June 2010 Mastectomy

MistyJ

Welcome sespebadger and speech529!  I too had BMX with TE's last Tuesday and am cruising along fine!  Pain is completely controlled by meds.  Mostly just tightness in the chest area anyway.  I talked to the nurses in the hospital about all the variations in directions for after and she said it was really just different doctor philosophies.  I have two drains on either side, came home in a compression bra that I am supposed to wear all the time.  I was allowed to shower whenever just had to use press and seal around the drain area.  I have PT exercises to do but was told not to lift my arms above my shoulders just so I don't pull the drains.  I asked not to have hydrocodone because I have had it and hallucinated......not pretty.....so have used oxycodone.  Soooooo very bound up even with 4 stool softeners, I am going to try to go the day without the oxycodone and use just tylenol and ibuprofen.  So far it is working !  I slept pretty well last night, but I do wish I had followed some of the other recomendations on here and borrowed a recliner.  Also, you may want to take a few granola bars or something in to the hospital.  They don't have alot in between meals, and it helps to eat a little something with the pain meds to prevent nausea. 

Laurie, you are going to do great.  I am sure of it.  You have handled all the rest of this too well to do otherwise!  I was so nervous the day of surgery, but I promise u it is nothing you cant handle!  And the relief when you wake up is immense!  Just make sure someone is going to help you with your children for the first few days if possible.  You will probably get tired easily and sleep alot.

Getty, I really like your picture!  You look so friendly !

Have a healing weekend ladies!  Physically and mentally!

Ducki

Good morning everyone:)  4 more days before surgery.  I will be so glad to have this over. You "June Girls" have been such an inspiration to me.

Laurie08 I wish now I had been more informed on genetic testing.  There is no history of cancer in my family as far as we know.   I take care of my 85 year old Mom, who is blind and disabled, and she says she never heard anyone mention cancer.  However I had colon cancer last year and  BC this year.  I was just diagnosed this past Wednesday with Barretts Esophagus. I still have my ovaries and now that has been a nagging worry.  I am just going to have LMX with reconstruction, but I had asked about having both removed.  BS said I would have to get permission from the insurance company, since there was no medical reason at this point. So I didn't continue in that direction.

Laurie08

Ducki- I was told the insurance company had to pay to remove my healthy breast and reconstruct it as well because it is what is the cosmetically correct thing to do.  I will have smaller breasts after recon.  My BMX is by choice- I could have had a lumpectomy in one breast and nothing to the other- all fully covered by ins.  Just another FYI-

Oh, I also asked my Dr if healing time etc was the same whether I did both or one and she said it was....

almagetty

Thanks, MistyJ! You look beautiful in your picture, too! It's nice to be able to picture who exactly you're talking to on these boards.

Speech: Welcome to the June group. I'm sorry you have to be here. Good luck to you this week.

Laurie08

Misty- thanks for the vote of confidence

Ducki

Laurie08 I sure wish I had found this group 6 weeks ago.  It would have made a big difference in how I handled things.  Thanks so much for all your information.

reneemac

Ladies, I just wanted to check in this weekend and am glad to see that everyone is doing so well. We drove to Las Vegas on Wednesday for a convention that I signed up to attend months before my diagnosis. The drive took us about 5 hours (normally, it would be half that) but we were slow about it and stopped whenever we needed to. Since I have been here, my convention activities have been minimal. I am taking it easy and drinking lots of water! Yesterday was probably the most "labor intensive" day. I had a session to attend for 4 hours and then DH and I took our daughters to dinner. Then we had tickets to see Jay Leno and after his show, we went to the Hard Rock Casino to gamble. I have never seen so much cleavage in my life! I suddenly felt very, very old there and I am a young looking 52 year old. We got home around Midnight. It was a long day and the muscle below my right breast is telling me about it. I've managed to keep comfortable with a Vicodin before any activities and am having my DH drive me everywhere. Today is my volunteer shift at a "Build A Bear" activity. I was told that this would be a minimal labor job and it is only for 3 hours. After that, my older daughter and her Dad are going to see Phantom of the Opera and my 8 year old and I will be hanging out.

I ran into some folks I know from my division (this is a Kiwanis International convention - a service club) and they were shocked that I came to the convention so soon after my surgery. I told them that my surgeon said that it was okay as long as I took it easy. That's the hardest thing to do.

jblcsw10

Greetings to all my fellow Warrior Women, I haven't posted in awhile but wanted to say hi to the new women & to once again thank those of you who have stayed active posting your journey here. It has really helped alleviate my anxiety (along with a little xanax)....This week was the toughest but I already expected that thanks to all of you. I feel like you've all shone a light for us to let us know what is ahead, even though obviously each of us has a different path. I have found very few who are going my route which is outpatient bmx w/te....using a paravertebral nerve block which is supposed to help prevent so much nausea. I am nervous about not being in a hospital but also happy about it if that makes sense. I had a lot of tears this week as the reality of losing my breasts set in. My family (sisters, mom, nieces, etc) had a party for me last night to show me their support, it was really nice and I felt so supported and loved. I will carry that with me into the surgery. My mom gave me a shirt that was my dad's, with his monogram on it, to wear (you know, button down front) with a card on his stationary saying "I am with you". He died from a rare skin cancer 5 years ago so that gift really brought me to tears.

Speech: Looks like you and I will be having our surgery on the same day - I am Monday first thing (I have to be at the surgery center at 6am! I'm told they'll be done by 11, 1-2 hours in recovery, then I can go back to the hotel). I am glad you found this group, I went back and read through some of the prior months as well which has helped me prepare. At this point I am just ready to get this over with and find out what the next step is.

Laurie: Looks like you're right behind me - and sounds like you have a really good attitude and lots of strength carrying you forward.  I have a feeling you'll do just fine. It is going to be so good to have this over with!

Reneemac: I can't even fathom going to a convention less than a month after this surgery. I'm inspired! Thanks for posting.

webstermom & joystars: been holding you in my thoughts over the past few days and praying that your surgeries went smoothly and you're on the road to recovery.

Regarding camisoles, bras, etc. I have no idea whatsoever what I'll be doing! I asked the PS and he said the BS should have some kind of camisole for me but I forgot to follow up on that. I still need to go get a wedge pillow, otherwise I'm set I think. -Jane

Ducki

jblcsw10  I was so glad to see your post.  Reality has set in here big time also.  It's like.. this is the last, Friday,  Saturday, etc. that  I will have one.. everything is like... this is the last time for so many normal things.  I even yelled at my grandkids a bit ago.  I never yell.  I am not a yeller sort of person.  I even threw an ice cube across the kitchen.  OMG .. I have never done that and if yall tell anyone I WILL deny it.  LOL

speech529

Hi Ladies

Thanks for the encouraging words and confidence!  I am do glad you are all doing well and on your way to recovery--I hope to be in smooth recovery soon, too.

Ducki-I had genetic testing done and my insurance paid for it because I met certain criteria:  I was dx with a form of BC and had at least one relative with either BC or ovarian cancer.  I actually have three relatives with 0ne of these cancers.  I am BRCA1/2 negative but the genetic counselor said that it means nothing--that I could (and did) get cancer.  If I had been positive, I would have opted for bmx.  

reneemac-you encouraged me so much that you went to your convention so soon after surgery.  My seminar will not be as active as a convention, so I am keeping a positive attitude that I, too, will be able to do it.  By the way, my DD is treasurer for Circle K at her university and she will be going to the Circle K international convention in St. Louis.  Circle K is the collegiate branch of Kiwanis.  She loves it!   

I am going to go purchase some tops that button in the front.  Everything I have is pullover.  I live in Phoenix and it is hot here right now.  Got to have cool clothes!  

jblcsw10--what a nice idea to have a party with your mom and sisters.  I especiallly love the gift your mom gave you.  My mom died of ovarian cancer 5 years ago and I feel her with me.  Two nights after I decided to have the mx I dreamed about her.  She was sitting on my couch, very relaxed and smiling.  She did not say a word, but had a look of love and peace towards me.  I had not dreamed of her since her death and I take it as her way of comforting me.

My dad will be here with me for this surgery as he was the last time.  He is a retired general surgeon and he performed mastectomies (along with many other procedures) in his practice years ago.  He dealt with many types of cancer and he was relieved that I opted for the mx rather than further lumpectomy and radiation.  

Sending hugs, healing thoughts and best wishes to all!

Karen

1WonderWoman

Hello girls-

Can someone please help::do any of you June 2010 bmx w/immed recon feel like your t/e's are shifting under your arms?!

please help...this either feels weird or is this the way it is supposed to feel?  Am I waking up to something new today or are they on the move?  No compression bra/camisole was prescribed.

Thanks,

Laurie08

lizzymac- I read in one of the other threads- May or Jan group?  That they said they could feel their TE's shift and that once they got their first fill it fixed it.  I know I haven't had my done yet, so I can't speak personally but thought I would let you know what I read. 

1WonderWoman

Laurie -

I just started hunting the boards and found a post by cs7777 from May 19, 2010 and she said yes, they do shift and might continue to shift and when the exchange takes place, all of that will be corrected....WHEW!!!!!!!!   Thank you so much for your post also.  I hate to be a nervous nellie and dial up the doc, especially on the weekends, for what could be silliness and overreacting so this is why I like to ask my bc.org girls/research this site before I go to pieces!!!!!!

Thanks woman!
Liz

Ducki

lizzymack1 I am now concerned and will ask my PS after surgery, if I have any semblence of mind left.  He did tell me that he prefers his patients to not wear any compression bras or wraps.  After reading the posts here that has been a concern for me.  Keep us posted.  Hugs Ducki

orchidgal

 Hi Ladies, I've been caught up in the cliff-hanging drama of changing PSs, and think I finally got the right one and was able to save my date, July 22. Still a bit ill from the anesthesia, & sore, of the bi-lumpectomies, but better everyday. You gals knock me out with your energy, enthusiasm and encouragement for those of us yet to go! I hope you are still with me, or join me over on the July forum when my time and the other later MXs come due, so we can join you as being DONE. I've already added a June 30 to our July forum. Such an incredible group of women, why not let June & July be one big party? Thank you, thank you, thank you! Love & blessings to all of us!

reneemac: so good to see your smiling face for the 1st time! So happy you had a great trip to Las Vegas - it's a wonderful wacky place, huh? Glad you are up and about and getting back slowly to your life.

MistyJ: so happy you are cruising just fine. sorry about the constipation - it happens to me with one pill! Same as you, the hydro makes me feel like I'm in a Freddie Kruger film, whole oxy makes me real mellow and pain free. Gotta find what works for you, and good to taper off. Have you tried flax seed meal? It works really well, and senna combined with fiber like flax or bran does great. Just have to drink lots and lots of water to bulk up the fiber. Psyllium seed based products are good, too, so I just might to stock up. They say my surgery will be eight hrs.

 Laurie08:Oh girl, I'm holding good strength and healing thoughts for you as your date nears. One Dr. said to take a valium the night before and then again the morning of to be relaxed and you will also require less anesthesia the more relaxed you are. Am gonna ask for it myself. You'll do great, as you have all these sisters who have gone before you, preparing the path. 

lizzymack1: Hi, I hope you find some relief to your situation. Bravo for making it through the surgery and now in the healing phase. Not an overreaction! It's your body talking to you. Glad you got some mental relief on this board.

jblcsw10: I would be nervous, too, as you are going another route. Good you are surrounded and cared for by family, and that you will be close to the hospital. You can always go back. I asked my BC about paravert. blocks Thurs. and she said they did them all the time when she was in school, but not in practice. I asked my new PS about them Friday and he said he uses a frontal block, and that the Dr. administering ParaV.must be expert in it, as is your case. I'm positive that your Dr.s & hospital have their techniques down pat, and that you will do quite well, as the other women on this board have, plus, you'll sleep way better not being interrupted by nurses 24/7! Will be praying for you and holding you in my thoughts come Monday. That's so nice your mom gave you your dad's shirt, and you had a sweet party. It's good to grieve, then move on. I'll wear one of my dad's cowboy or Hawaiian shirts afterwards. He died three yrs. ago come July 14, so will be with me in spirit.

speech529: hello! what type of surgery are you having? so glad your dad will be there. and your mom in spirit, too.

webstermom & joystars: here's to you for making it through! hope you are both resting peacefully and rejoicing that you are on the other side and DONE!

Ducki: Sad to hear of all of your DXs. I, too keep think of all the normal things that will be put aside after surgery for a while. Have so much inspiration from the ones who went before. Keep the faith!

almagetty: How are you doing? Still writing here, so you must be healing well and getting better everyday. 

Love to All, Melissa, aka orchidgal 

1WonderWoman

Orchidgal- I had switching surgeons drama which led to swithching my whole team but boy, oh boy, did I hit the jackpot!!!!!   Nurses and doctors call my new surgeon when *they* need surgery!  In addition, she was able to take out nodes and NOT harm the nerve so I still have total feeling all around my upper arm and, in particular, along my tricep line.   Never hesitate to switch docs if you are not happy.

Question for everyone: I had nodes removed, as afore mentioned (!), and I know I now have to use an electric razor for under arm shaving but can I use deodorant?  I don't know, perhaps it is FOUR DAYS without a shower that has me thinking along these lines?! 

To all the July ladies:  This surgery is a breeze!!!!!!!!  You will be fine and don't forget, the bonus is we are showing cancer the door so don't worry, be happy!!!!

Liz

stlcardsfan

Lizzymack1 - I had two nodes removed back in Jan. All thru Chemo continued to use a regular razor for as long as I had hair there. Now, 8 1/2 weeks PFC, of course the underarm hair is back growing. I tried very carefully to shave today, but with the position of the drains, couldn't get very much. I am not using deodorant as do not want to get anything near the drain openings. I have been using a antibiotic around each drain opening per dr's request, but I have also been allowed to shower. 

As a side note - heard from Webstermom - she is back home. In pain as most of us were two days out, but doing good all things considered. We found out that we are both being seen by the same Oncologist right here in St. Louis - small world!

speech529

orchidgal:  I am having a unilateral one-step nipple/skin sparing mastectomy--the one step is where they use Alloderm to create a sling to support the implant on the mx breast.  I will have implants placed in both breasts under the muscle.  I will not have SNB since my lumpectomy showed no invasive BC, just bad margins.  

jsmiley60

Hello ladies!

LIZZYMACK1 - my bs said to not use deodorant under the arm where lymph nodes were removed for 4 weeks and that I will always have to shave with electric razor, which I don't have. Guess I will have to buy one. I don't smell though....doesn't seem like I am sweating under that arm.

Yes it is really weird how the different surgeons do different things......I WISH my ps would have done the compression bra rather than Ace bandages. These things are pains in the neck! I wrapped myself today, which was not an easy task and it has come lose. I hope I can quit having to wrap my chest soon. Also my bs and ps told me to take it easy and not do exercises until I had healed some. Plus some people go home the day or surgery and I was in hospital for 2 nights. Lots of differences......

Reneemac I cannot imagine going to a convention and I am at the 2 week mark. I don't know how you did it!

We had a surprise birthday party ffor my mom today and I am totally exhausted and very sore. I did nothing except ride the 45 minutes to get there and visited with people and ride home...lol! It was a fun day though....glad I could make it!

almagetty

Hi Melissa! I'm still doing great and getting better every day.  Now if only I could figure out this tamoxifen thing ...

My BS had no problem with my using deodorant after my SNB. And she also told me to go on shaving as I always have. I guess that's still more of the differences between doctors. So weird!

Getty 

Circe

Hello Ladies!  I had surgery on 6/22 - and over-all am doing great!  I had my (last) appt with my oncologist (she is moving) yesterday and got all my pathology back.  Then, I had to stop by the hospital and surgeons.  I was BEYOND exhausted today (mentally and physically).  I am 4 days post surgery, and my pathology came back CLEAN - a complete pathological response.  I still need to meet with my radiologist, since my tumor was so large - I may still need radiation.  I came home with a pain pump and it ran out today, as scheduled.  My DH removed the (very small) tubes, and so now I am FREE of carrying around the pump which was about the size of a croquet ball.  I was so nervouse as he pulled out the tubes, my legs were shaking.  But, it really did NOT hurt!  My pain is still being managed pretty well wiith  oxycodone and tylenol.  I still (of course!) have two drain tubes.  I still feel angst about them, but am getting used to them.  One of my friends made this velcro "belt" with  pockets for me!  It works pretty well!  Plus I have a velcro cami (sleeveless) with pockets (I like this the best).  Constipation followed me through months of chemo.  One of the nurses I met in the hospital said the trick is HEAT up the prune juice and follow  it with LOTS of water.  Finally seemed to work today!!!  Misty - I hope this might work for you?  I feel so blessed with my good pathology news.  Yesterday was like a dream, and today I have been so emotional all day.  It's like five months of emotion is escaping in a good way. 

Ladies who yet to have surgery - it was remakkably so much easier than I thought.  And such a relief to have it over.  It's the waiting that is the hardest part.

 Reneemac - You are a true WARRIOR!  Loved your Las Vegas travel story.  How are you feeling?  Did you have any "post" Vegas letdowns?  We have best friends getting married in Las Vegas, and it will be around my two weeks post surgery - so LOVED hearing that you did that!

JSmiley - LOVED hearing about your Mom's surprise party  Isn't it wonderful to participate in just the "normal" life activities??  

LizzyMack - my heart goes out to you with your PS switch.  I am still in the process of finding a new Oncologist.  But, I do believe we will BOTH land in a great place with this change!  And, my anthesiologist suggested I make FREQUENT walks around our house.  He said to avoid bloodclots he recommends more frequent and shorter activities.  If you are watching tv, every commercial take a little walk around the house.  He also said to do 360's with your feet, and back and forth stretches.  Plus TONS of liquids.

Karen - I LOVE hearing about the shirt you have from your Dad.  My Dad has passed on as well, and I would give anything to have one of his shirts to wrap around me.  How VERY special.

For some reason, today has been like "Niagra Falls" for me - but in a good way.  I had chemo first (started late Jan), so the surgery has seemed like a LONG road trip!!

 My thoughts and prayers are with our June ladies as you bring us home, finishing up the month! xoxo

1WonderWoman

Jsmiley-

My PS did not do ace, camisoles or compression bras?!   btw, how many nodes did you have removed?  She initially took 2 and one was dirty so she took several more.  I know we have to use electric razors and I don't have one either but I soon shall!  Who knows?  We might learn to love using the electric?!  J-if you had several nodes are you now afraid of mets and lymphedema?  I am...I won't know full results until early July

Alma- Just a SNB will not require you to use an electric but people who had several nodes removed cannot use a straight razor any longer.   1 or 2 nodes is not that bad but, for me, they took several so I am relegated to an electric razor.

To all the July girls:  Every day post-operatively gets better and better ...you are all going to be fine

Liz

Ducki

jblcsw10 & speech529 Thinking of you both this morning and wishing you the best tomorrow.  Hope your appointments are early.  Mine is 3 PM which means they probably won't get to me until 6 PM lol.

Hugs to you both.

jblcsw10

Ducki: thanks for your thoughts. I am furiously working off my to-do list today, feeling calm and ready to get this over with and move on to the next step. But I have a big brick in my stomach and every now and then I break down in tears. All normal. I have to be at the surgery center at 6am tomorrow! SNB at 7, surgery starts at 8. I am glad to go first thing.

Circe: congratulations on the good news and thanks for the update. It helps so much to hear from those of you on the "other side". (I used that term with a family member, saying I'd see them on the other side, and they freaked thinking I meant THAT other side....).

Speech529: hope all goes well for you tomorrow, fellow traveler.

Laurie: You're next up - hope you can enjoy these last few days, don't save  all the chores til the last day like I did!

1WonderWoman

Speech--best of luck tomorrow...you will be fine...in fact, if you have a blackberry or similar type of phone it would be nice if you post on this board from recovery!  I mean if you are not busy thinking about yourself and your recovery, that is!!!!!!!!  I just think it would be nice if you casually ask the recovery room staff for your phone...they will understand

Jbl-I went first as well and was totally happy for that.  I used that "to do" list as a total avoidance feature and it worked great!!!!!!!   I kept myself busy right up to 10PM the night before!  Good times, good stuff!  You, too, will be fine.   Use 10 minutes of yoga to chip away at that brick or do yoga ball crunches....all good to get that stress ball moving on

Circe-you and I both went on 6/22 and I am feeling great as well, less than a week post-op so to all the July girls, think of us

I am having a lot of problems getting my "avatar" on this board.  Any advice?

1WonderWoman

Circe-btw...good info on the circulation the short, circulation activities.  Thanks for that. 

Liz

Laurie08

Circe- Welcome back from surgery, I am glad everything went well and that you are home!  I hope you continue to heal and feel well.  Thanks for your words of encouragement!

Melissa- It sounds like you are very pleased with your PS switch.  I hope you are feeling well and are able to relax and heal while you wait for yet another surgery.  

jblcsw and speech- Good luck to you both, I will be thinking of you and sending you positive healing thoughts.

Jeanne-it sounds like the party was a hit and I am sure you are exhausted from all the visiting.   Your spirits sound like your still doing well, I hope you continue to feel better and rest.  

Getty- How are you doing with the internal turmoil you are having with Tamoxifen?  Has your research led you to information that can help you accept things more easily?  I hope that you aren't too anxious about it.  I hate to see this drug get your spirits down when you have been doing so fantastic.  Keep us updated.

To all the ladies who have had surgery I hope you are all feeling well and having pain free days filled with some fun and laughter.  I read somewhere that a toddler laughs 400 times a day and an adult only 14.   I have a toddler, I can attest to the fact that he laughs constantly.  Since I read this statistic I try to increase my laughter as much as I can- to try to catch my son!

I have been getting myself, my husband and my house ready for the past couple of days.  I deep cleaned my bedroom and the kids rooms.  Pulling out some bigger clothes for my youngest as he is outgrowing the ones in his drawers and my husband has no clue where I store clothes etc   I filled the fridge and the pantry with lots of food so no one will have to worry about that for at least a week.  People are bringing us our dinners for the next month!  I bought my wedge pillow for my bed and I am almost all caught up on laundry.  My goal is to give my husband a clean slate to start out with, what happens from there, who knows!  I am feeling like I am rallying for this surgery Wednesday,  I have to be at the hospital for 6am, surgery is 7:30.  WOW.....only a couple more days.....

1WonderWoman

Laurie!-  I am so sorry...these meds make me loopy and I totally forgot to wish you well also!   You want to know what I do?  I start my email response and then I am distracted by tv and then I come back etc... so I totally apologize.  All you girls are going to be just fine.   You are chatting with a bunch of women who were in your shoes less that a week ago and now we are on meds and, in my case, composing 1/2 coherent emails!!!!!!!

Be well, be strong and you are going to do fine.  We BC girls are a real bunch of fighters...I think we need a WNFL team!   Lots of shoulder pads please, thank you!
Liz

Circe

Jane, Speech, Ducki - I am thinking about you ladies like crazy today.  I KNOW you will be so relieved Monday night, to have surgery behind you.  I was NOT shy about taking the valium they offered me at check-in.  No doubt, why that day seemed so dreamlike!  My lazy boy chair has been a godsend.  I sleep in it, and "hang out" in it all day, except when up taking my "laps" around the condo, etc.  We borrowed it from a friend, and were able to transport it in our SUV.  I hope you and all our JUNE ladies/warrriors are enjoying this Sunday summer day and yes - I am looking forward to seeing you on the other side! xoxoxo

stlcardsfan

6 days past surgery and I am still relying heavily on the pain meds. Reading that others are doing great who were done after me - what is the secret?

I am just about done with the oxycodone after taking the max every 4 hours. I tried to switch to 1 and it didn't work. I also tried to not take after the 4 hours were up, and couldn't do that either.

Circe - just make sure you are not taking tylenol while on oxycodone. There already is tylenol in the oxy. Glad to hear about your path report. 

It seems that there is a lot of different between surgeons and what we end up wearing or not wearing after surgery. While the compression bra is no fun, I know why I have it on and will continue to wear until the 30 days are up. At least I can switch to a front hook sports bra when the drains are removed. I am hoping that Tuesday they will come out. Total output for all 4 is 40 cc's. They are being emptied every 12 hours. Two of them are barely 5 cc's now. Hubby has to use another cup to measure them because it is such a small amount.

time for my second outing since surgery - it is nice to finally get out of the house!