Thank you. My cancer was stage 0 not spread at all. Hard to decide but you answered one thing I will also ask my oncologist and that is how they protect the heart since it is my left breast.
Dear @ema1 - My DCIS was stage 0 as well. However, I had no clear upper margins. I, too, was VERY concerned about getting any type of radiation. BUT, sometimes, one has to accept the pits with the cherries!
As the article above will explain, there are two main types of Radiation Treatments: External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy. I had the "External-Beam Radiation Therapy"; the most common form of radiation treatment for breast cancer. My radiation oncologist, very experienced, told me he would have me lay on my BELLY. This is how they prevent potential damage to the heart and lungs.
Brachytherapy is the other radiation therapy method. This is when radioactive pellets (also called seeds) are placed inside your breast near the tumor site. However, many things limit the use of Brachytherapy; I was NOT a candidate for that.
You may want to ask your Radiation Oncologist to explain the differences between the two methods and which one you would be a candidate for. Also, ask about which of the two is most successful.
I know, it isn't easy to travel this road! In spite of the newest ways hospitals try to support patients - for instance employing "Nurse Navigators", it seems that a lot of it is still a do-it-yourself adventure. And not the best of adventures, either!
The shock, fear, and anxiety one feels after being told she (or he) has cancer is off the chart. I am a very confident, assertive person, but I felt totally lost. I felt I needed someone to tell me what to do, who to call, who to see, how to find the right information .... I needed HELP! But no one was seemingly there for me. There were pieces of information, but not enough to reassure me. That's when I decided that if I would ever get to the end of that first part of the journey, I would never forget all my sisters (and brothers) who may be finding themselves in a similar situation.
Hi
Oh it's vitamins and such herbal stuff from my natural path. I do have some a very low dose lorezepam I guess I could dbl up. Saw my g.p. today and he dropped the bomb he is Is transitioning his practice to dermatology. So now I have to find a new doctor in the midst of this. Just finished filling out a form. I hope I get accepted.
My sister will be bringing me home. And my surgery should be no more than 1 hour and a 1/2. My surgery is day surgery. As long as everything is status quo.
Dear @sue417 - Thanks for the explanation. Perhaps it is not what you are missing (in terms of supplements) but the fact you are having to adjust to so many changes and so many NEW things - and all at the same time. I understand how with even the GP leaving, everything may appear even worse. I am sorry you are going through all of this; I understand how things are very frightening right now. Did you ask your transitioning doctor for a prescription for your anxiety? It may help you face all these changes.
How great to have your sister nearby and able to help you! Is she staying with you for at least a day or two? This surgery is no picnic, and you may need a little help as you recover.
Your surgery seems fairly straightforward and free of many complications. I guess you are not going to have any immediate reconstruction? Are you planning to do it later?
I had it immediately because my radiation oncologist told me it would be best to do it BEFORE radiation treatment.
Dear @ema1 - My DCIS was stage 0 as well. However, I had no clear upper margins. I, too, was VERY concerned about getting any type of radiation. BUT, sometimes, one has to accept the pits with the cherries!
As the article above will explain, there are two main types of Radiation Treatments: External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy. I had the "External-Beam Radiation Therapy"; the most common form of radiation treatment for breast cancer. My radiation oncologist, very experienced, told me he would have me lay on my BELLY. This is how they prevent potential damage to the heart and lungs.
Brachytherapy is the other radiation therapy method. This is when radioactive pellets (also called seeds) are placed inside your breast near the tumor site. However, many things limit the use of Brachytherapy; I was NOT a candidate for that.
You may want to ask your Radiation Oncologist to explain the differences between the two methods and which one you would be a candidate for. Also, ask about which of the two is most successful.
I know, it isn't easy to travel this road! In spite of the newest ways hospitals try to support patients - for instance employing "Nurse Navigators", it seems that a lot of it is still a do-it-yourself adventure. And not the best of adventures, either!
The shock, fear, and anxiety one feels after being told she (or he) has cancer is off the chart. I am a very confident, assertive person, but I felt totally lost. I felt I needed someone to tell me what to do, who to call, who to see, how to find the right information .... I needed HELP! But no one was seemingly there for me. There were pieces of information, but not enough to reassure me. That's when I decided that if I would ever get to the end of that first part of the journey, I would never forget all my sisters (and brothers) who may be finding themselves in a similar situation.
D. I so appreciate everything and the support! What you have shared will not only help me but others who are reading your kind and informative comment! Thx so much!
D. I so appreciate everything and the support! What you have shared will not only help me but others who are reading your kind and informative comment! Thx so much!
Thank you so much for your kind words @ema1! I am very happy to know I may have helped you (and maybe others) in some way. I will certainly be available if you need me!
One thing I wanted to ask you: Have you taken a genetic test for cancer? Not merely the usual two (BRCA1 and 2). There are large panels of tests available.
At the very beginning of my journey, the first surgeon I saw told me it would be good to take a genetic test. I did. It was quite an enlightening and helpful experience!
Dear @sue417 - Thanks for the explanation. Perhaps it is not what you are missing (in terms of supplements) but the fact you are having to adjust to so many changes and so many NEW things - and all at the same time. I understand how with even the GP leaving, everything may appear even worse. I am sorry you are going through all of this; I understand how things are very frightening right now. Did you ask your transitioning doctor for a prescription for your anxiety? It may help you face all these changes.
How great to have your sister nearby and able to help you! Is she staying with you for at least a day or two? This surgery is no picnic, and you may need a little help as you recover.
Your surgery seems fairly straightforward and free of many complications. I guess you are not going to have any immediate reconstruction? Are you planning to do it later?
I had it immediately because my radiation oncologist told me it would be best to do it BEFORE radiation treatment.
Hi
I already have lorezepam but a low dose.
Your surgery sounds a lot more complicated than what I am going to go through and I don't think that reconstruction is something to do until they know that they got it all. So that is not on my radar at the moment. I'm just trying to get through this.. No one is staying with me. My neighbor on my floor will check on me.
Totally understand, @ema1 - A similar thing happened in my case. Actually, in my case, the top margins were NOT clear at all! My surgeon explained that she had recognized that. However, her choice was to cut through the chest muscles. She had consulted with the Radio Oncologist and the two decided to avoid that, but YES, I did have Radiation treatment.
As it turned out, I would have needed to do radiations regardless. My radio oncologist sent my specimen to a particular lab, the reply was my type of cancer was pretty aggressive. They indicated my potential for reoccurrence was "high" without doing radiations.
Bottom line: I didn't need more surgery, and my treatments were done belly down. A bit more uncomfortable, but safer (according to my radio oncologist). Radiations done that way, largely spare the organs that could be damaged (heart and lungs).
Hi
I already have lorezepam but a low dose.
Your surgery sounds a lot more complicated than what I am going to go through and I don't think that reconstruction is something to do until they know that they got it all. So that is not on my radar at the moment. I'm just trying to get through this.. No one is staying with me. My neighbor on my floor will check on me.
Hello @sue417 - Yes, I was wondering if you had asked for anything else, or maybe if you should increase the dose of Lorazepam. However, it is not a good idea for you to increase the dose - unless the doctor is aware and agrees. Particularly so since you are having surgery.
I understand your concern about doing one thing at a time (surgery, then later, reconstruction). And, of course, the anxiety that goes along with all of that. There is not a good or a bad way to do this - You can make any decision you feel comfortable with. In fact, some people decide against having any reconstruction. Others, decide to have reconstruction years later. Rest assured; it is fine to wait.
Having a neighbor checking in on you is great! You shouldn't be totally alone.
Yes, my surgery was a bit more complicated. My DCIS was in multiple sites (all on my right breast). That does take time. Thankfully, you will not have to worry about that!
Hey @sue417 - Yes, I slept slightly elevated after surgery. Both in the hospital and at home. At home, I also used a pillow under each arm (I had reconstruction on both breasts). The pillow was not very thick, just enough to raise my arms. It really helped with the pain and general comfort.
Hey @sue417 - Yes, I slept slightly elevated after surgery. Both in the hospital and at home. At home, I also used a pillow under each arm (I had reconstruction on both breasts). The pillow was not very thick, just enough to raise my arms. It really helped with the pain and general comfort.
Sorry @sue417 - You asked for "how long" I slept elevated. I did so for 3 weeks. I had breast drains and they were terribly painful and uncomfortable. Sleeping elevated and with a pillow under my arms helped with that as well.
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Dear @ema1 - My DCIS was stage 0 as well. However, I had no clear upper margins. I, too, was VERY concerned about getting any type of radiation. BUT, sometimes, one has to accept the pits with the cherries!
A good resource:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy-for-breast-cancer/about/pac-20384940
As the article above will explain, there are two main types of Radiation Treatments: External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy. I had the "External-Beam Radiation Therapy"; the most common form of radiation treatment for breast cancer. My radiation oncologist, very experienced, told me he would have me lay on my BELLY. This is how they prevent potential damage to the heart and lungs.
Brachytherapy is the other radiation therapy method. This is when radioactive pellets (also called seeds) are placed inside your breast near the tumor site. However, many things limit the use of Brachytherapy; I was NOT a candidate for that.
You may want to ask your Radiation Oncologist to explain the differences between the two methods and which one you would be a candidate for. Also, ask about which of the two is most successful.
I know, it isn't easy to travel this road! In spite of the newest ways hospitals try to support patients - for instance employing "Nurse Navigators", it seems that a lot of it is still a do-it-yourself adventure. And not the best of adventures, either!
The shock, fear, and anxiety one feels after being told she (or he) has cancer is off the chart. I am a very confident, assertive person, but I felt totally lost. I felt I needed someone to tell me what to do, who to call, who to see, how to find the right information .... I needed HELP! But no one was seemingly there for me. There were pieces of information, but not enough to reassure me. That's when I decided that if I would ever get to the end of that first part of the journey, I would never forget all my sisters (and brothers) who may be finding themselves in a similar situation.
So, I am here for you, if I can help.
HUGS!
D.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDear @sue417 - Thanks for the explanation. Perhaps it is not what you are missing (in terms of supplements) but the fact you are having to adjust to so many changes and so many NEW things - and all at the same time. I understand how with even the GP leaving, everything may appear even worse. I am sorry you are going through all of this; I understand how things are very frightening right now. Did you ask your transitioning doctor for a prescription for your anxiety? It may help you face all these changes.
How great to have your sister nearby and able to help you! Is she staying with you for at least a day or two? This surgery is no picnic, and you may need a little help as you recover.
Your surgery seems fairly straightforward and free of many complications. I guess you are not going to have any immediate reconstruction? Are you planning to do it later?
I had it immediately because my radiation oncologist told me it would be best to do it BEFORE radiation treatment.
HUGS,
D.
D. I so appreciate everything and the support! What you have shared will not only help me but others who are reading your kind and informative comment! Thx so much!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you so much for your kind words @ema1! I am very happy to know I may have helped you (and maybe others) in some way. I will certainly be available if you need me!
One thing I wanted to ask you: Have you taken a genetic test for cancer? Not merely the usual two (BRCA1 and 2). There are large panels of tests available.
At the very beginning of my journey, the first surgeon I saw told me it would be good to take a genetic test. I did. It was quite an enlightening and helpful experience!
HUGS,
D.
No, I haven't but will ask about it.
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2 ReactionsHi
I already have lorezepam but a low dose.
Your surgery sounds a lot more complicated than what I am going to go through and I don't think that reconstruction is something to do until they know that they got it all. So that is not on my radar at the moment. I'm just trying to get through this.. No one is staying with me. My neighbor on my floor will check on me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi
Did you have to sleep elevated after surgery? If so for how long
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello @sue417 - Yes, I was wondering if you had asked for anything else, or maybe if you should increase the dose of Lorazepam. However, it is not a good idea for you to increase the dose - unless the doctor is aware and agrees. Particularly so since you are having surgery.
I understand your concern about doing one thing at a time (surgery, then later, reconstruction). And, of course, the anxiety that goes along with all of that. There is not a good or a bad way to do this - You can make any decision you feel comfortable with. In fact, some people decide against having any reconstruction. Others, decide to have reconstruction years later. Rest assured; it is fine to wait.
Having a neighbor checking in on you is great! You shouldn't be totally alone.
Yes, my surgery was a bit more complicated. My DCIS was in multiple sites (all on my right breast). That does take time. Thankfully, you will not have to worry about that!
HUGS!
D.
Hey @sue417 - Yes, I slept slightly elevated after surgery. Both in the hospital and at home. At home, I also used a pillow under each arm (I had reconstruction on both breasts). The pillow was not very thick, just enough to raise my arms. It really helped with the pain and general comfort.
Do you know if you will have a breast drain?
HUGS,
D.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionSorry @sue417 - You asked for "how long" I slept elevated. I did so for 3 weeks. I had breast drains and they were terribly painful and uncomfortable. Sleeping elevated and with a pillow under my arms helped with that as well.
HUGS!
D.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction