Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited January 2016

    Mustlove poodles - That is absolutely horrific!! Hope things get sorted and quickly!

    Things are so different down here, both lumpectomies I had, I was in hospital 2 days, the last one they DONT put you in a surgical bra after surgery, my inciision was bandaged and I had a drain and bandage in my armpit. 2nd or 3rd day drain comes out, wounds checked and sent home to heal. Cancer Council has like a pack and Breast Care Nurse comes and supplies you with a Berlei Bra specifically for post surgery. was fabulous!!! and sooo comfortable.

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  • Brightsocks
    Brightsocks Member Posts: 159
    edited January 2016
    Has anyone just been treated with medication and no radiation or chemo?
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  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited January 2016

    Brightsocks - Good question, can't speak for anyone else, it would be doubtful that would be the only recommendation though. Am sure the girls will chime in :)

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited January 2016

    Goodness, Poodles...that is one terrible story. Know we are thinking of you and are here at the other end of the computer. Hugs to you AND your sweet fam as you deal with all of this and get things sorted out.

    Brit...love the joke- and, your big smile....you've GOT this!... Now- as crazy as this may sound...you really have a nicely shaped head and because of that you look really good! Can't wait to see you rockin' wig #1. Will be looking for a pic. SO supportive for your hairdresser to make it her gift to you.

    LovestoFly- You may have to get it buzzed again...or, just take it out in the shower probably right before your next treatment....that is what I did. Had it cut short and then, it was starting to come out in sort of chunks, so- I told my DH and DS to say goodbye to it- and took it all out in the shower.....came right out and I had control of that in a weird way.

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Brit - With that smile, who needs hair?! :)

    Melclarity - Darn. I thought I was on to a simple coffee remedy that I could easily follow. Actually, I'm usually a 1-cupper, but I often long for another cup. So, after reading that, I'm going to have that extra cup. If it doesn't help with my cancer, it will help with my attitude. haha

    Poodles - Yikes. That is like the family nightmare, isn't it? I'm assuming your DH was there for his dad's funeral --didn't they lower the casket straight down? My condolences to your husband (and you) for the passing of his mom, and I hope he can get some peace real soon with the other fiasco.

    Brightsocks - Sometimes people who have a mastectomy don't have radiation (or chemo), the very elderly sometimes aren't worried about recurrence, and people with very small and low grade cancers can sometimes avoid radiation. Your profile says your cancer is less than 1cm, but it doesn't say your HER status. Ask your doc. For most of us, the survival rates rates go up and the recurrence rates go down significantly with radiation. Here's what the komen site radiation article says about it:

    Women who get radiation therapy after lumpectomy have a 50 percent lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and a 20 percent lower risk of breast cancer death compared to women who get lumpectomy alone [4]. - See more at: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Radiation.html#s...

    Everyone is different, but radiation really wasn't that bad for me. Some people get IORT (intraoperative radiation therapy) where the radiation is delivered to the tissue during the lumpectomy. It has minimal side effects. But, not everyone qualifies for that. Are you worried about radiation? I can't recall, but did you have your lumpectomy yet?

    **********

    Regarding seromas... Nothing is a guarantee, but there are some things you can do. I think the surgical bra is a splendid idea!

    Seroma - causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

    Updated on March 19, 2012

    As mentioned earlier, the best method of preventing a seroma formation is to insert a draining tube, during the surgery to expel the accumulated fluids, when extensive tissues damages have taken place. Application of a tight dressing and asking the patient to wear a tight bra with padding in the case of breast related surgeries have also contributed to lessening the incidence of seroma formation. Avoiding unnecessary movements which can aggravate the tissue damages could also help in minimizing the potential for fluid collection. http://hubpages.com/health/Seroma-causes-symptoms-...

    Seroma: Causes, Treatment, and More

    Written by Kimberly Holland
    Medically Reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD on May 19, 2015

    Also, ask your doctor about compression garments. These medical devices are designed to help skin and tissue heal faster. They may also reduce swelling and bruising after a surgery. These dressings may help reduce your risk of developing a seroma. http://www.healthline.com/health/seroma#Causes2


    My doc just said to wear a tight sports bra--the tighter the better. Hope this helps!

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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2016

    Brithael, looking really good! You've got a great smile.

    Too much going on here at home to post responses to everyone but I'm reading and thinking of you all.

    HUGS!

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  • Brightsocks
    Brightsocks Member Posts: 159
    edited January 2016

    Sloan15- I still don't have any results back might have news on Wednesday. So I have been trying to guess what will happen on Wednesday. My tumour was very small .8mm but after reading I now understand that just one part and might change is size on the final repot. My biopsy said Tubular but that could have also been a term used but not necessarily a type. I have asked this question of the nurse and she said it was a type and the surgeon said it could be a term describing the cells.

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    This thread is moving so fast I can't keep up!

    Re: Seroma. When I had my stitches out on Wednesday, my surgeon told me the seroma under my arm was bigger than it should be. I think part of the problem was the surgical bra gave my breast great support, but was tight under my arm. I wish they did come in bigger than XL sizes. I'm not heavy, but I wear a 36G bra and the strap was tight under my arm and I think that's what added to the fluid build up there. My surgeon suggested rolling up a sock and putting it under the strap to both provide compression where the seroma is and to remind me not to use that arm. She said I was doing too much with it. I have done it and it's made a difference. It seems to move to wherever the compression isn't, so I just keep readjusting. I hope my body reabsorb it eventually!

    Amy

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited January 2016

    poodles, I am horrified for you. Big hugs to you and DH. Brit, you are lovely. Brightsocks, tubular is a type of IDC. IDC Tubular carcinoma of the breast

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  • Brightsocks
    Brightsocks Member Posts: 159
    edited January 2016

    The term Tubular is on my biopsy report but it might not define my type of cancer but the shape of what it looked like. So you can see how confusing this is for me.

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  • RLM
    RLM Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2016

    Good evening ladies. Just had lx today with wire localization. Ice and percocet working fine. Should have final path Tuesday.

    Poodles, so sorry to hear of your loss and troubles.

    Sloan thank you for the pictures.

    JerseyRenee01, glad you are home.

    All you ladies are so sweet. I'll try to get better at acknowledging everyone.

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  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited January 2016

    Brightsocks - 2011 I only had DCIS so no mass or lump nothing, I was still treated aggressively my BS said anyway, with Lumpectomy of the DCIS and radiation and 4yrs of tamoxifen. So hard to say until you get full results as to your plan. It is good to gather as much info as you can before as it can be overwhelming!!

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2016

    Sloan, here in this part of the South they don't usually lower the casket until everyone has left the graveside. And they cover the ground with a green grass-like carpet, so you can see any landmarks.

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited January 2016

    Poodles, that cemetery ordeal must have been horrendous for you and your family. We had a cemetery in Chicago’s far South suburbs a few years back that, among other manifestations of incompetence and negligence, managed to “lose” dozens of decedents over the years. There was a criminal investigation, not to mention a major civil suit with a humongous settlement. Feydeau-style farces/comedies-of-errors may be the stuff of classic theatrical comedy--but only when fictitious. Nothing funny when real families are impacted.

    Brightsocks, your tumor was grade 1--sometimes described as “indolent" (slow-growing, if growing at all). Tubular is also one of the least-aggressive of invasive breast cancers (IIRC, only mucinous is slower). You'll likely be able to skip chemo--for tumor profiles as favorable as yours that are also node-negative, clean-margined, and smaller than 1 cm, they usually don't even bother to order OncotypeDX--and perhaps either radiation or hormone therapy (depending on your age)--but you will probably need at least one or both of the latter two.

    Brit, your smile is gorgeous and worth more than a head of hair and a drawerful of makeup combined. You will rock whatever you choose to wear on your head (if you choose to wear anything). I still think that shortest wig with some spiking (and less bouffant) would be terrific on you. The problem with staging “Wit" is that no community theater would do it, since the company wouldn't be happy with the paucity of roles (“community" being the operative term). Had I won Powerball, heck, I could've bought you a theatre, never mind just bankrolling the production. Sadly, I doubt it'd be conducive to any dinner theater (except perhaps at the Chicago "Biggest Loser" Spa Resort out in Bloomingdale....speaking of which, there’s a Groupon for it this week).

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2016

    LovesToFly, my hair started coming out in handfuls around Day 17 after first chemo. I had it buzzed short but not shaved. I never did lose it all, but it looked pretty bad, still does. My hair is about 1/2" long and fuzzy as a baby chick. Not cute.

    I should prolly post this under Stupid Statements, but here goes: I took my mom to her hairdresser. My mom is quite gregarious and doesn't know when to Shut. Up. Next thing I know, Mom is blabbing all about my breast cancer and upcoming BMX. And thats not the worst! The hairdresser pronounced that I should lose 30-lbs because I have a pie face--her exact words. Thank you, Captain Obvious. Ive been on and off steroids for 7 months. Oh. And i have cancer. Bite me, stoopid lady!

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    Mustlovepoodle. Pie face, are you kidding me -- I would have smacked her! You could have and just blamed it on 'roid rage! ;)

    I'm so sorry to hear about the fiasco in FL. I hope they get it all figured out!

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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2016

    Poodles, not only would I have smacked the hair dresser but I'd have seriously considered throttling my mother, if I were you. That was so hurtful. I've wrapped my arms around you. I think you need to be held.

    HUGS!

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2016

    Thank you Peggy and Gemma. There are times when I think of throttling my mother. But she's 81 and it wouldn't be a fair fight. She just has no filter.

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    poodles that's awful. So sorry you had to deal with such an unpleasant person.

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Oh, Poodles, that's terrible. We'll forgive your mom, but the stylist and the pie face comment is inexcusable. Did you sweetly smile and ask, "Why would you make such a comment?"

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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2016

    Sloan, perfect comeback. I'd have thought of it 6 weeks later - not at the time. :(

    Poodles, filters are good and I'm sorry your mother is lacking one. (Would a coffee filter work?)

    HUGS!

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    I don't know if your Mom ever had a filter, but I truly believe that all of our filters get thinner the older we get. My 85 yo Mom has dropped some doozies! :)

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    Yes I've been in the doghouse lately for want of a filter replacement ....

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  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited January 2016

    Mustlovepoodles - How incredibly insensitive and lacking of good judgement, not just from that hairdresser but from your Mum!!! Horrendous!! I admit, the old me would have said nothing...the new me LOL would certainly have said 'Excuse me'??? and I would have pointed out how incredibly rude it was...as you say you've been through hell...who is she to judge?? People really sometimes have no moral compass. Ive put on 5kg since Chemo thanks to treatment, been yuk. Ive shifted a couple, but people seriously have no idea what you go through!


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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    So I'm not sure where to post this but...in the last week I've been experiencing twinges and funny pains on my good side (left), out of nowhere. Has anyone felt things like that before they were dx'd? I'm for radiation beginning of Feb.

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    marijen I had that a lot before my surgery, weird twinges and pains in the good boob. It freaked me out...but it went away when I had surgery so I guess it was psychosomatic?

    ETA:I just reread and understand. My bad side had no pain until it became clear it was likely bc (I was bi rad 5 so from the us I knew it was 95% likely even though I was diagnosed a few weeks later). I think the pain were not real though. They were all over not just near the tumor, felt the same as the pains on the good side that I knew were in my head, and my BS said there was no reason for them.

    I hope it is just nerves or something else :)





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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Marijen - Yes, I had them! I'm month out of rads, and I don't get them anymore.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    Sloan - no I haven't had rads yet, that's what next, already had the lumpectomy and the margin cleaning and the AI. Now twinges and funny pains on my good side.....plus a node I can feel but the RO said it's soft. I don't think it's any softer than the one I had on the right - that one was just bigger..

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    Marijen - Did you have a breast MRI as part of your dx? I did and was so relieved that they could see everything in both breasts. The MRi found LCIS in the left (the one with IDC in it), but to my great relief they were able to tell me that the right one was clear. I think if I didn't have that, I may have worried that any sensation I had in my right was more cancer.

    Amy

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    Gemma I had an MRI but it was last March 2015, things could have changed since then right? In April I think I'm supposed to have a Mammo CAD? but they couldn't see lymph nodes with the Mammo and it seems like a long time from now - actually it's only 2 1/2 months...

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