Newbie to the Forum
Just joined today. I had a lumpectomy with removal of 2 sentinel lymph nodes, left breast, 8 days ago, which was 6 weeks after having rotator cuff repair surgery on the shoulder on the same side. My lymph nodes came back negative and pathology report showed margins were clear. However, because it was invasive ductal carcinoma my medical oncologist is going to run an Oncotype test to see whether I'm a low, intermediate or high risk patient. Low risk = no chemo, high risk=chemo, intermediate= we'll discuss it. So Arimidex and radiation are on hold while I wait the 2 weeks for the results.
So in the mean time I'm back in physical therapy for my rotator cuff rehab, trying to improve my range of motion.
Main problem now is painful lumpy incisions. It feels like there's cardboard strips under the incisions and as I move the edges poke me. Medical oncologist told me today it'll feel a lot better in a month, but will take several months to disappear all together. I've been taking extra strenth tylenol. Anyone found anything else helpful?
Comments
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Newbie to the form
Puffin, glad you found this website. Sorry for the reason why. I have not been on here long either but all the BC sisters are here for you for support and answers. MY DX is almost like yours except that I had to have a bi-laterial Masectomy and thought I was just going to have just radition and arimidex. Oncotype score came back high risk reocurrence and I ended up with having 4 rounds of chemo. Chemo was not bad at all because they gave me alot of meds through IV that kept vomiting and nausea down completely. What got me was the Neulasta shot after each chemo and I was down until almost next treatment. Some women it does not bother but I was in the bed and could not get up for days. Cannot help with you about your lumpectomy but I have had 3 rorator cuff surgeries which I think is the worst surgery anyone can have due to pain. My doctor had to put me on strong narcotics to relieve it. Keep in touch and let me know what is next for you and hope everything goes well for you. Higs, Donna
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Just joined on Monday...
First, congratulations on getting a clean pathology report! That is great news.
I was considered high risk, so I started with chemo, then surgery and finally radiation that just wrapped up 4 weeks ago. I had (have) side effects from the chemo...quite a few, but luckily because of the drugs they have me in the infusion, I wasn't sick to my stomach. The neulasta shot was not good, but it does good for you. It was painful and I managed it by taking Norco when I would get home from work and wasn't driving anywhere. Like I said, I have quite a few side effects, but not everyone has them.
As for the incision area, I went to the lymphodema clinic a month after surgery and they told me to massage the area so that doesn't harden, but check with your doctor about that. I was to do some exercises as well, but again with your rotator cuff surgery, best to ask Dr or PT.
Good luck on the Oncotype Test!!!
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Welcome...
I Hope you painWelcome...
I Hope you pain eases soon.
wow shoulder and breast (same side) tough , to say the least.
Thinking of you,
Denise
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Surprised they did surgery so
Surprised they did surgery so soon after rotator cuff. You are amazingly brave coping with both procedures. I had rotator cuff done and the six weeks after was very painful. But now pain free and very happy. They could have aggravated the healing process started by the second operation. I would ask for stronger pain meds under advice, the physio, I recall was in itself very painful. Still getting my head round having both done but then I guess breast cancer is the more serious of the two and has to be dealt with immediately.
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massaging the lumpsSharon G said:Just joined on Monday...
First, congratulations on getting a clean pathology report! That is great news.
I was considered high risk, so I started with chemo, then surgery and finally radiation that just wrapped up 4 weeks ago. I had (have) side effects from the chemo...quite a few, but luckily because of the drugs they have me in the infusion, I wasn't sick to my stomach. The neulasta shot was not good, but it does good for you. It was painful and I managed it by taking Norco when I would get home from work and wasn't driving anywhere. Like I said, I have quite a few side effects, but not everyone has them.
As for the incision area, I went to the lymphodema clinic a month after surgery and they told me to massage the area so that doesn't harden, but check with your doctor about that. I was to do some exercises as well, but again with your rotator cuff surgery, best to ask Dr or PT.
Good luck on the Oncotype Test!!!
I had my post op visit today and got the ok to do light massage the next couple weeks, and can do deeper massage then when the stitches have healed more. He also said I could use either heat or cold, so far heat has helped more. I have one of those long rice bags to microwave and use on your neck - it drapes very nicely around my breast and under my armpit. He said my rotator cuff exercises would do double duty for preventing lymphedema.
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post op rotator cuff and lumpectomyRozHopkins said:Surprised they did surgery so
Surprised they did surgery so soon after rotator cuff. You are amazingly brave coping with both procedures. I had rotator cuff done and the six weeks after was very painful. But now pain free and very happy. They could have aggravated the healing process started by the second operation. I would ask for stronger pain meds under advice, the physio, I recall was in itself very painful. Still getting my head round having both done but then I guess breast cancer is the more serious of the two and has to be dealt with immediately.
I knew I had a long time of therapy left for my shoulder and wanted that cancer out NOW. I had surgery on a Monday and was back in PT, with surgeon's OK, on Friday. Lost some range of motion, but at today's therapy session I measured the same # of degrees as preop so it only put me behind by 2 weeks. And now the exercises I'm doing in therapy are doing double duty as my lymphedema prevention exercises.
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Hi PuffinPuffin2014 said:massaging the lumps
I had my post op visit today and got the ok to do light massage the next couple weeks, and can do deeper massage then when the stitches have healed more. He also said I could use either heat or cold, so far heat has helped more. I have one of those long rice bags to microwave and use on your neck - it drapes very nicely around my breast and under my armpit. He said my rotator cuff exercises would do double duty for preventing lymphedema.
I'm big on heat myself. After radiation though, I am not allowed to put heat or even soak in a hot bath tub and I miss that. Soon though... I look forward to that. I got great news from the lymphodema clinic yesterday. No signs of it! As a matter of fact, my measurements went down from before surgery. That is great news!
While doing both surgeries must have been tough, it's a good thing that doing the exercises help both. I'll keep thinking good thoughts for you that your test will show you don't need chemo/radiation. Keep the faith and keep me posted.
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Welcome to the board.
This has been a great site for me. I love that everyone is so willing to share, and that one question can give you 5 different answers from 5 different people. Not right or wrong, just different reactions and/or opinions which opens my eyes and expands my choices. So often, questions may come up that are answered on someone else's post, and that we are learning about se, and remedies from people who have 1st hand experience.
At times this is a very hard place to be. Due to the nature of this illness/disease whatever you may call it, we do lose people, and when that happens (like another one this week), it reminds me of the realities of this horrendous disease.
The first time around in 2002, the anti-nausea meds were not as good and the doctors now have more to choose from if one does not work. For me, the decision to have chemo was as easy as deciding on a mastectomy. I wanted the cancer out yesterday, and I was willing to be as aggressive as possible so I would never have to do it again. We knew how aggressive it was, and I got 8 1/2 years cancer free before it came back. And this time around, there are so many more choices with meds, different radiation options, as well as choices for anti nausea. Unfortunately, on 3 of the 5 different chemo's I still lost my hair, LOL. That really was the least of my worries.
I wish you the best and am glad you found us!
Carol
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This is a very Hard Place to Be....camul said:Welcome to the board.
This has been a great site for me. I love that everyone is so willing to share, and that one question can give you 5 different answers from 5 different people. Not right or wrong, just different reactions and/or opinions which opens my eyes and expands my choices. So often, questions may come up that are answered on someone else's post, and that we are learning about se, and remedies from people who have 1st hand experience.
At times this is a very hard place to be. Due to the nature of this illness/disease whatever you may call it, we do lose people, and when that happens (like another one this week), it reminds me of the realities of this horrendous disease.
The first time around in 2002, the anti-nausea meds were not as good and the doctors now have more to choose from if one does not work. For me, the decision to have chemo was as easy as deciding on a mastectomy. I wanted the cancer out yesterday, and I was willing to be as aggressive as possible so I would never have to do it again. We knew how aggressive it was, and I got 8 1/2 years cancer free before it came back. And this time around, there are so many more choices with meds, different radiation options, as well as choices for anti nausea. Unfortunately, on 3 of the 5 different chemo's I still lost my hair, LOL. That really was the least of my worries.
I wish you the best and am glad you found us!
Carol
Yes I agree with you Carol.........actually I did not even know about this site back in 2002..........did not join for years.........but was glad I found it. However as you said above...it is really hard place to be and to face reality. To see someone like you have it return after 8 1/2 years........it is very scary and it wakes us up to the fact that this deadly disease can return. It brings fear to each of us....but it also shows us what true courage is..........and you have that. Praying for you. xxoo Glo
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Glo ...GlowMore said:This is a very Hard Place to Be....
Yes I agree with you Carol.........actually I did not even know about this site back in 2002..........did not join for years.........but was glad I found it. However as you said above...it is really hard place to be and to face reality. To see someone like you have it return after 8 1/2 years........it is very scary and it wakes us up to the fact that this deadly disease can return. It brings fear to each of us....but it also shows us what true courage is..........and you have that. Praying for you. xxoo Glo
you my Sister in PINK summed up what so many of us Warriors fear -- hearing or knowing someone who has had this nasty beast return after years of 'Dancing with Ned' Ned = no evidence of disease ...
Keeping all of you in good thoughts, and prayers.
Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.
Vicki Sam
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Hey Puff
it was great to see you in chat last night and I am glad you found it beneficial. As you see, we are all here for you and no one is ever wrong, but, as was said below, another perspective of a similar situation.
Welcome to the site and all the support possible in a venue like this. Come back often and I hope today went Well with the doc.
Sherry
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Newbie to the forum - First oncologist appt today at 1:30 CT
Hi all,
My name is Bonnie and I was recently diagnosed on July 3, 2014 with Invasive Mammary Carcinoma and High Grade DCIS in left breast.
History:
Two years ago (2012) they found micro calcifications on my left breast. I was sent to a surgeon immediately who sent me stat to get two core biopsies done. I insisted that they sprayed me with numbing spray before the locals. This worked GREAT. I have had dense breasts all my life so I have never quite passed a mammo since I was 19.
The results came back BENIGN. They took a lot of samples all BENIGN. I had routine check up and then haven't been back for mammo in 1 1/2 years until now.
Had a car accident on March 3,2014. Breast planted into the steering wheel due to airbags not going off. Both my breasts hurt and were sore. But after two months I thought why does it still hurt on my left breast? Maybe I really injured it. Then I though oh I had the biopsies done on that side, possibly irritated the scar tissue??
I then noticed a change in my nipple/areola like a thickening and swelling then a bit of reddishness. This all transpired within two weeks. I told my husband and off we went to the breast surgeon who did the intitial tests.
He got me into a mammo test and it showed some activity. Like the same spot with micro calcifications cluster but a little bigger than last time. We were sent for core biopsies and once again I insisted on the numbing spray before the local. I was suprised this wasn't an automatic thing for us women having to have this type of biopsy but non the less I got my way and later the nurse said I was waaaay more relaxed then most of her patiece and she will be using the spray as a standard now. That made me feel like a made a difference for the next woman in line
My results came back as : Invasive mammary (sp) Carcinoma and high grade DCIS. - WHAT THE HELL??? Please understand that I am not a cusser but I wanted to be honest in this forum and say exactly what I was thinking.
HOW, WHAT, WHEN, What the HELL!!!! But it was benign, now it's cancer! Take them off now! Ths is my first thought. I don't want chemo, second thought...am I going to D... nope not going to say that word. I have four kids and a husband and I'm only 43. I must deal with this.
I don't know what stage I am or if anything has spread.
What I do know is that this is my first visit with my oncologist today at 1:30 pm Central time. I feel like I will have some more questions answered and have a better focus than what I have at the moment.
BIG HUGS,
Bonnie
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oncotype 27, next step chemo
Saw my oncologist this afternoon, oncotype score was 27, not what I was hoping for, it falls into the high intermediate range. So baseline blood work has been drawn, I've picked up my antiemetics from the pharmacy and the radiology dept will be calling to set up placing my port for my 4 rounds of cytoxin and taxotere, probably next week since tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow will go looking at wigs and scarves.
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I am so sorry to hear thatPuffin2014 said:oncotype 27, next step chemo
Saw my oncologist this afternoon, oncotype score was 27, not what I was hoping for, it falls into the high intermediate range. So baseline blood work has been drawn, I've picked up my antiemetics from the pharmacy and the radiology dept will be calling to set up placing my port for my 4 rounds of cytoxin and taxotere, probably next week since tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow will go looking at wigs and scarves.
I am so sorry to hear that you didn't get the results you were hoping for.
If you have any side effects, lots of people on here can help give tips for things that they used while getting chemo and rads.
I hope your port placement goes smoothly and you don't have problems with it.
You will definitely be in my thoughts.
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So Sorry to HearPuffin2014 said:oncotype 27, next step chemo
Saw my oncologist this afternoon, oncotype score was 27, not what I was hoping for, it falls into the high intermediate range. So baseline blood work has been drawn, I've picked up my antiemetics from the pharmacy and the radiology dept will be calling to set up placing my port for my 4 rounds of cytoxin and taxotere, probably next week since tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow will go looking at wigs and scarves.
Puffin. so sorry to hear about your onco score at 27 and you have to go through chemo. My cancer is similiar to yours but I had to have bi-laterial masectomy. Do not worrry about this because they caught this in early stage and nodes were neg. and margins were clear. I talked to you last night in chat room. Enjoyed meeting you.
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Welcome Puffin!
I don't post in here too often. But, I have to say you have a great attitude! I have found Frankincense essential oil to be excellent for fatigue, gives me a hell of an energy boost, just wish I had discovered whilst I was going through chemo and rads it sure would have helped a lot! Good luck with your journey. Hugs Tash xx
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essential oilstasha_111 said:Welcome Puffin!
I don't post in here too often. But, I have to say you have a great attitude! I have found Frankincense essential oil to be excellent for fatigue, gives me a hell of an energy boost, just wish I had discovered whilst I was going through chemo and rads it sure would have helped a lot! Good luck with your journey. Hugs Tash xx
Interesting that you mentioned the essential oils. A gal at the support group last week did a presentation on them, and is going to do a follow up meeting at her house. Thanks for the tip on the Frankincense.
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hi intermediate oncotypePixie Dust said:So Sorry to Hear
Puffin. so sorry to hear about your onco score at 27 and you have to go through chemo. My cancer is similiar to yours but I had to have bi-laterial masectomy. Do not worrry about this because they caught this in early stage and nodes were neg. and margins were clear. I talked to you last night in chat room. Enjoyed meeting you.
I remember talking to you last night in the chat room, maybe will again tonight, I'm headed there next. 30 was the division between intermediate and hi risk of return, so I'm on the hi intermediate area. I'm so grateful mine was found when it was so tiny, before it decided to explode and go everywhere.
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bonbondidit said:
Newbie to the forum - First oncologist appt today at 1:30 CT
Hi all,
My name is Bonnie and I was recently diagnosed on July 3, 2014 with Invasive Mammary Carcinoma and High Grade DCIS in left breast.
History:
Two years ago (2012) they found micro calcifications on my left breast. I was sent to a surgeon immediately who sent me stat to get two core biopsies done. I insisted that they sprayed me with numbing spray before the locals. This worked GREAT. I have had dense breasts all my life so I have never quite passed a mammo since I was 19.
The results came back BENIGN. They took a lot of samples all BENIGN. I had routine check up and then haven't been back for mammo in 1 1/2 years until now.
Had a car accident on March 3,2014. Breast planted into the steering wheel due to airbags not going off. Both my breasts hurt and were sore. But after two months I thought why does it still hurt on my left breast? Maybe I really injured it. Then I though oh I had the biopsies done on that side, possibly irritated the scar tissue??
I then noticed a change in my nipple/areola like a thickening and swelling then a bit of reddishness. This all transpired within two weeks. I told my husband and off we went to the breast surgeon who did the intitial tests.
He got me into a mammo test and it showed some activity. Like the same spot with micro calcifications cluster but a little bigger than last time. We were sent for core biopsies and once again I insisted on the numbing spray before the local. I was suprised this wasn't an automatic thing for us women having to have this type of biopsy but non the less I got my way and later the nurse said I was waaaay more relaxed then most of her patiece and she will be using the spray as a standard now. That made me feel like a made a difference for the next woman in line
My results came back as : Invasive mammary (sp) Carcinoma and high grade DCIS. - WHAT THE HELL??? Please understand that I am not a cusser but I wanted to be honest in this forum and say exactly what I was thinking.
HOW, WHAT, WHEN, What the HELL!!!! But it was benign, now it's cancer! Take them off now! Ths is my first thought. I don't want chemo, second thought...am I going to D... nope not going to say that word. I have four kids and a husband and I'm only 43. I must deal with this.
I don't know what stage I am or if anything has spread.
What I do know is that this is my first visit with my oncologist today at 1:30 pm Central time. I feel like I will have some more questions answered and have a better focus than what I have at the moment.
BIG HUGS,
Bonnie
Bonnie, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this. The waiting is terrible, I just finished my 2 week wait for my oncotype results yesterday, didn't get the news I'd hoped, but I'll do what needs to be done. And so will you. Just as my mother-in-law did when she had her mastectomy and went through chemo with 5 little kids. And now we're celebrating her 92nd birthday in 2 weeks.
Now that you've seen your onc and have some answers you can focus your energies. Use all the resources available to you. This discussion board and the chat room have been a tremendous help for me, I hope they will be for you too.
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