Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

KarenR0618

I was wondering if it is normal to feel like I am being stabbed in the breast and them feeling like the knife is being turned while in. That is the only way to describe the pain. I have had this feeling off and on through out the day for a couple days now. It is almost putting me in tears. I finished Rads Tuesday a week ago.

Jclc83

Alice it sounds like it's time to get a new team. Trust is important. You don't want to be wondering every time they make a decision. I'm sure you'll find someone that you'll click with, that will listen to you and whose decisions and suggestions you trust. It'll be for the best that this happened because you will end up with a great team.

Congrats to MLP and LTF on your last chemo!! Heathet hoping for a speedy recovery.

Welcome bobbin and the other new people. Wishing everyone happy days.

MLP3

Welcome bobbin!

Karen- have you had these pains since your surgery? It doesn't sound very common.

Waiting for my mo and then off to infusion! My veins are rejecting the iv and she had to stick me 3 times and the one in there now is pinching and sore. And I'm nauseous just being here. Can't wait to get this over with, go home and hop in bed with my dogs and... Sleep through all SE's;

KarenR0618

MLP I am noticing it more after radiation was complete. I was having little aches and pains after surgery but nothing like this.

HappyHammer

MLP- hate that you are having trouble with the IV but thrilled for you that chemo is almost over. AND, that you have been doing so well. Seriously, the Boston Marathon was inspirational and awesome!

Karen- many folks do report fleeting pains in the breast after lx and rads but not like you are describing and for a few days at a time. Think it might be helpful to call the RO and see what they say.

Alice- You have been through the wringer and I sure hope the 2nd opinion will get you on track again.

KarenR0618

Thank you, I have an appointment tomorrow with my Gyno. I'll definetly mention it.

Sloan15

MLP - I understand needing a break from the cancer world. I keep away sometimes, too. On another note, are you getting IV infusions? No port? My veins literally "burned" on my last infusion. I turned red at the infusion site, and then one vein turned bright red like it was infected. Eventually, rhose two places turned brown and are now fading. I wanted to tell you this just in case you experience the same thing since you mentioned that your veins are having a hard time eith the IV. I was frightened, but the nurses just had me put a heating pad on the veins.

(For anyone new reading this, in hindsight I probably should have gotten a port, but I was done when the pain started).

Good luck to you, MLP, and to LTF on your last chemo. Mentally, you feel like you finished a marathon, right? Tired, achy, but you made it.

Heathet, how did it go?

Karen - I remember my RO saying the breast tissue will start changing after the surgery (as it scars), but even more after the rads. I had some pretty painful stabs, but others in my rads group talked about stabbing pain a lot. For me the biopsy sites hurt. You can ask your gyn, but I think just first a piece of mind it's worth a phone call to the RO's office.

Bobbin - Ask your surgeon. She's done a hundred of these and can tell you what to expect. I have noticed very little difference. I have a dent where the tumor was and no scar (surgeon went in by areola). The surgeon and RO both said some shrinkage may occur after rads, too. I'm 5 mo post rads, and there is a slight difference, but you can't tell with a bra on. Your nipple will be removed, so you need to think if you want some plastic surgery there. Also, during surgery, the surgeon can do a fat fill on the breast and put tissue where she took it out. It's pretty cool. She will team with a surgeon who gives you a tummy tuck and puts the fat fill in the breast. A study just came out and found that women who get A fat fill to even out their breasts are NOT at a greater risk of recurrence. Talk to your doc, get all the options on the table. I picked the least invasive options (only lumpectomy), and I'm satisfied. You'll decide what's best for you.

Molly50

Karen, those stabbing pains hit me during and after radiation. I still get them occasionally. You can always reach out to your RO or your MO for reassurance. Welcome Bobbin. Alice, I am frustrated for you. I know it was hard to come to the decision to have chemo and then have your MO pull the rug out must have been very unsettling. I am glad you are getting a second opinion. Check out this ad I saw today ladies. Very exciting advances (it looks like to me) in ultrasound technology. Aixplorer-3 D Ultrasound

mustlovepoodles

Melancholy, where do you live in NC, if you don't mind me asking? Some of us are going to meet up in Hickory in May. (My family is from Kitty Hawk, btw.) Come join us, if you can.

LovesToFly

It's a bittersweet feeling. Of course I'm glad to be done chemo (which sucks) but I've been trying to take this step by step. Since January 6 I've gotten very used to this step. Moving forward to my next steps of treatment and the unknown physical and emotional (and logistical) challenges they will bring is certainly frightening!

Oh well...today is for celebrating. I can start worrying tomorrow (and feeling like crap Thursday and Friday and into the weekend!)

Molly50

Aww, great pic Jill!!

PontiacPeggy

Jill, Way to go!!! One day at a time!

HUGS!

KarenR0618

Great pic Jill.

MLP3

Sloan- iv, no port. I haven't had any burning and they try to use a different vein each time so one doesn't burn out. So far, so good!

Bobbin- my lx scar is noticeable but clean and at the 9 o'clock position. I have a slight indent but nothing noticeable in clothing. It looks really good. I'll have rads in a couple of weeks that will shrink my breast... So who knows what it will look like then?

Here I am! My nephew is scoring me some medical marijuana for when I get home! Why not?? Hop in bed, smoke a little weed, have a snack and wake up tomorrow. YOLO;) Got more acupuncture too!

PontiacPeggy

MLP3, looking pretty and prickly

HUGS!

Peachy2

Happy last chemo day MLP and LTF!

I don't have any photos of myself during infusions, though I do have one of the final bag of Taxol draining, and the the pump showing "Infusion Complete" on its screen.

Molly50

Beautiful, MLP!!

HappyHammer

Wow, Jill, you look great and you did it!

HappyHammer

MLP- great pic!!

LovesToFly

looking good MLP. To use IV for all of mine, a couple times it took a few sticks, but usually it was no problem. Everybody's been asking me about medicinal marijuana, I've been hesitant to try it because I hate non-medicinal marijuana. Not ethically, it just makes me paranoid and crazy!

TAXI tour is a bit of a beast, because the side effects don't start hitting for two days, right now I feel great I just went for a long walk and did some shopping, I will probably feel good tomorrow too. Then Thursday, Bam. It's OK though, it's the last time, right?!

Scar healed quite nicely, it is at 10 o'clock and get about an inch and a half long. It's not pretty but it doesn't look horrible, there is a bit of an indent but it doesn't show in clothing or even a brawl or bathing suit. I really hope my breast doesn't get too much smaller during radiation, if it does I will have to look at reconstruction but as long as I look good and fit properly in clothing and intimates I'm OK.

Fleecelady

Nice pics from everyone, Lumpectomy on Thursday- Pain in breast, exhausted, nausea, indentation feel like shit

ChiSandy

Feel better, jt--we’re in your pocket for lumpectomy!

Jill, and MLP, you look terrific! MLP, does your hospital have infrared “vein finder" lamps? Mine was a lifesaver before my surgery, since I have horrible veins. (If I ever end up needing chemo, frequent blood draws, or more frequent IVs than the semiannual Zometa infusions, I might look into the pros & cons of getting a port).

Bobbin, i wasn't offered oncoplasty or contralateral reduction for my lumpectomy--I was a 38H or I pre-rads. But I had made my wishes known for full-speed-ahead treatment so I'd be finished with rads before going on a mid-Dec. Mediterranean cruise. (Crucial after the ordeal my husband went through late spring into midsummer--we nearly lost him twice due to a botched colonoscopy and then inpatient mismanagement). Oncoplasty &/or contralateral reduction would have considerably lengthened my post-op recovery time and further delayed rads. But even if I wasn't facing that accelerated timetable, it might have been counterproductive: radiation (because it was double-strength) enlarged the seroma in my tumor cavity to the point that it made my R breast--which had been half a cup smaller than the left--a full cup LARGER. It also resulted in hardening of the scar capsule surrounding the seroma. I had to buy size 40I bras! So even if I'd had surgery to ensure symmetry, it would have backfired!

Recently, due to wearing a Swell Spot in my sleep bra and using steroid ointment on the reddened and hardened tissue over the scar (about 1-1/2" long, no indent, side of breast and not visible under a swimsuit or bra), I've noticed the scar tissue softening, and my R breast beginning to lose its outer bulge from the radiated seroma--my cleavage is moving back towards the center (except with the Swell Spot stuffed into the sleep bra); pretty soon I'll be getting back into my old 38H/I bras and “Thelma & Louise" may eventually be the same size.

MLP3

Thanks Ladies!

Sandy- I have pretty good veins and they are very visible to the naked eye. It's the second time I've had this iv nurse and she's just not as proficient as the others. The first vein she tried rejected the needle. The second one was on a split where the vein branched off. Third time was a charm;) Love the Thelma and Louise reference!!

Katzpjays

Jill, you look fantastic. Hopefully once you get past your last two post-chemo bad days you will be on two the next and possibly "easier" stages of treatment. Glad you got out to enjoy your day! Big hugs as you move past Thursday and Friday

Katzpjays

MLP - Congratulations on your last chemo. Perhaps now your tired veins can get a break

fightergirl711

MLP and LTF Nice photos ladies! Progress is what it's all about today! Now go home and sleep this party off!

ChiSandy

Here’s a little something for those of us celebrating Passover this weekend:

THE TWO-MINUTE HAGGADAH, a Passover Seder for the Impatient, by Michael Rubiner

Opening Prayers: Thanks, God, for creating wine. (Drink wine). Thanks for creating produce. (Eat parsley).

Overview: Once, we were slaves in Egypt. Now we're free. That's why we're doing this.

Four Questions:

1. What's up with the matzoh?

2. What's the deal with the horseradish?

3. What's with the dipping of the herbs?

4. What's this whole slouching at the table business?

Answers:

1. When we left Egypt, we were in a hurry. There was no time for making decent bread.

2 Life was bitter, like horseradish.

3. It's called "symbolism."

4. Free people get to slouch.

A funny story: Once, these five rabbis talked all night. Then it was morning. (Heat soup now).

The four kinds of children and how to deal with them:

Wise child--explain Passover.

Simple child--explain Passover slowly.

Silent child--explain Passover loudly.

Wicked child--browbeat in front of the relatives.

Speaking of children, we hid some matzoh. Whoever finds it gets five bucks,

The story of Passover: It's a long time ago. We're slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh is a nightmare. We cry out for help. God brings plagues upon the Egyptians. We escape, bake some matzoh, God parts the Red Sea. We make it through, the Egyptians aren't so lucky. We wander 40 years in the desert, eat manna, get Torah, wind up in Israel, get a new temple, enjoy several years without being persecuted again. (Let brisket cool now).

The 10 Plagues: Blood, frogs, lice--you name it.

The Singing of "Dayenu:"

If God had gotten us out of Egypt and not punished our enemies, it would've been enough. If he'd punished our enemies and not parted the Red Sea, it would've been enough. If he'd parted the Red Sea--(remove gefilte fish from refrigerator)

Eat matzoh. Drink more wine. Slouch.

Thanks again, God, for everything.

SERVE MEAL.

stellamaris

Moondust: I totally hear you. I have had the same experience with mixed messages from my oncology "team". My oncotype was 27 and like you, I am PR negative. My ER is barely in the positive range (7.4 on the oncotype results). After 3 failed lx, and just prior to my mx, my BS said she had consulted with the RO who said I may need radiation after the mx. (the margin post mx was 0.5 mm). She asked me at my post op appointment if the RO had contacted me (no, she had not). So I called my MO - who is on vacation. I asked to speak to another MO who said the 0.5 mm margin was of some concern and I should speak to my RO. I called my RO who I found out had accepted a new job in Maui. I then spoke to another RO who rattled off the criteria for rads after mx and said it would not be beneficial for me, because my tumour was not over 5 cm (the primary tumour was 4.5 cm, they never got clear margins, and the post mx pathology showed disease in every quadrant of the breast), and I was node negative (well, sort of - there were some cancer cells in 2/3 nodes, but considered insignificant due to size and small number of them). He ignored the fact that there was lympho-vascular presence. My MO did not recommend chemo based on the fact that the tumor is ILC (although in his notes he said if the onco score had been 28 he would have changed his mind about chemo). So, here I sit, wondering if my bad luck with my onc team is going to result in a recurrence. I am not dwelling on it, but if it does come back, or if it does show up in the left breast, I will never know if it was because I didn't have the rads. I have no confidence in my onc team, and I can tell you that if it does come back, I am going to be the patient from hell. In the meantime, I am going to have as much fun as I can. By the way, I was started on the AI right away, before they knew whether or not I needed chemo and/or rads, Good luck with your 2nd opinion.

stellamaris

Moondust: I totally hear you. I have had the same experience with mixed messages from my oncology "team". My oncotype was 27 and like you, I am PR negative. My ER is barely in the positive range (7.4 on the oncotype results). After 3 failed lx, and just prior to my mx, my BS said she had consulted with the RO who said I may need radiation after the mx. (the margin post mx was 0.5 mm). She asked me at my post op appointment if the RO had contacted me (no, she had not). So I called my MO - who is on vacation. I asked to speak to another MO who said the 0.5 mm margin was of some concern and I should speak to my RO. I called my RO who I found out had accepted a new job in Maui. I then spoke to another RO who rattled off the criteria for rads after mx and said it would not be beneficial for me, because my tumour was not over 5 cm (the primary tumour was 4.5 cm, they never got clear margins, and the post mx pathology showed disease in every quadrant of the breast), and I was node negative (well, sort of - there were some cancer cells in 2/3 nodes, but considered insignificant due to size and small number of them). He ignored the fact that there was lympho-vascular presence. My MO did not recommend chemo based on the fact that the tumor is ILC (although in his notes he said if the onco score had been 28 he would have changed his mind about chemo). So, here I sit, wondering if my bad luck with my onc team is going to result in a recurrence. I am not dwelling on it, but if it does come back, or if it does show up in the left breast, I will never know if it was because I didn't have the rads. I have no confidence in my onc team, and I can tell you that if it does come back, I am going to be the patient from hell. In the meantime, I am going to have as much fun as I can. By the way, I was started on the AI right away, before they knew whether or not I needed chemo and/or rads, Good luck with your 2nd opinion.

Molly50

(((Stella))) Hopefully you respond really well to the AI. I believe AI's are generally better for ILC than chemo. I do hear you though. I was 13 oncotype but two positive nodes and extensive LVI leaves me forever wondering if chemo should have been done. I did have a lot of radiation though. I am waiting for the BS's assistant to call me back. I am trying to schedule my right side mx and TE placement. Hoping to have this done in mid to late June and then exchange surgery about 8 weeks later.