February 2010 Mastectomy

Lillies4Laurie

Hi Cornellalum:  How are your incisions doing?  How did you feel when you looked at yourself for the first time?  Is it a shock?  I'm really worried about how I'm going to feel boobless.

cornellalum

The incision is sore.  It's mostly sore where the drains are, right below the incisions. But no real pain.  I had looked at lots of photos of mastectomy incisions beforehand, so I knew what I was going to see.  And that is what I saw.  It's not horrific or ugly, but it is definitely not boobs either.  I had told the bs that I wanted to be smooth, with no "dog ears" or loose skin, so he said that the incisions go a little further under my arms than normal (he said that is where there is usually extra skin, since the body curves there).  One side is a little concave, so I'll have to see if that will change at all with time.

I am fine being boobless.  I did not want reconstruction, for about a million reasons that I won't go into here. So I knew what I was getting.  I'm not sure whether I'm going to go "flat" or not.  I'll go looking for fake boobs when I heal, and see how they fit and feel.  And then I'll decide.

I'll be honest, I wasn't real attached to my boobs (so to speak).  They were a non-functioning part of me that had nothing to do with me or anything that I do. They were nice enough, I guess, but I didn't really need them for anything important.  So I am not mourning their loss.   

hbowser

Lillies4Laurie - I know you didn't ask me, but I thought I'll give my opinion. (I hope I'm not offending you or over-stepping my bounds).  I had right mastectomy.  I have steri-strips so can't really see the incision, but it doesn't look too bad.  I did not look at pictures of mastectomy until a couple of days before my surgery and my imagination was a lot worse than what I saw.  After my surgery, when I looked down, it wasn't horrible and better than I was expecting.  Also like cornellalum, I am a little concave, but my surgeon said that it may change over time.

I am fine going boobless.  I am small, so I am expecting that after I am done healing, I may be able to get away with one of those Victoria Secret "water" bras.  

I have a question - is anyone else experiencing shooting pains?  It is not constant, but it is there nonetheless.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Anonymous

Please add me to the list.  I am getting a unilateral mastectomy followed by immediate DIEP reconstruction.   I have inflammatory breast cancer and wanted to wait for the reconstruction due to the high reaccurance rate but my surgeon said she is taking as much skin as possible and I would have a big gaping hole. It makes sense so I am concurring with the immediate reconstruction.   I am very concerned about the pain and lack of mobility afterwards. My ps told me that I will not be in pain in the hospital. He will keep me on pain meds.  My surgery is on the 24th in San Francisco.  I am told that I will be there four days. ICU day one, than a stepdown unit and a regular floor for days 3 and 4,  I have already gone through chemo and will be having radiation after surgery.

Faith316

My surgeon was in surgery all day today so I saw her nurse.  The nurse said that it is not uncommon for the output of the drains to go back up.  Mine had been at 45-50 pretty consistently through the first week and then went up to 80 yesterday.  Today looks to be about the same - around 80.  I also have some areas of the incision that are kind of black.  She told me it is just a little necrotic tissue and not a big issue.  I have an appointment next Wednesday to see the surgeon.  Hopefully my drain will be able to come out by then and also my 30 staples.  

RE: drains slipping out --- Mine, too, was stitched in, but the stitch loosened and the tube was able to slide in and out.  I didn't even know it was happening until I was changing into a nightgown Sunday night (3 days after surgery).  It had come out about 5 or 6 inches.  I gently pushed on it to see if I could push it back in and I could but didn't know if I should or not.  So, I called my surgeon and she told me not to push it back in but to slide it all the way out.  

Lillies --- I don't think this happens very often so don't worry about it.  But, it wasn't a big deal.

Hope everyone is feeling pretty good this evening!

badger

Holly - re: shooting pains, yes I get those from time to time, at different points along incision area but esp in underarms, I assume where sentinel nodes were taken.  Is that consistent with your experience?  Have heard them called lightning bolts and lightning strikes, they seem to be normal part of nerves healing.  Predictably, they picked up after I cut down on pain meds but are getting better with time.

Hope everyone has a relaxing and restful night!  {{hugs}}

hbowser

Thanks, Groundhog for your quick response.  They are along the incision area (breast area) and that desribes it perfectly, lightning bolts.  I haven't wanted to take pain meds. since they bring other issues. 

chalex

Thanks Cornellalum, I agree 230cc seems like alot. The nurse is back tomorrow so hopefully I will  be down in volume again She is going to check how I am doing plus measure the volume in the drain. I will let you know tomorrow how I am.

cornellalum

hbowser - I had those shooting pains after my lumpectomy in November.  My surgeon said it was the nerves healing.  I called them "zaps."  They peaked at about 2-3 weeks afterward, then slowly diminished.  I was still having them once in a while when I had my BMX on Monday.  They didn't hurt a whole lot, but I could definitely feel them.  I also had some cramping-type pains that came and went.  More nerve healing, is what I was told.  I am expecting the same after this surgery, although they haven't started yet.

Chalex - please let us know what the nurse says.

toni67

Percocet and I are not a good combination. Was supposed to go home Tues. (9th) but drugs made me sick...I'm on new pain meds and I'm doing a lot better. I know I'm supposed to rest, but too much time at home will make me loopy and I'll end up cleaning. Hanging out at my sons' fencing club. Later...

badger

Hi Toni - thanks for checking in, glad you found some good meds to help you heal.  I have been resting a lot, haven't been tempted to clean anything once during almost two weeks off now.  :-)  Good thing I had a burst of energy right before surgery and got a lot of stuff done ahead of time.

How's everyone else today?  {{hugs}}

cornellalum

Hey everyone!  I agree about percocet - it is mind-numbing.  I have only used it a few times in the middle of the night when I couldn't go to sleep, and I knew that I didn't have to function for at least 4-5 hours.  Otherwise, advil has done the job for me.

I have done a little stealth cleaning (my dh is vigilant about me resting, so I have to be sneaky).  But I agree with groundhog that we should be taking it easy.  I am most interested in getting the volume in these drains down so they can come out.  How much is everyone getting?  I was at about 50cc or so in three drains yesterday, and the other one was less than 10cc - 4 days after surgery.

Good vibes to everyone who has had surgery - hope yesterday's surgery sisters are recovering well.  To those of you still facing surgery - rest and relax.  Soon you will be recovering also.

LTK

Came home yesterday and am trying to deal with everything--the physical pain (left side feeling good, right side super painful), the emotional, etc.  Wish I could press the fast-forward button.  Would love to be able to hug my kids and move around freely.  Am just taking little peeks at my new flat, stitched-up chest.  It's hard.  Everyone seems to be saying "the worst is over" b/c the surgery is behind me, but this recovery part ain't a cake walk for me.  Anyway, just wanted to check in.  Be well, everyone.     

hbowser

LTK - I am sorry that your recovery is hard.  Please don't feel like you are different b/c of what everyone seems to be saying.  What you are feeling is normal; everyone experiences things (pain tolerance, etc.) differently.  I have to say that the "lightening bolts" I have been feeling is worse (in my book) so far.  I hope that you are being well cared for by your loved ones and that you are as comfortable as possible.  From what I have been told, make sure you take the pain meds. regularly so that you stay ahead of the pain.  We are here for you, so come here as often as you need to vent or just to talk.  Thank you for checking in and I will be praying that you find peace and comfort soon. 

I want to wish all of you Happy Valentine's Day.  Enjoy some chocolates!!!

cornellalum

LTK - I'm so sorry you're hurting.  I hope none of us made it seem like it didn't hurt.  It does. It hurts like hell. It burns and it aches and it stings. But I definitely feel better today than I did a few days ago.  So it gets better.  And at least we are no longer imaging how it will feel.  We know. And we are discovering that we can deal with it.  Not that it is easy, but that we can deal.

I agree with hbowser - take your pain meds.  If what you've got isn't working, tell your doctor to call you in something else.  That's what I did, and that's how I found out that 4 Advil every 4-5 hours keeps it bearable for me.  Oh, and one percocet at night so I can sleep.  You may do better on something different.

Hang in there, and come b*tch to us regularly.  We can't push the fast-forward button for you (how cool would that be???), but we're here to listen and sympathize.  Take care, please, and let us know how you are doing.

cornellalum

Chalex - how are you today? Did you see the nurse?

chalex

Hi Gang,

Thanks for checking in cornellaum on me. So sweet. Today the nurse came to my house and I was down to 120cc's.... That was better than yesterday. Today looks like there is less draining. We will see what tomorrow's brings.

I agree on the perc's are what takes the pain away the best for me. I tried the T3's and they did not cut it... I think if they can be tolerated I would give them a go until you need less pain killer power. That's my thoughts on percs.

I am also getting the electric shock feelings too. I started getting them the night I came home. My fingers also had a pins and needles sensation.

LTK, I agree about people saying the "worst is over". I know how hard it is to lose our breast(s) and then have well meaning people tell us that we are done the hardest part. It's frusterating b/c it's easy to say and they are not in our shoes. I hope recovery goes better for you and you have us to lean on b/c we truly know how you may be feeling.

Fri Surgery gals, I hope you are all doing well and getting lots of help so that you can start heal.

Chalex

cornellalum

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  I hope there's no new postings today because everyone is pigging out on chocolate.

Right?  I am.  Yum.

chalex

Thanks cornellalum for the nice post.

Happy Valentine's Day to you as well. Funny you said that about chocolate I am eating my fav. toblerone choc. bar right now. Yummy!

Drainage is getting better. 95 cc's today. Tommorow I will get full packing change. Not looking forward to that. Still on percs. Tried T3's yesterday night and it still not hitting the pain like the percs....

Chalex

funsizejen

LTK....I'm sorry you're hurting!  Please take your pain meds on whatever schedule they gave you.  If I wait till I'm hurting, it's hard to catch up with the meds.  Also, one thing my dr. gave that is really helping with the pain from the tissue expanders (did you have those?) is valium.  It works like a muscle relaxant and helps with the spasms from putting those things under the pec muscle.  I hope this gets better for you soon!

I have been having a really hard time looking at what is now my chest.  Yesterday, I found something that is helping with that.  When I put the antibiotic cream and bandage on yesterday, I sat down and held my makeup mirror in my lap to see what I was doing.  Y'all, it REALLY helped to just be able to see one side at a time.  I don't know why, but it was a lot easier than trying to take in the big picture.  Maybe this will help somebody.

It's been a  week and a half, and every day is hard but getting better, so take courage!

Happy Valentine's day!

chalex

 Ladies,

For dressing changes, Is a nurse coming in to do them or do you do them yourselves? I had an unilateral mx and all nodes removed but in my city it's considered "day surgery". Hence, the nurse coming everyday. I went in for surgery at 8:00am and I was home by 3:00pm the same day. I was wondering if many others experienced this in and out medical care.....

Chalex

cornellalum

Chalex - I was in the hospital overnight.  Surgery was on Monday at 9 AM, done by about 3 PM, and I was out the door by Tuesday at 9 AM.  No nurse coming to my house, however.  All my "care" since leaving the hospital this past Tuesday has been self-administered, including emptying drains and covering the drain incisions.  No one really showed me anything specific to do, so I'm just using gauze and paper tape to cover where the drains are. 

I don't have any dressing over the incision.  So I just let the soapy water run over it in the shower without letting the spray hit it, let clean water rinse it, and let it air dry.  Then I put on a shirt. So far, it seems fine.  I won't see a doctor until Thursday.  Is your drainage a total for all of your drains?  How many do you have? I have four drains (two on each side), that are putting out about 120 cc's total a day combined.  The most is 60 for one drain, and the least is 15 for one drain.  I have been emptying them three times a day.  I will be very happy when they are gone.

funsizejen - I like the idea of using a mirror to get a closer look. It is hard to see under my arms to be sure that the incision looks OK (not infected or anything). Maybe a mirror will make it easier.

Yeesh.  Who would have thought we would be having all this fun??

I'm eating a white chocolate Lindor truffle.  Double yum!

chalex

Yum..... white choc. Lindor truffle. Those are good too.

cornellalum, I have only 1 drain b/c I only had one breast removed. I am still draining quite abit for 1 drain. Yesterday was 120 cc's and today 90cc's. I have a feeling I will have this drain in for awhile.

WOW! Good for you on doing your own dressing changes and drain emptying. My nurse comes in everyday while I have the drain in and does that for me, including documenting my drainage amounts. I live in London, Canada and the nurse is covered as part of my healthcare......

Chalex

cornellalum

I live in Virginia, and while my health care (through my employer) is quite good, it isn't good enough to get a nurse to come out here and take care of my drains.  I would guess that most in the US are in the same situation as me.  I guess I could ask my dh to help, but I just won't subject him to that (the yuck factor and all). 

I seem to be doing all right. (hopefully I have not just jinxed myself by saying that!)  I'll let you know what the dr. says on Thursday. If he says "What the heck have you been doing???" I'll know I messed something up.  Yipes. 

chalex

cornellalum,

I admire you and all the other ladies that are going solo with dressing and drainage changes. I think you are doing very well by trying to do everything by yourselves. I am lucky to have an awesome nurse who takes care of all the yucky jobs and is able to direct me on how to look after myself. I was not happy to have the mx be one day surgery but I am very happy to a nurse for afterwards.....

Kudos to you all for healing and "nursing" yourselves.

cornellalum, pls tell me how things go with the Dr on Thurs. Sounds like you are doing a great job.

Chalex

LauraM

Happy Valentines ladies!  I had a wonderful day as it is my son's 11th Birthday!  He is such a wonderful boy and it was great seeing him so happy. 

Lillies4Laurie - My thoughts are going out to you as you get ready for your surgery on Tuesday.   Are you finding that you have been running around getting everything in order?  I know I have.  It is amazing all the things I feel the need to do now that I haven't had time to do in the past. lol

LTK - I hope you start to feel better real soon.

Chalex - I My health insurance which is through my job offers me the opportunity to have a nurse come to the house if I feel like I need them, from what I am am hearing from above, it looks like I should take advantage of it.

Have a good night ladies, you are all in  my thoughts and prayers!

badger

Good morning all - tomorrow will be two weeks out for me. 

At this point, I have no drains, no dressings, no steri-strips, and no breasts...but it's OK.  It ain't pretty, but it's OK.  Someone asked if it's a shock the first time you see yourself, and I have to say yes.  But it's getting easier, as my brain develops a new version of what I expect to see when I walk by a mirror.  It's better, too, as the incisions heal and fade.

I imagine the invisible healing on the inside is keeping pace with the healing visible on the outside.  Anyone able to confirm this?

Pretty good ROM though I have that iron bra feeling and also some stiffness and soreness esp in underarms, and of course those doggone zaps.  I'm off pain pills completely and back on love and support from DH.  To quote another poster here, for me now the best medicine is "tincture of time."

My chest is sensitive - fabric feels really weird against my skin - but it doesn't hurt so I'm wearing a t-shirt and sweats around the house.  I go back to work tomorrow so will spend some time today trying on work clothes to see what I'll still be able to wear.

So while it hasn't been easy, I'm doing OK. My hopes and prayers are with you my sisters!  {{hugs}}

chalex

Groundhog,

I am glad you are doing well 2 weeks after surgery. I agree about the healing outside is just as important as the healing in the inside. That's a really good way to put things in perspective. Thanks for sharing that. Don't push yourself at work tomorrow. Check in and tell us how you doing after your first day back if you can.

LauraM, I am grateful to have the nurse. It's nice to have an extra set of eyes checking on you. Glad you enjoy V's day and your son's b-day. My son is 13 and it's nice to share their special days too.

Best of luck to all the ladies having surgery this week.

Chalex

ReginaR

Hi Feb Group. I had rt Breast mastectomy, Lymph Nodes removal & immediate TE On Jan 29 2010, Iam Just a  few day ahead of you guys, So Myabe I can be some help Please ask  me anything?

 My recovery is actually behind, due to Increasing Drainage. I still have my 2 drains in & Had to cancel my Appt today because fuild is still not under 25cc. I have 60 in one & 30 other. I am now 17 day post -op. The surgeon wont take out drains out until less than 25 cc.He won't do 1st filler until both drains out. Most the people in Jan  had their drains out  by 2 week post-op.

 I do hope you all are feeling stronger every day! Remember we have to Fight Like a girl!

Hugs to all of you!

CyndiS

I just want all you ladies to know that I am keeping an eye on the posts here and so encouraged and grateful for all your thoughts about what you are going through and how you are handling things, for better or worse. Helps me to know I'm normal in all this craziness! I have kept you all in my prayers and am encouraged by the daily updates on your experiences (both before and after). Over the weekend I went to Penneys to get a front-zip sports bra and it was soooo hard being in a loungerie department with this pending surgery - I don't know if the romance of Valentines day made it harder or not, but it was nearly devastating. Maybe I shouldn't have gone alone but I thought some quiet retail-therapy would help. I have an appointment tomorrow to review my results from genetic testing - if it's positive, I get double the fun plus the BCO for peace of mind (HA!) ... I am already panicking. Don't know why it's so hard this time. I really wish it had gone through last month when I first was set up for all this. But I believe everything happens for a reason so someday it will make sense. Meanwhile, my primary doctor just prescribed valium for those moments of emotional unraveling! Deep breathe. I can fight like a girl too!