December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?

Kaara

chrissilini:  I think the difference is that you had a bmx and I had a lumpectomy.  You reallly have nothing left to treat, so nothing further is needed.  With a lumpectomy, there is still some chance that cancer cells could be left behind, so you treat to have more assurance.  I wondered why so many women were getting mx, and I assume that is the reason...to avoid further treatment.  If you are concerned still, talk to your Dr. about it.

fitzdc

Hi all.... after drain out life seems so much back to normal and then - SNAP - it doesn't.  Weird little things seem to set me off and I wonder if all 'this' will be normal one day.  Less pain now in back and improved ROM.  PT is helping a great deal however it wears me out - which is one of the things that sets me off - I tire after a little exercise - and I know this is an age thing (I'm 47) and not a BC thing.   Kaara - I decided on a UMX rather than a lumpectomy (and I would have preferred the lumpectomy) as the DCIS was in various locations and the BS was not sure lumectomy would provide clear margins and would have to do follow up surgery anyway.

T

Hindsfeet

Great day for me, my drain out today! I also saw my physical therapist and learned that I have a lot of scar tissue that is pulling on one another...a few snb, frozen shoulder scars, and just breast cancer scars. My upper pec muscles are tight, and I'm thin to why I'm having more tention and pain. I really like my pt and hopefully can pull all this tightness out. I'm thin so I don't have extra skin or tissue...so therapy is painful, but I can do it

I do have to go back on Friday to make sure there is no swelling where the tube or drain was in...it was about 23 ccs the last few days....but after three weeks I was so ready for them to go.

CookieMonster

Congrats evebarry! Hopefully things will continue to improve. While PT is painful, I suspect that in the end it will help.

fitz - I have the same thing, everything seems normal, but then I'll realize that I've been up and about too much and my incision will start to hurt or I'll just be out of energy.

DH and I went for an almost hour walk today. I decided that if I'm going back to work in just under two weeks, I'd better start making sure my endurance is back.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

-Judy

goldlining

Although I am still on "sick leave", I was at work today 9 to 5:30 and although I was hiding in my office all day, my incisions were ouchy by the end. I even had my jeans undone to stop the pressure. My frankenboobs seem kind of swelly too. I'm still sort of feeling my treadmill session from Sunday: 8.4km in the duration of the second half of the Ravens game.

I see the BS tomorrow for a follow-up and will likely be at the otffice all the rest of tomorrow. Thursday, I have PT and massage in the afternoon so will be in the office in the morning. Even though I have a substitute covering my lectures, I have so much administrivia to do with grants and contracts and if I was able to muster any continuity of thought, papers to write. And Friday, I have an offsite meeting that is an hour each way on the subway. I will be soooo tired next weekend, I'm sure! 

spunkyboobster

evebarry-did you have the frozen shoulder before bc? I have a frozen shoulder and it hurts more than the aftermath of my bmx.  Did you have surgery for your shoulder or just PT?

Thanks-

Kaara

goldlining:  Careful there....you don't want to undo all the good that has already taken place.  Take care of yourself.  From an old retired executive I give you this wisdom.  After you're dead and gone, nobody is going to say "she really worked so many long hours at the office".   Take the time you need to heal properly.  That's what that sick leave is for.

Ginger48

I caught a cold from my dear preschoolers, overdid it this weekend moving my DD into her new college and then had my manual lymph therapy today. Now I feel like I got hit by a bus...I am down for the count. Staying home tomorrow to try and rest. It is so frustrating how quickly we can be derailed. This body is not putting up with overdoing things anymore; it just goes on strike and makes me pay attention.

Take it easy; everyone.

Blessings2011

Ohhhh....everyone going ANYWHERE......just be careful out there.....LOTS of nasty bugs going around, no matter where you live!

And here is what I've learned....after major surgery, we don't bounce back from "minor" stuff like we used to

Surgical masks in public places, lots of hand sanitizer, or just staying home when you don't need to go out are all good ideas.

I'm recovering from that awful stomach virus I got on Friday, but I still have a fever of over 100, and the nurse said that's to be expected! Used to be, I could shake stuff off, but not anymore.

Big gentle hugs to all the sick ones out there...

goldlining

Kaara, I appreciate the wisdom. I really did try to stay out of it. But I stayed home Monday and was going stir crazy. The Doctors, The Talk, The View, it's on over and over again all freaking day. I figured at least going to my office, I can play with my toys. I also thought there's a lot more food I also had no lunch Monday because there wasn't much here that appealed to me, whereas near work there is absolutely everything. I put in time and got some work done mainly giving, receiving, and relaying information, but there was a lot that I didn't do as well. I meant to go file a police report on my stolen hearing aid but I didn't brave the rain. Maybe tomorrow...

Hindsfeet

spunkyboobs, I had 3 or 4 frozen shoulders in the right from years past...never completely recovered. I have scar tissue that limits range of motion so says doctors. I had 2 frozen shoulders on the left. I have been told that I have a tendency toward frozen shoulders and imflamatory pain problems. My pt today saw my lost of range of motion even on my good side (non mx side). It doesn't keep me from doing what I need to do.

But, when you are in the acute stage of it, yes...it hurts likes crazy. It's taken about 2 yrs for each shoulder to completely recover. I've learned that swimming is preventive. Don't let it get stiff or try to be brave about pain. The frozen shoulder pain can stop you in your tracks. The only thing you may not completely recover is the complete range of motion.

PT and chiorpractor care is a must for about 3 to 6 months...at first it was twice a week. Also chortizone shots.

BTW...my pt said today that they don't completely know what causes frozen shoulders. She did say that some say it's inflamatory in the joints. Another doctor said those who have longer legiments (sp for sure) tend to have probelms with it more than others. It is usually caused by an injury...sorta like rsd. Who knows?

spunkyboobster

evebarry-thanks for the info.  I had started PT for my frozen shoulder prior to my bc dx, it didn't help though and then I had to stop for bmx.  I hope you get some relief and don't get another round of it.

g8rDee

Hello all! I have finally made it my real desk to my real computer and can make a post that makes sense! I ended up staying in the hospital until Friday the 6th after surgery on Wednesday the 4th. They took 31 nodes!! One of the pesky things had a tumor so it looks like more chemo for me after my radiation. Will know more after follow-up appointment with my oncologist on Feb 7th and appointment with radiation oncologist on Feb 4th. At least I know what to expect after my previous chemo this fall. 

As far as recovery I would say the worst is the under arm healing. The drains came out on the 6th day after surgery along with the staples. One third of my stitches came out today and the remaining ones will come out next Tuesday. I have fibromyalgia so am having some arm stiffness due to a bad shoulder on the right side. I can lift the arm to my shoulder which is what my surgeon is asking of me at this time and I have some wall exercises to help.. and a visit from my massage therapist tomorrow afternoon. I showered the Saturday after coming home, I just kept my right side away from the water and used a hand held shower massage thing to control where the water went. Mom did help me somewhat and still is. The one thing I have problems with is picking things up off of the floor.

 I am hoping to be able to go oversee an event I have for work on Sunday, surgeon said I could try and put on a bra and see if I am comfortable... I hope so, having this one large floppy thing when I go out on the left side is driving me nuts!

Not being able to drive myself anywhere is making a bit crazy...thank goodness for Mom! my best friend of 42 years came to visit me this weekend and we ventured out for lunch a movie and dinner and it was a great treat! Mom has promised me some field trips the rest of this week which I am sure will help with the stiffness in my arm.

Overall I am pretty happy with my progress... the tingling and tightness are more of an annoyance than painful.. thank goodness. I am very happy to have this step behind me and will see what the next couple of weeks bring my way. Thank you all for the messages!

Lisa75

evebarry - I was thinking about using a sling for when I return to work. Its a desk job but I wanna be sure no one tries to have me lift anything, (dont plan to tell my coworkers) or if I forget and accidentally stretch.

QuinnCat

Thanks Cookie - how did you get so smart!??

Chrissilini - I'm still a little bugged by what Kaara's MO told her about reoccurance #.  This is far different from what I was even told with a Grade 3 (no node involvement).  Not that I was given a number, but a "very this" "very that"... "curable" (not sure if they used that word, but something like that).  I hardly think 30% reoccurance would fit those kind of statements.  Update - missed Kaara's post on the 9% with additional therapy...still seems high for a grade 1.  Maybe cancermath.net is just more favorable with the numbers.  I've never gotten a real number from an MO because I haven't had surgery yet.

 To all of those with TE's - I got a wonderful PM from a husband of a BC patient today explaining the purpose of lat flaps versus the use of Alloderm.  Did all of you get one or the other or neither with your TE's.  From what he said, it seemed like one or the other would be used with implants and my PS plans to use Alloderm on me (this Friday).  No one is mentioning either here??  What am I missing?  As I understand it, the Alloderm, or lat flap, provides a better look, a cusion sort of, over the lower half of the implant (the pec muscle covers the top).

gabe2011

Here I sit again at midnight crying and in pain and just feeling so down. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks post op and I am having issues with fluid build up, I still have the staples and the pain is just really making me so upset.

Did anyone who did not have immediate reconstruction have their BS do skin sparing mx? I told my BS I did not want this and yet he left so much it is a mess. When I look at my chest it upsets me. When my MO saw it he was shocked at how much was left. I can't help but think if he had done what I asked and did straight bmx with flat (no extra stuff left) incisions I would not be having all these issues. Has anyone had to go back into surgery to fix a problem? Would the BS be the one to fix it or would the PS be the one to talk to? My BS thinks he did a great job and said that the PS will appreciate what he left. So what! This is NOT what I wanted, but no one seems to care what I want. I am not even sure I want reconstruction. If I do it won't be for at least a year. My chest is so uneven and I have this huge lump on the left side about in the middle there is no way a breast form will probably work. 

Sorry for the vent but I am so frustrated with the way things are not healing and still having staples and oozing incisions 3 weeks post op when I thought this should have been when thingswould be getting better from everyone elses posts. I am glad everyone is doing good, just wish I could join you.

Bogie

Gabe, sorry the bs didn't listen to you. I'm 1 week ahead of you and although I did have skin sparing with expanders put in, I am far from healing. I don't have staple, I have stitches. The incision split on one side and both sides are red and not healing on target, we just have to be patient. Don't lay there in pain take Motrin or something. If the incisions get dry and cracked put on Aquaphor or antibiotic ointment my PS told me.



None of us look good at this stage including me, my oncologist was also a bit taken back. Most people I know who didn't have reconstruction always had it 1-3 years later. If you do want that option later your bs gave you that opportunity. If you don't ever want implants then I'm sure the PS can fix the extra skin very easily, they can do just about anything these days.



Get some sleep, give this all time to sink in, remember one step at a time and cosmetics can always be fixed. I would still discuss it with your BS though on why it was not clear what you had requested.



Hang in there, I have found crying to be therapeutic and cleansing, then I go for a walk outside and get some air and exercise, this will heighten you emotionally and physically. Be glad you are not in Chicago, we have snow and wet streets, makes it tough to walk...take advantage of your nice weather.



Hugs..this too shall pass.

Ginger48

Oh Gabrielle; I am so sorry you are having so much trouble. I did have TE's placed at NSBMX so I can't answer your skin question but I think you have to hold your BS accountable for what you wanted. If you do not want the extra skin left then they should fix it. If you do not want reconstruction then that is your choice. I think you deserve to get what you asked for and might have to assert yourself with the BS. Sending hugs your way!

Kaara

Kam170:  Didn't mean to upset you about the recurrance #'s.  I think maybe you are getting a lower number because you are having an mx and I had a lumpectomy.  That might change the numbers somewhat, but I did the cancermath and it was much lower than my MO told me.  Go figure.  

goldlining

Good path results: my prophylactic mx that I had with the bilateral DIEP was in fact all normal, so I did win this round. With the good margins in last year's DCIS mx, the MO says for all intents and purposes, I am out of the BC business and need no more treatment. (Although I may have plastic touch-up.) She even suggested the follow-ups could be by my family doctor, but I would rather stay with MO follow up for a while. When she saw the scars she asked whether the surgery was really only Dec 15. They are healing really well. The abdominal scar is barely pink. I'm still processing the relief. I was worried that I might find a hidden surprise (like my previous mx found more DCIS outside the original lumpectomy) to punish me for being overconfident about my proactive surgery strategy, but it was good news.

CharB22

Yeah, yipee...goldlining!!!

gabe2011

That is great goldlining!!

Wren44

My surgery was on Jan 4 and I'm the first SNB, so coming here to ask a question. Three nodes were removed and I still have a big lump there. I had a 1 week followup apt and the BS removed 3ml fluid from the site. Is the lump normal healing or not? The skin above and below the SNB is very sensitive to touch.

Kayce234

Hi Wren - I also had 3 nodes removed and had no fluid build up or a lujp - you may want to contact your BS and run the symptoms by them - you may need to have more fluid drained.  Good Luck...

chrissilini

goldlining.... That's awesome! I'm so happy for you!

QuinnCat

Wren-Could be cording? I had this after SNB. There are some posts written about this..search on AWS-axillary web syndrome. Mine felt hard like a muscle or tendon. One possibility?

Bogie

For those of you who are ER/PR positive and just in menopause or just ending it, what hormone drug for estrogen blocker did your Oncologist put you on? Did you have concerns on bone density.

Kaara

Bogie:  Mine suggested tamoxifen and said it actually helped with bone density.  There are SE's like hot flashes, but it didn't sound as bad as some of the others.  It's the old standby...been in use for many years.  A friend of mine doesn't have bc but she takes Evista for her bones and it's supposed to prevent bc as well.  I haven't decided what I'm doing yet...still trying to get my rads worked out.

CookieMonster

I'm 5 weeks out from UMX w/DIEP recon. Yesterday DH and I went for a walk - at a decent clip for just a little less than an hour (we went about 2.5 miles). Yesterday evening and today, my ab incision has been hurting. I'm wondering if I overdid it yesterday. I go back to work teaching in a little more than a week and I decided that I'd better start getting some of my endurance back.

Have any of you, as healing progressed, felt pain from the abdominal incision this far out (it's healed up nicely, with just a couple of spots that aren't totally closed up yet). I'm wondering if it's maybe the nerves figuring things out as opposed to anything bad. It's not so painful that I think I should call the PS or anything, but I'd kind of like to know whether it's at all normal or it's unusual.

In other news, I got a call from my PCP, they got the authorization to see the allergist (to figure out what the heck I'm allergic to from surgery), so I called to make an appointment only to be told that this particular allergist is on leave and they don't know when s/he'll be back. FUN!

And then had to call the state disability office and ask why my disability benefits were denied as my employer is only paying me for my sick time and then disability should pick up. Was told that they sent paperwork to my employer on Jan. 6 but it's not be sent back yet - UGH! I wonder whose desk it's sitting on. Aargh! And I had to call probably a dozen times just to even get the honor of sitting on hold for 15 minutes. WHEEEEE!!

At least there was yummy homemade lasagna for dinner tonight. (and homemade cookies for dessert too)

OK, enough whining from me, time to go tuck DS into bed. But if any of you have any insight into my first part of this post, I'd love to hear it - if I don't hear much here, I'll probably go post it in the DIEP 2011 thread.

Thanks!!

Hindsfeet

I mentioned I had my drain out on Tuesday...yesterday. I noticed that on the mx side only, I'm sweating all day. Tonight, the left side, under my arm pit is soak...wet. But, the other good side is completely dry. Perhaps, whats happening since the drain is out the fluid is working its way out through the sweat glands. Has this happened to any of you?