Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

MLP3- I too had fluid build up in breast and underarm. The breast fluid was reabsorbed however, the underarm became inflamed and infected. I ran a fever, went to ER and was hospitalized three days. I did have cording... It was vertical. It went away with exercise and some PT massage. Please have yourself checked out.

I really didn't know how bad it was. The underarm fluid burst while in the hospital and then I had to have wound care daily at home for two weeks. Not fun...

I learned the hard way. If you have a concern... Call your doctor...

MLP- these comments from others are of concern....please get things checked out!

Interesting evening at tonight's Super Bowl party at our neighborhood restaurant/wine bar. Stayed pretty much on the straight & narrow carbwise--though I did try a few potato & tortilla chips and the amazing pickle-brined fried chicken (haven't had fried chicken since I visited KC in 2012). There was cava and a great Russian River Valley red blend from the winery whose winemaker we met last week. (As to how much, I take the Fifth--at least I didn't “drink the fifth"). No wine-bottle giveaways this time, but we hit the jackpot--we each won $50 on our squares and Bob won $25 in the final “Sack sack" pull (everyone signs a dollar bill, puts it in the paper bag, and each time a QB gets sacked there's a drawing and the winner gets the contents...but has to put back his own dollar for the next pull).

But the most interesting was my conversation with the hostess (the sister of the co-owner). She's a 6-yr. survivor of ER+ IDC (5mm, grade 1) whose treatment was just like mine except she had standard-dose whole-breast rads for the full 33 tx. She's been my mentor and guru through all of this, ever since that first “focal asymmetry" mammo report that shook my world. We were comparing LE Medic-Alert bracelets, and I was surprised to find out she too had LE--breast more than arm--because she's petite and slender. She said hers actually went away (if there's such a thing as lifelong remission of LE, that's heartening). But the big revelation is that she, too, has never been to a support group, for precisely the same reasons as I gave. I told her I'm going Wed. night, because perhaps even those who may not need support might have a duty to give it. She's thinking of going with me.

And Mel, Happy Birthday in advance!

I went to one meeting of a breast cancer support group. The conversation was more about one person's family than anything else. I didn't feel fulfilled when I left,so I never went back. I don't get support at home, very little at work. On most days I find some support here. Honestly, some days I feel invisible.

Peachy, thanks!! 🐾

Jan, I see you.

Brithael, how are you doing? Have you started this round of chemo yet? It stinks that it takes such a toll on you.

Jan, you are an important part of this group and definitely not invisible. I wish you got support at home and work like I do. Unfortunately my DS has such huge needs my own needs get put aside. It's okay because I don't think about my own problems as much. Mel, so glad you are doing better!! I have no desire to do in person support. When DS was little some ladies tried to get me to join their support meetings. I had already found plenty of support through email groups and had no desire meeting in real life.

Been following everyone but haven't been posting much - just exhausted all the time. Got approval to pretty much work the next few weeks with minimal physical sales calls.....hoping to not have to go on STD......I am so close to finishing chemo with #10 Taxol on Wednesday.

I have never fully healed from my re-excision. Have dealt with a seroma ever since that has now been drained 3 times. After the last draining I developed cording down my abdomen and under my breast. Last night I started to feel tenderness on my left side on my side/back. BF gave me a great massage this morning but I'm thinking I'm going to need more than his touch to resolve this and I want answers before I start radiation. MO was not concerned with the cording down my abdomen when I showed him last week.

MLP - can you send me the name of the lymphedema PT you found?

Cyndi

Jan we see you!

Sandy, congrats on winning some $ on your squares. I won a big fat zip on two squares I bought.

MLP, thanks for the pea protein recommendations, and good luck getting rid of that cord!

Cyndi, I have not heard about cords down the abdomen. Great to hear you are almost through with chemo!

My DH is loving and always helps if I'm physically unable to do something, but he's not supportive in an emotional sense. He has always been the emotionally needy one in our marriage. That used to bother me, but not any more. I learned to be pragmatic, strong, and do what I have to do. But it's nice to have all you ladies to talk to

I might have a seroma and want to resolve it before radiation (or be reassured that it won't be permanent). I'm waiting for a call back from BS office.

I made some progress organizing things at home, and that always feels good. But it never seems to make a dent in what I need to still do.

Cyndi- Lynne Sanford 781-581-0484 in Lynn, MA and Amanda King 617-461-7516. Not sure where Amanda is but I got her number from a friend of mine that's a masseuse and reiki master. It can go down your stomach...??!!

We have a blizzard brewing here so I have to wait until tomorrow am for a call back from the nurse. I'm heading into Boston Wed anyhow for my wig fitting, so I'm hoping I can kill two birds in town with cording and wig... Who da thunk?

Mel- thanks for the clarification. Sounds like the right thing to do at this point👍🏻

Sloan- that was funny!

MLP- hate that about the cord thing... but you are on it! Warrior on. Another blizzard...wow. Stay warm! Day 1 of reboot- so far, so good. I did not give up the 2 morning cups of black coffee. Figured it's my re-boot.

Mel- you sound great!

Cyndi- sorry you are possibly dealing with LE! SO glad that you are almost finished with chemo, though. The last ones xan really be hard because of the cumulative effect...no wonder you are exhausted! Your body has been through so much!

Sandy- awesome win! Maybe we should have a Lump Lounge Lotto group and get you or your DH to pick our numbers!

Pea protein????? Nah! I'll pass.

Sloan....LMAO!!!! I needed a laugh today!!

MLP - from what I can tell and have been able to research what I have (the cording down my abdomen part of itanyways) is very uncommon. Thanks for the names - I am in West Peabody so at least the woman in Lynn should be convenient.

Very grateful to hear a neighbors plow in my driveway right now......no way could I shovel this year!! The kindness of others has made such a difference in getting thru this nightmare!!

Cyndi

Cyndi- I'm in Marblehead... We should meet up one day

blamoms- That's quite a plan! But, isn't it great to finally have one?

I found a great website for comfortable and stylish head coverings. One I know well because it's a ski inspired company and we have many of their hats. They actually donate to many cancer centers in VT and NH. It's called Skida and I can attest to the comfort of their fleece lined hats. The other is buffusa.com They are cool cotton infinity tubes that can be worn several different ways. I actually found chemo patients posting YouTube videos on them.

Back to work todat...my excision spot itched like crazy! And I was sore. I quit taking the tylenol 3 because it left me feeling so hungover.

Ladies, I am biting my nails waiting. I think its giving me a stress headache. This surgery wasn't all that bad, tho I feel like I should still be recovering.

How has everyone coped with explaining things to your friends and family. I have a wonderful support group of both, but for some reason they all expect me to be in the depths of despair (Anne of Green Gables has the best lines). I am not, and luckily, if I do have cancer, its most likely in early stages. Like someone said, sorta feel like a fraud.

Love reading all your stories!