June 2011 A/C & T Groupies Unite!

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Last year was my first year ever getting a flu shot.  It's always recommended for diabetics, but I've always been healthy enough that I didn't think I needed it.  I am going to talk to my MO and probably get it in mid-October,after I am finished with chemo.  And I am encouraging my family to get it, too. 

    OMG, I slept in this morning.  Granted, I took a hefty dose of sleeping pills.  But yesterday I was awake at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep.  So that wasn't going to happen last night.  I went to bed around 9:45 and took the full dose, woke up at 2:30 with reflux so took a couple of tums and a half dose, and slept until 8:00.  I can't tell you how much better I feel this morning!  DH is off playing golf and I didn't hear him get up or do anything to get ready.  I don't think I've slept 10 hours in a decade or more!!!

    Fall is in the air here today!  Not sure what I'll do to amuse myself other than just sit outside and read once the air warms up to at least 60.  I need to find some warm clothes, which may be a challenge.  I don't think I have much that fits my shrunken body.  I may venture out for a little shopping for zippered hoodies.  Hopefully, I have jeans that will not be too baggy. 

    Hope everyone has a good day with minimal SEs.

    Michelle

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  • twistedsteel
    twistedsteel Member Posts: 156
    edited September 2011

    Michelle, what does you hat in your avatar say?

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Twisted - the says "I'm battling cancer, what are your superpowers?"  I saw it at cafepress.com and it made me LOL!    After everything I've done in the past 5 months, it seems appropriate!  I may have to order it.

    Glorious sleep - 8 hours again last night!  I don't know if it's compliments of Taxol fatigue or what, but I have to admit that it has been wonderful.  I don't think I've slept 8 hours for two nights in a row since menopause (about 15 years ago!) 

    Michelle

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  • Ralsper
    Ralsper Member Posts: 352
    edited September 2011

    I had my 1st Taxol (of 12) on Tuesday and I have been having insomnia. I think I have slept 8 hrs. total since Tuesday. I took Ambien last night and I think was worst. I am so tired and I just can't sleep..

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Ralston - are you getting Decadron with the Taxol?  So sorry you're not sleeping, that just adds insult to injury!  I take temazepam - it works pretty well for about 5-6 hours, then it's a crapshoot whether or not I'll go back to sleep.

    Hope you get some sweet dreams soon!

    Michelle

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  • tldrose
    tldrose Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2011

    @Ralston..I agree..I don't sleep so well either and  I think its the Decadron since its a steroid. Try to see what your doctor can give you to help. 

    I don't know how everyone else here has managed to keep going. I am very discouraged to say the least this evening. I have 3 more rounds of Taxol to go, plus one or two surgeries that I know of. I feel that my treatment will never end. I hate that breast cancer has taken over my life and I know this sounds selfish, I apologize, but this sucks. My husband is zero support or understanding, he thinks drivning me to appointments and sitting there is support. I have two teenagers that seem to care less and I didn't think I had raised them to be that way. My friends check in on me once in awhile, but I feel like a burden if I ask for some help. I feel very alone most of the time, but just keep going to work and doing what I have to do to survive.I apologize for venting, but do feel a little better, just feeling sorry for myself I guess. I know I can beat this, but wonder do everyone else get the blues about this too? 

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Tldrose - so sorry that you are not getting the support you need, please don't think you are sounding selfish.  We are here to listen and send cyber-hugs!  No apologies!!!  Teenagers are typically self-absorbed...they'll come around for sure. 

    Hugs,

    Michelle

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  • 716bobbiejo
    716bobbiejo Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2011

    Tldrose:  I'm so very sorry that you are not only having a hard time physically with the your treatments, but emotionally, too.  I've gotta tell ya...even though I have a phenomenal support network, I still get the blues.  I handle them by crying, journaling, taking a walk, praying, & yes, calling on friends to help.  I'm sure that your friends have all told you that they will help in any way, right?  The biggest thing I've learned through all this is to accept them at their word, let go of my pride, & CALL for help.  Your friends that have stuck by you through your breast cancer are true friends who honestly want to help, but may not know what to do to help unless you outright tell them what you need.  Consider a situation where the shoe is on the other foot.  Let's say a friend loses a loved one & you tell her to call you if she needs anything.  You do sincerely mean that you want to help, but you truly don't know what to do to help.  If she were to call you, though, & ask you for something specific, you'd do it in a heartbeat.  That is likely the position your friends are in, & they will be happy, & probably honored, to help you when they know specifically what your needs are at that particular moment.  My advice then?  Take your friends up on their offers to help.  Even if it's just to provide a sympathetic ear.  You'll feel better & they will, too, because they were able to help.  I'll keep you in my prayers.

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  • 716bobbiejo
    716bobbiejo Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2011

    New development to share...

    My gyn's nurse called the other day to ask if my MO is planning to put me on Tamoxifen.  When I told her yes, she then explained that my gyn would like to do a complete hysterectomy vs. just the tubes & ovaries because taking Tamoxifen increases the risk of uterine cancer.  She wrote me out of school until after Christmas because right now my white & red counts are low, so she wants me to get & stay healthy so I can have the surgery in November.  My original surgery (tubes & ovaries) was scheduled for Nov. 22, but they are trying to move that up some so that I have a good recovery time before going back to school.  

    For whatever reason, this news depressed me.  I guess I felt like if I kept my uterus, I'd still have SOMETHING that resembles female parts.  Now I'll be boobless & have no female organs to speak of.  I'm struggling with "man syndrome"!  I know my husband will love me regardless, but I'm not sure I'll love myself.  Sounds crazy...I didn't hesitate (& haven't since) on the decision to not reconstruct, which is a physical female feature that can actually be seen.  Yet I'm having a hard time coming to terms with the total hysterectomy.  I think it's more the combination of the two than it is the hysterectomy itself. 

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    BobbieJo - good news on the "out until after Christmas" note.  But a bitter pill to swallow regarding the complete hysterectomy.  Perhaps a second opinion is in order here.  I will say that I have a friend who had ER+ breast cancer 3 times in 15 years, and I think SHE should have taken that step, it might have prevented one of those recurrences.  BC just never keeps "giving."  I hope you find some peace with your decision.

    Hugs,

    Michelle

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  • tldrose
    tldrose Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2011

    Thank you 716bobbiejo & LuvRVing - your words of encouragement really helped. I need to re-focus and try to stay positive - work through the ups and downs and keep going. I am also going to take up all the offers of help I've gotten and move forward! 

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  • 716bobbiejo
    716bobbiejo Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2011

    Glad to hear it, Tldrose.  I don't think any of us here would make it through without the help of others.  That's what friends & family are for.  Best wishes!

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  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 832
    edited September 2011

    Bobbie Jo, sounds like a good plan in order.  You need this time for your body to heal.

    Tldrose, we are here to support eachother!  It's a bumpy road.  One thing I remember when I get cranky or ungrateful (which I DO get)  is that I need to do something to take care of my self.  Often times it means I'm tired.  I remember the (whatever you call it) H.A.L.T.: Hungry Angry Lonely Tired.  If I'm missing any one of these I need to do what I need to do to take care of it.  No one else is going to recognize it for me and take care of it for me.  Our bodies are worn out.  I'm constantly surprised at how worn out even though I'm so aware logically.

    Speaking of tired, I have been sleeping SO MUCH since my 4th and last taxol on Wed.  My steroid high was very short lived.  I think I slept 10-12 hours each Fri Sat and Sun nights.  Plus naps!  I'm about ready to get back in bed now.  I've got things to do, but I don't want to prolong the healing by not resting.  So I rest.  I'm having a hard time following, or being interested in, TV or reading.  It's too hard on my eyes or brain to keep the focus.  Not my usual thing.   I guess chemo brain is in full force, too.  My body is telling me to sleep.....sleep!!

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011
    Oh please let me have the sleep SE!!!!  My DH would probably check to make sure I was still breathing if I slept more than 6 or 7 hours, and that's with a full dose of sleeping pill!  Half a dose gets me about 5 hours and then short snoozes before I concede and get out of bed.    I'm telling my body to sleep...sleep...but it's not listening!!!  Cry
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  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 832
    edited September 2011

    Maybe you'll get the sleep after your last infusion?  It's so wierd.  I normally need at least 7 hours.  I'd say this last sleep marathon was sort of like an AC SE.  I'm not feeling refreshed after all this sleep.  I want that refreshed feeling!  

    I forgot to mention the tumor marker conversation at my last MO appt.  I was in ignorant bliss about the tumor marker CA 27 29.  I didn't know anything about it but apparently my MO has been recording it and it has elevated throughout chemo.  She told me not to worry;  I don't even know the numbers!  She'll get the number again in Dec to see what it's doing.  I did read that any inflamation can increase it.  I'd have to say I feel inflamed!  I feel bloated etc.  I can't seem to get it under control.  I just need to get out of these SE dog days so I can feel like I have a handle on things, especially my food.  I'll be meeting with a nutritionist and I really want to work on getting inflamatory foods out of my diet.  Not easy to do with hubby not on board.

    So that's where I am.  Now I need to learn about life after chemo! 

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  • pebee
    pebee Member Posts: 317
    edited September 2011

    I just want to know about eyes - I am going to Taxol next - will my eyes still be messed up?  I am seriously thinking of going for an eye exam and getting cheap glasses to function.....

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Pebee - I've had 3 of 4 DD Taxols and my eyes have been fine with my glasses.  My monovision contacts don't seem to be working out so well - the brain just didn't want to make those frequent adjustments.  But I've had absolutely no problems with my glasses, which are actually progressive lenses that are two years old.  Did you have vision problems with AC?

    Michelle

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  • Ralsper
    Ralsper Member Posts: 352
    edited September 2011

    Michelle - I am totally with you, since I began Taxol I can sleep.... grrrrrrrr.

    My hemoglobin has been dropping since my first AC infusion. It went from 10.5 to 8.8 and I still have 10 more Taxol infusions left. Has anybody ended Taxol without having to have blood transfusions? In some point the hemoglobin stops dropping during chemo? My WBC after first Taxol went from 5.83 to 2.19, does anybody knows at what point they decided to give you Neulasta again?

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  • 716bobbiejo
    716bobbiejo Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2011

    Ralston, Remember that I had Taxol first, then A/C.  My oncologist gave me Neulasta after every chemo treatment, whether I was on Taxol or A/C.  My white counts went down with my last 3 A/C, & my red when down with the last A/C.  I had no troubles with any of my counts during Taxol.  

    I wonder if the culprit for our low counts isn't necessarily which drug we're getting, but rather that we are well into the treatment when the counts go down.  Maybe once the treatments have worn on the body for so long, that's when/why the counts go down???  I would insist on Neulasta if I were in your shoes.  Best of luck to you!

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  • Southamptonmom
    Southamptonmom Member Posts: 491
    edited September 2011

    I believe that if you are receiving weekly chemo, they will give you neupogen to help with the WBCs. Treatments that are every 2 weeks or longer, they use neulasta. I was told that WBCs and Hgb recover slowly after AC and while on Taxol. My Hbg dropped to 9. Last Friday I had #6 of 12 weekly infusions, my Hgb was 11.2 and WBCs were 3 and ANC 2. I was also told my hair would slowly grow back, but I'm loosing the remainder of my hair. I have a lot of pain (bone, muscle, nail, teeth) and now have thrush. I feel broken.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    My WBC has dropped about 9 points with each Taxol or AC, so I was insistent on getting Neulasta.  We tried skipping one time and I ended up with a chemo holiday.  So no more skipping!  Nothing was going to get in the way of my last chemo being next Wednesday.  I will insist on a shot after my last Taxol unless my WBC is above 12.  I am flying to Florida on 10/17 and I don't want to be neutropenic when I board the plane!

    My HBG was 12.1 on 6/15 - right before my first AC.  It dropped down to 9.5 on 7/27.  That's about when I added a pre-natal vitamin that had a hefty dose of iron and folic acid.  It has recovered to 10.5 as of 9/14.  I have also made a concerted effort to eat high iron foods.  My total RBC has lingered in the "3's" just below the low range since day 1.  Maybe I normally live in that range, or maybe 15 months of treatment, surgeries, biopsies, radiation, Femara, etc. has just taken its toll. 

    Ralston - time for you to ask for Neulasta and get some extra iron and folic acid in your system.  I don't know how low you go before they would give you a transfusion, but personally I'd try to avoid it unless absolutely necessary.  Try spinach, beef, romaine, and other iron-rich foods.  I do think the pre-natal vitamin made a big difference for me.

    Rose - my hair stubble on my head remains intact.  But my eyebrows and eyelashes have slowly dropped.  I am fortunate to have avoided any mouth issues since the onc put me on Valtrex after my first AC.  And I had a little bone pain for a few days (3-6) but nothing that sounds like what you are experiencing.  My nails seem OK.    I agree that you should insist on Neulasta.  Remember to take Claritin if you do.

    I have a consultation with a radiation oncologist this afternoon. I'm not overly optimistic that this will be "the one" because I have a "complicated" situation according to the DF oncologist with whom I initially consulted.  I had Mammosite last year, you can radiate an area just once.  And I want to have DIEP, preferably this year if it can be scheduled.  So we are looking at radiating the axilla area (already had full dissection) and the intermammary nodes - a scary thought because of the location. 

    Who else is headed down the radiation road after chemo?

    Michelle

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  • dsnydawn
    dsnydawn Member Posts: 175
    edited September 2011

    Hey Michelle,  I haven't been on for a long time (just needed some time away I guess) I will be doing radiation after chemo.  I have my last taxol on 28th and then will take 6 wks off.  Finally going on vacation on 10/28, also to Florida.  Then will start rads when I return for 33 treatments.  I'm glad to see everyone getting through...I had Diep in May b4 chemo and because we didn't know if I would need rads they actually put in more tissue in the area that would get rads.  so when I go back for stage 2 they can remove any damaged tissue.  It is annoying, feels like I have pillow under there, oh well.  Wanted to ask if anyone had this problem...with your eyes...every once in awhile,a light seems to flash out of the corner of your eye???

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Dsnydawn - regarding that eye problem.  I don't want to sound an unnecessary alarm, but I am also diabetic.  And the light flashing thing is sometime a sign of a detached retina.  So I suggest you get that checked out, sooner rather than later.  I have no idea if that particular eye problem is a rare SE of chemo.  But I do know that it can make you go blind...so I'd err on the side of caution, if I were you.

    I probably won't be getting 33 rads because they cannot reirradiate my breast area.  Any radiation will be limited to axilla area and parasternal mammary nodes area.  It's all a bit scary and not sure how I feel about it.  So right now I will be in the "consultation" mode with the RO.  I really want to make sure the RO I select has experience with recurrences and pre-irradiation.  Not sure this one today will be the one, as he is from a NH hospital.  I could be surprised, we'll see.

    Wish I could have taken the time to get another opinion when the first PS told me I didn't have enough belly fat for DIEP.  I was 12 pounds heavier and there would have been more to work with,  Now I am told I qualify if I am ok with small breasts, which is OK.  I've learned to really hate the TEs and I really don't want to deal with failing implants when I am in my 70s.  Not sure there is anywhere else on me to harvest some suitable fat...I have no butt...lol.

    Michelle

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  • Ralsper
    Ralsper Member Posts: 352
    edited September 2011

    Rose, Michelle and BobbieJo - First of all I would like to say thanks from the bottom of my heart because your 3, no matter what, have always been there for me in this process... That it's priceless! I talked to me MO and she said that is very common for the WBC and hemoglobin to drift down, the AC is the most impactful to our blood counts, if the neutrophil counts drop below 1.0 I would start daily home neupogen injections 2-3 days a week (right know is at 1.15). If my Hemoglobin drops below 8 and I am having worsening symptoms (dizziness, etc.) then I may need a blood transfusion. She also said many times the blood counts level off the farther away from the AC. Let's hope.

    Rose - I am so sorry, you are in pain, so far I have had 2 Taxol infusions (10 to go) and besides light headaches and the uncomfortable TE "pain" I feel fine. I am also really disappointed to hear that you are still loosing hair. I was also told that AC is the main hair killer. Taxol affects the hair much harder than AC in the long run. The Tax's affect our digestive system, in turn it cannot make the silica our body naturally does to nourish the hair bulbs. I talked to my MO and they approved to add a silica supplement to help my nails and my hair. Again, let's hope.

    Michelle - MO prescribed Trazadone and finally I was able to sleep last night. Yea!

    I had my 2nd Taxol yesterday. Honestly, I found icing my fingers and toes more painful than the chemo itself.  There were times I wanted to high kick the &^$% ice off my hands and feet. I would agree icing fingers and toes is cruel! but in my mind I rather 1 hr. of torture than 24 hrs. of pain. Today except hot flashes, no SE's Laughing

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2011

    Hi all, just dropping in to catch up... this last round of chemo has been really tough and I am in quite a bit of pain at the moment, but am perpetually cheered by the fact that last Thursday was my lasttime in the chair!

    Forgive me if I have mentioned it before but I will have surgery on 10/19 and rads afterwards.  Tonight I joined up with a group of fellow survivors locally to participate in an annual wellness challenge in the community.  You form teams and count steps, number of servings of fruits and veggies, etc.  I figured it would help keep me motivated and accountable during this next phase of my treatment, since my gym time has been replaced with nap time.....

    I hate to admit I've been so focused on gettinng through chemo that moving on to the next step is feeling challenging.  I have a great surgeon but am honestly confused about what to expect (I will have a lumpectomy and SNB).  I also don't know how best to proceed with getting connected to a RO.  I'm writing all my questions down for the surgeon, my next follow-up visit is in two weeks.  I have a post-chemo MRI scheduled for next week.  In the meantime I am trying to keep my head above water at work and trying also to relish life PFC!

    Big hugs to all of you. Kiss

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Hi ladies!  Had my RO consultation today and yup, it's complicated!  He seems to think that he can radiate my chest wall even though I had brachytherapy last year.  It depend on the dosage I received.  We had lots of discussion (an hour's worth) and I had lots of questions.  The SEs for my particular radiation protocol, if it were to happen as he says, are damn scary.  Let's see, 1 in 3 chance of my thyroid being killed, up to 10% chance of cardiac damage, don't remember the percentage risk of radiation pneumonitis (treated with steroids - yikes!), fractured ribs, permanent lymphedema, and on and on.  Lots to consider and he agrees that I should get a second opinion at Dana Farber in Boston, so his office is helping get that set up.  I am also getting a PET/CT scan the week of 10/3.  Now that I totally agree with!  He is going to check into any clinical advantage to having rads prior to DIEP.  I am guessing he's not going to find anything because I have looked.  I think the only way I'll agree to do rads first is if the PET shows uptake somewhere.  It better not after BMX, ALND and 8 rounds of chemo!!!

    Ralston - woohoo for sleep! Glorious sleep!   And...you're welcome! That's why we are all here, to help each other. I think everyone has been so generous at a time when it would be easy to just curl up in a ball and not come out until it's all over!    I had intended to ice my nails, but decided against it. I, too, thought it would be torturous to do it during the entire three hours of Taxol infusion. So whatever happens...the nails will ultimately recover, I hope. Interesting info about the silica supplement. Do you find that at places like WalMart or CVS?    And how much are you taking?  What's one more???

    Kat - having had a lumpectomy with SNB, biopsies, BMX with TE's, Mammosite rads and chemo, I can honestly say that the lumpectomy with SNB was the easiest procedure I have undergone! I was out and about in less than 48 hours! You might go check out the October surgery wait group (I think I saw a discussion) for some support. But really, I never even took anything stronger than Tylenol.  I'm sure you will do well!

    Michelle

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  • ssmith37
    ssmith37 Member Posts: 65
    edited September 2011

    I had my first Taxol infusion on Thursday without any significant problems - in fact, there were no problems at all!  I complained to Nurse Darcy about the excruciating heartburn I had felt after each AC infusion, and she prescribed a probiotic for me.  That worked miracles with this Taxol.  I think I only had to take it twice.  Overall, the experience has been "easier" I guess in that I haven't been out cold for six days and I haven't woken up with horrible nausea, heartburn, dizziness, mouth irritation, etc.  However, it has had its drawbacks too.  Thursday went fine - I even went to work afterwards, and on Friday too after my Neulasta shot.  I also went to work on Saturday, but that's when the side effects started kicking in.  I got such a bad headache that by the time I got back home on Saturday, I was almost in tears.  I was in tears on Sunday because not only was my head pounding, my body was aching in places I never knew existed!  I thought they said it would feel like the flu!  HA!  I don't think I've ever felt that bad when I've had the flu.  I ended up taking, religiously, the Oxycodone/Acetaminaphen combo the doctor gave me after my bad reaction to Hydrocodone.  It worked!  But I think I must have been having a reaction to it as well because I was up itching and scratching every inch of my body Sunday night and Monday night.  But at least my head didn't hurt!  Lol!  There is always a bright side.  Today is Wednesday, and I should be at work.  But, with the usual stomach irritation of chemo in general, i.e., constipation and angry bowels, I decided to give it another day.  It is my health, right?  Why should I feel guilty for not going in to work? And I hate it when Ricky calls me and asks me what I'm doing and why I'm at home!  I hate that!  It's MY HEALTH and MY BODY that's going through this - not his - not my boss's either.  Yes, I know I'm blessed to have a boss who is continuing to pay me my same salary.  But he also has an amazing employee that keeps him on track even while she's going through chemotherapy!  Also, he doesn't provide health insurance or any other benefits.  And I'm working on making up all the time I miss, even though he told me not to worry about it.  It's just the way I feel.  I work for what I get.  I don't like to be handed things and felt sorry for.  While I'm capable, I will earn my pay.  It's kind of an angry entry today.  I guess it's because I feel pressured.  I don't want to have to explain to everyone why I'm not at work.  Can't people just understand that I don't feel well?  Can't they just take that as an answer and not require that I go into details?  I'm tired of talking about my constipation, heartburn, headaches, sickly feeeling, etc.  I'm tired of it!

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Stephanie - Amen, AMEN!!!  Sick of it all.  I hear my DH upstairs in his office telling his inquiring co-workers how well I am doing, blah, blah, blah!  I'm sure they all think this chemo thing is a walk in the park!  I haven't had it as tough as some of you, but still, I'm taking 20 pills a day, most of them to counteract something related to BC!  And today's RO discussion didn't help...well, you could get this SE but we have a pill for that.  Could I just go back to being a diabetic???    Just tell your co-workers or boss that you don't feel well enough, you are resting and you will be back to work as soon as you're feeling up to it.  You don't owe them details; and furthermore, it's pretty much your decision how much you have to disclose (remember those HIPAA privacy laws).  If they haven't figured it out by now, then too bad!    Sorry you're having such a tough go with Taxol...it is different than AC.  I'm lucky that my pain level is more "discomfort" than full-fledged awful. By the way, I solved my heartburn problem with generic Pepcid. I'm glad a probiotic works for you.

    Michelle

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2011

    MIchelle, thanks for the tip. I know you've been through a lot and I really appreciate your insight on the lump w/SNB.Did you have to be admitted to the hospital?  I was under the impression that it was an outpatient procedure but I got paperwork from the hospital that looks like admissions paperwork.  And I thought I would be out of work for like a week and the surgeon quickly corrected me saying I would need more like 4-6 weeks.  So who knows.  Sounds like rads can get confusing too!  Good luck with the second opinion.

    And Stephanie... can't agree with you more!  Seems like every aspect of our BC is everyone's business sometimes!

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited September 2011

    Kat - yes, it's done in a hospital surgery setting.  As for out of work for that long, I think it depends on what you do.  If you have a desk job, two weeks would be more than adequate.  If you are doing any lifting, then that's different.  Another BCO gal had her lumpectomy in the morning and was back at her desk in the afternoon.  She works at the hospital, at a desk job, but still!  I think you can negotiate with your surgeon after a few days.  You'll know when/if you are ready.

    Michelle

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