Breast Cancer Lumpectomy

I had a mastectomy 3 yrs ago (when I was 33), followed by radiation. My entire team is AWESOME! My breast surgeon is Dr. Christi Bourne and my rads. oncologist is Dr. Robert Kuske. Dr. Kuske is actually the guy writing a lot of the protocols for how everyone else in the world does breast rads. His wife is also a rads. oncologist. They have their own practice, Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists. I've been blessed with great Drs. all around, who gave me lots of resources. I'm happy to help and provide any info. I can. Just send me a message if there's more you want to know.

C., I am sorry you are going through this and wish you good physical and mental health. Here is a link to Susan G Komen. There is some information that may be of help to you on their site. http://ww5.komen.org/
http://www.komenphoenix.org/site/c.nsKZL3PHLtF/b.3880029/...

I don't have any other information to share, as I am not a BC-survivor. I am a volunteer for SGK.

My mother has been in remission for over a year now from colon cancer. I can tell you, you have to have a strong will! You can get through this.

Best wishes.

Hi C.,
I went through a lumpectomy and radiation one year ago. I am from Santa Fe New Mexico so don't have a surgeon for you. The surgery itself wasn't too bad. I think the hardest part was before the surgery they have to put in wire locators. I had 3 tumors so had 1/4 of my breast removed. They inserted 4 wire locators. Pain wise the insertion of the locators is about like the byopsy. I think it was more the anxiety of the surgery that was difficult. I stayed overnight in the hospital only because I was worried about having a drain if lymph nodes were removed. Lymph nodes were negitive so I didn't have a drain. I was out of work for 2 weeks. I completed 6 weeks of radiation last November. Prior to the first treatment they measure and place tiny tatoos so they can always line you up correctly and always know what area was treated with radiation. The radiation treatments aren't bad and very quick. I cried for the first treatment because I felt very overwhelmed but following that initial treatment I did alright. The skin gets red and a little irritated, similar to a sunburn. My surgeon recommended Trameel ointment, (Wild Oats) which I used and i believe it kept the skin moist and prevented swelling. I did have some fatigue and loss of appetite the last two weeks but other than that no other major side effects. I truly believe that attitude and faith are huge in fighting the battle. Prayer moves mountains! I wish you all the best. God bless you!
Sincerely,
E.

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I pretty much echo what Elaine had to say about the procedure. Go in with a positive attitude knowing that will be well. Follow the treatment prescribed for healing. Also do eat lots of nuts, full milk and cream, vegetables and rest when you can. I had my lumpectomy 13 years ago and both of my doctors saw me after the completion of the radiation and said I looked like I had not had any treatments.

Since my home town did not have a radiation clinic at the time I drove 2 hours each way daily for 8 weeks. The exception was Thursday when I would stay overnight in hotel (paid for by the Cancer Society) and have treatment in the morning. While driving I had a lot of time to think and be with God. You will no doubt do a lot of deep soul searching about yourself and you will find the inner strength to go through your journey. Yes it is a journey and you will be a different person on the other side. Your priorities in life will change and you will be a better person. As they say "Don't sweat the small stuff" because it does matter any more.

Yes my one breast is smaller and it took me a while to adjust to the size and to the fact that I had a "dimple" where the cancer was and low cut tops were out for me. Later on I began to wear tops that were a bit lower that would not show the "dimple". My daughter told me to show and wear my "dimple" with pride. I also notice that I need to adjust some of my clothing so that tops don't pull to the larger side by sewing in the extra material. My plaids and stripes are out as they don't line up like the used to. But other than that all is well. Just get a jacket that has a pocket on it and put a handkerchief in it to make you look even.

If you need one get in touch with a support group to help you answer any questions you may and will have. They are super great people.

My best to you and you will be in my thoughts.

The other S.

PS I now work with the Cancer Society with the Reach to Recovery Program for breast cancer survivors and participate in the Relay for Life for both myself and my husband.

Hi C., Im not quite sure where you live but there are 2 great surgeons in the west valley who work closley with radiation doctors and plastic curgeons. THere names are Dr. Brenda Moorthy and Dr. Kimberli cox. THere phone number is ###-###-####.

If you have any questions or problems you can email me @ ____@____.com