undecided - mastecomy or lumpectomy

[popvendr321]

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I have 1 mass that is 3.5 and a cyst that is 2.5 - not in the lymph nodes - just got back the BRAC test - everything good there. My Doctor and husband are both pushing for a lumpectomy and radiation. I feel that being so young (43) that a mastecomy is right since I have so long to live that I don't want to have to worry about it coming back. Plus if it does come back - if will come off anyway.
Both my husband and Doctor feel that least invasive, no real time off of work... I work with my husband in our own business and also cut hair for a living..my husband thinks, ok work during the day, get radiation in the evening, life continues as normal, sleep all night. Still do housework, dinners, etc. No big difference in life.
I guess my question is, do I make the decision with MY gut or follow what the Doctor reccommmend, since he IS the Specialist in this? AND is a regular life possible during radiation treatments?

[japdip]

I went back and read some previous posts and Lymphedema was mentioned in one of them. This is the issue I'm referring to and I suppose you weren't given many restrictions (although I thought I read something about not lifting over 10 lbs, but I could be wrong as it may have been something that was mentioned by someone who answered you) is that many Dr.s (including my own Surgeon by the way) don't even believe that LE exeists. Believe me IT DOES !!! It can occur anytime following any interruption of the lymphatic system which would be when even one lymph node is removed. Another disgusting feature of LE is that it can occur many years after the surgery.There are many precautions and you might just put Lyphedema in search .... LE has a website where much information can be obtained. I don't believe in going "over the top" with the precautions but some make very good sense and your mention of lifting 75-80 lbs sounds like something I would be cautious about. LE is no fun and once you have it, you have it for life even though it can be treated by various methods of massage, wrapping, compression garments (sleeves and/or gloves) by a specially trained Physical Therapist. Let's hope your bowling result was just too much activity and NOT LE related. Do be careful though, OK ??   Take care ......

[Tinabudde]

Hi there, I just have been following your journey!  My mom's going thru a similiar one at age 82.  She has neuropathy really bad with the tingling and pain then on top of it lymphedema.  If you get a true diagnosis of lymphedema you would qualify for treatment under the 1998 breast cancer act.  Treatment is called combined decongestive therapy and it feels great like a masage!  A specially trained therapist moves the fluid out of the congested area and you are wrapped to keep it out.  You are taught how to do the bodywork yourself and how to wrap, maybe skin brushing, home care and graduate to a sleeve which is a compression sleeve.  I have lymphedema full body almost.  I'm a survivor too but only had lumpectomy.  Mom had masectomy right side last August and this Jan lumpectomy left side.  We are brca 1 and brca 2 positive.  Tina

[popvendr321]

hhhhhmmmm.... I guess I did not know this. I don't remember them telling me I can't ever do things like this. I will follow orders, but I didn't know. What kind of problems could I have caused? What else do I have to give up on with this new lifelong issue? My work involves lifting packages, sometimes up to 75-80 lbs. am I supposed to not lift those? Is there a weight limit that I should be aware of? I REALLY don't want to mess myself up. Is there somewhere I can look this up?
Thanks for opening my eyes to this,
Lisa

[japdip]

You are very brave and quite foolishly so I might add. I personally would NEVER engage in this type of activity on the operative side and I doubt that it would ever be approved by any of your Dr.s. I suggest that you start leaning to bowl right handed if you intend to continue in this sport. I don't mean to sound harsh but the price you may have to pay would be too high for me when compared to bowling. Forget the "a little while longer" part too; this would be a lifelong issue.  Take care now and try that ball in the other hand ....

[popvendr321]

I am not sure if I should start a new thread for this, but....
Last night I went to a fund raiser (bowling for boobies - for a friends walking in Komen Walk) anyway I bowled 2 games, and kind of felt "hurt" during the second game. I am left handed and that is the side I had my cancer on... I had my surgery in October, but after the games, I had well it is hard to explain, but a little pain in that arm. I bowl with a 12lb. ball.  Is this something that I should not have done? Do I have to give up bowling forever? Or just a little while longer? I never thought of this until yesterday, and then someone else said, they were told to not even carry their purse on that side ever again!? SO do I have to baby my left side for the rest of my life?
Thanks,
Lisa who is smiling big, because  we FINALLY have some sunshine!

[Cheerpul]

To add to Bluebutterfly, any time you have a wierd symptom, you should contact your doctor(s).  There are usually explanations and treatments to make it go away or help you cope.  Don't ignore it and "soldier on" when it can be better.

Sounds a lot like lymphedema, especially if you had a number of nodes removed.  There are definitely early treatments for that.
Take care - Shellee