Post lumpectomy - pre-radiation
Hello everyone. I am new to the site and was recently diagnosed with Stage 1 BC. I had my lumpectomy on Feb, 4 2013 and I have an appointment with my Rad Oncologist on Tues. to set up my rad therapy.
Fortunately, I have been doing really well so far. I still have some sensative areas on my breast and any form of jiggling is a tad uncormfortable, but over all doing well. Slept on my right side for the first time last night.
I'm a bit nervous about starting radiation, but I have been browsing through this site and the different topics and I have found some very helpful threads.
I would love to connect with any one who is currently at the same stage in their BC journey and of course anyone who has past this stage as well. BC is one of those things that so many cannot relate to unless they have experieinced it.
Comments
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Thought I'd say hello, I am 6 months past radiology treatment, but sure do recall my anxiety about what to expect. Before I knew it I was halfway through, and then done. I continue to have some "jiggling" pain, (I'm 36D), and the only other pain has been a tightness in my pectoral muscle. Stretching helps and it is subsiding. I expected more skin changes than I ended up with, so I feel pretty darn lucky. I continued regular exercise during treatment, and tried to maintain a healthier diet to reduce fatigue. Of course we are all different, you know your body best as far as not overdoing.
I don't come on here all the time, but I think this is a great site that I am inclined to come back to often. I wish you the best as you continue your treatment!
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Hi justsayyes, thank you for your well wishes. I got my results back on my Oncotype DX test and looks like I want be having to do chemo...feeling great about that. I need to do more exercising.
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That's great news! Take things one step at a time, I hope the news continues to be positive for you.
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I am new to the site. I had surgery on Monday, 2.25.13. I spoke with my surgeon today and she said that the tumor was <1cm; however, she said that there is still some cancer at the margins. She will do that procedure in a few weeks...the least of my worries!
My lymph nodes are clear and my genetic testing showed that I do NOT have the mutation. I have already met with my RO.
I am still learning the lingo but feel that all is working out wonderfully! I feel great and have only taken ibuprofen for discomfort. I haven't needed the heavy hitter painkillers.
Thank you all for your information!
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I had my lump removed on February 6 and am having a slow recovery due to a post surgery bleed. I had IDC and my tumour was1 cm. I will be starting rad at the end of march.
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Welcome to Stcharleschick and Tova71952 glad you're doing well post surgery considering.I will start my Rads this coming week.Believe me when I tell you it's an emotional journey and different for ever one.We are all connected by our diagnosis and are all here to be supportive and get support and just someone to listen to us.
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Hello everyone. I had my lumpectomy on February 7th. He got wide clean margins and the two sentinel nodes were clear. I still can't sleep on that side but I am feeling great other than that. Tomorrow I go to the RO for my planning session. My Oncotype score is 8 so I dodged the chemo bullet. I am ready to get on and get done with it. Best of luck to all of you.
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Im new to this site and breast cancer. I had my original lumpectomy on Valentine's Day February 14, 2013. Now I am scheduled for my second surgery in the same spot on March 28, 2013. Dr. said margins were not clear. So far the dr says just radiation after I heal from the second surgery, they think. I've been off work since the first surgery and am not going back until after healing from the second surgery. I'm trying to stay positive and stay off the couch. I see where I could become a couch potato very quickly. I was never really one for exercise but I'm trying to incorporate some treadmill walking and normal activity into my schedule. I get tired so quickly though. I find it relaxing to go outside and find a sunny spot to sit in for a little while every day. I feel like I have a million concerns about the cancer and just everyday things lately. I try to stay occupied with little crafts and things but I'm used to getting up early everyday to go to work. Now my life has changed a bit. Anybody else similar feelings. I'm looking for others to share my feelings and emotions with.
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Hi y'all,
I'm over a year past rads and I'm back to my "new normal". I thought when I was diagnosed that the treatment plan would never get put in place, then that rads would never be over. Looking back, the time did pass quickly. My skin held up well...at the end my left underarm started peeling and itching.
All is healed and the bonus is that I save money since I don't have any hair or sweating under my left arm, rofl.
At the beginning of my journey my prayer warriors rallied around me and kept me and my DH so uplifted in prayers that our feet barely touched the ground. I put it in God's hands and other than a few "meltdowns", I was good. My DH says I'm the bravest person he knows, but that's not really true.....I have faith that God will help me through whatever comes. I posted my story and updates on my Facebook page so that everyone could keep up with what was happening. I never realized that I would be getting prayers and emails from people I graduated with in 1974!
I believe that God gives us all challenges in life and breast cancer is mine. I decided that I needed to concentrate on healing and let go of the stress in my life. That was one of the hardest things to do but I did it and continue to try to not get stressed out by things I cannot control. The only regret I have is that my sweet Momma passed away from lung cancer in 2006 and although she is with me in spirit, I really wanted her in the physical sense to let me lay my head in her lap and tell me it would be okay. I guess all girls want their Momma when things get scary.
I'm sure that each of you will do fine....just keep counting down and your treatments will be over before you know it. I'm on letrozole for another 4 years and see my MO and RO every 4 months. Also, I have a mammo every 6 months on my left breast.
God bless y'all,
LaDonna
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I received a call from the surgeon's office to schedule the procedure to clear the margins. The initial report showed that the lymph nodes are clear. But, she said she is still waiting for the "final report". What does that mean? Could I still have some lymph nodes that have cancer? I was feeling good about my results but I am scared again. Anyone have insight?
Thank you
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Stcharles,
I can tell you that I had an excisional biopsy then had a lumpectomy to get clear margins. I also had sentiel lymph node biopsy.
When I was given the initial results the caveat was added that it is prelimenary but he was not expecting any changes when the final report came in.
It's good news and more than likely will stay that way. They (path lab) do want to be absolutely sure of what they see or don't see.
So don't get scared until there is something to get scared about.....I know that's hard to do but stressing out over it won't change the report or make it be final faster.
God bless you,
LaDonna
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Thank you so much! I am usually a positive person, but my positive attitude has been shaken lately. I tend to dissect every syllable that comes out of my Physician's mouth.
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I'm kinda the same way, lol.
I did find that a positive attitude affects everyone around you and does make you feel more comfortable while you are undergoing treatment and beyond.
It'll get easier.....I promise!
LaDonna
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I had my lumpectomy Feb 26.....go tomorrow to find out the results. I am still hurting bad, am praying I won't have to have more surgery. I will be praying for you all.
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Hi Retta,
I'm praying that you will not have to have further surgery and that your pain gets under control.
God bless you,
LaDonna
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I've been lurking since my surgery-- also on Feb 4th. Had to wait for my Oncotype score ( 13! ) before deciding on treatment. My surgeon -- Dr Cutie--got me some nice margins, over 1 cm, so my first RO consultation is this Friday. Started Fosamax today, starting Tamoxifen Saturday, so suddenly everything seems to be happening at once. It's 45 min each way to the radiology center, but DH and some great friends will take turns hauling me there and back. A little nervous about the fatigue part, but these boards have been a great help; reading about everyone's experiences have convinced me that I can do it too.
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Hi micronancy,
You'll do fine! I am blessed that my Cancer Center is 11 miles one way from my home. It doesn't take anytime to get "zapped" so your friends won't need a book, lol.
I'm praying you get wonderful techs (they really can make it so stress free) and that time passes by quickly.
God bless you,
LaDonna
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I am celebrating a year past radiation. It was a trying process. But i feel great today. Expect tedium from the routine. Dont be surprised by radiation dermatitis beginning about half way through. But expect to Feel less tired and to be All healed after about 6 months. My breast turned black it was so burned. But the color is now normal . I had a good cosmetic result. Good luck. You will be fine!!
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Hi ladies
I will be joining you in rads.
My RO signed off on my post-op MRI Tuesday and tomorrow is my radiation planning&setup! Yeah so glad to be advancing in my attack on c & getting my life back.
Questions: shaving, deodorant, clothing, how often to moisturize, exercise...any help!
We can do this!
Cindy -
Hi Cindy,
Your RO will give you specific instructions.
My instructions were absolutely no shaving or deoderant. I used cornstarch instead of deoderant. I also used Radigel (given to me at the Cancer Center. I used it AFTER my treament and at bedtime. No use morning of rads. I showered with Dove unscented body wash. I was instructed not to rub with the washcloth on the radiated breast. My skin held up beautifully. At about 24, my underarm started peeling. It didn't hurt but itched like crazy......no scratching. Then I used Cetaphil.
I wore a sports bra but again about treatment 24 I couldn't wear a bra....too irratating. So I bought some "wife beater" men's undershirts and wore those like a camisole under my shirts. My breast are fairly large and I felt so self conscious not wearing a bra but got over it quick.
The main thing is not to put anything on your skin without checking with your RO. I've had friends that used other stuff to moisturize but the Radiagel worked great and then the Cetaphil was great as well. My skin felt kinda tough after about 6 months but now my left breast is "soft and squishy" like before, lol.
Exercise was not problem. And a bonus is that you won't have hair or sweat glands under that arm so you can spend half as much on deoderant, lol.
You'll do great! My thing was I wanted to get started so I could get finished, lol.
God bless you,
LaDonna
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Well, I saw the RO for the first time today, and he gave me the option of NO radiation-- a total surprise. Now I have to decide. I'm 100% ER pos which means Tamoxifen should be super effective. What worries me some is any strays cells hanging around in the breast waiting to get out. Local recurrence doesn't really scare me; distant mets do. My age probably figures in, also, because I'm almost 67. We talked for almost 2 hours --- he printed out all the latest studies for me, gave me all the percentages, explained the complications with my wide (his term) DDDs then left it up to me. WAAAAAAA!!! I'm tired of making decisions! I know you all can't decide for me-- I think I just needed to vent to people that understood. DH is no help; his eyes are still spinning from listening to all the "science talk" today.
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Hi micronancy,
I don't have any words of wisdom but I do understand and have a gentle hug and I'm praying that you come to the right decision for you and can move forward.
Have a good weekend,
LaDonna
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Having just finished rads...I would tell you, do the happy dance and hug your RO. The radiation is certainly a small insurance policy if you want to look at it that way, but with the great margins, small size of your tumor and high element of estrogen. The hormonal treatment is a good bet for successfully keeping the ca at bay. After a lot of research I really believe that it is not necessary to bring out the big guns for your type of tumor. I did rads because my oncotype (8) was so low that chemo wasn't called for, but my margins while in the clean zone were close to the chest wall. My surgeon was sure it had not infiltrated, but thought rads would be a good idea. Had 34 sessions with my D's, had lots of breakdown underneath along with infection...pretty icky. I am two weeks out now, mostly healed but will always be worried about the long Term effects. Your doc has seen many tumors, go for the tamox and save yourself the considerable emotional and physical issues of rads...IMHO
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filterlady, I can relate to what you say. I too have been relying on my faith to see me through. So far everything is going great for me. I start rad on Wed. The onc's say my breast size, health etc. indicates good results. I'm a little nervouos about how much burning, etc. I may get, but I know God will help though whatever is to come.
I simply don't know how people make it through such life changing experieinces without God. Sending prayers your way.
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Micronancy, I'm glad to hear no radiation for you, but I understand your hesitation over not getting it. That is the one thing that is so difficult about this jouorney is the numerous options, possibilities, and conflicting outcomes. I think that is one reason it makes a huge difference if you have faith in your doctors. I do occassionally have the negative thought pass through my mind, "Are the doctors ordering all this just because it's routine and I have insurance, or do I really need it to survive." When I have thoughts like these I try to just turn them over to God and ask that He give the docotors the knowledge and guidance to do what needs to be done according to His will.
Hope all goes well for you.
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Yawls, my onoctype test came back at 14, so the onc wants to do 35 treatments of rads and then Arimidix. I'm praying and hoping my side effects are minimal, but having read about how everyone has overcome whatever their circumstances ended up being, I know I will find a way to cope.
Just praying and hoping for minimal side effects from both the rads and Arimidrix.
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stcharleschick, waiting for test results is always so hard. There are a number of different test that can be run depending on your situation. I know it's hard but try to stay positive and know that regardless of the results, medical treatment has come so far we now have a fighting chance.
We can't change the results, so I try to think like my Mom used to tell me, "Don't borrow worries from tomorrow, take one day at a time.
Wishing you good news.
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RMlulu, I started rad on Wed. As for shaving I still run a light razor swip, but they suggest youo use an electric razor to avoid cutting yourself. As for deoderant there are many options, you could try a vinger/water solution, Listerine, or Milk of Magnisia. I have found that the MMM works for me. A little dab each morning, but will stop that on my treatment arm once I start rads. My physical therapist recommended Eurcin lotion because it is chemical free.
There are also some specific options that you can find out from your onc what they recommend.
Good luck.
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For deoderant I like a crystal deoderant. It's a clear block of minerals and the appearance is siimilar to a stick deoderate. You wet the minerals and rub it under your arm. It keeps my pits dry and odor-free. I used it prior to bc and was delighted to see it's approved for use during radiation treatments. You can buy them at health food stores but also in the deoderant section of large grocery stores. (Very much off to the side, of course.)
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My surgeon did one excision of my small DCIS tumor and then decided to go back and take a little more to increase the margins while I was still 'out'. Follow up mammo was clear with no calcifications showing and they are what started this whole journey. Next mammo is July and I will pay the extra to get the 3D they are now offering at my lab. My 6 month surgical follow up went well and he said all looked and felt great. Same at RO follow up.
Now that I am 3 months out from my radiation treatment the rads burn is gone and the skin is back to normal. I feel very fortunate in all ways. I can hardly see my scar and can now see thel difference in the size of the breasts when I look in a mirror and some of my bra cups pucker just a little on that side BUT thats JUST FINE with me. I still have both of them and I bet no one else can tell the difference so its all good.
However....I am having some pressure pain in the breast all of a sudden and when I walk even with good support it feels like something is 'loose and jiggling' a bit inside under the incision/excision area that makes any sense. Anyone have this happen? Before this started I had no lingering effects from the surgery/rads at all. Since I just saw the surgeon and the RO and nothing was hurting then I will wait and see after my July mammo before I ring an alarm bell.
This support group has been great for me since my diagnosis so I thought I would share and see if anyone else has issues like mine.
Terri
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