Upcoming Surgery
My lumpectomy is scheduled for 10/14. I'm feeling strong, confident and hopeful. I'm actually more freaked by the nuclear injection for the SN biopsy, (which takes place on 10/13) than the actual surgery. Anyone have any calming techniques or should I request meds from the doctor?
Comments
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Lollywarrior, my lumpectomy wasn't so bad. The percocet that I was given afterwards made me sick and I couldn't keep anything down. I stopped taking it and was fine. Eat good before you have to start fasting for the surgery. I was so hungry by the time they finally got me in, I was daydreaming about what I was going to eat at home. Afterwards, get all the rest you can. The most annoying thing to me was the drains, but they eventually will come out. My SN was done at the same time as the lumpectomy so I'm not sure about the nuclear injection part. All my nuclear scans(muga) were done for a seperate test. Don't be freaked out, you'll be fine! I'll be saying a prayer for you!
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Lollywarrior, I had my sentinal node the day before the lumpectomy. If you are going to get calming meds, then be sure that you are not driving. I did not get any premeds before the sentinal node injections. They did numb the area around the nipple first before the injections. It was only mildly uncomfortable at first. They kept me wrapped in arm blankets the whole time, which I found comforting. This is how it was done. The room was a bit darkened and I think that was for the sake of the screens that they watch the nuclear scanning on. There was soft music playing which I don't think they do everywhere, from what I have read from others. Anyway, that was very nice and calming too.
They explain everything in deatail before and during the procedure. Once your nipple area is numb, there is no discomfort whatsoever. You might feel a bit of pressure as they inject the nuclear solution.
My urine turned blue for about 48 hours after the scan was done. FYI
The sentinal node was not only charted and graphed. It was marked onto my skin with a special marker then covered with a clear plastic shield to protect it from being washed off. They advised me not to shower if possible in order to help protect the marking.......so you should shower thoroughly before going in for the sentinal node procedure.
As for the lumpectomy, they gave me a choice of day surgery or spending the night in the hospital and I chose to spend the night. This was because I have kids at home and I knew I would need the rest and care away from them. I was kept pain free and had the assurance of being monitored. I did not have drain for the lumpectomy because only 5 lymph nodes were removed. The nurse told me ahead of time that if I wake up with a drain from under my arm, it means they had to take more than a few lymph nodes, meaning there was lymph involvement.
The lumpectomy scar look really misshapen and ugly right after surgery sort of like an upwards half moon shape. But the practitioner came in the next day and told me that they do it that way so that it will smooth out better as it heals. She was right. It has smoothed out and looks better everyday.
Ask for plenty of pain meds to take home. They will also probably give you a stool softener to counter the pain meds giving you constipation. I did not need any antibiotics at all.
I am soooo glad that I had that extra day in the hopital to rest and be cared for. Of course, someone will have to come and take you home wither way.
Hope this info helps.
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Thanks for the incredibly helpful replies!
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I am having a lumpectomy april 1 i am a little scread my question is how long does it take to recover and how painful is it does it leave your breast out of porpotion it is rather large does it leave a dent in your breast
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Jaden, I actually experienced little pain. It took about 10 days to be back to myself but some of that might have been from taking the pain pills. I took about 3 per day including 2 at bedtime.
My scar is now a thin mildly dark line and there is actually very little indention from where they took out the affected tissue. One of my friends had a lumpectomy which left a bigger indention. But even hers was not that noticeable if you weren't looking for it. Maybe it depends on how large the lump is and who takes it out. I have never seen a lumpectomy that actually left the breast disproportianate to each other. I think that might happen with modified mastectomies or some other type surgeries but not lumpectomies.
Even though I live in Paris, I have private insurance since we are temporary expats. My insurance has offered a 'lift' as reconstruction. I have to wait one year from the end of my radiation. I am going to take them up on it.
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Hello Jaden,
I also experienced very little pain and when it comes to pain I am the biggest baby in the world. I think I took the pain pills for 2 days and then decided the side effects from those were worse than a little discomfort. I think I was only uncomfortable for about 2 weeks.
My scar however is about an inch and a half long and one-eighth inch thick. Quite noticeable. I think it will be covered by a swmisuit and most tops but I'm totally unconcerned with it being seen. There is no dent in the breast but it seems that breast (right) is smaller. That, however, can really be all in my mind. If it is smaller, it's not noticeable with or without a bra.
Please focus on your treatments and getting better. Beauty goes beneath what can be seen on the skin.
Hugs. Be blessed.
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Hello Jaden,
I am sorry you have to have surgery.
I had a lumpectomy in 1998---my surgeon believed all lumps should come out. I don't recall the pain being too bad, because the nurse advised me, "to take the pain pills", she said it "helped the body heal faster". I did!!! I found that if I ate some food, they did not make me sick like how some pain pills will do.
I am not a small person, so it was about an 1 1/2 inch scar.
Take care and keep us posted.
Linda C.
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thank you for your replies It has been helpful tomorrow is the day for surgery still a little nervous please keep me in your prayers and when this is all over i will help encourage someone like you have encouraged me thank you all
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Jaden1, hope your surgery went well and that you are recuperating without complication.
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Jaden1
I too, hope all went well, and you will be feeling better each day!!
Take care of you!!!
Linda C.
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I did have surgery and they did find cancer they removed my sentinel lymph node and it is painful i am resting comfortable my nights are hard to find a good position my underarm is sore and i wish it would all go away what is the next step after it comes from the pathology will i have to take radiation
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Hi Jaden1
I am sorry to hear it is painful and yeah getting in positon can be rough---get you some lil pillows and put them in place.
The Dr. will advise you what the pathology says "what kind of cancer" is found--it all depends as to what type of treatment you will receive.
I am hoping in the meantime you will rest as much as possible.
Take care.
Linda C.
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I agree with Linda. Try to get your rest. You'll find the discomfort will lessen with time. Don't be afraid to take pain meds as needed. In addition, you'll have the discomforting feeling that comes with the initial uncertainty. Don't worry-this, too, shall pass. The pathology will aid in determining which kinds of treatment you'll need. The waiting can be horrendous but you'll ge thru this and whatever is next.
God Bless you Jaden.
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I am fellin better today a little stronger still painful but not as painful. I have two drainage tubes i notice one is not drainin as much as the other is this something i should call the doctor about .I want to say thank u again for your help and i am taking your advice the pillows do work. I am taking the pain med and they do help. how long do the drain tubes stay in? again thank u for all your help
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Jaden, I am so glad that you are feeling better. The pain will continue to ease everyday. Are both the tubes in the same area? Do you know how many nodes were taken?
ILinda is right about the fact that the Dr. will speak with you about the path reports and his recommendations. A general surgeon performed my lumpectomy then, after that, I was referred to an oncologist for my plan of action. The surgeon only told me briefly what to expect from the oncologist. So you might find that the doc that actually did your surgery might not be the one who plans out your course of treatment such as chemo, etc. So don't be surprised. These are 2 different specialties that seldom cross lines. The surgeon does just that and the oncologist manages your cancer.
The daily amount of drainage determines the length of time that your tubes stay in. I am assuming that you have 'Jackson-Pratts' which have a bulb at the end of the tubing to collect the drainage. When there is very little drainage, they will come out.
If they take the tubes out too soon, then that drainage will continue to collect but in the area of the surgical site. There will be increased pain, swelling, and chance of infection. When I had mine, I put a tab on the tubing made of tape and pinned it to my bra or something so that it wouldn't pull or yank. The pulling of the tube would hurt since there were stitches holding it in place. The pulling was the most uncomfortable, as I recall.
Be patient, soon the drains will be gone and out of your memory.
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thank u for talking with me the tubes are in different areas one for the mass and the other under the arm fpr the node they removed.there is a bulb.how do they determine radiation or chemo
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Hi Jaden,
I am glad each day feels a lil better.
I am hoping the tubes will be out before long.
My Surgeon sent me to the Radiologist for a visit first---then to the Oncologist---for my kind of Cancer (back then) standard treatment was Chemo and Radiation---the Chemo treatments were first, then when I was done with Chemo--I did radiation for its scheduled time------and now everything seems different the way things are done these days. They did not have "tests" for HER2 in 1998 here in Kansas--it was 2002 before the "test" was here and I was diagnosed for the kind of Cancer I have. I have heard of women doing Chemo and radiation at the same times. You may need one or the other and maybe neither--this is what the Dr.(Oncologist) will advise.
Hey Ladies---jump in here---with the "New" ways things are being done.
Hang in there--Be blessed!!!
Linda C
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Jaden, the type of chemo that you receive will depend on your path report. If the Dr. says that you do not need chemo, then get a second opinion immediately!!!!!! Rads usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after chemo ends depending on which chemo meds you have received. Your onc will determine all of this with you. Whatever he advises, please do your homework and be proactive.
Ask plenty of questions and do not be intimidated. I would write all my questions down before going to the docs every time so that I would not momentarily forget what I wanted to know.
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Hi Roya,
Great information to Jaden!!!! l really like how you informed her, because all of this can feel intimidating. A list of questions is great!!!
Linda C.
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Hi, ditto about Roya - who is such a joy; always informative and uplifting. Thanks for being you! (you too, Linda C)
Blessings to you all.
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- Thank u all again. I go to the doctor thursday .What are some of the questions u think i should ask. I have a few already.
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Jaden1, it's difficult to know what questions to ask until you have more discussions with your onc. Ask the questions you have already thought about, take notes and ask any other questions that pop into your head during the appointment. Understand it's not a quick process so you will have time to call back, make additional appts, whatever, to get all your questions answered. You can have 35 questions written down and believe me when you are on your way home you will think of #36 so don't despair.
As soon as I had my initial diagnosis from my BS I went and picked up a book about BC. It helped because it gave lots of information the docs may not think to tell you or you don't know to ask and it also helped me to know what to ask my docs, BS, Onc MD and Onc Rad. I recommend it if you can find it (I got it at Barnes&Noble) - The Breast Cancer Survival Manual by John Link, MD. A step-by-step guide for the woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer. My BS was floored by the knowledge I had already picked up by the time I first saw her. This will help you with your visits to the Onc team and during any tests that are ordered.
Let us know how you make out.
Be blessed.
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it seems to me that i started out with no cancer and everything will be ok. that they would just remove the mass. then i wake up from the operation with mass removed and lympnode and two drains now i go to the doctor tomorrow and it could go on and on and on when will this stop man when will it end ihave never even been sick in my life.now all this. I feel like i am in a bad dream and cant wake up.my life has just stoped cant go to work cant drive a car. I read i watch tv i am tired of just sitting here doing nothing.the pain is almost gone and i dont sleep that much i have no direction in life just cant believe this is happening to me.will i ever be normal again.I am scread to go to the doctor tomorrow because i am afraid of the next chapter might be.Seem like it dosent end
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Jaden1, sweetie -- it sounds like everything is kind of hitting you now -- I think that often happens when a week or so has passed after a difficult event, whether it's surgery or any other kind of upset (getting laid off, breaking up). At least, it's like that for me. A week after any difficult event can feel like a real low point, because it's all sinking in and my adrenaline for "fighting" the tough stuff is at a low ebb.
But I think your adrenaline and your spirit will come back. You sound like a real "do-er" and you're right, it's abnormal for you to feel low. But having surgery and a BC diagnosis can lay anybody low! But you will rebound, I promise. This low, worn-out directionless feeling is strange for you, but believe me, your spirit and strength will return. Don't be too hard on yourself. We are all here for you, and we know how scary this can be. When you find out what the "next chapter" is, let us know, and someone here will have been through that chapter and can relate to it.
Roya is so right about writing down questions. I always bring my list of questions with me, and if it looks like the end of the visit, I ask the doctor to wait a second and let me double-check my list to see if I got all the answers I needed. Hugs and best wishes for tomorrow (and for a restful night, too),
Ann
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Hi Jaden,
What you are feeling is "so real" right now!!!
Ann is correct--you /we are going "Through", my word is everything feels and looks "Global". Enough said!
It is not an easy time---go to the Dr. and come back and Share, share, share.
I can recall my Surgeon telling me "He did not think I was going to make it(I mean not live--this was after my lumpectomy, and he had said it was CA---he said, because he felt and that I looked so depressed, I am sure that was all true---one day I thought--"I don't have time for this---It (cancer) will have to catch me running--I won't lay down to it"--understand it took a while to get there, I have cancer days---and I allow myself to cry, be crazy---I mean you/we have that right. Feel!!! Otherwise it comes out in other ways, headaches, stomachaches, depression. and don't leave out angry--why me??!!
We are going to be here to help you through this----Take my hand and hold on!!!!
Take care and know we care!!!
Hello to patto and Ann!!!
Stay Blessed you all!!!
Linda C
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- Good morning everyone I did go to the doctor yesterday and the drains are out.Man that was so painful .I am a little sore but they are gone. Next step they want me to have a x ray of the body. there was cancer in the mass and in the lympnode which they removed the both of them. But I do have to have Chemo and rediation. What should I expect from this .The doctor said that my hair would come out and I might get a little sick. Will all my hair come out. Will I be able to work or is this another chapter to this book of nightmares. Do u think that they expect more cancer somewhere else and thats why I have to get xray of whole body. I have an a appointment with the oncologist to plan my fight. One thing I do know if you all can make so can I. I just need to know what to expect. What is really next in line for me.My stage is 2 .They said It is early detection so I have a good chance to win but I have to fight.Linda thank you that hand you offered i do need it. Ann thank you for your encouragement it gave me strenght.
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Patoo your words I hold so close to my heart God wont put no more on me that I can bear. And Roya thank you for your wisdom it has helped I was ready thanks to and the things they told me was not strange you helped me through this and educated me well .please continue to help me and as you helped me i will pass it on. God will bless you all for what you are doing for me.Indomitable1 I am a person always able to deal with pain but hearing you say take the pain med helped me so much. I did rest and it did help Thanks everyone I know I have a long way to go but I am ready to fight for my life and knowing you all are there to help me I feel so much better I send my love to you all and thank you so much
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Jaden1 - everyone is here for you at any time you need us. Rant, scream, cry, stomp your feet and we rant, scream, cry and stomp with you! Visit many of these boards because they are not only informative but uplifting as well and will get you through.
I know you're on your way because you say "have an a appointment with the oncologist to plan my fight". That's right girl - plan that fight and dont plan to lose!
Hello Ann, Linda, Roya - this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Happy Easter to all.
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Jaden1 - I started chemo on March 17th and the one thing that I will never stop hearing is that it effects everyone different. Each chemo regimen has it's own set of side effects. You may get some you may get all. The key is to have everything ready a head of time to help combat what that side effect may be. Your onc nurse should be able to help you with this.
My first chemo was pretty bad starting with day 4 until about day 17. My onc said it was a bit unusual so we did a dose reduction for the second one and I feel much better. I am taking TCH.(you will learn which one is right for you) It will cause me to lose my hair. It's about half gone now but, Im not ready to buzz it all off. I'm on day 5 of treatment 2 and I slept most of the day, that's why I am up now. I take nuelasta to keep my wbcs up and that causes a little back pain. I have a three story townhome and yes I get winded going up and down the stairs or even to the bathroom sometimes. I have heartburn, I take meds but, it still comes back a little. My nose is really sensitive to smells. My mouth is a little uncomfortable but again more meds to help. Last round I had constipation that switched to diarrhea. I'm trying to do what I can to avoid that this go round. This is my story, yours will be different. I just want you to know that is doable!!!!
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- how many treatments do u get and did u work and are u still able to work.I go to see my onc april 30 they want to do a pet scan monday.wonder why did u have to do that.Seems like everytime i am always gettin some additional news. I hope and pray that there is no more cancer anywhere else. I know that God will help me through all of this so I am tring to keep a positive attitude.My friend patoo told me God wont put no more on me than i can bear and i do love God and believe so I have to be strong in the power of His might and trust Him that He will work things out for me.I pray for u that everything works out for u. Thank you and we just have to take this one day at a time.Lets stay in touch and help each other get through this. Did u have to get drain tubes? When they took them out i never experience so much pain in my life did u go through that.it hurt so bad I cried hard. now i have to have a port how do they put that in and is it painful
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