Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited May 2016

    I am not sure of my timeline for BMX yet. I have my lumpectomy post op on Tuesday and my first MO appointment on Monday. The BS put a referral to a PS for me to talk with so I guess we will scheudule after all of those appoinemtns?

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

    You are going to be very busy doctoring, Traci. But at least you will have answers and a plan in place. That will help.

    HUGS!

  • tbalding
    tbalding Member Posts: 449
    edited May 2016

    Sue, great news about low onco score. Yes, the running around was kind of frantic. The injections weren't too bad, kind of pinched. But then she told me I needed to massage it to help dye move toward nodes. Luckily I had big jacket on so no one could tell, lol!

    Created, congratulations on negative nodes!

    Moondust, glad you finally got your second opinion and you have a plan.

    Traci, hang in there, hugs and prayers

    I'm doing OK day after surgery. Was a little queasy early this morning, took a motion sickness pill which seemed to help. Listened to DH and took more pain pill. Sore at SNB site and armpit and underarm is numb which I expected. But my earlobe feels a little numb too, not completely but feels a little funny. Hospital called to check on me and said that was usual. Slept most of the day and am starting to feel better. Going to switch to Tylenol with my ice and am doing my exercises. Friends from church called and have arranged for meals to be delivered. I'm very grateful for my church family. Also day before my surgery, my father-in-law had a heart attack so that was extra worry for my DH. Both FIL and I were having surgery at same time, but different hospitals. FIL had 2 stints put in and came home today.

    And thanks everyone here for the encouragement and support!

  • Lovinggrouches
    Lovinggrouches Member Posts: 530
    edited May 2016

    Traci, prayers for so much going on, I know you are probably VERY stressed out, and doing s o something helps to relieve the stress.

    Moondust, do what you have to in order to KICK CANCERS ASS!!! YOU GOT THIS!!

    Tbalding, hope you are up and running soon!!

    Created, hope you are better today!!

    Hugs to all!!!!

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

    Moondust, it sounds like you had a productive second opinion appt. And I agree with Dr. Moasser--you really need to get treated locally. Just from my own experience, I ended up in the ER three times during chemo--once with sepsis!--and I was very fortunate that they were able to consult with my own MO, rather than some on-call MO that I had never met before.

    tsoebbin, I take it your BMX is a risk-reducing surgery, since they got the tumor out with the lumpectomy, am I right? If so, please take your time deciding your next steps. Unless you have some pressing problem in the breasts, the decision doesn't have to be made immediately. And if you can't decide for or against reconstruction, you can always delay it and see how you feel later. Just don't let yourself get pushed into doing anything before you're ready.

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

    Tbalding, good heavens. It really poured for your family with your FIL and you having surgery the same day. Poor DH. Poor you, too. Glad FIL is doing okay. Isn't it interesting that Dramamine works so nicely for anesthesia nausea? Now why would your ear lobe be almost numb? Have I missed something? Take it easy, gobble Tylenol or pain pills and stay as comfy as possible!

    HUGS!

  • Katzpjays
    Katzpjays Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2016

    Alice-so glad you had a good experience with UCSF. It must be comforting to finally have the answers you were looking for. In your pocket as you arrange to start chemo.

    So interesting what the doctor said about Estring. I told my MO I was using it on my first visit and was told I should stop. Have been off of it about 40 days. And we'll, let's just say it sucks, lol. I now plan to revisit the topic when I see her on Monday.

    Glad the tooth surgery went well too!

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

    Alice, I am so relieved your second opinion went well. My MO won't consider any estrogen, I would go for the estring.

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

    Tracy, take your time. I had From July 29 to September 4th from lx to mx. The majority of the Cancer was removed during the lx so I went back to work while waiting. I bought shirts from Heal in Comfort which are velcro opening and have drain pockets. I used Pink Pockets as well which you stick to the inside of your clothing for drain management. I also used a lanyard for the drains during showers. As for the recliner, I am going to get a new one before my next mx. I found it easier to sleep in even after my lx.

  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited May 2016

    Hi Molly - I am trying to remain calm and listen to all the advice given to us. I think taking time to process is the key for both my husband and I. We are freaked out - and not making many big decisions yet!

    We are going to get recliner - decided to check both craigslist and new. We can always sell when we are done with it.

    I bought some great nightgowns and short pjs today. A friend is going to open up the fronts, serge, and use Velcro dots in for me. I am very grateful. I checked out the Pink Pockets link - THANK YOU! they will work great with my new pjs and robe and I love they are removable when this is all behind me.

    Time for me to put the computer away and watch Survivor with my husband - we have it recorded and it is he finale so he is excited.

  • tbalding
    tbalding Member Posts: 449
    edited May 2016

    Peggy, my right ear lobe feels a little numb, not like my right arm pit & under arm which is totally numb. Not sure why. Don't know if it's SE from SNB too?

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

    Trish, that is so strange. Since the medical staff seem to think it is normal, perhaps it IS related to the SLN site. That doesn't make it less weird though. You never know what nerves will be impacted by anything.

    Traci, I think a recliner is a great idea. Get one that is BIG and CUSHY. While I like leather, I think I might recommend a cloth fabric since it is a bit cozier IMHO. Glad you are getting velcro on your pj's and finding other items that will help you post-MX surgery. This is the best group for tips on coping with anything BC.

    HUGS!

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

    Sitting here in the hospital cafeteria while DH has his colonoscopy. His GI doc recommended doing it prior to his prostatectomy because of the risk of tearing the bowel after surgery. Apparently, the bowel and bladder thin after this surgery, which increased risk. We aren't expecting any bad news today.

    DH has been experiencing severe constipation for several months now and they need to get to the bottom of it (no pun intended.) Believe it or not, he drank that whole jug of prep and had NOTHING come out. I could poop just by looking at the thing! I had to go out and buy some magnesium citrate and another thing of prep for him. It took about 7-8 HOURS to get some results, poor guy.

    Did you know that constipation can kill you? Yup, it can rupture the bowel. Its also a risk factor for colon cancer. So, we've got to get things moving in there.

  • ejmann44
    ejmann44 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2016

    Traci, there is also a nice list on one of the threads to help you out. Too bad they don't seem to have printable documents here.

    Day after my surgery and I'm feeling OK. A little tenderness in the underarm but otherwise not bad. They removed the lump and the first sentinel node.

    I had a heck of a time immediately after the surgery. They said I came out sweating like crazy and I can vaguely remember the nurses putting cold towels on my head and basically stripping me down and wiping my good arm and legs with cold towels.. DH said I came to him in the second room with no blanket or socks. I had a very hard time waking up. Every time I dozed off my oxygen plummeted and they would wake me up and tell me to cough and take deep breaths to bring it back up. This went on for and hour and a half. I think I need a CPAP machine.

    Now the wait for the post-op on June 2 and to find out the rest of the pathology report. Thanks for all the advice going into this.

    The only advice I have for others is to make sure if they are going to do the sentinel node with tracers to make sure they will numb your breast before doing the shots. Mine was numbed but my friend said hers wasn't (different doctor). I can't begin to imagine what it felt like for her. She said they had to hold her down. I didn't feel much more than a tiny burn on one of the shots.

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

    Poodles, I'm with you - looking at that junk and I can't get to the bathroom fast enough (and I didn't :( ). I didn't realize the SEs of a prostatectomy. Hope his colonoscopy is uneventful and the results are totally boring.

    HUGS!

  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited May 2016

    Oh... the dreaded jug. I cannot imagine how he must have felt 7 hours in and no results!

    ejmann I'm glad to hear you're feeling OK and Thanks for your advice.

    Peggy... how are the garage repairs coming along? In about a month you'll be on your way if I remember correctly?

    I'm just waiting for things to progress. Appointments with PS to be scheduled and waiting for HER2 status. Hurry up and wait... again.

    Have a great and peaceful day!

    Traci

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

    Yay! Clean colonoscopy. DH is good for another 10 years. His doctor is going to change up some meds, and add one to try to get things moving down there. I'm sure DH will feel a lot better once he gets this under control.

  • Grazy
    Grazy Member Posts: 373
    edited May 2016

    mustlovepoodles - wonderful news for your DH and you!

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

    Traci, you're exactly right - one month from today!! Cannot wait. They finally started on the garage today. Had the inspection and the inspector seem more interested in finding things that he could repair, making tons of errors, and casting doubt on the whole report. (BTW, the inspector was in love with my crappy garage, "German" siding or something - #2 son said the guy had to have been high!). The buyers' agent went "Meh." Now for the FHA appraisal.

    And of course, the celebration of life for DH on the 28th. Boys and wives come in the 26th. It will be great seeing them all. Last hoorah for the house and Pontiac most likely.

    Poodles, YES! for the great results for DH! I have a hard time bending my mind around constipation. Many of my food allergies cause diarrhea or closet to it, so I just eat something I like that my body doesn't and I'm off running (pun intended!). One hurdle crossed!

    HUGS!

  • tbalding
    tbalding Member Posts: 449
    edited May 2016

    ejmann glad you're doing good after surgery. They didn't numb me before the injections. I held my breath for each one, felt like a hard pinch. Glad there were only 4!

    Poodles, great news for your DH!

    I just got good news, bs office called, margins came back clean & nodes were negative! Yippee!! Done with surgery. I go for post op Wednesday so I'll find out about scheduling radiation then.

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

    Trish, GREAT NEWS!!!! Now you can breathe!

    HUGS!

  • ejmann44
    ejmann44 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2016

    Trish that is great news! Have a wonderful weekend

  • Katzpjays
    Katzpjays Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2016

    Trish - fantastic news!!!

    Ejmann - glad you are doing well after surgery.

    Poodles - happy to hear good news for you and DH!

    Peggy - all of that house inspection stuff can drive you out of your mind. Nice to know you're nearing the end zone. You'll be IN WA in time for a lovely summer!

    Traci - thinking of you as well...

    Just had my rads simulation and will be starting a series of 20 treatments on June 2nd. My last one will be in my 31st wedding anniversary on June 29th. Looking forward to completing this next phase

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

    Katzpjays - Nice to celebrate the ends of rads with an anniversary party! And doesn't it feel good to start the next phase of your treatment to KILL CANCER? I'm so anxious to get to Washington!

    HUGS!


  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited May 2016

    Hey Everyone!!!


    Been awhile!! I hope everyone is kicking butt!!! either in treatment or recovery into life! Ive been super busy with life, putting this all behind me now. I had my Breast Surgeon last week, my yearly mammos and u/s all clear, no problems at all. I see him in 3 months, I will be doing a Mastectomy unfortunately purely preventative as I had a recurrence, but I am mending, healthy and Cancer free. Woohoo!!!

    I'm currently doing an 8 week rehab program, where I have an individualised program from a physio, which is awesome!!! Im doing cardio and strength training, Ive also changed my diet, trying lots of great new healthy things.

    I also get an Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Psychologist and Dietician. Amazing!!!! Had our Dietician meeting yesterday and as I have always thought...she said. The only key post Cancer is to have a healthy balanced diet! There are NO LINKS between any foods or drink that they can say unequivacably bring on Breast Cancer, all the Studies are not extensive at all. Thats why Media keep bringing up something new all the time of some new food that contributes or protects. Just live ladies, eat and drink what you enjoy in moderation as long as you have a healthy diet. Sometimes I think the Internet has too much information and can be detrimental. Was interesting coming from a Professional. I think hopefully people will relax a little and just keep enjoying their lives moving forward.

    This was twice in my life, but it doesnt define me, Im enjoying the changes and the new person emerging, and moving on from the experience.


    Hugs to everyone!!!

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

    Melclarity, so happy for the good mammo and u/s! It will be nice when you can get your mx behind you. Like you, I believe in balance. I still have a glass of wine and indulge in other favorite foods. I haven't cut out anything. My diet has changed over the years but not because of BC. Very nice to receive validation of using common sense.

    Keep on doing what you're doing. You sound very happy! Glad for you!

    HUGS!

  • Melclarity
    Melclarity Member Posts: 388
    edited May 2016

    Thanks Peggy!!! Super happy!!! and I agree to hear from a Professional was quite surprising!!! and what I thought all along, just felt I should share it as there is so much misinformation and useless information that unfortunately too many people panic about. Common Sense!!! ONLY is all everyone needs to worry about!!! Hope youre doing super Peggy!!! x

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

    Sue, radiation will be over quickly and then off with living! Poodles, hooray for good news! Trish, wonderful news about clean margins. Peggy, I hope the celebration of your DH's life is everything you hope it to be. Enjoy your family time and the last days in your marital home. I am sure it is bittersweet.

  • Katzpjays
    Katzpjays Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2016

    Melclarity - congrats on your test results and healthy living. I agree...too much info out there, much of it not credible. We have to have both balance and joy in our lives. Thanks for sharing the information from your dietician. So practical.Everything in moderation...except happiness.

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

    Mel, I am doing well. My allergies are doing even better :(

    Molly, It will be a bittersweet weekend: finally saying goodbye to Chuck, last time the kids and I will be in this house where I've been for 49 years, having all the extended family together for probably the last time. I've been working on my eulogy for Chuck and read it out loud for the first time. Yeah. That was a lot tougher than reading it in my head. My practice needed.

    HUGS!

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