Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

PeggyG, check out the https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/800978 for cytoxan/taxotere. The title of it indicates it's old, but it isn't, it is current. It is full full full of advice for those undergoing that treatment. Good luck! I know it feels like you're being rushed and it's scary and there's no time to think. I too had chemo delayed so they did everything to make it go fast once they had the opportunity. Make sure you check the topic: "More Tips (and a shopping list) for getting through chemo." It has a wealth of things to prepare yourself. Since you're doing t/c you can skip the plastic tableware and straws stuff, that applies to a/c, but most of it is wonderful advice, like the biotene mouth rinse and toothpaste. You'll be fine.

bras: a lot of the "smaller" women adore coobee bras. For those of us in multiple D's if you go to a Title 9  store (pricy, but you'll be in them through the end of rads) or Walmart you can find a selection. 

You're going to get lots of weird pains and sensations for several months as your nerves reconnect, and then rads adds it's own feelings. None of that is anything to worry about. Be on the lookout for swelling of your arm, but otherwise don't fret. It'll all work out.

MarieBernice, both my scars look ugly.  Well-healed but dark from my radiation (only 4 to go).  The underarm area is still sensitive and, at times, annoying.  Looks like it will take forever to really and truly heal.  Oh well, I'll take that discomfort in order to know the BC hadn't spread.

you can find front closure sports bras at WalMart. Fruit of the Loom make good ones. They makes racer back style in cotton which is nice. They also make a full back version that's very supportive but in synthetic material. The full back are about $10.98. The racer back style are 2 for 10.98 and really comfortable. For bigger busted gals...Danskin makes a zip front sports bra w good support. They cost around $12.95.  one other thing..the racer back style was cut in a way that did NOT rub on my SNB incision! Nice..

hope this helps

thanks zha-an....will check out WalMart.

Hi Pontiac Peggy - 

  Yeah, I am still not impressed with the way that scar looks right now. Anyhow, I am returning to the surgeons office tomorrow to have her look at it. I was thinking that very possibly the under arm area could get impacted by the radiation once it starts. I don't know what that would do to it. I have pain on the underside of my arm from the shoulder area down towards the elbow. I am sure that it is related to the sentinel node biopsy. 

MarieBernice6234

MarieBernice, both my scars darkened with radiation.  My underarm one still annoys me at times.  I see my BS in December and by then I should be at what is my new "normal."  Plastic surgery isn't really an option for me since I wouldn't have anyone to care for DH and I can't leave him alone for longer than 15 minutes.  

Be sure to bring up your pain to your BS.  There may be something (or nothing) going on and better to nip it now.  You're only 2 weeks out from your lx and far from what you will wind up looking like.  If per chance you are having lymphedema you want to tackle that ASAP.  

Let us know how your appointment goes.  HUGS!

MarieBernice, we're all muddling through, getting information from those who have gone before us.  Absolutely be a worry wart.  And make sure you write down your questions so you won't forget any!

Hi Jeanelle -  

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I hope that my incision will look much better a few more weeks out. One thing that is starting now is that the area almost feels chafed. Feels like there is some friction there. Is there some type of creme that I can use on it? 

MarieBernice6234

MarieBernice, my underarm incision has that sort of chaffed feeling.  I think it is just because of where it is and when I sit, my arm rubs against it.  For a while I folded a washcloth in half and placed it under my arm to protect the area.  That seemed to help a bit.  At this point, we now wearing more long sleeves, it doesn't seem to bother me as much.  

It does get better, though I never would have believed that a few weeks ago.  

Hi All - thanks for the suggestions. MY BSW gave me permission to put on deodorant. MD also greed to patient enrolling in a fitness program for BC survivors - it is called the Pink Program. I want to give it a try before the radiation treatments start. I could be too tired out at that time to do it. 

I can't wait to put on deodorant Friday morning!  I'll be done with my radiation tx then.  I couldn't tolerate the permitted ones and corn starch just wasn't my thing.  So I just stink  

Thanks, Hopeful82014.  Tom's of Maine is acceptable but I'm allergic to aloe and started itching immediately (not a good feeling when the armpit is numb from the SNB).  Appreciate the Ban Roll-On dance!  I'll be doing the Dove dance!  Good luck to you!

Hopeful802014, I used Aquaphor.  I didn't even start using it until after my 19th tx.  The RO was very pleased at how little redness I have (me, too).  Anyway, I just put the Aquaphor on at night.  Seems to do the trick.  What reaction I do have is "punctation" - redness at the hair follicles.  The NP said she hadn't seen that in the year she had been working with my RO.  I had to be different.  It looks like little prickles.  No problems from them though.  I agree that the Dove dance does sound much lovelier than a Ban dance!

Hopeful82014, I assume most anything you rub on the scars will help them.  Mine eventually (i.e. years) fade.  Try the Aquaphor.  It's not that expensive and if you are having radiation you'll want it anyway.  BTW, you might want to update your profile with the treatments you've had (e.g. surgery etc).  

I love how you've pictured the dances.  I think you're right on!