March 2013 Surgeries

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2013

    Good morning my ladies i been out for cuople of weeks been really busy...with DH he has requested days of for us before and after surgery......we are getting the house ready ..my sister is coming to take care of me.........its so nice to read all this post so im am mentally prepare.....im glad that there is pain med...i will be all over it........today i will get everything done so i can relax for few days....i was in orlando and relaxed with my brother and his family.......went to margaritavillage and had couple of those!!!!!!! hey need to relax!!!...my sister i havent bought anything for my BXM...any recomendations i will be shopping today please let me know.........

    my prayers go ut to all my warriors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • printpal
    printpal Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2013

    Oh Maureen, you are a gem, and my heart goes out to you LKSHER. I have a good friend who is in the biotech industry and she says they consider any initial diagnosis below stage IV 'very curable'. Still, I understand how scary that would all be. When I had my recurrence (after diagnosis and before surgery) I would go to the stage IV boards and look at the diagnosis date vs the current date. It is amazing how well many of them do, and you are ahead of them. That's how I tend to look at things anyway.



    Mamasixtaz you are my March lat flap sistah! A bath and an ativan are an excellent idea. I am in awe of you getting it all done at the same time. It's gonna be tough, but you are tougher!



    ((Hugs)) to all of you,

    Shelley

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  • Gardengirl33
    Gardengirl33 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2013

    Afternoon ladies , I'm in my room, surgery was good. Just had a Percocet 20 minutes ago, ready to sleep a but before I get company!

    Excellent news, my nodes were all negative!

    I have my expander in, with alloderm three drains, said one might come out tonight already,

    My husband is a trooper, still here, hungry tired. LOVE him!

    Ttyl

    Good luck to my surgery sisters!

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2013

    Printpal



    I would definitely look into the post op amoena bras. They make a zip up cami that has drain pouches but its also really cozy to wear on your skin. My insurance covered 80% of it so I got two. One to wash and one to wear. They also make a similar bra that snaps in the front. Both have clips for opening at the top which really helps with drains and fills if you are getting te. I would check out their website if you can't find a store that sells them. There was a post mastectomy shoppe that I found thru a website and asking around so maybe try asking around. Also U definitely need button down pjs if you don't normally wear them! I also borrowed a shower chair from a friend which is awesome! Hope that helps! Good luck!



    Jrose

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2013

    Sorry print pal think the last email was in response to Patricia's post!

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    (((Gardengirl33))) Welcome back - you are amazing, posting already! YAAY congratulations on the negative nodes and having the surgery behind you:) Rest, recover...(((Hugs))) Maureen

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited March 2013

    gardengirl good to hear you are able to even post after surgery! Well done.

    LKSHER, I hear you about the 6/13. I had 6/8 from path after lumpectomy in Sept. and it was a shock. I now await the next path when I see my BS in a week. I know this is not the time to worry about the next treatment and as Maureen says, you need to recover now from the surgery and then move to the next step.

    Speaking of next steps, I am not too happy about the booking I got today for CT mapping for rads next Wed. Plan is to start the following week. I see the PS Wed. and will see what he says. I still have a drain to come out tomorrow before I even get to start more exercises. Can't imagine even trying to get my arm in place for the mapping~~no way I could get it over my head.

    Also, it just seems so fast. At least the 5 weeks between chemo and surgery allowed for more normal activity!

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    Marian...did they say why they are moving so fast to get radiation started...I'm with you, I wouldn't be able to raise my arms yet either? I wonder if it would be okay to give you a few more weeks to get over the surgery...I was supposed to start Aromasin, my Aromastase Inhibitor last month, before surgery but I was worried about adjusting to the new med and healing from the surgery so they let me put it off...let us know what the PS recommends... 

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited March 2013

    Wish I had thought to put off the Aromatase too but MO wanted it started March 5. Still not sure if it was the cause of my nausea/vomiting in first 10 days. But I will be asking lots of questions first with PS on  Wed.

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  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2013

    LKSHER--

    Sending you much support and gentle hugs this evening. I was also node positive at diagnosis with three tumors, including a large one, grade three. I know that feeling of devastation, but I have learned how powerful medicine can be. I had the same chemo regimen as Maureen with Herceptin added since I am Her2+. Here I am 7 months later with clear nodes. I will have weekly Herceptin infusions until December to make sure the beast doesn't try to rear its ugly head again. I may also need radiation but haven't met to discuss that with my oncologist since my pathology from surgery was revealed.

    My doctor has said all along that his goal is to cure me. Everytime I felt hopeless or helpless, I would try to remember his soothing voice telling me "you'll be fine." And here I am so close to fine, I can hardly believe it. Stage III, grade 3...doctors have the tools to knock it down and out.

    You are not alone, though I know you probably feel that way as I did at times. Chemo was doable with the meds they gave me for side effects. I pictured the chemo drugs going after every bad cell and that is what they did. Your treatment will be tailored for your specific needs. Every day will be one day closer to defeating the beast. Always remember, you are not alone.

    Gentle hugs and understanding,

    Linda

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  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2013

    Marian

    That phone call for CT mapping would throw anyone off! I also have a drain coming out tomorrow and will possibly be needing rads--haven't got the determination on that yet though the talk was always "probably rads". But my post surgery pathology was good, nodes clear after chemo -- so not sure what they now have in mind. I remember them saying rads could start two weeks after drains are out. I am with you--no way could I lift my arm. I know we need to take it one step at a time but some things seem impossible--unless a physical therapist can truly work some magic. Meanwhile, I am going for my weekly Herceptin infusion tomorrow and praying that my heart doesn't get all wonky as it did when I had a triple dose three weeks ago. Doc thinks I can probably handle the single weekly dose. One step at a time as long as they don't expect me to raise my arm!

    Best of luck with your next step. Sure will be good to get rid of the drain!!!

    Linda

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  • Koru_
    Koru_ Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2013

    Gardengirl -So good to see you felt up to posting after your surgery! I was thinking of you and pattysmiles yesterday while waiting to get started and even mentioned you both to my sister who was with me all day.



    This morning I'm sending out big pink love to Mamasixtaz as she heads in for her procedure.



    LKSHER-my heart goes out to you. It sounds like you have some big news to process yet I was encouraged for you by Lin43's post. I want to remind you of how very important science is finding the mind/ body connection to be! Think positive thoughts, visualize yourself healed and full of life-affirming vitality!



    Marianelizabeth....You have amazed me with your physical accomplishments that you have shared with us. I am trusting that the mapping and rads will go well for you, too! Maybe your PS will get that changed to a date that is more comfortable for you.



    Maureen - Your positive attitude is inspiring and I just don't know how you manage to keep up with all of us! Thank you for that.



    I have to give a big thank you to all of the sisters that had surgery before me and posted that it would be better after it was over. You were right! My procedure went well and I am doing MUCH better than I thought I would be. I had two clean nodes in the OR and will follow up for final pathology and placement of the mammosite catheter on Thursday with rads to start on Monday.

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  • dede707
    dede707 Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2013

    Lksher- i am so glad you are done with surgery. I am so sorry about the path report. It is scary and ok to feel bleak- this is such a rollercoaster. I am sending you peace and a gentle hug. Let your childten's laughter cheer you. Be well, heal well.

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  • dede707
    dede707 Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2013

    GG- yeah that you are done. Sleep , pain. Meds, lots of water. I wish you lots of healing. Be well.

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  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2013

     LKSHER

    Koru is so right about the mind/body connection. I myself have training as a hypnotherapist and I particularly like the recordings by medical hypnotherapist Avinoam Lerner. He has a holistic cancer center in the Boston area and he has a website where you can learn about him and buy CD's, books, DVD's etc. You can google him easily. His accent and speech patterns are very soothing and his visualizations are wonderful. I downloaded his "The Healing Power of Your Mind" onto my iPod also. I listened during chemo and oftentimes before bedtime or when I need some positive, calm time.
     
    I also use cancer specific recordings by Bellaruth Naparstek and CD's/DVD's by Dr. Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra. Chopra's, "The New Physics of Healing", is an amazing, intellectually deep CD with the basic message that we are what we think. You might also want to look into Reiki or acupuncture or other alternative healing modalities. I am doing weekly Reiki energy healing sessions and some women do acupuncture. Some cancer centers offer these healing modalities or have information about local practitioners. 
     
    Gentle hugs to all for a day filled with healing
    Linda
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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    (((Koru))) welcome back, good to see you posting again so soon...another amazing surgical sister:) Congratulations on the negative nodes - YAAY!!

    Hope pattysmiles is doing okay since her surgery yesterday and (((Hugs))) for mamasixtaz today...

    (((Sharon/butterflylady))) - thinking of you today too...tomorrow's your day, hope you're doing okay today as you prepare for surgery:)

    And of course...keeping our March 21st surgery sisters (((Foreverchanged72612, Leigh and patriciahurtado))) in our thoughts are prayers too...

    Linda...I also believe in the mind/body connections to health and healing, thanks for the reminder and suggestions:)

    (((Hugs))) everyone! Maureen 

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  • Not-Me
    Not-Me Member Posts: 198
    edited March 2013

    Hi ladies.  I have been out a few days with my dad's pacemaker surgery and am just now getting a chance to get caught up with the posts.  

    Two weeks ago today...was surgery for me.  I have drains out, thank goodness and started to decrease pain meds.  But I am finding I am still a lot of pain.  

    Some of you ladies are walking!!!  I am amazed.  I was told to wait another three days before I start the arm exercises!  I am normally very fit, so it must just be the different doctors?  

    I did get the okay to drive, 10 days after surgery.  

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  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2013

    Drains removed today! What a relief! Now for a hot shower...

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    Not-Me...hope your dad's doing better now that he has the pacemaker...Great that you are able to drive, being able to drive makes me feel better, I feel dependent on family right now but I'm hoping to take a spin by the weekend:)

    Karrie - drains out - YAAY!!! I know you must feel soooooo much better tonight:)

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  • Gardengirl33
    Gardengirl33 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2013

    Wow, so much going in with all of you. Been trying to keep up on all the news.

    Hope everyone in recovering well, any word from Pattysmiles?

    I've been home since about 9:00 this morning. The surgery center has the policy hey keep you 23 hours. Then it's home you go.

    Beautiful center, excellent care. Private room, one nurse on duty was my nurse, of course when shifts changed I got a new nurse, but they took excellent care of me.

    Didn't sleep too well until we got the temperature of the room better. Well, actually I was moved to a new room. I think the thermostat was broken it was so HOT, plus I had leg compression stockings, so sexy! Haha, well they didn't stay on too long. I needed to cool down to sleep.

    Keeping up,on Percocet and antibiotics. Drains are a bit annoying. Breast seems swollen, and little tender, otherwise managing well.

    I hope to sleep well tonight



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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    Gardengirl33...glad to hear you are home...yes, drains are annoying to say the least, hope you aren't stuck with them for too long...I felt so much better when I got them out:) Hope you sleep better in your own bed tonight...

    (((Pattysmiles and mamasixtaz))) hope your surgeries went well, we're thinking of you (((hugs)))

    (((Butterflylady/Sharon))) good luck tomorrow...we'll be with you...

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  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2013

    Good luck tomorrow Sharon.

    Hope everyone is feeling well tonight. Thinking of all you wonderful ladies who have been with me through all of this. I'm so grateful for all of you.

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  • tx_anne
    tx_anne Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2013

    I am so jealous.  On 3/5, I had bilateral mastectomy with ALND on the left and SND on the right.  Overall my recovery is going fairly well.  When I asked, the BS let me leave the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery.   I am back at work today, exactly 2 weeks after the surgery and feeling fine.  

    The best part is that after 6 rounds of chemo followed by surgery, the found no cancer, pathologic complete response.  

    But I still have the stupid drains!!! (two on the left and one on the right) And, they are still putting out 30 - 60 cc per drain/day.  At this rate, I will never get them down to the 20cc/day they surgeon wants to remove the drains.  

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  • tx_anne
    tx_anne Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2013

    Does any one have any suggestions for helping heal the scars so that they are flat and flexible?  

    Under my arms the scars are puckering quite a bit and beginning to feel tight, like I'm wearing a shirt with armholes that are too small.  

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  • Not-Me
    Not-Me Member Posts: 198
    edited March 2013

    Hugs to you TX Anne.. we had sugery on the same day and I am "hats off to you" for returning to work!  Kudos!  I can not even imagine it yet.  You rock!

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  • ironmagnolia
    ironmagnolia Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2013

    Riverflows, we're neighbors!! 

    Good to hear your are recovering well, I too am progressing right along, but am also having new aches and shooting "zings" through my breasts every now and again. Guess those nerve endings are healing. Interestingly, I find that some of the sensations in my new breasts remind of when I was lactating.Smile

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  • TinaHoff
    TinaHoff Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2013

    Thanks Kayrem for sharing your experience. It's not the chemo (though the oncologists description at our first meeting scared the berjebers out of me) that scares me the most.  It's that first dawn after losing my breast, when I look down at where my breast used to me, that is the darkest part of my imagining. So glad to hear your experience was so much less (less in a good way) than you were expecting. I'm nine days away from my own surgery. Yikies.

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  • Kayrem
    Kayrem Member Posts: 164
    edited March 2013

    Hi - I am off to the BS tomorrow to get the last 2 drains out. Yippeeee! Went to my 9 year old sons semi-final hockey game yesterday. Did okay but was definitely sore by the time left. They tied the game so they play again tomorrow. Sad to say but I was kind of hoping they would lose so the season would end ... Would never say that out loud!



    TinaHoff - I read other peoples posts about the BMX , people who seemed to come through it and recover nicely. I did not believe them. Now I do. I have the pleasure (incredibly sarcastic) of a complete hysterectomy to look forward to in May. I have read that the laparoscopic procedure ( which I will be having) is not so bad - 2 days in hosp, etc. I actually believe people this time. I am nervous about the hysterectomy but I was actually more nervous about it before my BMX!



    Hope everyone continues to recover nicely and my thoughts are with all you still awaiting your procedure. Take care

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  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited March 2013

    Made it thru sugery now in recovery phase! Little uncomfortable but

    PCA morphine works well, cant keep my eyes open! Hope all others are having a good day. Couldnt have done this without the surgery sisters!

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  • dede707
    dede707 Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2013

    Mamasixta- so glad you are put of surgery. Heal be well and pain meds. Im on day 13 and feel great. Much love and gentle hugs.

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