. What is involved with oncoplastic surgery? How do they remove so much tissue and make everything look normal (please no graphic pictures to show)?

3. Have any of you had a lumpectomy and then also had a mastectomy afterwards? If so, did you go from a small breast to a larger breast and what was involved with that?

4. What are main 3 points about lumpectomy and oncoplastic surgery that I should know about in advance so I won't be surprised when I wake or while I recover?

Thanks in advance!!

PontiacPeggy

PiNKiDC51, Welcome. Glad you found us. I have no answers for you but I know others will chime in. What a long time you've been going around in circles. It has to be so very hard for you. Best of luck!

HUGS!

Molly50

Welcome Pinki, I can answer some of your questions. I had a large amount of tissue removed during my lx because of lymphovascular invasion and some DCIS they weren't expecting. My BS did a fantastic job of moving the tissue around to even it out and my incision was in the aerola so not noticeable. I would have ended up with just a divot if not for the seroma I ended up with. I have since had a umx because my BS could not get clean margins and she had concerns about my lvi and positive nodes. So I have a TE in place since early September. Radiation in November and now waiting for my reconstruction which I will likely do in September or October. I am in no hurry because my PS wants to do muscle sparing TRAM flap. I have reservations about the surgery so I am waiting on my genetic counseling to decide on having a prophylactic mx on the other side. I actually don't mind the TE at all.

Molly50

Ayr1016, my DS had a stomach emptying test. It involves CT and barium in food so they can watch how efficiently the gastric system empties. Be prepared to take some stool softeners to help get everything out of your system.

L2girl

pinkidc51,

I also had bilateral breast cancer. I had lumpectomies and sentinel node biopsies in both breasts, followed by radiation to both breasts. I had large D cups before, and the surgical oncologist removed 5 cm on one breast, and 8 cm on the other breast. It sounds like a lot, but I think they were more like flat oval shapes, not spheres. (I've heard some women refer to it as a chicken fillet shape?). I think I swelled up to a DD after surgery and during radiation, but now I'm between a C and D. I've also lost 20 lbs since then, so that may account for some of it.

I did not have any oncoplasty or anything. Luckily, my surgeon did an excellent job on the lumpectomies, and I'm very happy with the way things look.

I think th sentinal node biopsies we're the most painful part of surgery.

Good luck!

Melclarity

MabelJo - Looks like if its not DCIS, which they state, then according to that, its normal. Which means you don't have BC. How confusing, dont know why they send out reports like that, we dont get them here. Id speak directly with your BS rather than try and decipher it, seems its good news

MabelJo

I have no idea really. Maybe I am reading too much into "findings are insufficient to diagnosis DCIS, in this setting"

I guess that could go either way.

ladyhumps

HappyHammer I'm a little confused, are you saying Genutech will pay your copay or the amount the insurance would pay?

edit: I found the info on the website. It makes you wonder how they can do this if these drugs are so expensive to make. I didn't read farther than the part that says there's a $25 copay.

Has anyone used Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief? I did get approved for this but haven't used any of it yet. I've been checking my claims on line but nothing's been turned in yet for my treatments.