LUMPECTOMY

I live with my daughter her husband and my only 2 grandsons aged 10 and 6, so she is here to help me.  Trying very hard to think positive thoughts and not dwell on the what ifs....but I am only human,,,,i think its normal....
Thanks so much for your chat, really appreciate it. xx

I had 4 weeks Rads, Mon-Fri - and compared to what I THOUGHT it would be - it was relatively easy - very important to keep the lotions up to the treated area tho!  But don't assume that you will NEED Rads - your medical team will guide you on that.

Don't overthink it.  Make sure you ask about how long you can't drive afterwards ..... your car insurance may depend on it!!  

Yep, the brain goes into overdrive, doing the 'what ifs' ..... try as much as you can NOT to worry about it.  If friends & family offer assistance re meals, walking the dog, mowing the lawn & house cleaning etc - take them up on it.  It is a win/win situation - they feel good for helping you - and you won't over exert yourself when you shouldn't!!   Milk it for as long as you can!   ;) 

All the best xx

Oh wow that makes me feel better.....my mind is working overtime and sometimes I think I am going insane. 
How long was your rads and how do you feel now. Sorry about all the questions..... xx

Mine was invasive lobular as well ..... right breast ..... so we may be twins!!  Mine wasn't in the nodes.  Fingers crossed yours isn't - grade 2 often isn't.

Any small cushion will be fine if you aren't staying in overnight - but at home, you may find a 'narrow' cushion easier to 'support' your arm.    Make sure you take your pain meds - do NOT assume you won't need them!!  Sleep is essential - and if in pain, you won't sleep.

We have some wonderful WA members who may be able to point you in the right direction for services close to you ..... @"Annie C"  and @JJ70 are two - with others as well.  Pop your 'city' in your profile name - and others will jump on.

Make sure you take a buddy with you when you get your pathology results  -  it is hard to 'remember' everything they say!  Or, at least record it on your phone, for later reference.   It is your medical team that will suggest your later treatment.  I dodged the chemo bullet, but went with Rads, due to the invasive nature of the pathology.  Your medical team will advise you on this.  

Once it is 'out' - you will be amazed at how much 'better' you feel!  xxx  take care & all the best for tomorrow xx

Hi Arpie. I am in Perth. Thanks for the advice. will try to get an oblong cushion. I think that if I am operated on in the morning, that I go home later on in the day. this is really a very scary journey to be on.....I have an 8mm invasive lobular tumor in the right breast grade 2....

Hi @deedeedee - try not to overthink it - it is usually minimally invasive .... 

I had a lumpectomy 2 years ago (close to my nipple) and had no real 'worries' - and my scar healed really well, with not much scarring.   I was glad I had a small oblong cushion with me tho - to support my arm after surgery (in the hospital) and for the drive home (supporting bumps on the road & driveways on the way home. Make sure you are hugging it for the whole drive home.)

If you are staying in over night - I'd recommend ear plugs and eye masks (like you get on long haul planes.)  Hospitals are noisy, brightly lit places!

Make sure you take any medications you may already be on - you will need to give them to the nurses to administer to you, so it doesn't affect anything they may be giving you for pain, etc.

Do you live in a bigger city or are you rural?  If rural, you can claim back for the cost of fuel etc to get to your appointments.

take care & all the best for tomorrow xxxx