Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

KarenR0618 Welcome! You're in the best place that you don't want to be in. We're a very caring, warm, comforting and informative group and a tad nuts. While you certainly will be fine, keep in mind that even a lumpectomy when you do it outpatient (as most of us do), it IS major surgery. You'll want to rest as much as possible for a couple weeks if you can. I'm not saying don't do anything but allow plenty of time to rest so your body can heal. I found the surgery and radiation to be easy. I was a bit fatigued after radiation but not a problem. I'm sure you'll have more questions - ask away!

HUGS!

Welcome Karen, Sorry you need to be here but so glad you found this wonderful group. Peggy is our resident cheerleader and go to gal. I don't know what we would do without her. If you are having your sentinal node biopsied along with your lumpectomy than you might want a couple of button up shirts or pjs and some easy to pull up pants for the first couple days. Be sure to have ice packs on hand and have your food/drinks or meds down low enough to reach without stretching too high. Otherwise you will do fine. Radiation wasn't bad. I had 33 whole breast treatments along with all of my nodes. Just take all of this one day at a time.

'analysis found that EE2 has a lower predicted concentration in U.S. drinking water than natural estrogens from soy and dairy products and animal waste used untreated as a farm fertilizer. And that all humans, (men, women and children, and especially pregnant women) excrete hormones in their urine, not just women taking the pill. Some research cited in the report suggests that animal manure accounts for 90 percent of estrogens in the environment. Other research estimates that if just 1 percent of the estrogens in livestock waste reached waterways, it would comprise 15 percent of the estrogens in the world's water supply.'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208125813.htm

Peggy, really? You think you will be done by March?

Been trying to get adjusted to my new glasses today...much stronger prescription. Not sure if it is in any part due to the chemo? Anyway, feel a little like this, haha!

HappyHammer HAHAHAHA!!

HUGS!

Well I am happy to report that I got some news back today and stitches removed from my lumpectomy. The type of BC I have is pure Tubular. My surgeon over the past 10 years has had only 1 to 2 cases of this cancer for it is rare form 2%-4%. Wide margins and nothing in the nodes. I don't have my Her status yet for that will take another 3 weeks. My next stop on this unplanned journey will be the medical oncologist to figure out if radiation will be require or hormone treatment. My guess is I am sure I will get hormone therapy for I am positive for both. Know a little bit more will now add to a more restful sleep tonight.

Sending you hugs Gemma! I agree with you, it's so important to like the doctors you're working with. My radiation was 30 treatments/ six weeks. Interesting that you have alternatives, since none of my doctors ever suggested anything but six weeks. My tumor was also deep on the left side, though as your RO may have mentioned, they will coach you on how to breathe and hold during treatment so that the treatment area is held away from your heart.

Mel - yeah they are tiny, but so far I am tattoo free, so this will be a first. He was teasing me saying it will make me a badass and he'll buy me harley to match my new persona. I have a good friend in Oz. I love looking at her FB photos. Summer time for you, but so cold here!

Gemma - Ohhhh!!! haha!!! Im tattoo free too, well apart from the dots! and this journey will change everything about you...so he's not far wrong..you'll become a badass!!! LOL Yes summertime for us in the 90's here in Melbourne, wheres your GF?

Peggy, I found your saint~!

Saint Martin De Porres, the first black saint of the Americas (b. 1569, Peru), would be come well known for his humility and help of the poor and in hopeless causes. He is often depicted with a broom, and even affectionately referred to as the 'Saint of the Broom,' because he considered all work to be sacred, no matter how menial.

Mel - She's in Sydney. We worked for the same company. 20 years ago she spent 6 months in Boston and we became fast friends. By happenstance 15 years ago, she ended up being in Boston around my wedding day for a training session. I walked out of the church, and there she was! It was an awesome surprise! After her training session she and her DH stayed at my house while we were on our honeymoon. In 2010, she was living in London and I was able to catch up with her while my husband was attending Rock 'n Roll fantasy camp for a week. I loved meeting her family. Her birthday was 2 days ago and I sent her a message a few days before it. I told her of my dx. She was having a really hard time as her Dad passed away 4 years to the day I sent the message. Having her Dad die so close to her birthday had really put a damper on the day. I was happy to hear a few days later that her celebration was "gorgeous" and that her dilemma with her birthday seems to be resolving itself. Both of us feel strongly that despite the quantity of time we spend together, our friendship is pretty special. I think God puts special people in our lives sometimes, and if we are wise, we recognize them!

Amy

Poodles, that is really funny. Thanks!! There was (still is?) a high school in Detroit called St Martin de Porres. That's fine but it was known for athletic recruiting violations BIG TIME. The best team money could buy. Whether it was true or not was irrelevant - we all believed it. So I've heard of him, just didn't know what he represented. Hopeless causes is definitely me! And a broom....let me see.....I'm sure I must have one....but what do you do with it??

HUGS!!

Bright, wonderful news about Lobular and sorry you have to wait on your HER2 status. I know waiting is not good for the nerves. Gemma, crying is good for getting the emotions out. I am sorry your DH isn't home though. The first time I wanted to cry was the first time I was in the Radiation treatment room for my first TX. I had 33 treatments and my RO said the computer does the treatment plan to minimize damage to heart and lungs. Lol, Peggy I think Marijen is volunteering to come help you move.

Bright socks - fantastic news on the clean margins and no node involvement. Good luck with the rest of discovery. I hope you can get a plan in place that your comfortable with!

Amy