Healing after lumpectomy

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone!  Elisheva and Susan, I had planned to have my hair cut short, prep for the shave, and now I think I'll wait, with great hope, until chemo starts in Sept. Starting radiation next week, catheters on Monday, 5 days of brachytherapy starts Thursday. I was sorry to hear the 5 day regimen didn't work for you, Pam alnd Elimar. The catheters sound a bit daunting, but I'm hoping for the best.  PammyJ, drs say I will have cyclophosphamide and taxotere...I'm curious as to whether it's similar to what you're having...and I hope I do as well as you. Elisheva, I'm so sad that the nausea meds weren't working and  hope that they find something else that will!   Will you please explain oncotype? I've looked it up and still don't have a grasp of it and none of my doctors have mentioned it. You're right, I will have Herceptin every week during chemo (12 weeks), and after chemo, it will be every 3 weeks for a year.  You are so right when you say every body is different..and all the treatments sound different..but we're all in the same group...thank God for support!!  Have a great weekend...it's finally cooler in the Pacific Northwest!

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  • nanarow
    nanarow Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2009

    I am brand new to this,  had my surgery July 10th and everything went okay except for the soreness, swelling, numbness, and pain. I know one thing after reading some of your posts, I need to get educated a lot more on all this. My doctor says I was  special because I was diagnosed with DCIS, LCIS, & ILC. I feel so lucky. But he does say all I need is radiation. I get to go 5 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks. I don't know if any of this is normal so I am going to do some searching.  I really enjoy your group, I need someone to talk to sometimes that understands how I might be feeling. I will definitely be back to talk some more to all of you, I hope.

    Best To All,

    Nanarow

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2009

    Hi Nanarow!  This group was a godsend to me...when I typed in "recovering from lumpectomy" it popped up and it's such a wonderful thing to be able to discuss your experience and read of others' experiences in this journey.  I have friends and a sister-in-law who had a similar diagnosis to yours.  No chemo...that's awesome!  I haven't been through it yet, but thank heavens I know more because of reading what these friends share.  Good luck...my friends say the worst part is going every day, the fatigue, and sunburn, but I know you'll get good info on this site.  I'll fill you in on mine next week :)  Thinking of you!

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  • SusanFL
    SusanFL Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2009

    RonnieKay - The way I understand it, the Oncotype is a test that is done with the actual tissue which was preserved from the tumor after surgery.  It helps to determine the risk of the cancer coming back. 

    According to the onc, this will someday become standard, just like they do with the ER/PR/HER2 receptors.  For now, it is not standard and must be ordered by the onc.  In my case, it was ordered two weeks after surgery, and took five weeks to get the results.  This was due to a delay in getting it approved by my insurance, which is ridiculous.   Normally, they do not approve Oncotype when node positive (I had 1/14 node positive), so I really don't understand why my onc even bothered with it.  He still felt that if it came back in the low range, I would not need chemo.  There are three ranges, 1-18, 19-31, 32+.  In my case, it came in at 19, one point higher than the low range.  I ended up needing chemo, anyway.  I am receiving CMF, which I have seen referred to as Chemo-Light, so not as highly toxic as some. 

    Nanarow - From what I understand, you will be receiving the standard regimen for radiation, which is 5 days a week for 6-7 weeks.  This is what I will need when I'm done with my chemo.  It's great that you won't need chemo.

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited August 2009

    Thanks for the oncotype info Susan!  I'm going to ask at my next appointment. There's so much info to take in.  I thought the HER2 positive status was a sign that the cancer was more likely to recur, but I also thought that a positive node meant chemo for sure (I guess it's that they got the only one that was cancerous...thank heavens!)  Guess I won't get my oncology degree any time soon :)  Have a great rest of the weekend!

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited August 2009

    Genomics Health has a good website.   It is www.oncotypeDX.com  It will tell you all about the test.

    Pam 

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  • SueInOhio
    SueInOhio Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2009

    So glad to have found this group discussion!

    Nanarow, I, too, do not need chemo. My surgery was July 2. Onco test score:18

    I go to the radiation oncologist tomorrow for the consult and simulation (not sure what is to happen!!!)

    So glad to know that I am not alone is this "under arm pain" . My description to the medical oncologist was that it felt like rubbing sandpaper on a sunburn. The surgeon sent me home with percocet...which takes the pain away but makes me so groggy. The onc prescribed neurontin. And, by golly, that helped a bunch! If I understand it correctly, Neurontin is for epilepsy seizures...but they are using it for axillary disection pain. Sort of makes sense as nerves are involved. Anyway, it helped me. I can actually put my arm down...and not have that "chicken wing" sticking out!

    Did anyone have problems with the radiation treatments affecting this under arm pain?

    Hugs to all,

    Sue

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  • PamsPromise
    PamsPromise Member Posts: 97
    edited August 2009

    Susan:  My onco score was 15 and I was assigned to the middle group and picked by the computer to have chemo.  My doc said the 3 groups were 10 and under group 1, 11 to 26 group 2 which is sort of the grey area where a computer will chose if you need chemo or not and 27 and above you will be assigned to chemo.  This is the Taylor study that we are talking about with the Oncotype--DX score isn't it?  I wonder why the numbers are so different.  I go to see my chemo doc on Tuesday and I plan on asking why numbers are different.  I sure don't want to have chemo if I don't need it and according to your numbers my 15 is in the low group.  Thanks for the information. 

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  • SueInOhio
    SueInOhio Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2009

    PamsPromise,

    I think there is a difference in the Oncotype DX RS numbers and the TAILORx  numbers. I think TAILORx was a trial. The numbers were changed for a reason.Hopefully you can read the below pdf file:

    http://ecog.dfci.harvard.edu/general/gendocs/tailorx_oncodxfact.pdf

    So, it would probably be a good idea to confirm with your onc which numbers are bring used. Hope this helped.

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  • nanarow
    nanarow Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2009

    I don't understand why it is taking so long for me to get set up with my radiation. As I said before, my surgery was the 10th of July. Now all I do is wait for the phone to ring to find out when I start my treatment. The waiting is really working on my nerves. Can't eat, sleep, and stay sick to my stomach all the time. I know its just nerves. Does it usually take this long?

    Bless you all,

    Nanarow

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited August 2009

    Hi Nanarow,

    I totally understand your wanting to get the "show on the road!"  I had my lumpectomy on June 23.  I had no complications, healed well and felt great.  My appt with the first oncologist was a nightmare and she had said that treatment absolutely had to start by the 6th week. My second opinion was scheduled for the 4th week, which made me nervous I wouldn't be able to start treatment by the magic 6th week.  My drs (second opinion), said they want treatment to start within the 12th week, which made me so much more relaxed.  I will say that they were able to start my brachytherapy the very next week after my appt so it still was within 6 weeks!  I, like you, was anxious to start treatment.  I've read that it's a very common feeling.  Once we're started, we feel like we have more control over that nasty disease that threatens our well being!  Be strong....you will be well :)

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited August 2009

    Hi Nanarow,

    I don't know if you had Lumpectomy or what but your breast scars have to heal inside and out before you start radiation, they wont give you treatment unless you are healed. Radiation makes your skin sensitive, sometimes it looks like a sun burn. I started right after chemo was done at that time there was no issue, it was almost 6 months later after my lumpectomy, since you are not having chemo which is a wonderful news when you see your oncologist or better the Surgeon when is the earliest you can start. It takes at least a week if its not more for the radiologist measuring you, marking you, they send you to another mammogram to pinpoint where the markers are going.

    I didn't mean to give you along speech, I am writing my own experience and i healed very quickly with no pain or any problems.

    good Night. Let us know how you are doing.

    Best Wishes

    Smile Sheila Smile

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  • DebinIL
    DebinIL Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2009

    Sue,

    I can relate to everything you said...the burning pain...the sensitivity...the chicken wing and happy to have found this place.  Pain meds have not been working for me. I find it about the same with or with out a bra.  Have you tried heat or ice? Did either help? I am 3 weeks post lumpectomy and nodes. I had drain removed one week post.  2 weeks post my surgeon drained 45cc of fluid then went on vacation. I see him again on the 11th. I hope I can make it. I start Chemo on the 19th. I am debating about a clinical study. Thanks to my insurance co. I can't have my treatments where I want to but at least I can go to my second choice. I will follow up with radiation around the first of the year.      

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  • nanarow
    nanarow Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2009

    Thanks so much for getting back to me and ya'll were right. They were waiting for my incision to heal. I started my radiation on the 25th of Aug and I do feel more in control of my situation. I'll be back later it is storming like crazy here so I am going to shut this thing down. God Bless ! 

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited September 2009

    Oct 08 is when I had my lumpectomy.  I was taped tightly for ten days.  About five days in I was so umbelievably itchy, then in pain.  Turns out I was alergic to the tape.  I went to a store that specialized in breast cancer items and bought two cammy type garments.  They were very supportive without the pressure of a bra, not too expensive and worth every penny.  My breast is still quite painful at times almost a year later, and whenever that happens I wear one of those mastectomy cammies.  Anyway, when I finally got a look at my new boob, there was quite a difference, the major one being was when the scar was sewn together, it left me with what I now refer to as my mini me nipple.  A sort of second nipple-like structure at the end of the scar nearest the real nipple.  I always thought surgeons could sew better.  I was offered "a simple procedure" to correct the problem, but I've grown rather attached to my mini me nipple and I've learned there's no such thing as a "simple procedure."  No thanks!

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  • Boxergirl
    Boxergirl Member Posts: 17
    edited September 2009

    It has been 3 weeks since my lumpectomy.  I am doing well. Not much swellilng. I am wondering if vitiamin E would be OK to put on the scar. There is not much information from the surgeon about post care. It all seems to be very generic. Also, any idea if the breast tissue settles in down the road.  My breast that had the lump removed was lifted a bit so my aeriols (sp) are off.  I am hoping it settles to match the other one. Any advise on care would be wonderful.  Thank you.

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  • Julie50
    Julie50 Member Posts: 227
    edited June 2010

    Saw the Dr.  Said all looks good and the pain is normal.  Making an appointment with the Onco will start all that in 4 weeks once I am healed.

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  • pushpamurthy
    pushpamurthy Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2010

    Hello All,

     I am  a 29 yr old female. I was diagonised with a 3cm fibriodonoma which has been confirmed through series of ultrasounds. Now I am debating to get it removed or not. I have an apoointment with my specialist,however really anxiuos about it. Your comments are highly appreciated.

    Pushpa

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited October 2010

    Oh yes, I was very swollen, black and blue and very hard.   But I healed beautifully and am sure you will too!

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  • rosealee
    rosealee Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2011

    Although I do not have breast cancer myself but I am enquiring about my aunt.  She was diagnosed around the begining of April 2011 she has had 2 unsucessful lump removals, the second one of which was deeper at the first one.  Although the cancer has not spread beyond the breast.  She was due to go for a full breast removal today - but was unable to do so due to an infection for the second lump removal.  Her breast was cleaned out to clear the infection.  I would be grateful to know if anyone had a similar experience and how long does it take the infection to generally clear.

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  • Wendyspet
    Wendyspet Member Posts: 246
    edited July 2011

    if you haven't already, you might post your question as a new thread. maybe under the just diagnosed forum.

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  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited July 2011
    Wow,  after reading a lot of your responses I am thinking this is not going to be as easy as I thought.   I had my lumpectomy 2 days ago (July 5th) and so far I am sore,  but no major issues.   My incision is about 4-5 inches long,  then I have a 2nd incision under my arm that is about 2-3 inches long.   I am waiting for the pathology report to come back,  but hoping the 2 lymph nodes he took out were not affected.    I don't know what a lot of the terms mean that I see written on here,  all this is new to me.   Guess i'll have to wait to see what my report says before I know exactly what I have.   I was originally told  Invasive and in situ moderately differentiated ductal carcinoma.  My biopsy path report says things like nottingham combined historical grade of tumor is 5 (2,2 and 1) ER-PR score 3+    her2/neu was negative,  not sure what all of that means.    It also says that the invasive tumor is present on all 4 core biopsies and measures appx. 1.5cm in length  65% is invasive carcinoma and about 35% is dcis.      I have to Google some of these things and find out what they mean.   But then again the new path report will be much more informative,  so maybe I should just wait.   Smile
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  • damian
    damian Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2011

    There is so much info here I am not sure where to start.

    My mum had a 15mm stage 3 tumor - She had it removed (Lumpectomy) and was told that she will not need Chemo but should have RT.

    When she went to be 'Measured up' for RT they told she was very swollen and could not have it done.

    This has happened 2 times now.

    She was very happy with treatment before, but now there is a complication it all seems to have turned bad, her nurse even seems 'confused'.

    Any advice - What can I say to her to make her feel better?

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