September 2012 Surgery

Jennt28

Urg - 2.20am - can't sleep...



Alarm set for 5am.



Does anyone want to cut/paste the list onto here every now and then while I'm gone?



Jenn

Jennt28

20 Aug 2012

Sandlake - hysterectomy



4 Sept 2012

Trinity0723 - MX (left)



5 Sept 2012

Leah_S - MX on remaining side plus bilateral TE placement



6 Sept 2012

leahlee - excisional biopsy

katylynn - BMX with TEs



7 Sept 2012

KnBsAngel - MX with TE

marianelizabeth - lumpectomy, SNB

the5owens - lumpectomy

Momluke - MX (left) with reconstruction and symmetric surgery



10 Sept 2012

Sandlake - BMX with TEs

ohiobecky - MX (left)

java11 - MX with DIEP (left), reduction (right)



11 Sept 2012

SweetCaroline2 - MX, Lat Dorsi with TE

Tzvia - MX with TE

mrskimber47 - BMX with implants

SAR843 - BMX, DIEP/TRAM



13 Sept 2012

cthynsh - lumpectomy, SNB

cjw75 - BMX



14 Sept 2012

kittykoma05 - BMX with TEs



17 Sept 2012

positivenergy - BMX with DIEP



18 Sept 2012

gajor4 - MX with bilateral DIEP

4caseygirl - BMX

SooZQ - BMX with TEs

Sharon1942 - UMX with DIEP



19 Sept 2012

michellej1980 - BMX, DIEP

cathyann - MX



20 Sept 2012

LockeKopp - BMX with LD and TE

RainMaze - BMX



24 Sept 2012

Sneakychiquita - skin-sparing UMX with TE reconstruction

Mumtobe - MX

annievan - TE to implant exchange

KellieDenise66 - BMX with TEs



25 Sept 2012

Teri060811 - BMX

FightingLikeAGirl - BMX with TEs



26 Sept 2012

sandrav - bilateral DIEP

triplem67 - BMX



27 Sept 2012

kmfrost - UMX/BMX (deciding)

scared2death2 - BMX



28 Sept 2012

Jennt28 - BMX, muscle sparing free TRAM

Dakota212 - BMX with TEs

robertson8272 - MX with a SNB and LAT Flap With TE



1 Oct 2012

kltb04 - BMX with TEs



15 Oct 2012

rozem - BMX with TE's and lat dorsi flap (on the radiated side)



unknown date

Bargala - BMX with TEs

LyndaMarie - BMX with TEs

Sneakychiquita

positivenergy - Congrats on the weight loss!  While I don't think I'm having troubles with my drain, I'll definitely see if I get more out with the toothpaste tube rolling technique. Thanks for the tip.

the5owens

Surgery done for now...now chemo starts on Monday October 1st....anxious

Mumtobe

Hi Ladies,

Well I am home from surgery (MX right breast). All went to plan thank God. Woke on Monday morning with a horrible tummy bug again, vomiting, diahorrea so I was certain they wouldn't do surgery. My BS was out most of the morning at an emergency so it gave me the chance to recuperate which I did quite well. My bloods were good so she gave me the choice of having surgery on the Monday or yesterday (Wed) and I said let's go for it. Little did I know how scared I'd be. Got onto the trolley, met the consultant anaesthesiologist, my obstetrican, my bs and a million nurses and interns and I cried my heart out, so much so that my husband started aswell, it was really tough. The anaesthesiologist recommended that we do the op under local anaesthetic because he was afraid the general would induce labour. I was doing well until I started feeling what the BS was doing and when I told her I could feel it all I heard from her was "Right" and I woke up in the recovery room a while later having been knocked out by the general. Funnily enough I went to college with the nurse taking care of me and she took good care of me. Baby did really well during surgery. Was taken to my room around 8.30pm on Monday night and was discharged without drains (yay, hated them!!) on Wednesday at noon and am recovering nicely at home. Have no pain at all, am sleeping well and have the best mum and husband taking care of me. My path reports are due around 11th Oct, I asked my BS what she thought and she said it's hard to know because my breasts are pregnant breasts but she didn't see anything that would have concerned her so here's hoping and praying we get some good news. Possible talk of inducing me a few weeks early too (around the 37 wk mark). I just want to sit back for a bit, get my body back to good health and look forward to the arrival of my new baby. Much love to all xxx

annievan

Mumtobe:  You're a brave one, girl!  So very glad everything went well with your surgery and the baby did great, too!  What a tale you'll be able to tell him/her some day about the adventures you had together early on. . .

Jenn:  I know the countdown is on. . . sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers for you and all the others still waiting on surgery and those who are recovering!  What an awful roller coaster ride for you and your fam!  I'm so glad your surgery didn't have to be rescheduled!  Get it over and done with!  I had a similar thing with my BMX, although not so down to the wire.  My original PS had to be put on immediate bedrest for her pregnancy, so I had to find a new PS and reschedule. . . .all worked out in long run.  Thank you, Jenn, for all your support for the September ladies!

Had my TE to implant exchange surgery on Monday, and for all of you who've been thru the MX with TEs. . . just know that the next surgery will be waaaayy easier.  It really is.  The TEs are hard and mean, and I can already tell the implants are way friendlier.  Can't really tell how they're going to look, as there's quite a bit of swelling, but the surgery was easier, no drains, home the same night and no hard coconuts under my skin anymore.  Hang in there girls!

kltb04

Thx for the input!  We are totally open around here - lots of discussion about what's going on with  - as my 9 year old says - "my 'ba-hoobies'" - lol!  Since I have to be there so early (leaving here around 4 a.m.), they are spending the night with friends the night before (each their own friend, not together).  Then my brother will pick them up from school that afternoon and we can evaulate how I am feeling I guess to see whether my parents or DH will drive up here and bring them back down to the hospital.  (I live about 45 min to an hour away from the town I am having the surgery).

robertson8272

Sorry I have no been on Trying to get all my ducks in a row before surgery tomorrow and spending as much time as possible holding and playing with my boys Jacob 4 and peyton 2. SNB starts at 7am then 2 hour wait and then off to surgery around 10 and PS says 4 to 6 hrs later to recovery. I will be staying for a couple of days hopefully out sunday. I will update as possible and to all the girls that had surgery this week you all have gave me great encouragement thank you and i hope for a speedy recovery for all GOD BLESS and you are all in my prays.

Teri060811

Just got home from the hospital. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's a different kind of pain than I thought it would be. The pain is manageable. I can move my arms much more than I thought I would be able to. My lymph nodes showed no cancer and I'm still waiting for the path reports on the breast tissue...4 lbs of breast tissue. The camisole with drain pockets work great. I got mine from Nordstroms.

marianelizabeth

Jenn I will do the cut/paste updates. I am thinking of you as I know you are now peacefully under anesthetic and surgery at last! Looking forward to hearing how it went!

I'll do my best everyone, so please  keep me posted on updates and additions though can you believe it, almost the end of September.

Teri, good news from you especially on the lymph nodes!

mumtobe, good news from you and glad you are getting such good TLC!

Dakota212 and robertson8272 hope all goes well tomorrow for you too. Jenn is ahead since she is in Australia.

Marian 

Sneakychiquita

Glad to hear you're recovering well, Teri060811.  Such different systems we have... I won't know till mid-October what my lymph node status is.  I switched from T3 to Percocet for pain control yesterday and it has made a world of difference.  I'm even doing housework now (bleh!).

Best of luck tomorrow, robertson8272 and Dakota212.  Let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it, Jenn. 

KellieDenise66

Hello Ladies, discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. Having trouble getting comfortable in my own bed. Dr prescribed Percocet every 3-4 hours for pain, and Ativan as needed for anxiety, as well as nausea. While in the hospital I had quite a bit of nausea every time I got up. The nurses attributed that to the dilotted IV. Worked well but the goal was to get me off the IV and onto an oral pain medicine. I was terrified to come home, missed my kiddos but wanted to be close to medical attention if needed.



BTW hospital bag was totally over packed. All I needed was toothbrush, hair brush/ hair ties, Chapstick, telescopic back scratcher, chap stick, and phone/charger. Wore the hospital gown, it was easy for the nurses to unsnap at shoulders for examinations. Changed into my pajamas for the ride home. Only thing I wished I'd brought was a little

battery operated fan.



Eating prunes, prune juice, and even tried Leah's stewed apricots, and prunes. That and 2 colaces a day. Nothing yet, but very bloated, and uncomfortable. Also Has anyone had swelling under the area just below the under arm kind of on the far back side of the breast. I am so swollen. Almost looks like dr put my expanders in the wrong place. Lol. It's concerning me. See the BS for post operative visit, and final path report.



So glad JennT is good to go. It's going to be quiet without her near this week. very best to you JENN! Thank you Marion for taking over!



Teri - glad your surgery went well! My camisole is too tight on my waist. I'm so bloated that I'm afraid it's smashing the drain bulbs. The sales girl talked me into a size smaller because my breasts would be gone would fit better. Not so much. Wish I'd stuck with my true size. Meanwhile Ive got this scratchy, sweaty surgical bra on.



Momtobe- I cried when I saw your post that both you and baby are doing well! I'm so glad to hear u have family helping you. Let them shower you with all the help in the world. Before you know it you'll be running around after your little one.



Sneakychaquita- great to see your post. Hope you're healing well. I thought of you during my prep wait room. My surgery was delayed over 2 hours. had way too much time to think. I did however think about you. I know how anxious you were about all the particulars leading up to surgery. I was sending you comforting thoughts, and just thinking about your cute user name and photo as usual made me smile.



Dakota & Robertson- best wishes tomorrow. We'll all be right here waiting for you when you come out of surgery. It will be over before you know it. Please keep us posted on how your doing.



The5owens- happy to hear your surgery is behind ya. Hope you are able to enjoy you're weekend with some peace of mind before your chemo Monday.



Kltb04- loving the "ba-hoobies" kids are hysterical. My 8 year old is slowly putting the pieces together. He knows he was a breastfed baby, so at breakfast he stopped me walking by and said " hey I was breastfed. You made me drink from there, (pointing to my cancer breast) I sure hope you didn't give me any of that rotten cancer milk! " what a stink"! Pretty funny, got to laugh at the things that come out of their mouths. Best wishes to you on Monday. Please keep us posted on how your doing!



Annivan - glad to hear your exchange surgery went well. I'll be picking your brain down the road if you don't mind.

Momluke

Kellie Denise,

So glad you are home. I have been home 2 1/2 weeks and I still haven't gotten comfortable!



I had a time with constipation. In the hosp they tried warm prune juice, Colace, and Miralax! None of it helped! When I got home I used what ALWAYS works for me...WHEATIES! I have also used Shredded Wheat or Bran cereal as well. I ate my Wheaties in the morning and was "moving" by the afternoon!

KellieDenise66

Hi Momluke! What are you doing up so late? How are you feeling? Thanks for the Wheaties advice, I'm sending DH first thing in the morning! TMI I have terribly explosive gas. Ive never eaten so many prunes, and dried fruit in my life. I'm also drinking a ton of water, and walking slow laps around my backyard in my pajamas. Come on good

Wheaties! Did you happen to get really swollen under your armpit area? The nurse said they may ultra sound the area tomorrow if the BS feels there's too much fluid. I also feel a general tightness in my hand and feet. Guess that from the anesthesia. Heck if I know. I'll be an expert when all is said and done!

Any suggestions on how to get comfy for sleep?

chrissyb

Hi just posting for Jenn to keep you all in the loop.

Hi - Anthony posting on Jennifer's FB - she has come through 12+ hours of operation well, and is now in the ward. Telling me what to do and say... as usual! Good to have my Jennifer back ! 

Sandlake

Sending good wishes to Jenn, Dakota and Robertson for their surgeries today.  I can't believe it's Friday already. 

the5owens, Have you had your chemo class yet?  Being triple negative are you starting with a dense dose of A/C?

mumtobe, I am so thankful that your surgery is over and you are not in pain!  Take it easy the next few weeks, sounds like you have wonderful support.  Keep us posted on the arrival of your new baby.

annievan, Good to hear the exchange surgery isn't that bad, and No drains!!  Did you ever get comfortable with your TE's?  Other than being hard, did you have pain or any muscle spasms?

kltb and robertson, Hope you are recovering from your surgeries.

teri, So happy for clear lymph nodes.   

marian, Thank you for taking over for Jenn. 

sneakychiquita, Glad your pain is being controlled, don't overdue the housework!  

KellieDenise, I had a lot of anxiety over keeping my pain under control, I was so nervous to go home without my morphin button!  I am 2 1/2 weeks out and still need to take one Norco pill every 4-6 hrs.  I slept in my recliner for 10days.  I am now in bed with my pillow wedge I found at Bed Bath & Beyond, sleeping better than I thought I would.

mumluke, Raisin Bran is working for me. Still drinking prune juice daily too.

Hugs to all of us brave women....we got this 

the5owens

Sandlake ~ yes ma'am I did that Wednesday and am set to start dose dense ac on Monday...a little nervous/anxious/emotional but ready!!

ohiobecky

KellieDenis - I am two plus weeks out from surgery. And I am still swollen under my arm. It is starting to drive me crazy.

Met with the radiation oncologist yesterday. That will start up in about two weeks. And the thing that is stressing me out is whether I should get the tattoos or not. Does anyone know where they put them? I guess I do have some vanity because I don't want them if they are in area that would show later if I wear something open necked.

Momluke

KellieDenise,

Insomnia has caught a hold of me the last several days. The muscle relaxer and morphine combo used to knock me out but now...I stay wide awake. Its so frustrating. My pain level is great and don't even need the morphine (or anything else) during the day but I take it at night for those wrong moves during the night.



I think one reason might be the fact that I am a stomach sleeper and not being able to sleep on my stomach keeps me up.



I am supposed to be starting Tamoxifen next month and I read from many members here that the insomnia is a really bad SE.



Being home on sick leave gives me the opportunity to catch up on sleep during the day....God help me when I go back to work!!

KellieDenise66

Dear Jennt's family, Wow, 12+ hour surgery, sounds unbelievable. What an ordeal for you all. So relieved to hear things went well, and that she's back to herself, and barking orders, lol. Love it! Thats wonderful! Please send her all our love from her september surgery sisters, she has been such a huge support to us all.



Ohiobecky, sand lakes, and Momluke, thx for getting back to me about the under arm swelling, and sleeping advice. Hope each new day finds you all stronger, and healthier without all these residual problems. You are amazing gals!

Momluke

KellieDenise,

I just realized I talked about the sleep (or lack thereof) but not the armpit thing! Duh! LOL!!



I feel like there is swelling but I don't actually see it. The PS said its the muscle that's pulled through the tunnel and that the "swollen" feeling I'm having is actually tightness of the muscle which he says will relax with time. My armpit is still super sensitive from the SNB....so my little pillow is still my friend.

positivenergy

Dakota212:  I am thinking about you right now and praying for a safe and successful surgery.  I wish I had seen this earlier, but the computer is not a regular part of my day quite yet.  To answer your question, I am in NH.  I am very glad I went to MA for my surgery, things are progressing well.  Please, contact me if you have any post op questions, I feel like I've become quite the pro LOL.

annievan

KellyDenise - Trying to find a comfortable spot for sleeping was always tricky for me the whole time I had the TEs (sorry!) - -My husband would give me a squirm report each morning, as I know I kept him up with all my position changing to find the right spot.  I'm a side/stomach sleeper, too, so the back sleeping has never cut it for me.  The best thing I found was to position pillows all around. . . those little ones are good, and big soft down-filled that will smush where you need them to - -   If I leaned to the side, I could put one under my boob, then one in between the two to prop them up and one in between my legs. 

Just one word of warning, girls - - when sleeping on your back, whether on bed or recliner, and propping arms up with all the pillows. . . make sure you aren't hunching your shoulders forward, giving you posture problems and hindering the stretching you need to be doing with the TEs.  I ended up with rotator-cuff problems from propping my arms/shoulders so far forward.

Sandlake:  Yes, I did have pain with the TEs, but you do get used to them.  When I had the fills done, it never hurt me during the fill, but soonafter they would start screaming at me and they'd hurt for 3-4 days, then it would taper off.  I had muscle spasms (not always painful ones) through til the implant surgery this week.  Just make sure your doc lets you have valium and pain meds on hand should you need them when it comes time for your fills. 

One thing that holds true is that everyone's experience is different!  I really learned that - - you just can't make a judgement on where you "should" be re: pain/activity based on others' reports.  People said that to me, but I had to learn it for myself.  Cut yourself some slack as you go through this. . . don't beat yourself up if some folks are off painmeds earlier than you. . . or some are back in the gym earlier.  It has been comforting for me to talk with women who are all different in their experiences. . . it's ok -

 You girls are great - - Sending comforting, healing, positive thoughts to all of you! 

cjw75

Heading off to the Dr. This will be my first appt with the Chemo dr. I can only assume this will be the treatment plan appt. Not really sure what to expect from this. I am nervous. I haven't heard if the final pathology report has came back either. To many nerves going on.

marianelizabeth

Anthony and chrissyb, thanks for letting us know about Jenn and glad you have your Jennifer back too!

dakota and robertson we look forward to hearing that your surgeries went well.

Lots of fun talk about gas and constipation. Just another part of this journey but it sure is helpful to see what everyone is doing. I hear the chemo throws our systems out of wack too so am reading posts on that too on the October chemo thread.

I had my bone scan yesterday, abdominal CT scan Monday AM and long afternoon Monday at the cancer agency where I see a nurse then my MO and lots of information given is what I hear. I have to say I am excited to get this how on the road.

Sneaky, I know now you have the pathology wait but I am hoping for negative since that FNA was negative!

I have been thinking a lot this week about how sneaky (no pun intended sneakychiquita) and insidious this BC is. If I had not felt my lump I can't imagine where this would have gone, since my mammogram in Dec. was normal and they suggested coming back in 2 years.

Sunny here and hope it stays that way for the Sunday "Run for the Cure!"

September surgeries will soon be over but we still have our October friends waiting. I hope you  can enjoy your weekend, kitb04! 

Marian 

annievan

Marian -

Will be thinking of you on Monday with all your appointments - - Hope you end up with some clarity and positive plan for how to zap this BC! 

Have a good wk/end all!

LyndaMarie

Hi all-

So glad to hear that everybody seems to be doing so well. My surgery is still not rescheduled but I am happy to report that they are working on it. All of my scans came back clear!! I was never one for test anxiety in school but these BC tests are much scarier. When they decided to MRI my spine, my head was spinning.

Clearly I am going to be an October girl now. Last I heard they were trying to reschedule for the 8th. It is depressing to have to sit around and wait but I will try to get some stuff done so that I can relax when the time comes.

Wishing you all minimal pain and discomfort, regular BMs, and fabulous path reports!!!

Take care-

Lynda

kittykoma05

Kellie - I'm having the same problem you're having with the horrible swollen areas under my arms. Have you gotten any relief?



I had surgery exactly two weeks ago, and I'm feeling much better. The only thing bothering me other than the drains is the swelling under the arms.



I'm so glad all the ladies who had surgery this week are doing well. Good luck to those having surgery next week!

cthynsh

Hi All - Looks like I am moving into the October Surgery group.  Lumpectomy this month wasnt enough to get the cancer...going BMX in October. 

Speedy recovery to all

Peace

Sneakychiquita

Best of luck with this next step, cthynsh.  You're still a part of this group in my books though so stop by to rant, laugh, cry or whatever, whenever you want.