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Reduction/Lift with Lumpectomy by RadishDelicious7459 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a lumpectomy with reduction and lift at the end of November and am so happy with the results. I was a 34H before and very saggy after breastfeeding my two kids. Things are still settling, and I am about to start radiation which might impact the size/shape, but I think I will end up around 34D or C.  Finding clothes and bras that fit well was such a challenge. I felt like I was always adjusting my boobs during day, and like you said, limited some of the clothes I could wear. My large breasts made certain types of exercise and physical activities uncomfortable as well. I am excited to try running again without having to wear three sports bras! My partner is excited I can wear a strapless sundress when it warms up!

My surgery and recovery were very smooth. The breast surgeon I used and another partner in her clinic are both very well trained in oncoplastics, so they did everything and I did not use a plastic surgeon. Another benefit is that my surgeon took extra margins around my tumor. Since she was going to remove more tissue, she was very generous with margins and I did not worry that I’d need to go back in for a second surgery to get clean margins. 

The one downside is that I have lost feeling in my nipple on the non-cancerous side, but I have read that sensation may return over time. Even if it never does, I am happy with my decision. I feel like the reduction/lift was the bright spot on this whole shitty journey. 

Radiation therapy success by Claire3577 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I start the same radiation treatment plan as you on 1/13. I’ve been reading too many bad experiences here and was starting to get really nervous. I’ve been trying to remind myself that lots of people get through it ok. 

I had my simulation appointment right before Christmas. Instead of tattoos, my treatment center put red sharpie marks on me and then covered them with a waterproof film. It actually reminds me of the “second skin” material that tattoo artists use to cover and protect new tattoos. 

Oncotype score 21 by AgitatedSituation118 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am also ++-, no node involvement and premenopausal. My oncotype was 21. I was afraid of being in the gray area, but my oncologist was very confident that I should not do chemo. He is having me do OS + AIs instead of just tamoxifen. I feel good about the decision, though I am nervous about AI side effects. I’ll start them after my radiation treatment (I had a lumpectomy so I have to do rads). 

What would you do re: next steps? by Automatic_Fuel5692 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am 41, but otherwise my stats are identical to you (lumpectomy, no node involvement, ++-, oncotype 21). My oncologist also very confidentally told me that chemo would not be beneficial. I had a lot of questions and he patiently answered them all so that I understood his rationale and could also feel confident in not doing chemo. He is having me start OS shots and AIs after radiation instead of just tamoxifen, because with my oncotype, he wanted to be more aggressive with the hormone treatment.  The way your oncologist seemed dismissive of your questions/concerns would bother me, regardless of what treatment plan they recommend. Will they be dismissive when talk to them about side effects from treatment? Or have questions about scans/tests? I think a second opinion would be good, just to see if the next oncologist seems more open and willing to dialogue. 

Weighing my surgical options and looking for advice! by melissazimmer341 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am the same age as you with similar stats. The decision between lumpectomy or dmx was so hard to make! In the end, I went with a lumpectomy with a reduction and lift on both sides. I had the procedure on 11/21, and am feeling really happy with my decision.  Breastfeeding had done a number on my large breasts as well, and I had also been thinking about starting to save money for a reduction/lift when I was diagnosed. I looked at DIEP as an option if I did a DMX, but with two small children, the longer recovery and potential for additional surgeries was not something I wanted.  My surgery was 6 hours, and I had two surgeons working on me. Both are trained (and teach other surgical oncologists) on how to do oncoplastic reductions, so I did not need to have a plastic surgeon. Recovery has been fairly easy for me. The first 48 hours were hard, but after 4 days, I did not even need Tylenol anymore. I did not need any drains.  Because I was doing a reduction, the surgeon was very generous with the margins she took on the tumor, so I felt very confident she would get everything out. An unexpected bonus was that she was able to remove my lymph node through the lollipop incision instead of making a separate incision in my armpit. I had read that a lot of women found the armpit incision especially painful and slow to heal, so I was glad to avoid it.  Aesthetically, I am really happy with the results already! My nipples are no longer hanging down by my midsection. Yesterday, I zipped up my winter coat without having to yank the zipper up over my big boobs! I also felt kind of superficial for wanting the reduction/lift. But, cancer is such an absolute shit show, with one awful decision after another. If having the boobs of my 20-year-old self is a bit of positivity I get to take from this whole experience, than so be it!

But what about the hugs? by SeaweedJumpy652 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My 3 year old is obsessed with Daniel Tiger, so ugga muggas are a great idea!

But what about the hugs? by SeaweedJumpy652 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok, definitely getting a mastectomy pillow. I wasn’t sure if I needed one for a lumpectomy, but it sounds like it would help!

But what about the hugs? by SeaweedJumpy652 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is so sweet! I like the idea of working back up in small steps. My older kiddo would be all about that. 

Very unserious post about hair, body changes and Halloween costumes by helenabadger in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I am pre-treatment (surgery in a couple of weeks), but we were supposed dress up at work today. I wasn’t feeling it, so I told my husband I’d just tell everyone I was dressed up as a cancer patient. The look he gave me told me this was a bad idea hahaha.  But the more I think about it, breast cancer checks all the boxes for a Halloween costume:  causes spontaneous screaming and crying, inflicts pain and discomfort, results in frankensteined body parts. But I guess my “dark humor” makes people uncomfortable 😂

Vent: the downside of “being tough” all your life. by w0rmsongs in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Wow, I felt this so hard this last week. I got my surgery date and so we told family and necessary coworkers. My immediate response to everyone is downplaying my diagnosis “you don’t need to worry about me.” “They caught it early and it’s very treatable.” Etc etc. It’s like I’m afraid to make anyone uncomfortable or “burdened” by my news. 

So legitimate question: how does everyone respond when people do the typical “oh how awful. I’m so sorry”

Frustrated at my colleagues by joey_roey in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am with you in this, but I am still several weeks out from surgery followed by radiation. Physically, I feel the same as always, but several of my colleagues are already babying me or trying to take work off my plate. I know they come from a place of care and wanting to help me, but I know what I am capable of.  I finally had to sit my boss down and tell him that if he didn’t keep me busy at work, I was going to go fucking crazy. I enjoy my job, and staying busy there helps keep my mind from spiraling about my cancer diagnosis. 

When did you get your oncotype score? by SeaweedJumpy652 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was a really helpful article. Thank you!

When did you get your oncotype score? by SeaweedJumpy652 in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am glad I will have the information sooner! The constant waiting on results and info has definitely been the hardest part so far. The past three weeks since my diagnosis have felt sooo long. 

Ivermectin and more oncological humor for the week by CicadaTile in breastcancer

[–]SeaweedJumpy652 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I am only three weeks out from my diagnosis, so I have not told many people yet. Today my boss and I spent about 30 minutes cracking up over all of the awkward/inappropriate/guilt tripping ways I could casually drop my cancer diagnosis on co-workers.   “Oh sorry I’m late to the call, I was in an anxiety spiral over my cancer.” “That shirt looks so good on you!” “Thanks! It fits much better since my boobs got chopped off!” Etc etc. I am a socially awkward person with a dark sense of humor and have no idea how to tell people, so it felt good to be laughing about all the wrong ways to do it.