February 2012 MX

Alicethecat

Hi Deborah

Thank you so much for the February 2012 roster.

We are sisters together throughout the world and we will get through this!

Alice the Cat

barbiecorn

My surgery was Feb. 1st....I am back and doing well....no pain meds - only tylenol but I think that is because I am on anti-depressants and xanax which have helped me with anxiety..the worse part of this really is the anticipation of what to expect to happen....I want to know how all us Feb. gals are doing after surgery....God Bless US ALL....we are sisters together in this as Alice the Cat has said...I do not feel alone...I do not know you but know this....I love you all and you will always be in my prayers....xxxooo (((((((hugs))))))))) Barbiecorn

Deborah2012

Hi my fellow February sisters.  I am home from myMX.  I feel terrific!  I have a TE and my husband (not me) saw the breast (nipple removed) this morning when my PS released my from the hospital.  He didn't even flinch.  He said there wasn't even any blood on a piece of gauze nor on the boob!  I said I'd look later.

I am not in pain.  However, if I reach for something with my right arm then I am reminded that am sore.  

I didn't get sick from the anesthesia and was up patrolling the hospital floor with my rolling cart apparatus and tubes everywhere 9 hours after surgery.

The BS took three nodes.  However in the surgeery room the preliminary results were negative in the nodes.  I have to speak her soon.  My understanding is that the radioactive marker in my case lit up three nodes.  

I couldn't sleep in the hospital .  Unfortunately I went 31 hours straight with only a half hour doze.  I urinated every half hour and drank water as I was very thirsty post surgery.  Both surgeons are very happy. The BS got the margins she wanted and the PS has parked the TE in there "parking garage" from the previous implant.

To my BMX sisters:  I can't imagine having both sides done at the same time.  You can't use arem much at first and are tender on that side of your body.

I am tired now and am going to bed.  I slept for 3 hours when I got home in y own bed.

I'll be in touch soon.  Wanted you to know I am thinkg of all of you and nothing but good will.  I hope that each of you has as good of a surgery as I did.  I'm very happy, but my body needs sleep desperately.  

Deborah2012

november

Hello to all my february sisters and others on the board

I couldn't wait to get back on the board and see how everyone is doing. My sugery was 2/1/12. I had to be brought back to the OR because i was bleeding and my blood pressure drop to 60's/40's. My blood count is really low because I was already anemic but beside being easily tired I am doing really well. I have been taking tylenol since yesterday; so far today I have 2 doses. I don't have any pain at the incision lines; the pain is at the drain sites (4) but realy it is not that bad.

Like many others have said, the anticipation is the worse part. Everything will go well by God's grace. Speedy recovery to all of us who had surgery and best of luck to those of you waiting; stay strong, you will get through it; remember you are not alone

turnberry

Had my surgery on 2/1 (BMX).  Feeling pretty good, however having some problems with the drain on my right side.  Yesterday, several hours after emptying the bulb there was nothing in it - which would be a wonderful thing if I didn't have pain and lumps forming in that side.  I have TE's.  It seems my drain has a clog somewhere and my hubby thought he got it out after talking to a nurse and stripping the tube several times as close to the body as possible.  It did help somewhat along with massage the right side.  However, I am now up again in the middle of the night, checked the drains and again nothing on the right and its hard and lumpy.  Back to massaging - I am a little nervous about going in because I'm sure I would have to go through the ER since its Sunday.  Anyone has any suggestions.  I will stay up all night massaging if I just don't have to go back in:( (However, I really don't want this to lead to any kind of infection either)

Bogie

Turnberry I would page your surgeon on call. In the meantime be sure you are milking the drain tube. Hold steady top of drain tube with one hand so it doesnt pull out under your arm pit and press it down along with stretching until you see red fluid back filled throu out the tube. I would not hesitate to call or go to a walk in immediate care and have the nurse or doctor check the flow. Mine was clogged and I didn't even know it cause there was still fluid, so I would Definately get that checked out.

november

Hi turnberry

I had my surgery on the first as well. Like Bogie says, you should page the surgeon on call; may be if he arranged for you to be seen in the ER, you wouldn't have to wait too long; then you can see him or someone on his team tomorrow but at least you will have some peace of mind today if you are seen by a professional

Nel138281

Barbie,November,Turnberry, Deborah,

So glad to hear you are all home and doing reasonalbly well.  I am anxious, so very glad to hear that the anticipation is more difficult than the actual surgery.  You give me strength.

Be well

Nel

Rose_d

Hello all,



Hope you don't mind one more member. I was diagnosed on Jan 5th (1 week before my 40th birthday).



I'm scheduled for a BMX on Wednesday, Feb 8th. Will have TE put in at that time.



I'm really happy to have the start of a plan (the last 3-4 weeks have been awful), but now the reality of what I'm about to do it setting in. I'm more worried about the emotional piece (what will I look like with clothes on between now and when the expanders are filled) and how my 3 scared small kids will react. Also incredibly anxious about what the lymph nodes will show.



Glad to see so many woman through the surgery and doing well. Happy to have found the group!



Rose

wildrumara

So nice to hear from all you girls.  Thanks for keeping us posted on your recovery!!! 

barbiecorn

The waiting for the surgery is worse than anything - at least that is how I feel now that the surgery is over...stay strong!!!! 

wildrumara

@Mary625 - Thank you for responding to my concern over my MRI results.  That is good to know.  I do have fibrocystic disease in my right breast.....I've suffered with that all my adult life!!  Anyway, hopefully that will be the case.  If not, then I deal with whatever it is.  Just hard to believe that chemo wouldn't have taken care of any small cancer that was in my breast?? 

My two original tumors have significantly shrunk....the nurse did give me that "good news"!    I will get all the details from my surgeon tomorrow when I meet with him.  Nervous about the appointment but anxious to get some answers already!!!   Will keep you posted.  Thanks darling!

Alicethecat

Ladies

I echo what Nel's said. Thank you so much for letting us know how you've been getting on.

Alice the cat, having a mastectomy on 7 February

ihatemyboobs

I hope I do have a february date! I feel that this process is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. I'm too impatient for this!:/

Deborah2012

Hey ladies,

 It's true the waiting was the worst for me.  I even worried, what if one of my surgeons became ill on my surgery date.  Talk about worrying!  My drama was that I wrapped myself around the axle getting everything in place pre-surgery at home.  I was wound up tighter than a spring.  I was trying not to be a burden on anyone and my "nesting" urges in preparation for the recovery were off the charts.  

Due to appointment scheduling with my BC team, the focus days prior to surgery was all about the blasted breast how it would look, potential incision points, TE ad nauseum.  I finally got all of  figured out and could once again (as when I was originally diagnosed) to focus on the CANCER- the boob not so much.  That enabled me to conquer stress related to the actual surgical procedure. I also took one diazepam the day before. I was finally calm going into surgery because I knew the little bugger and his buddies waiting to break out of Insitu would be out of my body.

I'm keeping a list of Feb. surgeries.  I also am keeping a list of the sisters who check in with us post their surgeries. 

Good luck to you Mary625 tomorrow.  We'll be sending our good wishes your way. I haven't seen Cajmi, Pelican Girl, HardtimeNY, or khegido post yet.  Their dates were 2-1-12.  Everyone's surgeries are unique and the same regarding recoveries.  I will patiently wait posting from the others.  No rushing- get well.  We'll all be here together going forward.  Again, Bogi- thanks for touching base with us as you are way ahead of us in this disease.

I"m going to watch the superbowl right now and then take a nap

Deborah2012

TJP1071

Teddy bear 71~~~ I am going for the same thing the day before you. I understand being strong for your kids and husband.  I feel the same way.  My diagnosis was Dec 30.....I feel like I have known forever and it was taking so long...but now that the date is set I feel like there is no time.  I have a 2 friends close by that have had this surgery (one as late as 3 weeks ago) that have been giving me tips and info and it helps.  

I will be thinking of you!

By the way is the 71 in your name indicative of your birthyear?  Cause it is mine!  40yrs old! And finally someone thinks I am "young"  I laugh everytime one of my doctors says it!   

beth1965

Hello all- my BMX +nodes on one side done. I am sore to reach in front of me but not so much to the sides and back. I feel exhausted some from surgery and i think some from just not sleeping well so far. It is going to heal faster than i thought i think.

barbiecorn

Tired today....surgery was 2/1 - drains have very little liquid in them especially two on left breast area where the cancer was....right drain a little more (no cancer there)...color is still pinkish red....i am going to dr. on weds. for my first post-op visit...can anyone who was already operated on tell me how your drains are doing at this point...what does massaging mean to the drain area???  I have been milking the drains and there doesn't seem to be any clogs but not sure...that area is more swollen but that was the cancer breast area...I called the dr.'s office today and they do not seem that concerned so I guess I am okay...any comments fellow Feb. surguries....prayers to all of you and big hugs too!!!  How are you all doing...hope okay....xxxooo

Deborah2012

Hi Rose-d,

Welcome to our thread.  

I shared your same concern regarding clothing. Post surgery, I am just happy and re-focused on the cancer it is not as emotional for me. Short story of my "clingy orange long-sleeved tee shirt at Loft.

2 days prior to MX.  I pop into Ann Taylor Loftwhile shopping for button up pajamas.

I try on an adorable fancy orange tee shirt. Fits and looks terrific!  Price is great. 

In the dressing room it hits me.  I'm having a MX in two days.  I can't purchase this tee shirt.

Next is the insane cancer on my brain rationale:

Yes.  I can buy it because I'm having TEs.

No. I can't because I have no idea how big of a bump I'll have post MX.

Yes. I can buy it because in a few months my TEs will be large enough.

No. I can't buy it. The TEs may not work for me- infection possibilities etc. not mention why would  I spend money on a garment that I likely wouldnt be able to wear for about 3-6 months?

Then I look in the mirror and cover my rt. breast and try to imagine what the tee would look like sans the boob.  Not cool because it's clingy.My torso is slim and I love fashion ()even at my age 55).  I realize that I am going into a loose and hide period rather than a wow, I can wear all the fun clothes, still.  I put the orange tee back.

I quietly go to the parking lot, get in my car,and gently let a few tears fall. I call my friend who is a BC survivor.  She is terrific!  Says I'll have numerous "orange tee shirt" moments in my future. It's okay to cry and that as I heal these moments will become more manageable.

So far she's correct.  I am soooo thrilled regarding my MX being over and feeling the my BC team  gotrid of the cancer at a very early stage.  It's true I have fairly large bump post MX because I had a space for the TE. from an elective implant. But I am not counting on that 100%.

Anyway, I will have to make adjustments in my fashion wardrobe, but I'm ecstatic with my early MX results. I am alive, I've very little pain, I feel so happy.

Deborah2012

barbiecorn

God Bless Us All!!!!

Rose_d

Deborah,

 That's funny I have had the same thoughts.  I have big boobs now for my size and have never liked them much - I have a hard time wearing button down shirts and I think they make me look bigger than I am.  Now I keep thinking, will anything I own actually fit anymore?  And when I shop for shirts, bathing suits, etc. I'm always thinking aobut how it will work with my boobs.  I guess that will all change!

 I have my injection and 'mapping' appointment tomorrow, so I am sure my anxiety level will keep rising until it's over.  It doesn't help that my kids are really starting to get scared now.  They will be ok once I am back home but this isn't easy!!

 Glad to hear how well people are doing, I hope to be posting the same shortly.

 Rose

mary625

Writing from my hospital room after todays' surgery. Be prepared to be awakened many times during the night. I know I've got two back to back so not even trying to sleep. I am doing fine. I have already switched to oral pain meds, gotten catheter out and walked. I had no nausea and ate a good meal as soon as the let me. They said I'm doing way better than expected. This is a phenomenal group of women, all who re doing way better than expected, and I think that believing it was possible made it so.

Lydia1961

Hi everyone. I've been stalking this board for a few days now. I was diagnosed on January 20th and things are moving so fast. I don't even have all my pathology reports to say exactly what my cancer is - I do know that it is 1" and agressive but has a low blood supply.  I'll have my BMX/TE work on February 14th (hey, I didn't choose that date). I feel lucky in some ways; I'm 50 and healthy (well almost), being diagnosed at the beginning of year lets me get lots done with this years deductable taken care of early (ok, thats not that great but I'm looking for positives ), and I have enough sick/vacation to cover time off before the short-term disability kicks in.

Last few weeks have felt like 100 but I can't imagine waiting as long as some of you all have. I feel like I live and breath thoughts of the cancer. Its getting better as I can think of other things now and today was the first day I didn't either cry or tear-up. It's so weird what makes me tear-up - fells like I am going through pre-menopause all over again.

I'm thankful for lots of friend support but some things only I can do so I'm juggling work and taking care of everything to do with the cancer. Prior to this I was ok with living alone but during the first week of the diagnosis, coming home to an empty house was tough. Much better with that now but I am anxious to get on with this and get back to normal.

Thanks for all the information and also giving encouragement. Stay strong all and I'm sure I'll be stalking this site for months to come. Lots of useful information.

 Lydia

cajmi

Hi All,

I didn't realize I had posted on here yet, guess I sent PM's and didn't post.

Here's the scoop...  I'm doing great!!!  Had mySkin sparing BMX with pedicle tram reconstruct on FEB1.  Had a little trouble with bleeding that required a 3 unit transfusion, but everything else has been smooth sailing thus far!  I spent 3 nights in the hospital, although MD said I could have gone home 1 day earlier.

While it wasn't pleasant, it was so much better than I expected!!  I did have an ON-Q pain pump inserted at the site which I think was very helpful.  I had a morphine PCA which I rarely used.  The only time I really had pain was with getting in and out of bed!!!  Having someone who knows the proper technique for this makes all the difference in the world.  The pain for me was mostly a burning, or stretching feeling.

I took my first walk AM after surgery.  Getting up was tough, the walk was tiring, but it felt like an accomplishment!!

I have 4 drains, 2 of which I think will be pulled on Thursday.

The most pain I had was primarily in the hip/thigh area as this is where the majority of fluid settled due to postioning.  The skin was so tight, it burned every time I got up.  I weighed myself yesterday and was up 10#, i think in extra fluids.  When I got up this am, however, I feel so much better, swelling in hips and thighs was greatly decreased, no burning when walking.  I have yet to get weighed, but I'm sure i"m down significantly.  I also finally got the old bowels functioning yesterday, so maybe I lost 10# there:>

Anyways, to all you gals with surgery approaching, just wanted to say, mine was so much better than I anticipated!!!

Suggestions:  My power recliner has been the best thing I spent money on.  So much easier to get in and out of than the hospital bed!!!  Also a fan for the hospital is very nice, as my PS wanted the room @ 80, wanting to keep circulation increased.  Stripping the JP tubing, even if it is draining.  I think this is why my swelling is decresed today!!  

I'm praying for all of you who are recovering and those who are getting ready for surgey!!!

Again, best advice I can offer is the power recliner

Carolyn

TJP1071

Cajmi~~~Never thought of the fan.  My doc said that I would probably have a private room because he likes to keep the room warm and they will be a lot of traffic.  It did not occur to me about moving the air!  Thanks fot the tip.

Lydia1061~~~I thought the same thing about insurance!   I was DX on Dec 30.  

november

Barbiecorn- your description is the same as what I would say. Surgery was also 2/1/12. my first F/U appointment is on Thursday. I hope they remove at least 2 drains. I think the swelling is normal, plus your appointment is on Wednesdy, I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as you are not having increased pain to the area and it doesn't feel any warmer. It might be a good idea to check your temperature to make sure you don't have a fever

turnberry

Good Morning Barbiecorn and all us fellow Februrary ladies!!

I had my surgery on 2/1.  Had a problem with a clot trying to make its way out of one of the drains and my wonderful husband really worked at milking the tube for 2 days and it worked its way out.  It kind of scared me that if it didn't I might be more prone to an infection but all is well.  I have my post op appt tomorrow (2/8) and hoping to get the drains out.  According to my info, if your under 30cc in each drain for 2 consecutive days they can come out.  I'm on track - with my bad side producing more (25-28cc per day) and right is around 15-18cc per day.  Trying to not do too much because that will cause more drainage and I'm so close to tomorrow.  I have to say that I'm feeling way better than expected.  I'm still taking 5mg Oxycodone and 1 tylenol every 4 hours for pain but will feel more comfortable to cut out the oxy once the drains are gone.  Good luck to all those waiting for the f/u appts and the ones still waiting for surgery.  (I hated the waiting)  Hugs!!

barbiecorn

Hi Turnberry - we are on the same schedule.  Surgery 2/1 - BMX - my first post-op is tomorrow also...hoping for the drains to come out....I have three drains in and two are well under 20 for three days now...the other one over 25 so that may stay in but I hope not...I am on arthritis strength tylenol only for pain and am doing okay...feel sore mostly....it wasn't as bad as I imagined...worse part for me now is taking the antibiotics for two weeks - one more week to go after tomorrow...they bother my stomach and make me queezy...I am trying to eat toast to absorb all the meds I take - don't have much of an appetite but need to lose some weight anyway....down 9 lbs already but I have not done reconstruction (not sure if I will) so the weight loss includes the loss of my breasts...emotionally I will be okay once I adjust to my flat chest....was a DD and my back hurt all the time. I actually feel lighter without them.  I am just so glad the surgery is over and one week post op tomorrow...Please let me know how you do at the doctors tomorrow...we seem to be on the same page....let's compare our progress.....(((((hugs and prayers to all who have not been to surgery yet and to all those who are on the mend)))) Let's stay strong..Barbiecorn

Deborah2012

Good morning my February friends,

Whew! I am so relieved to hear from Mary625 and others as well.  I'm still waiting to hear from PelicanGirl, HardtimeNY, khegido, Diximine30 and Sadie524.  You gals have been on my mind.  

I have my post op with PS today.  I have not ahd a BM in at least 4 days- likely 5 (I can't recall if I had one morning of surgery.  I have been on stool softeners pre-surgery.  Anyone else "anal retentive"????

I am beginning to get tingling sensations on my breast slightly painful that is different from the when I get in and out of the bed, adjust my own weight in the bed etc.  Personally, I do not need a hospital bed.  If I were a BMX, I'd be looking into it.

Welcome Lydia1961.  I contacted and gave a100% refundable $90 deposit to an in home care service.  I haven't had to use them.  However, the rate is reasonable.  $23 and hour if you have 4 hours minimum or $30 per hour on an hourly basis.  They will come for only one hour if needed.  You may find it comforting for $90 to have a back-up plan ready to go.I'm in California.  Don't know rates elsewhere.  I haven'thad to use them.

I too find the anti-biotic pill slightly nauseating. Is anyone else's TE as hard as a rock? Maybe it's the Alloderm sling? 

I see PS today. I'll look at the boob for the first time.  I'll fill you in if anything useful.  I've got the drain protocol down.  You can't believe the Kabuki sterile dance I go through! Naturally, my surgical drain holder belt  just showed up at the front door. Hopefully the PS will say nix the drains today? Not proficient at the milking/stripping.  I've tried it with plug in and then with plug out when it was dumping time.  

Mary625- I couldn't sleep a wink in the hospital either!

Glad to see that we are all managing the pain. Some of you have had quite a bit extra to deal with. 

I took a bath up to my hips yesterday.  Sterile "sponge bath wipes" for the upper body.  DH washed my hair.  I am surprised that my arm range of motion is just fine.  I can easily lift arm above head.  I don't try to (I avoid it) but after hair being washed, I was surprised I could comb, blow dry hair. My energy level is low however.

 Good luck to Likeachickadee and Alicethecat today! 

Did anyone else have more than one node removed even though they were negative in the surgical room? Especially when all previous modalities indicated negative was to be expected?

Deborah2012

farmerlucy

Just went to my PS for the pre-op visit. Wow- they sure are serious about controlling pain and infection. I have about 1/2 dozen prescriptions to be filled. I am glad this is moving in the right direction and I will be elated two weeks from now when it is over. My DD is in nursing school and is going to get some practice here in a couple weeks! Still a little concerned about my poor pec muscles, but everyone tells me they can adapt in the long term.