January 2016 Surgeries

Robbini, Not sure if the question was directed at me, but I'll give your question a go. Crocheting uses the shoulder girdle muscles allot. After the lumpectomy holding the shoulder girdle in a sustained position for long periods is going to be uncomfortable. That can lead to muscle pain and fatigue. The best activity post-op is walking. Alternating with rest and comfort measures.

Two lumpectomies?

Robinni. Sorry you are here. But it's a great place. What's the bx's say?

Ah Hah. BX BIOPSY. Going to send you a list of things I have stored for newbies'

You have entered a whole new world. Not only do you have to contend with breast cancer. We have a whole new language

Robinni, I'm off to do house stuff I'll check back later with you. sassy

Hello, ladies. So glad to have found this thread. I have had one excisional biopsy that was in truth a lumpectomy, and I have been scheduled for a second lumpectomy on January 26, 2016. I have pure DCIS, level one. After much debate, along with an opinion from an outside expert who is a foremost breast surgeon, the medical team has decided that I should have breast reduction surgery that will allow the removal of any errant DCIS cells that might become invasive. It has been determined that radiation is too risky for me due to already severe disability from fibromyalgia. I agree with all of these assessments. Tamoxifen nearly killed me with awful side effects, and AI drugs are off the table at this time

I am thrilled about having breast reconstruction! I have severe neck and back pain that limit my functionality, and I believe that paring down these size 40DD breasts may reduce or eliminate both my back and neck pain.

I think my surgeon does breast reconstruction sometimes, but I believe her strongest skill is in breast cancer surgery. How do I ask for a plastic surgeon to be added to the team without insulting this wonderful breast surgeon who is also a great human being?

I gather the surgeon does the lumpectomy and then the breast reduction surgery immediately after the lumpectomy. Is this correct?

Grandma, Happy it helped, But please, look at the info that Falleaves gathered about blocks and opiods. too. Ergh...lot's of reading. But if it pans out, it's better to be on the right side of the change. Frankly, felt guilty not posting the info to each new surgery group once we gathered enough info.

The key in evaluation of the info is 1. can it cause harm. 2. If as in the case of Toradol with a preceived risk of bleeding, is that risk a surgical problem or drug problem. As in the case of Stephy's bleed. Unknown if her bleed was related to the drug or surgical field that had a bleeder. Good Luck.

Robinni. IDC in both breasts and you are getting lumpectomies. Suggest a second opinion at a NCCN center if they are close. Please, go back to my post just prior to your post here. Where are you located? Throw keyword " Map NCCN hospitals". That will pull all the centers in the USA. What did your BS say about the fact that it's IDC in both breasts? When is surgery scheduled?

Bone scan came back clean! The radiologist actually emailed me with the results - he knew I was worried

thank you Sassy - that was very helpful.

I have post surgery camisoles as well as fancy out-on-the-town camisoles with pockets for drains and forms that I am wanting to give to someone in need. I also have a "chicken cutlet"  All are lightly used but clean. None of the charities around me will take them because they are used. Anyone need any of this or know what I can do with it? They were given to me by Lala1. I will send them to you and pass it on!! Just PM me. 

Sassy, thank you for all the info. It is great reading. I guess i was still in shock when i first spoke with my BS and didn't quite understand everything. I have IDC in my right breast and Atypical Hyperplasia in the left. She will do a lumpectomy on the right and remove the cells on the left. She said basically a reduction and lift for both. My surgery is scheduled for January 26th. I am currently looking into getting a second opinion. I am in Lakeland, Fl.

Robinni Cool, We are neighbors. I'm North of Cocoa. You have Moffitt Cancer Center about an hour or less from you. NCCN center. Sheesh you have many great hospitals. I'm in a wasteland. I have to go to Tampa to feel comfortable with care. Sure hoping some folks step in. Bit concerned about the cosmetic lifting.etc. i.e. what's the focus BC or cosmetics. Perhaps things have changed in a short time. A wonderful gal in your direction that is very knowledgeable about Tampa is SpecialK. I'll Pm her and see if she will check in.

sas, the focus is breast cancer but the plastic surgeon should do an expert job at giving the patient a nice pair of normal looking breasts if she is having reconstructive surgery. That should include a breast lift I believe.

If you cannot find quality care in your local area, the American Cancer Society can help you find no cost transportation to a major comprehensive cancer care treatment center and with no cost or low cost lodging. I was flown from the rinky dink city where I live in a state fairly close to your state to a big teaching hospital that houses a comprehensive cancer care treatment center that I chose in my state. I stayed in an ACS Hope Lodge free of charge.

For my surgery, ACS has found me free lodging at an Embassy suites hotel for three nights. I haven't decided on my transportation yet. I flew back and forth to the city where I am receiving treatment on Mercy Flights in small planes owned by volunteer pilots. Flying on a tiny plane is not for the faint of heart and you have to be able to step on the wing and lower yourself down into the cabin. If you are going a long-distance, ACS has a program to help you obtain free transportation on a commercial jet. There are other programs too that may help with transportation related to cancer care and treatment.

Happy New Year everyone!

Decision - that's Interesting- had no idea that ACS does that! We live about 2 hours from the university hospital where my surgery will take placement but I always wondered how women would be able to afford the lodging if they had to stay several nights. My nephew was treated at A hospital out of state over the summer (he did not have cancer) and my sister had to stay in a hotel for several weeks until they had space for her at the hospitality house. Even then, there was a pretty hefty charge per night.

Thinking of all of you and hoping that 2016 brings good health and happiness!

ACS Rocks! I have become a very small time donar after being helped a great deak.

If there is an ACS Hope Lodge near the treatment facility, a woman and one caregiver companion may stay for an extended length of time. Not everyone needs a caregiver. There is some paperwork to fill out, just a few questions, and the hospital has to confirm dates of treatment. The ACS Lodge where I stayed had a big communal kitchen where people can cook.If not, ACS has hotel partners near many major treatment centers. I am 250 miles from the teaching hospital. It is a four to six hour drive. It is a given that I will go a day ahead of time and return the day after treatment. I enjoyed staying in the ACS Hope Lodge and meeting other cancer patients. The Lodge usually has a shuttle to the treatment facility.

so, I have been talking with the surgeon about having a paravertebral block with propofol for surgery. She said it works very well for most patients in blocking pain after surgery and that the propofol reduces nausea. Has any one else looked into this or have experience with paravertebral blocks? Unfortunately the anesthesiologist is not assigned until the day before surgery, so I won't see him until the day of.

I'm also looking into non-narcotic pain meds to try to avoid some of the side effects. I have a phone call scheduled with the BS this week to discuss this but if anyone has suggestions I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks! And best wishes to Gemma, Neen, and MKTCA this coming week!