Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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  • Peachy2
    Peachy2 Member Posts: 350
    edited January 2016

    Gemma, that Boston Cream Pie looks amazing!

    My sweet sister in law who had also had a lumpectomy gave me some of these kids' ice packs to put in my bra after surgery. They were great! The other day when packing my 4th grader's lunch in a hurry, I grabbed one out of the freezer to put in his lunch box and keep his yogurt cold. Glad he didn't realize where it had last been. (File this under "things we never thought of a year ago.")

    image

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    I'm looking for a wireless but supportive bra for exercise (just walking) that will keep the girls separated. I'm tired of having a uniboob when I exercise in a sports bra. I really like the Glamorize sports bras, they keep a good shape, but they dont come in pretty colors. Anyone have suggestions?

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

    looks yum Gemma.

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  • ayr1016
    ayr1016 Member Posts: 228
    edited January 2016

    I received some positive news today. I am BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative. I was at work when I got the call. I have not told anyone yet. I feel very emotional about it. My eyes have been tearing up since the call. They told me it could take up to two weeks. I had the blood taken last Friday. I was hoping it would come back quick, but am so relieved it was sooner rather than next week.

    Gemma: WOW, that looks delish!!

    Sandy: They gave me propofol too. She told me *afterwards* that I should come back for the colonoscopy soon. Dang it, I wish that was done at the same time to get that over with. What do you do for your reflux and GI problems? She advised me to take Prilosec for 2-3 months daily and then decrease. I need to call back and confirm if I need to be on this short term or longer or what. Everything went so fast after the procedure. But, at least my daughter took some notes. Was your pathology report able to give you any more information? Oh my goodness...I would have freaked out if she would have left me awake to watch.

    and to put a face to a name (my name is Angela), here is a pic (prior to my diagnosis) of my oldest daughter (on the right) and me (on the left). She is my appointment buddy (note taker) and occasional driver (when I'm sedated lol). She is my angel through this.

    image

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    ayr /Angela- Yay! Be emotional all you want. We celebrate every victory in here. Nice picture of both of you. This BRCA neg is good news for your daughter, too! Makes me a little emotional, as well.

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  • Praline
    Praline Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2016

    Talked to a MO today for about an hour. He strongly recommends Chemo and sent me home to think about it until Monday... When I talked to my RO yesterday she had even said that she would be surprised if they recommended Chemo.They want to do 12 weeks of Taxol once a week. Never a dull moment!!!

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

    Praline, have you checked out some of the triple negative threads? I think most with grade 3 and TN do chemo. Ayr, you and your DD are quite beautiful! Congratulations on the good news.

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  • Praline
    Praline Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2016

    Molly50 If you remember my previous posts, I was given the impression that since it was a small mass(7mm) with clean margins and clean sentinel nodes I would just require radiation. Chemo just came up this Tuesday.

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

    I do remember, Praline. I am not surprised your MO thinks differently. Chemo is often a given for a diagnosis like yours. I do think the final decision is up to you though. That is why I asked if you read any of the TN threads. You might find someone in your particular shoes with a very small tumor.

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

    Gemma, if I weren’t going downtown tonight, I’d gladly drive over to Oak Park and help you polish off that Boston Cream Pie, carbs be damned.

    Sloan, Goddess and Elomi have wire-free versions of some of their bras that come in pretty colors & patterns. (I think they start at a C cup). Freya has a couple of wire-free sports bras that isolate each breast rather than smoosh them. Check HerRoom.com, BareNecessities.com, and Figleaves.com (a UK site with a nice selection--but they use UK post so shipping is slow). If you don’t need anything larger than a DD, take a look at some of the Playtex 18 Hour soft-cup bras that come in navy, purple, burgundy, etc. besides the usual beige/black/white.

    Ayr, I have been on a PPI for a couple of decades now. Started with Prilosec, then Prevacid and then Protonix (all are available generic and except for Protonix--the generic of which is pantoprazole--OTC). When I developed a bowed vocal fold from reflux, my ENT (an operatic baritone himself) had me take Protonix twice a day. (It is also not “protein-bound” so it doesn’t matter when you do or don’t eat relative to when you take it). When my insurer refused to cover the generic pantoprazole and perversely insisted on covering only the brand-name Protonix (at Tier 4 prices), I was placed on Dexilant--which is a version of lansoprazole (Prevacid) that releases a second small time-release dose 4 hours after taking it, so I get through the night without breakthrough heartburn. There’s no generic or OTC version, and it’s pricy, but if you go online (and you’re not on Medicare) you can get a co-pay card that makes it significantly cheaper. I also sleep on 3 pillows (which helps with snoring and asthma, too). A bed wedge or propping the head of your bed frame on blocks also helps. Best of all is an adjustable bed that lets you elevate your head and upper body to beneficially harness gravity. I’d get one, but our Tempur-Pedic is still going strong after 14 years.

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  • Peachy2
    Peachy2 Member Posts: 350
    edited January 2016

    Wonderful news ayr/Angela!

    Praline, I am sorry that you had a tough visit with the MO. My sister-in-law who is triple negative was not given a choice about chemo, and was just told it was the next step in her treatment. I'm not sure what grade hers was.

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    Angela - congrats on being BRCA neg. I got that good news too, and was so happy.. for me, for my daughter, sisters and nieces, hell for everyone! Our dx look similar. You haven't had surgery yet though, right? Are you staging your cancer on what the scans say the size of your tumor is? The photo of you and your daughter is lovely. You both have beautiful smiles! :)

    Poodles: I'm sorry to hear your daughter tested positive. I guess it's better to know, but it sure does stink! ((hugs))

    Sandy/Angela - I've been on a protonix (pantoprazole 40mg 1xday) for almost 3 years. It's a life saver. I can go a couple of days if I run out, but by day 3 I'm hurting. GERD was dx after I had an esophageal spasm that felt like a heart attack (in church no less, at least I wasn't struck by lightning ;) ). After ruling out anything cardiac (echocardiogram stress test, hi peggy ;) they put me on the Protonix. My Insurance covers it no problem, thankfully! My FIL had an upper GI series after he was dx with low blood volume. He's on Prilosec for life (so says MIL) he has a hiatal hernia and the acid was eroding his esophagus, leading to a bleed.

    Sloan - I am with you on the sports bra thing. I mainly want them for comfort and lack of underwire. All my old bras have underwires. Pre surgery I was a 36G. I've ordered and return a bunch from Amazon/Zappos. I just bought a couple at Target that aren't sports bra's per se, but they have no underwear, don't give me a unaboob, and are very comfy. They are Playtex Women's Play it Up Down-timer. Not sure it would be enough support for a work out, but it was just what I was looking for.

    Molly & HappyHammer: You both amaze me. ((big hugs)) for you both! I, too, love someone with special needs. He's going through a tough time the last couple of years and it stinks that I can't do anything for him. I miss his smile. :(

    LTF - Glad today was better! :)

    MLP - your guys look sleepy and happy. I had my guy in the car today after the dog park and I was wishing I had dark interior in my car... muddy mess! Hope you get your path back soon! Have fun up north!

    LadyHumps: Thanks, now I have the Black Eyed Peas in my head! ;) Sending lots of WBC vibes your way!

    Karen0618: Welcome and good luck with your surgery on Monday! We'll all be in your pocket with lots of healing vibes coming your way!

    Justmaximom & LaNena: Welcome aboard!

    If anyone is in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, there's still cake left. Might not be here for long as I put it on FB too! :)

    Amy

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Praline - Don't be frightened or devastated by the idea of chemo. It's so doable. I did it, and I'm glad I did. My tumor was small and grade 2, but I wanted to kill any cancer cells that would be lingering in my body. Triple negative cancers and grade 3 cancers respond so well to chemo. I agree that you should get opinions from other TN cancer patients. Ask everyone what they would do. Then ask yourself, would you have any regrets if you didn't do chemo and it came back. Lay it all out there, and you'll be very comfortable with your decision. It's just such a shocker at first because we associate chemo with being on death's door step. It's not like it was even 5 years ago! We'll suport you no matter what you decide.

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Thanks for the bra advice ladies!

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

    Got my stress test/echocardiogram results this afternoon. Everything is GOOD EXCEPT I have "mild diastolic dysfunction" and "Hypertensive blood pressure response to exercise." My PCP has put me on an extremely low dose of licinopril (which I took 8-10 years ago and quit since I really didn't have a problem at that time). I'm very relieved that the ticker is ticking fine and that I'm doing something preventative. Absolutely no restrictions. So I can toss those book boxes around. I'm a happy camper.

    You guys left me behind today while I was sorting through #1 son's stuff, taking photos and sending them off so he can figure out what he wants to keep (most of it I think). More of his stuff to do tomorrow too. Then packing all the books (600-800) I am donating to somebody/someplace. It will be nice to have that done.

    Mostly good news today and that's great. Praline, sorry it looks like you'll have chemo. But good news for most of the genetic testing results.

    How come nobody invited me for the Boston creme pie??????? I'd come! (Sob)

    HUGS!

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    You could actually drive here, Peggy! Come on over!

    I'm glad you got your results and you're happy. Don't over do it on the boxes though. Even with a good ticker, big boxes can lead to bad backs! :)

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

    Gemma, Thanks! I wish I could hop over - it sounds so yummy. The distance isn't a problem but leaving the furbabies is. And don't worry, I'm not about to put my back at risk. I am generally very careful. And those boxes are 30-50 lbs. Too much for me.

    HUGS!

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  • april25
    april25 Member Posts: 772
    edited January 2016

    That Boston Creme Pie looked AMAZING. Now I want some dessert. ...And what I really should do is get a Fitbit and exercise. But I fear the dessert is shouting my name and exercise is just whimpering quietly...!!!

    Karen0618 -- Best wishes on a smooth surgery and quick recovery. I'm sure you'll breeze through it!

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

    Peggy, great news. I was checking to see if you posted results yet.

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Yes, great news Peggy. Whew.

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  • MLP3
    MLP3 Member Posts: 534
    edited January 2016

    yay Peggy!

    Yay Angela! What an great kid you have there😊

    Gemma... That is a work of art! I'm a cook and not a baker... Jealous here

    In my happy place...

    image

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited January 2016

    Yay for the good news Peggy!

    HUGS!

    Octogirl

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

    I love your socks, MLP3

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

    Gemma, since I couldn't get to Chicago for that beautiful Boston Creme Pie you made, I settled for chocolate ice cream!

    Molly, Sloan, MLP3 and Octogirl, Thank you for the kudos! I'm hugely relieved that all is well.

    MLP3, love the sox!

    HUGS dear friends!

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  • ayr1016
    ayr1016 Member Posts: 228
    edited January 2016

    Peggy: Awesome news!!!

    MLP: Lovin' the socks.

    Gemma: Yes, staging it on the scans so far (mamm, ultrasound, MRI) and what the doctors keep telling me. I know it could be bigger (crossing fingers it isn't) and/or have nodes involved. I have a tentative surgery date for Feb 17th. But, they said they would fit me in the week before if my genetics came back negative. So, now I'm thinking it could be the week before. I'm ready to get this thing out of me!

    Thanks Gemma and ChiSandy for the info/replies on the PPI. I am beginning to realize this isn't going to be a short term thing or treatment, it is going to be for awhile, years, or longer. Perhaps though, I will finally get some relief. I had become so accustomed to the discomfort. But, when I started struggling to swallow, that was the last straw.

    Question: How do the surgeons determine how many nodes to take? Is it specific to the surgeon's protocol, how many nodes light up from the dye, how many are near your tumor, or?

    Also, is it reasonable to assume I would be off work for about a week after surgery and then resume work (from home) afterwards? I am one to push myself hard and I do not want to do that to myself this time. But, I don't want to be unreasonable with time off either. I will have a lot of pregnant ladies mad at me if I do

    Happy Friday everyone. I'm so happy it is Friday. I have been binge watching all of the seasons of Parenthood since my diagnosis. Well, when I'm able to watch. I really like the show. Gotta love being able to binge watch an entire series on Netflix.

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  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2016

    Angela, I had a SNB, I'm assuming that is what you are expecting? My BS said the radioactive isotope lights up all the nodes. That was done by injecting a few hours before my surgery (not bad at all!). During the surgery my BS put blue dye on the tumor. They watch where the dye goes and the first set of nodes it hits are considered the sentinel nodes (first nodes that the breast drains to). Everyone has different amount of nodes. In my case, it was 5 of them. They took those 5, plus 2 others that she called tag alongs. I understood it them to be the next nodes in the chain.

    As far as recovery time goes, It really depends on how you heal. One week out I had a fairly large seroma under my arm. Rolling up a sock and putting under my bra strap to provide compression under my arm helped resolve it. I heard a pillow can help, as well. I had little issue with my breast, but my arm was more of an issue. I'm 3 weeks out now and feel just about 100% Depending on what you do for work, you may feel well enough to resume work from home one week out. My BS did warn me about repetitive motions, i.e., typing... she was right!

    I wish you good luck with your surgery. I'll be sending healing vibes your way for clean margins and no node involvement!

    Amy

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  • MLP3
    MLP3 Member Posts: 534
    edited January 2016

    ayr... I had a radioactive tracer injected a few hours before surgery and then blue dye during surgery. They explained it to me like this...

    The dyes follow the path that the cancer would take towards the nodes. The "sentinel node" is the gateway node or the gate keeper node. They take that one for sure.

    When I had my radioactive tracer hours before, they showed me the sentinel node light up. It was kinda cool to ask and see science in progress;) I actually had to massage my node area because it wasn't as prominent on the screen as they would have liked at first. After 10-15 mins it was as bright as the North Star!

    My bs told my husband that she took 3-4(my husband forgets). How they decided on the others, I don't know. I'm guessing that they took the closest to the sentinel node.

    I'm exactly a week out. I've been to the movies, walked 3.4 miles, went to lunch and dinner and rested in between. The first 2-3 days I totally babied myself though. I was hoping to ski tomorrow but if I fall...😷 I'll go for a nice walk in the woods/small hike instead. Still a bit sore at the SNB site, but trying to live each day as normally as possible;

    Hope this helps!

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

    Peggy- so glad the news was good!

    Everyone else- busy, busy day on the boards....it is so late- got caught up at a friends house learning to knit an infinity scarf...did not get Fitbit goal steps in and cannot respond to everyone. Instead- sending each of you BIG hug! Tomorrow is another day to do wonderful things!

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  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2016

    Here's an excerpt from an article about HPV and breast cancer: "The researchers identified 30 low-risk and 20 high-risk HPV types in 855 of the breast cancer cases. While not conclusive, the finding strongly supports a growing body of evidence linking HPV to a small subset of breast cancers....Gardasil is very effective for those types, and while we don't have enough evidence to say for sure, Gardasil should be effective at preventing breast cancers assocaiated with those types as well as cervical cancers". http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jan/29/sex...

    In the past 1 in 3 adults carried HPV. In 2006, the FDA approved the Gardasil vaccine, and that number is going down...but only in people who get the vaccine! Make sure your kids and grandkids get the vaccine!

    If you've been against your kids/grandkids getting their HPV vaccines or have been unsure about it, here is an article that addresses some of the myths and facts about Gardasil:

    We know it's effective, so why is there opposition to the HPV vaccine? David Robert Grimes https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/jan/...


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  • Reader425
    Reader425 Member Posts: 653
    edited January 2016

    Yay, Peggy on the good results!

    Welcome to the new folks. We're with you on this journey no one wants to be on!

    I seriously can't keep up with the posts these days, but pray for you all in your particular situation as the Lord brings you each to mind.

    MLP waiting is hard. Good to have a weekend to relax with your adorable fur buddies.

    Fitbit pals, you rock! I thank you for the additional exercise motivation.

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