Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

Did anyone have pain with positive lymph nodes? My IDC is exactly at the 9 o'clock position on my left breast but I have pain that started a few days ago at 2 o'clock near my armpit area. It couldn't still be radial pain from a core biopsy that was done on 12/23...? Sometimes it feels sharp.

My mo felt one node that was small but she said that could be anything.. A cold brewing etc... But I'm not sick.

Lovestofly- will you have rads after chemo

Thanks everyone for all the comments. I"m still waiting on the final path, and I wasn't informed if a HER2 or an oncotype was being done. I'm sure I will find out in the next few days....It's such a comfort learning about all of your situations. Thanks all!! And Pegg, I'm in Sterling Heights.

Hello ladies. I will be having a lumpectomy soon. My surgery has not been scheduled yet. Everything was going so fast in the beginning and then it came to a somewhat screeching halt after I saw the surgeon a week ago Thursday. But, things seem to be on the go again and I see my MO this upcoming week with hopefully my genetic testing, chest x-rays, labs, and EKG done as well. I am beyond nervous about this surgery. I posted another thread about Proton Therapy instead of Radiation after lumpectomy. Anybody have that by chance? I know it is somewhat new with breast cancer, but a new proton therapy center opened up near me in November (what are the odds that it opened a month before I a was diagnosed, ha). Anyhow, I'm having problems getting feedback. But, I'm looking forward to what my surgeon and MO have to say about it. A little about me: I'm in the Dallas area and a single mom to three kids. I'm currently sipping my daily Jasmine pearl green tea in a cup that has the words "JOY" written all over it.

MLP3 Will you get your genetic testing back prior to surgery? Also, I absolutely have pain in and near my armpit still after my core biopsy and that was over a month ago. I still have light bruising and had a hematoma on my breast.

I hope I found my "spot" on the board here

ayr- I'm hoping to get my results from genetic soon. Believe it or not, but there is only one lab in this entire country that does it. That's ridiculous! And of course I'm told that they are a bit behind after the holidays.

If my testing comes back positive, then it's bmx for me on the 26th😕

Try to focus on surgery being the start of treatment and getting in a road to recovery. I'm actually excited for surgery... Get this out and let's get on with treatment! I've had major neck surgery and TVH with bladder sling within the past 5 years, so I'm not nervous anymore about actually surgery. On the bright side... You won't have to worry about cooking, cleaning and laundry for a little bit

Welcome ayr1016! Sorry you find yourself needing to be here but happy you found us. I did some reading on proton therapy but most insurance won't cover it because it's expensive. The closest one to me is a couple hundred miles away.

ok i showered & my little breasts look good I mean of course bruised & swollen. Left one is swollen into armpit. I got the lift in both as well.So now took bandage off sentinel node biopsy. It hurts when shirt rubs. Suggestions?

thank you marijen!!!

RLM- how are you feeling? Have you been able to shower yet? Hoping you are resting and taking it easy!

The breathing tube causes not just a sore throat but often a feeling of needing to clear it--if in fact you’re secreting more mucus it could be your body’s way of trying to increase lubrication to soothe your throat. But that severe upper-body soreness isn’t from lying around for a long time in an unnatural position: it’s called “scoline syndrome.” (“Scoline” being a nickname for succinylcholine, a powerful muscle relaxant given to facilitate intubation, especially in a tight or “crowded” airway. Immediately before the relaxation response, the muscles actually contract extremely powerfully--which results in the soreness). It’s usually gone by day 4 post-op.

I wore a lot of loose tank tops that had the seam below my incisions. Also, when I found a got irritated I used some of the antibiotic ointment with lidocaine. My surgeon said that was fine

I also have a few drops shoulder sweaters, the seam is on the arm instead of the underarm, they were more comfortable when I had to actually get dressed.

I cut up some old (washed) pieces of soft cotton (pillowcases & tees) and stuffed them into my bras as a barrier between the top edge and my armpit. The “P3” (“Protective Pillow Purse”) my BS’ nurse gave me (made by volunteers from ProtectTheGirls) also helped a lot--it had an adjustable velcro shoulder strap so that it dangled between my bicep and breast.

MLP3, looking good for the Patriots in the 4th quarter. Happiness for the men at our houses!

Hi 1step! Glad you found our nice group. You will probably get a lot of different answers. My first surgery was early in the day, and I was at home heating up the dinner that my sister in law left in the refrigerator for us that night. My experience was that as long as I kept the ice packs on rotation and didn't try to raise my arm too high or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk, I was able to do a lot. You will probably find that rest comes easily, so give yourself time to nap. The following week reaching out was a little painful, but I would forget about it until I actually reached too far. The surgeon suggested staying out of work for two weeks, though I was back in a week and worked most of the day.

Hi 1Step:

I had my Lumpectomy, SNB & a lift on both breasts on Thursday. I didnt get home until probably 6:00 from being there since 7:25 am. I had the wires placed by MRI when I got there than a couple mammo pics. My surgery didnt happen til closer to 2:00.It was a 2 hour surgery cause I got the lift too. I found out I got sick from Anesthesia & threw up twice when got home. This was my 1st surgery too. So I couldnt eat anything that night. Everyone is different for sure. So today, 2 days later is a much better day. I took bandages off & showered. Eating fine yesterday. Switched to regular tylenol today from Percocet and only taken 2 so far today.

Wishing you lots of luck! We are here for you!!! 😘

Ohh & i happen to ask my nurse practitioner about the bra. She handed me a script for it. I went down to the boutique in my hospital & my insurance covered 1/2 so cost me $20. Walmart also has the zip up sports bras.

hi 1step. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in late November. I did not have a lot of trouble with mobility, by the second day I was able to reach with my arm, not as high as my left arm, but definitely high enough to do something like get a glass from a shelf or whatever. I Did not have a lot of pain after surgery, however as others have said the under arm was a bit more irritable, I think because it got moved a lot and everything touches it. I wore soft cotton bras with straps wide enough to step into for about two weeks, I got them at the gap and Walmart. After that I was able to wear my looser older underwire bras, because my breast was still quite swollen and they were stretched out a bett after that I was able to wear my looser older underwire bras, because my breast was still quite swollen and they were stretched out. I am now 1 1/2 months past surgery, and can wear any of my bras!

After about two days I was OK to put clothing on over my head, until then I work tank tops I could step into with cardigans over them, just because I don't like button down shirts and didn't want to buy any! I arranged for two weeks after work, but I was actually able to go back after one week. That said I'm glad I had planned for two, because I know it could've gone either way, especially if I had had atheroma or infection. Luckily I healed quite nicely with no complications.

I'm now a month and a half past surgery I have no mobility issues, my underarm is a little bit numb but I don't really notice it except when I shave (carefully). I am able to weight lift again (not heavy lifting, just 10lb hand weights) , and can even do a handstand (Iam big into yoga, when I got surgery I read so many things about people who had issues with that arm, I was really worried I would never be able to do some of my favorite pose as I can, but I'm OK)

My biggest problem after surgery was the anaesthesia getting out of my system, I felt weak and queasy for about a week. My understanding is that's a bit unusual, but you say you've had surgery so you probably know what to expect in that regard, I had never had surgery or general anesthesia before.

Good luck!!!!