December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?

CookieMonster

A day late but here are this week's surgeries:

December 19 - VickyAnn: DIEP

December 19 - Cats134: BMX w/SNB no recon.

December 20 - jstunme: BMX (w/delayed recon in 2012)

December 20 - brendaks: excisional biopsy

December 20 - AnnTop: BMX w/TE

December 20 - Karol (kam170): SNB

December 21 - faithhopenluv: Lumpectomy

December 21 - Momof2inME: BMX w/recon (lt. TE, rt. NSM w/direct implant)

December 21 - pickychicky: UMX lt. side no recon

December 22 - Eaglesara: reconstruction

All our best to all of you!!

-Judy

Kaara

Wonderful news for all who were given clear margins and nodes!  I know what a relief that can be!

Eve...I know you're getting nervous about your surgery...I was on pins and needles.  I would revisit with my BS the exact reason he wants that other breast removed...there has to be a logical reason.

 I went to my integrative physician today and of course he is not a fan of radiation.  He isn't going to tell me what to do, but he did outline a program for me to keep my bc from recurring.  I am going to take weekly infusions of antioxidants, as well as some oral vitamins.  He even suggested mistletoe injections which come from Germany (discussed in Suzanne Sommer's book Breakout) but they are very expensive (about $250 per mo) and not covered by insurance.  He's doing more blood work to determine if I have cancer cells floating around and a heavy metals test to determine if I have any metal toxicity.  Also getting a thermography test to see if other breast might have some early signs of bc growth not yet detected by mammo.  It frequently happens that we get cancer in the other breast.  I left feeling confident that I am doing all that I can do to keep this bc from returning.  I still have to decide on the radiation but I have six to eight weeks to make that decision.

I am going to relax now, recuperate, and enjoy the holidays and the cruise we have planned.  This other stuff can wait until I return, but it's good to have it lined up. 

Ginger48

Cookie- Keep your feet and legs elevated to see if it will reduce the swelling. Your DS sounds so cute; how old is he? I had clindamycin too; only antibiotic I am not allergic to. Take it easy and keep up the good healing!

Momof2inME

Thanks to everyone for their posts. Reading all your posts takes away a little of the trepidation I am feeling today. I hope my surgery goes as well as all of yours. Lots of healing thoughts are sent from me and good luck to everyone this week and next.

chrissilini

Eveberry....Percocet is for pain, has Tylenol in it. It can have a bunch of side effects like most drugs, constipation the biggest one I think. Be sure to take a stool softener. My ps said to go easy on them Zofran is for nausea, Keflex is a big gun antibiotic. I was on it when I came home. Not sure about side effects, I didn't have any. I didn't get any Valium, the Percs knocked me out. Not taking anything now. Have saved the Percs for the fills when they stay if I need something. The Percs didn't really get rid of all my discomfort but did make me want to sleep.



Good luck to all the surgery sisters today. You will get through it! Be strong.

Kaara

My BS prescribed percocet to take when I left hospital, but I never had it filled.  I just took two tylenol for a day or two and then nothing, but I would think with a BMX you would definitely need some stronger pain meds.  My dr. did say that it causes constipation, so don't wait until that happens.  He said milk of magnesia, but for me, stool softners or even a colon cleanse tablet would be better.

Janie-bug

Help.....Need to know if anyone else is having "chill bumps".I am 10 days post op with BMX with TE and for the past 3 days I have been having what feels like chill bumps that start in my numb breast and spreads across my chest to my arms. It is not painfull but very uncomfrotable. Was wondering if I should be concerned and if this has happened to anyone else

Blessings2011

Regarding meds: I've never had Percocet - I got good ol' morphine in my in-patient PCA, then I got went home with Norco for pain - same as Vicodin (hydrocodone)  but with less Tylenol in it. I tolerated it very well. Just remember that there are lots of pain meds they can prescribe in case one does not work well for you.

I'm allergic to almost every antibiotic, including Keflex, and horrifically allergic to Clindamycin! I was afraid to take the Cipro they gave me IV in the hospital, and for ten days at home, but I did, and except for taking some Benadryl along with it in the beginning to prevent itching, I  never had any side effects! Good to know in case I ever get Anthrax! (Cipro is the drug they use for Anthrax...)

Zofran has been around a long time. It was originally developed to prevent nausea and vomiting in chemo patients. Many years ago, I started to request it during surgery, and I no longer experience post-op nausea or vomiting. For at home use, however, I was given Phenergan. I've had experience with Phenergan suppositories, which are wonderful for uncontrollable vomiting, but for me, the pills had the annoying side effect of muscle twitching/spasming. Fortunately my cousin, an ER nurse, had warned me about this. The first one I took was also the last one I took.

I started taking the Colace the day of surgery. Some ladies start earlier. I thought for sure I wouldn't need them, since my diet is fairly good, and I take a good probiotic. WRONG! Even though I was eating prunes and drinking prune juice in addition to the Colace, I still needed a day or two of the Milk of Magnesia.

I might try the Valium for muscle spasms. I start my fills on January 3rd. I also asked my PS about Robaxin - a muscle relaxer I was prescribed for back muscle pain. He said it wouldn't hurt to try it if I felt I needed it.

fitzdc

Down to one drain! Woo - Woo.  Final one to be out on Jan 4.  PS said everything looks good, but I still feel 'yucky'. Staples out of back, too.  Still wanting to do more work around the house, but unable to lift right arm yet.  Recliner is still best friend. Off the anti-biotics so planning on a glass of wine with dinner.

Janie - no chills to report, however sometimes I feel the fingers of my right hand 'tingle'

gabe2011

Hi all, I just met with my BS and he wants to schedule my UMX for next Wednesday so might be another December surgery here. Still waiting to hear from the PS he is trying to schedule for me, so crossing fingers it can be done next week.

SuperFoob

Hi all!

After my UNSMX, I was given Vicodin, Keflex and Ambien. I already had some Percoset at home from the Oorphorectomy. Vicodin is Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Percoset is Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. Percoset is stronger than Vicodin.

My Keflex pills don't have any odor and it doesn't produce any kind of aftertaste. It is a capsule that is half dark green and half light green.

The Ambien is to help my sleep. I have a bit of insomnia...who wouldn't??? It puts me out within 15 minutes of taking it and I don't wake up for a good 7 hours. I haven't done that since my diagnosis. Usually, I am up to pee after 2-3 hours. So it is really nice. However, I wouldn't recommend taking it if I lived alone. If there was a fire or earthquake or something, I would be toast. Nothing wakes me up. My husband had a hell of a time waking me to take my Keflex. I don't even remember him doing it.

I only take the Vicodin here and there, not on a regular schedule. Only if I feel pain or extra discomfort from the drain. Which is STILL in and bothersome. I also drink two servings of Metamucil a day and 1-2 Dulcolax (stool softeners) to help with constipation. It is a lifesaver!

I saw my BS today for my first post-op. She said my foob looks like I am 3 weeks out of surgery, not just one. And that my drain looks good, no redness or blisters (icky!).

She said they got everything. Any micros will be zapped with rads. I see my Onc on Jan. 3 to get my Hormone Therapy going and the schedule additional check up tests and possibly schedule rads.

So glad this is going smoothly!

YEAHS!!! for all of us!

chrissilini

Janie...I don't really have chill bumps but do have some weird sensations. I guess you could call them chills, mine being more of a tingling. I occasionally get a sharp pain that is where my nipple used to be. My surgery was skin-sparing but not nipple sparing. I did mention to my ps the weird sensations and he didn't seem concerned. It's so strange because when I'm washing the incisions I feel pressure but a numbness too. Does that make sense? I think if you are concerned you should give your ps a call. They are here to help us through this. Very strange as I was told,at least I think I was that I wouldn't have any sensation in my breasts. Maybe it's phantom sensations.

SuperFoob

My surgery was NSM with immediate Foob. It was Dec. 12. I can feel when I press or rub my foob but I wonder if it is because I know I am touching myself. I also get a tingling sensation occasionally. My BS said that is normal, as did my PS. I think I might get my hub to touch me here and there while I am not looking to see if I really feel it. Like a blind study...hee!

Ginger48

Janie- I had some chill bumping and tingling with my NSBMX in June. I think I read somewhere it can be nerves regenerating but I am not sure. I would check with your dr just to be safe.

Hindsfeet

Thanks ladies for all the med info. I had them filled this afternoon except for the nausia med's. My insurence wouldn't cover it so they are contacting the surgeon to see if they will talk to my insurance company. The Percocet (pain meds) are large white horse pills. There is no way I can swallow them. I prefer capsules that slip down the throat easily.

The main reason for me to take pain meds is due to my previous and chronic RSD condition. It's a pain symdrome. It happen as as result of a broken wrist several years back. The surgeons then said to avoid surgery at all costs, which I can't...so I am vulnerable to nerve pain problems. I have to prevent pain at all cost. But, the plastic surgeon gives Percocet to all his mastectomy patients.

The lumpectomies I didn't need more than one pain pill before and after surgery. Although, I still have nerve pain along my lumpectomies scars.

I am a little concerned about the antibiotic. I have to take it 5 days post surgery coming home from the hospital. I've had issues with candida problems the last few years from antibiotic treatments..oral thrust. I'm so afraid of another outbreak.

Ginger48

evebarry- you will definitely want pain meds after surgery and should take them to stay ahead of the pain in the beginning. It is much harder to catch up and get ahead of it if you do not stay on top of it.I was also afraid of the antibiotic since I am allergic to all but one but after reading the posts about people getting infections I decided to take it. I had no problems. I hope you have a similar experience.

CookieMonster

Definitely agree with Ginger. When in the hospital, if I knew I was getting up or going to be moving much, I would start dosing myself (hitting that button) to make it hurt less once I had to move and I think it worked really well. Day one post-op sitting up was VERY painful, day two was about a million times better, I was amazed at the improvement from 1 morning to the next.

Judy67

Hey Cookiemonster,  hope you're feeling well and healing quickly and I hope you get those drains out before Christmas.  Hugs! Judy

mamabearto2

Hi Ladies,

I had a follow-up with my surgeon today and got my final pathology... No node involvement! ...

One thing that made my blood run cold though was the finding of atypical cells throughout the breast.  I had another surgeon really pushing me to do a lumpectomy and rads, but got a second opinion with the surgeon we ended up going with... and went ahead with the UMX.  SO glad we did....

I'm keeping you all in my daily prayers!

Jennifer

Blessings2011

Just thinking about our December sisters who had their surgeries today (Tuesday):  jstunme, brendaks, AnnTop, and Karol (kam170) - hope you ladies are resting comfortably tonight!

Prayers for faithhopenluv, Momof2inME, and pickychicky as they have their surgeries on Wednesday!!!

CookieMonster

Thanks Judy - Not much hope of getting all three drains out before Christmas, but I think I'll likely get the boob one out, it's putting out less than 15 mL per day right now. And I'm seeing the PS on Friday. The other two at about 40 mL per day which I highly doubt will decrease to 30 mL by Friday.

Ginger - DS is 8 years old and he's a sweetheart.

SuperFoob

Evebarry: I faintly remember my pre-op nurse saying something about the Keflex not being like a "typical" antibiotic in that it works for skin/staph type bacteria, not internal type bacteria, like sinus infections. Not positive since the pre-op education was two hours long and kind of a blur. Maybe it won't be as icky for you.



Cookiemonster: when was your surgery? I think it was the same as mine (Dec 12). I have one drain but it is still at 42cc/day. I sure hope it gets under 30cc/day by Friday but I'm skeptical. If so, that when my PS said it will come out.



*fingers crossed*

Kaara

mamabear:  Good News on your pathology report!  It's always great when we keep those nodes out of the picture!  Enjoy your holidays!

Best wishes to all the ladies having surgery this week and to those still recuperating!  I'm one week and two days out and feeling fine.  Lumpectomy area is still sensitive, but that I can deal with. 

Janie-bug

Ginger48, Chrissilini thank you for the information I am going to see my PS tomorrow and will asked him then.....Mamabearto so happy the nodes were negative. Praying for our sisters who are in surgery today, Faithhopenluv,Momof2inME, and Pickychicky are in my thoughts today. Praying for you all

chrissilini

Good luck to all the surgery sisters today.



Janie...let me know what your PS says, I'm interested to hear his/her take on it.

CookieMonster

Geegster - surgery was Dec. 15 so still not even a week ago.

I slept in my bed last night instead of on the couch and it was fine, but I need to move the clock to somewhere that I can see it, so I don't have to ask DH what time it is - can't roll over to check it. 

I'm starting to get the weighty feeling in my belly, but it sounds like it's not unusual.

My BS called yesterday with the pathology - exactly what I would have requested if I could have it custom written for me. They did find more DCIS, just a little bit, and it was well clear of the margins, so, the MX was a good idea but I won't need radiation! From here, it's stages 2 & 3 of reconstruction, starting on tamoxifin and then some careful watching - not exactly sure how the MX changed the careful watching part of my TX.

I think I need to go find some breakfast. Have a good day all and positive vibes out to those in surgery today.

QuinnCat

I'm one day out of a pre "real surgery" SNB. My BS called the friend I was staying with after surgery (i slept for 2 hours in recovery!) and she told her things looked good. Not sure what that means, but will find out the official pathology tomorrow. Stopped with the pain meds at 2 am but would sure like to know how to get rid of a headache! Hard to think after all of this I still have a BMX in front of me.

goldlining

I'm home, down to one drain likely going tomorrow. I was just pumping out the drains last year with the mx and nodes and had the drains almost 3 weeks, but really very little drainage this time. Maybe it's the nodes that increase the drainage? 

I think the nodes are a major factor in pain, especially the numbness under the arm and the  drain running around the back, where you're supposed to be sleeping. This time, no nodes, minimal complaints. I am 6 days out and I sort of halfheartedly take one or two regular Tylenol a day mainly for the ab incision/drain site where I sometimes ouch it with a cough. I had a TAP block in the hospital but it was a double blind study so could have contained anything from saline to opiates. I never felt much sustained pain change after the 3x/day bolus administration. I also used my PCA machine hydromorphone at most 2mg on one day and some days not at all. I felt I had a completely appropriate amount of pain. I didn't even fill my oxycodone rx this time. Last year for the uni mx,  I did take Tylenol 3's daily at bedtime for a week or so last time.

Physically, I had walked 5km in sets of 10 laps of the hospital ward on Monday, did some stairs yesterday before discharge to prove I could handle my house with stairs between recliner and bathroom. Stairs are hard cardio for me but easily doable on the musculoskeletal level. Most importantly, I showered and shampooed without assistance last night. My instructions are to shower daily and don't lift anything more than 10 lb. NO special clothes, NO special dressings, NO diet restrictions, and take the antibiotic.

I have Keflex again for skin infection again. They don't routinely prescribe it but I had it last year as well. Our generic Keflex is caplet form so they do taste/smell bad but I went to a different pharmacy and I think it's a different supplier because these aren't quite as bad as last time.

Very happy with progress. So pleased most other reports are positive too!

chrissilini

Goldlining and cookiemonster sounds like you are doing well.that's great!



Had a follow up with my bs today and it went well. She said everything looks good and knows I am in more than capable hands with my ps. I'll see her again in a year. We went over my final path report and she said it's really good. The invasive area was pretty small, less than 1cm, greater than 1cm to all margins and dcis was the primary component at >75% of tumor volume. 0 of 4 nodes all clear. She said essentially I'm cured! I do have an appointment with a medical oncologist but in her opinion she doesn't think I'll need any further treatment. I'm hoping the mo feels the same. They'll have to give me some really convincing stats to get me to take Tamoxifen I think. We'll see.

Ginger48

Cookie- so glad to hear you can skip radiation...woohoo!

Goldlining and Kam- glad to hear you are doing ok!

Chrissilini- the path report sounds great!