Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

Sloan and Molly -- Sorry I've been off the forum for a while. I did you get together? If so, I hope it was fun! I've been house/pet sitting for my sister, so have been busy.... mostly petting the dog and not being able to get up because of one sleepy animal or another! It's fun. I have lots of pet-time without any full-time responsibility!

Welcome to the new-comers to this thread! -- As others have said, sorry that you have to be here, but it's a great place of support and information!

Jonsey -- Plenty of people go over a month between dx and treatment, so don't worry! But the time right after a diagnosis is one of the toughest for most everyone, so what you're feeling is natural. I never lose weight, but dropped 10lbs in a few weeks just from running around trying to make doctors appointments and take tests and try to figure out what the heck was going on. Ugh. Having the flu is no fun no matter what else you are going through. Having the time to worry isn't good, but you're getting treated in good time. Most people will NOT have any problems with margins not being clear. But crap does happen... just face it if you need to, but most likely things will go fine. Are you scheduled for any scans? Those can also give you a heads-up on your node status. None of this is a good time, but you can get through it! As ORknitter says, try and take a nice deep breath.

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I am decidedly of the electrocuted chia type. I think everyone I see with short haircuts looks AMAZING... but it's definitely not a good look for me. My hair has been growing in since June and is now over several inches, but that means it's messy and gets all bed-heady... particularly under my wig or in hats. I sort of miss it being shorter in a way! But I want to grow it out, so I can't trim it...! bleh. At least it's long enough not to freeze my scalp off when at home. I did NOT appreciate being totally bald at all! It's so much nicer having at least SOME hair, I think! Good luck to those growing theirs in, and to those still going through chemo and hair loss. I can truly relate!

Jonsey, welcome to the best place you never wanted to be. As you have discovered, we are warm, comforting and informative. Your surgery date is around the corner! It is really hard waiting but it's only been a month and you'll do well. My Lx was nearly 7 weeks post-diagnosis. Keep in mind that most Lx's produce clear margins. Not all, of course. It's hard to not worry about every new ache and pain but they rarely are something related to our breast cancer.

If they offer you a Valium or Ativan or other "relaxer" tomorrow, take it. If they offer a Dramamine, take it (for nausea). I don't know where you are (it would be nice if you'd post that on your profile and make it public), but it seems every center does things a bit differently. Get your prescription for pain pills filled. You may not need them (I didn't) but IF you do, take them. No being a martyr to pain - it does not help you heal.

Try to take it easy for as long as possible. Two weeks off work is great if you can do it. Rest a lot so your body can heal from this major surgery. And post how you are doing. Keep asking questions - we'll answer. And try to think positive; I find it helps.

HUGS!

I've given up on keeping up with answers on this thread, it moves so fast!...and am both happy and sad to see so many newcomers: happy you all found us, sad you have to be here...but Jersey and others: HUGS!!! This is a wonderful group. The waiting really is the hardest part.

Molly and Sloan: have a great visit in LA: we want to hear all about it!

My hair isn't even at the electrocuted chia stage yet, although I AM seeing definite stubble and dark patches! Yay for stubble!

More HUGS!

Octogirl

LovesToFly, you look gorgeous!

HUGS!

hi Jonsey22

I was diagnosed with IDC dec 10 had a lumpectomy dec 30 same day as you. My lump was 3.5 cm and they took 4 lymph nodes out. I go back Jan 19 for the results. My steri-strips came off yesterday and my incision looks good just a little swollen. I know how you are feeling. I went for a physical in July and nothing but the end of November I discovered a lump. I just discovered this group a few days ago and already love it. Take some deep breaths.

What is radiation like? I understand that you are tired at the end and that it takes time for a block of time. I am a Mom of two small kids and run a home business. If I just have radiation what will the impact be on my family?

Brightsocks, Most of us are just fine during radiation treatments. Yes, we may be fatigued. But I didn't find it overwhelming. After your initial setup visit (which can take an hour or more), most visits consist of travel time, 5 minutes to put on a gown and wait your turn, 10 minutes for the treatment, a few minutes to dress. You just need to undress on top. You will want to have someone mind the kids while you have your treatments. Where I had mine there was no provision for childcare. If your children are at an age where they can read a book for 10-15 minutes or play a game on their phone or tablet, then of course you can take them.

The treatments for me were 5 days a week for 6-1/2 weeks. Once a week, I met with the RO. That day was longer.

You may find that you need to nap more often than usual but generally it's not a problem.

This help?

HUGS!

MKTCa, Sounds like you have a hematoma (think bad bruise). Unless it starts hurting more than it has been or is hot, then I wouldn't worry about it. If either of those occurs, call your BS right away in case you have an infection. Your sports bra is fine. Be careful about not using your "bad" arm too much and no lifting. If you had nodes removed you'll want to do gentle exercises to stretch out that underarm to increase range of motion. When do you see your BS next? Have you gotten your path reports yet? Anything else bothering?

HUGS!

Thank you ladies that is good to know. My girls are in school so that will really help. This board has been very helpful for one has so many questions.

MelClarity, if it's not one end it's the other. Swell. Good luck

Thank you for the kind words. I try to think of the things I wanted to know and what I needed to stay sane and to give that. And there's no doubt that the ladies here helped me stay sane through a very bad 14 months.

HUGS!

Thank you PontiacPeggy, I will do as you suggest.

Molly, I'm blushing but also feeling very good. Thank you. You WERE meeting an old friend - just one you hadn't seen before. My group in SE Michigan feels the same way. The rapport was immediate. Can't wait to see the photos!

HUGS!

i dont post much (i am shy) but I am always checking in on everyone. I agree that Peggy is wonderful

ChiSandy, I would never guess you were about to turn 65! What a beauty!

Beautiful Chisandy, lovestofly, sloan. I am amazed by all of our different strengths. We are all Amazons in some way or another. ( Not the shopping kind, though that is a skill i possess quite spectacularly.)

I went for a jog and up my favourite hill today, and standing looking out over the gorgeous view, and I was hit by a profound peaceful thought - It IS all ok, this is my path, and it is all going to be fine, I just have to keep moving forward. I am not really prone to profound pronouncements, but to the newbies here, you will get through this, and you are stronger than you think you are.

Karli