March 2013 Surgeries

Gardengirl33 · March 2013

Ah woke up this morning and did the old morning stretch. Ouch, forgot I've got tubes, drains, stitches, sore muscles.

Percocet seems to be keeping me comfortable, I also started ibuprofen in between doses of,Percocet.

Today is my first post op with ps. I would be happy just for them to remove tape and bandages around where drains are inserted. Clean it all up and cover again if they have to. Itches, I hate tape! I might have just a slight aversion to it.

Anyone else taking blood thinner post op? I've had to give myself a shot everyday, two more and I'm done. Giving myself a shot wasn't as hard as I thought. Leaves a bruise, so I have three different bruises on my tummy. Itches in those spots too.

I have an elastic band around my waist to hold drains, getting tired of that daran thing! Itches too, guess I have delicate skin. Lol. Probably more aware of things because not enough to distract me.

Prayers Leah, Patricia, foreverchanged. I'm surgeries went well and you are all well on your way to recovery. I know I was so relieved to have the surgery behind me!

Maureen1 · March 2013

Good morning everyone! thinking of our recovering sisters this morning especially those who may still be in the hospital...rest, recover...

(((barberchic))) Welcome to the March 2013 surgery group - so sorry you have concerns this morning about your surgical site but I'm sure your PS will get right on it...please let us know what you find out...you will find so much support and wisdom from the "surgery sisters" on this board, we're with you...

Gardengirl, You are such an inspiration - morning stretches and being so active - I thought of all you are doing and took a nice brisk walk around my town last night (it was snowing of course since I'm in Michigan which is alot like Cleveland but it felt good anyway LOL:) Thinking of you and hoping for good luck at your first post op visit - you are doing so well your PS will probably pull alot of that tape, drains, and maybe stop the blood thinners...I had to take them post op but only a few days and then I started taking a daily baby aspirin. Let us know how it goes

Okay March surgery sisters we've had some new people join so I updated the list so we have a complete calendar of the surgeries...so here's the latest:)

March 1st - Left mastectomy with TE's - jj52

March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke

March 2nd - Right mastectomy, nipple sparing with immediate reconstruction/TE's - ANewDawn

March 4th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - anne11595

March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction - ironmagnolia

March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

March 5th - Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Right) - Cocok

March 5th - Preventive skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with TE's - Jenamae

March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy - Tracey

March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy, with anxillary lymph node dissection on ipsalateral side and sentinal node biopsy on contralateral side - tx_anne

March 5th - Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear node - YAAY) - LibraryLynn

March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - Not-Me

March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

March 6th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels

March 6th - Right lumpectomy - RiverFlows

March 6th - Left lumpectomy - TXWildFlower/Emily

March 7th - Right Mastectomy with Reconstruction/Tissue expander placement (Right) - Denise (dede707)

March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang

March 8th - Mastectomy with tissue expanders - hunter1105

March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - jk6/Janice

March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

March 8th - Right mastectomy with axillary node dissection - LuvinMyLife

March 8th - Right lumpectomy - whisperwhillow

March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - barberchic

March 12th - Exchange surgery with scar revisions - cat24

March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with left axillary node dissection and right sentinel node biopsy and possible TE, plus a port placement. - LKSHER

March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - VeganNicole

March 13th - Latissimu Dorsi flap surgery with implant - Shelley

March 14th - Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - Kayrem

March 15th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - friedom18

March 15th - ? procedure - Nikstar

March 18th - Right lumpectomy/partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - Pattysmiles

March 18th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Gardengirl33

March 18th - Partial mastectomy/lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and port placement - Koru

March 19th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction latissimus dorsi flap and implants - Mamasixtaz

March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

March 20th - Right lumpectomy with sentinel node dissection and lymph node removal - surrealist 65

March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - patriciahurtado

March 25th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - 3mom

March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

March 27th - Mastectomy (Right); Prophylactic Mastectomy (Left); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both) - MauiGirl

March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinal node biopsies - Carrie6466

March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and lymph node dissection - Shari

March 28th - Right skin sparing mastectomy and lymph node dissection - TinaHoff

barberchic · March 2013

Maureen1....wow! You are really on top of things and the members of this forum! Thank you for the warm welcome! I'll definitely get back with y'all later after I talk or see the PS!

Angie

mamasixtaz · March 2013

Going home today, tolerating pain with vicodan, walking halls, IV done. PS is very happy at the recovery so far.(called me an overachiever) cant wait to get settled in my recliner at home. Will be so much easier on dh and kids! Lots of food being delivered as well. Really want a shower but not until dsgs and a couple of drains are out. Next posting I will be home!

Cuetang · March 2013

Mamasixtaz-- yea! Great to hear the news! .

Maureen-- I second the opinions that have been here. You totally rock and kudos on being able to keep up with all of us here in March.

To my fellow sisters having surgery this week-- Warmest hugs in getting through the preparations and pre surgery jjitters. We cant wait to hear all of your post surgery updates!

Foreverchanged72612 · March 2013

Surgery went well for me yesterday but the nausea was pretty bad. I threw up off and on for 8 hrs!! They changed the anti-nausea meds and then I slept so soundly. Today I am up and have been out bed a couple of times already. I'm on the fence about morphine...took the pain away but this iv is in such an awkward spot...plus the nausea could have been a side effect of the morphine. I'm not really using morphine at this point so hopefully I will have the iv out soon. Might get to go home this evening!!!

Pattysmiles · March 2013

Went to the PS this am. Last night my reconstructed left breast (no bc) was more red and enlarged. So naturally it was "almost fine" today. I felt a bit of a fool being there. I'm convinced it is the post surgical bra that caused my problems. One of them is a size smaller than the other. When I wore the smaller one (in order to wash out the other) I became red and larger in the left breast. then naturally, next day wash out the smaller bra, wear the larger bra, and "leftie" looked a bit better. When I wore the smaller bra again leftie looked way worse.

Last night I wore a regular sports bra after washing out my "large" bra and woke up looking way better. Doctor was unsure if it could be the bra. Um, I don't think i will try and find out again, smaller bra is now off my list of options to wear!

Glad it is not necessary to drain or whatever else they would consider to make smaller. Time will heal it.

I'm exhausted from this little battle over my "good" breast. My initial surgery did not get to me like this did! I'm emotionally drained.

On a more important note. The ex-lax has worked. I think I will go to weight watchers and weigh in, I must have dropped a few pounds! Lol

Praying for all my sisters awaiting surgery that you have great success. Praying for my sisters recovering that each day finds you closer to feeling better.

Pat

Butterflylady2012 · March 2013

Got out of hospital yesterday by noon, only one night stay thank goodness. Got home and started developing low grade fever. Got to 101 by late afternoon. Called Dr. they said to take Tylenol. Took Tylenol, went down. This morning was 100, went down again. So hopefully I'm almost at the end of fever. Sore and bruised of course. Walking slowly through out house, haven't ventured outside yet, especially since i had the fever. Probably tomorrow! Resting between the bed propped up, or our lounge chair in the sofa.

Foreverchanged, so sorry to hear about the nausea. Poor girl! I was so thankful no nausea this time either. I told them give me exactly what you did last time, which was a combination of several drugs. For pain I'm taking something called Norco which worked for me last time and is doing pretty well this time. I hope you get out of the hospital today!! It's such a good feeling to be released!!

Mamasix, I can't believe doing this with young kids. So glad food is being brough to you and you have the support you need. A dear friend of mine cookd for us too, so my mom and boyfriend wouldn't have to think about that as much. I really want a shower too, but my mom just used a warm wash cloth on my back, ect...it felt so good.

Thinking of everyone recovering at home, or in the hospital still. Know we are with you in spirit! One step at a time. Keep us posted on how you are doing. I'm so happy I only had one day in hospital...last time it was two. So glad! Okay, now back to resting in my lounge...

Sharon

mamasixtaz · March 2013

It's great to be home! The ride was brutal, Colorado needs to fix the potholes! Settled in my recliner with a cup of soup. My daughter is able to get all the things together and organized for me, meds, plants and gifts, etc. Ready for a nap, alls well for now./dh will be going for dialysis soon too. Hope everyone finds rest for rcovery today...thinking about the ones with surgery yet to come...HUGS TO ALL!

Gardengirl33 · March 2013

Maureen, it wasn't morning stretches, ha wish I was that motivated. It was the kinda stretch when you arch you back, stick your chest out nd YAWN. ouch, yep that kind.

PS was happy with my healing. Took gauze off, and ok'd shower! Wow even with my 3 drains still in. Loving this guy!

2nd post op on Monday. Hopefully drains out, PS assistant said at least one or two out Monday.

Pooping, alright! Had a little success yesterday, even littler success today. Taking laxative, is it same as stool softner? Pour me a cup of prune juice to enjoy this afternoon.

I might be off Percocet too. Donna, PS assistant said don't take it, if you feel good. Stop. I Sid, ok.

PS added 50 cc saline to my expander. He doesn't like to overfill at time if surgery. Too much pressure on skin cuts off blood supply,and kills skin. So, added 50cc~about 2 ounces

Getting spoiled by my wonderful friends. Received chocolate covered strawberries today,yumm oh

Butterflylady2012 · March 2013

Fever has come back 100.5, back on Tylenol again. Dr. said this is normal, unless it gets to 101.5. Last time i had fever on second day, but i was in the hospital for 2 days. I'll be glad when fever is gone. Drain area looks good and I"m draining normally...just want to feel cool.

mamasixtaz · March 2013

Had a bad afternoon, hard to keep ahead of the pain. Didn't have as much in the hospital, but just started the pain pills last night. Getting to the bathroom killed me and I had a crying episode that upset my daughter but it was just too much to handle. She did all she could to make me comfortable untill the pain meds kicked in and I fell asleep. Sleep is the only way to handle all the pain. She went after dh from dialysis as it is starting to snow here now. I will load up on all meds tonight and hopefully feel better tomorrow. Can't believe how swollen everything is now. BS was worried about the left breast skin and where I had the lumpectomy, may have some skin dying but for now it looks ok. There is always something to worry about. Hopefully all are having a pain free night ahead.

Lin43 · March 2013

Wow! I am awed by all the women on this board. Family and friends can be supportive and try to understand, but you ladies fully grasp the enormity of this personal, life changing experience.

I am happy to be drain free now. :-) I have an appt with the radiation oncologist on Tuesday though my post surgery pathology was clear -- a complete clinical response to chemo so not sure what he may offer me. All I know is that I am over two weeks out and cannot yet raise my arm where the axillary nodes were taken. I did find a nice exercise DVD for breast surgery patients and have begun doing what I can with that. Amazon has a few choices in these kinds of DVD's. I'll see the lymphedema PT on Friday. She will have information and ideas also. I can commiserate with the morning stretch being a rude awakening. Ouch!

Here's to a wonderful, healing weekend for everyone. I am fortunate to live where it will be in the upper 70's, but I think I'd try to get outside wherever I was because nature is so healing for me.

Gentle hugs

Linda

Foreverchanged72612 · March 2013

Linda: wonderful news about your complete clinical response!! Amazing stuff.

I might be the only person in the world that wishes I would have stayed an extra night in the hospital. Got home around 9pm. My boys were waiting up to see me. My middle child is what his daycare calls "high energy". He came in for a big hug and before anyone else could stop him he slammed into my chest. I went upstairs to bed and hubby gave me a percocet. I was crying in pain. Slept through the night till 6:30am. Moved a little and discovered it was really painful again. Maybe should have set the alarm to re-medicate after 4 hours. Oh well. I took a percocet upon waking and am feeling okay now. Boys...*sigh*

Maureen1 · March 2013

Wow, can't believe we are heading into the last week of March! Probably going back to work part time on Monday - YUK but bored enough that I am ready, I guess...

(((Mamasixtaz))) - thought of you last night and sent healing (((hugs))) your way, hope the pain pills were able to take the edge off...you have been thru a major surgery so pain control is priority one - you need to rest and sleep to recover. I'm sure it isn't easy for you, you said you're used to taking care of everyone else but this is the time to let them take care of you, so glad your daughter is there with you:) Don't feel bad about calling the surgeon if the pills aren't working so you can get something stronger or maybe a muscle relaxant? My surgeon added Valium to help ease the tightness and swelling and it really helped.

(((Foreverchanged)))...thinking of you too, ugh - morphine and dilaudid make me so nauseated - hope that is settled down for you overnight...I know how much I wanted to go home but I hope they have your pain and nausea under control before you leave (((Hugs)))

Pattysmiles - sounds like you did some great detective work to solve the left breast issue:) Never feel bad about bringing things to the surgeon's attention - my surgeon told me he would rather I call him a dozen times and come in to see him if I am worried than sit home and have something "go wrong" that he now cannot fix because I waited too long...

Sharon/butterflylady - ahhhh....glad to hear you are home - sure hope that fever is going away, since it happened before it is probably just your body kicking things into high gear to heal...are you drinking lots of water?

YUM - Gardengirl...chocolate covered strawberries - you have some good friends:))) Have you ever tried Miralax for constipation? I resisted that when I was on chemo, afraid it was "too strong" but is has been a life saver for my GI tract and is not strong or crampy at all...and...very easy to get off of it when you don't need it anymore:)

YAAY (((Linda))) drain free!!!! So far "knock on wood" no lymphedema since my AND in August - my PT showed me several good exercises and a massage technique. Then, after the mastectomy this month I found a couple of YouTube videos done by "major" hospitals that had easy, safe exercises for post mastectomy/reconstruction exercises...My PS said his number one exercise for me was walking my fingers up the wall, gently, slowly but as high as I could several repetitions each time, worked great!

Hope our surgery sisters for the upcoming week are doing okay this weekend...know how tough the final preparations are - (((3mom)))...you're on for Monday, (((warm hugs))), you're in the home stretch...Maureen

Pattysmiles · March 2013

Greetings,

Forever changed: I am so sorry your son ran into you. I can't even begin to image your pain. You must have really needed that sleep. Keep ahead of your pain. I found with all the extra water I am drinking I automatically wake up in the middle of the night, so i can re-medicate easily.

I found an interesting website, not cancer, but plastic surgeon info which applies to most of us. Has a lot of things I knew, from reading these boards, and a few things I didn't learn yet. Thought I would share. Gardengirl there is a bathroom related solution in there too.

http://www.scottsdalecenterforplasticsurgery.com/faq.cfm
***please don't follow the exercise part as they patients have not had lymph node removal, I would just look at it as a guide to how easy we need to take it when getting back into daily activity and fitness.

Hugs to all my recovering sisters, and special hugs to those still waiting.

Pat

Lin43 · March 2013

Foreverchanged--

Oh my...I cannot imagine being "run into" as you were. So sorry!!! I have been protecting myself from my dogs making sudden moves, though I have to say they seem to know that "mom" needs gentle treatment. And having a son who was also quite active in his younger days, I can imagine him doing running into me with a big hug. Now that he is an adult, he runs half marathons to burn off steam. Ha! I actually did set an alarm for four hours those first few nights. I usually needed a potty stop, too, so it worked out well.

Maureen-- Great that you have not had problems with lymphadema! Like you, I want to be as proactive as possible to reduce the risk. I do have that wall exercise on my exercise sheets. Slow and easy does it, right? I have another appointment with the lymphadema expert/PT on Friday. My daughter went with me to my drain appointment. Her eyes got big as saucers when she saw how many inches they were pulling out....and she is Korean so having eyes that round is saying something. She and I both agree that this medical stuff is way more than we ever wanted to learn or see! Thank you so much for keeping this board up to date. Warm thoughts are being sent your way!

Gentle hugs to all

Linda

Butterflylady2012 · March 2013

No Fever today! It's amazing how a little low grade fever can make you feel...lethargic and icky. I took my first walk which consisted of walking down our culdesac (only about 4 houses up, 4 back) holding my mothers hand and back to the house. I felt like I was 3 years old again..but I made it. My energy then it was at this same time last surgery. I am so thankful.

Mamasix, so glad that your daughter is there for you, as my mother is there for me. Having her hold you, try to comfort you through your tears. I'm SO sorry you were in so much pain:( I pray you are better tonight. My mother was there with me from the beginning in the oncology office, when I cried too she was there - after each surgery and she came from out of state too. Means so much. Foreverchanged, when you told us about your exuberant son running into you, I so felt for you - that made me think of my last surgery, when I met a co-worker at Safeway about a week after my procedure. I was still pretty sore and moving slowly, but needed food. She hugged me so hard, several times...she's was sweet, but didn't realize what she was doing. She about took the wind outta me and it hurt!

3Mom, you will be in my thoughts and prayers Monday. What time is your surgery? I hope you are doing alright and know we are all with you. I can't speak of having a bilateral all at once, but I know each surgery I recuperated faster then I thought I would. Give yourself time to heal and don't push yourself. Let us know from hospital, or when you are up to it at home.

Butterflylady(Sharon)

mamasixtaz · March 2013

I have been battleing between nausea and vomiting and pain issues. Pain meds taken regularly make me sooo sleepy and nauseated. Cut down on frequency to every 6Hrs helps witn nausea but start hurting at the 5Hr mark. Such a balancing act! Also given Robaxin as muscle relaxant but it toally wipes me out, taking at night only. Keeping up on stool softners and had a bm today, yea! What joys of surgery to live thru! Son and daughter both here waiting on us for every need. Hope tomorrow is a better day! Thinking of those with pain issues and how you have made it thru it helps so much too. Thanks for the encouragement and advice.

Thankful2day · March 2013

I just had BMX on the 15th with TEs placed. I am having a very hard time with the muscle spasms on the right side! Anyone else have this? I find that since surgery, I can only sleep 1-2 hours at a time, and am exteremely exhausted! When I met with my MO before my surgery, she had said probably no chemo at that point and that my recurrence rate was 0! How can she be so sure? I know I'm only DCIS, but should I ask them to do an Oncotype to be sure? It's not that I want chemo, but I just want to know I'm going to be around for my 2 year old! I think I cry just about every day......you all are amazing women!

Maureen1 · March 2013

(((Thankful2day)))...welcome to the March 2013 surgery group...we're glad you found us but so sorry you have to go thru this...It sounds like you didn't have any invasive tumor or lymph node involvement, that's so great:) Ask all the questions you can to make sure you are completely comfortable with your treatment plan - your pathology (grade, stage) and oncotype score are important in the chemo decision although sometimes they don't do an oncotype for certain types of tumors...This is a scary time...we all want to make the very best decision and do whatever it takes to be a survivor so we know how you feel and you also have a sweet little 2 year old to think about...glad to hear that you have kicked the beast out with the BMX and your MO is giving you an excellent prognosis:) alot of us are still having pain and spasms from our surgeries - my BMX was March 4th and I still need to take something once or twice a day for pain and "tightness/spasms" but it is getting better. I've been using a heating pad which seems to relax it. Don't hesitate to contact your surgeon to discuss the pain and spasms, they can give you something to relax those muscles... And if you are not taking anything for sleep you might want to check with your MO on that...I could not sleep and woke up in a cold sweat most nights when I was first diagnosed but it was not due to the surgery or pain, it was fear and the shock of being blindsided by this diagnosis. My oncologist gave me something for sleep and something to settle my nerves - both of which have been a big help. Sleeping is getting easier and I find I don't always need to take something now...I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice from the wonderful women on this board and there is a board for DCIS as well that may be helpful too...hang in there, it will get better...(((Hugs))) Maureen

Foreverchanged72612 · March 2013

Mamasixtaz: yes! Balancing act is exactly what came to my mind, too. I held off the morphine and the nausea went away but what about that pain? Well, percocet was my answer. I don't have any nausea with that. I am thankful I can sleep through the night...well, 6 hours at least without having to remedicate but when I wake up at 6am from not taking the percocet since 10:30pm, I really appreciate the feeling when the percocet kicks in!!

3mom · March 2013

Hey Gals,

Thought I better check in before my time gets away from me. Actually think I am playing referee to my kiddos now who are all just a bit wound up and need a good run outside!!! Tomorrow is the big day for me. Praying lymph nodes clear and other area that we are not sure what is is not a grade higher. I have gleamed every bit of information to you who have gone before me this month...actually started prophylactic stool softener ingestion to see if that makes a difference! House has been cleaned top to bottom - I mean EVERYTHING - even flipped mattresses and all. Meals are prepared and neighbors and friends have just been so incredibly generous with everything. Doc's I work with gave me housecleaning service - they know the site of dust makes me nuts- so I don't have to worry about that. Boys promise to help make lunches and my three year old has a bunch of new crafts to do with me on the couch when I get home. Biggest anxiety is being "bumped" by then on "accident"!!! So glad my husband will be home with me all week - he is a physical therapist so I have no excuse to not be moving my arms! I did't let too many of my patients know what was going on only that I would not be back in office for a month or so and so glad I work with such a great team who will just jump in and take over and not allow me to worry about a thing!

Thinking of all you recovering and ahead of me in this journey - I am so grateful to you and your bravery and willingness to share. I can read every study and medical journal and know the "science" of this all but still it is not the same as sitting down to read your entries here because they are real - real emotion, real feeling, real sadness and real hope- studies and statistics cannot convey that.

Hugs - Christina

ssla01 · March 2013

Joining the March list. March 28 - Sentinel node excision.

LuvinMyLife · March 2013

Hi all I'm back after a week or so of trying to get better. I can say that there are days that my arm is KILLING ME. The nerves have all woke up and they are pissed at me. lol I try to kill the pain with alternating heat and cold and now I can take Advil which doesn't make me sick like the tylox. I had a small sarcoma drained last Wednesday. Not much just 1 oz of fluid but that was enough fluid to press on nerves. My arm really does ache and the skin is raw to the touch. I mean it feels raw. Like glass being rubbed into it. It aches all the way to my fingers. I suppose some of this is normal post op - nerve stuff. I do have some swelling where the fluid was ( right by my armpit ) may have a teeny tiny bit of fluid in there again.

I meet with the ONC on Monday. I just wonder how long the nerve/post op pain lasts until there is some relief.

PS glad to hear so many more have made it through their surgeries. I hope everyone is finding it a little more easy every day.

Kayrem · March 2013

Hi everyone

Well I had my surgery on the 14 and thought I was doing pretty good. Then last week wednesday, after going to my son's last hockey game (yeah - they lost but I was SOOO glad they were done) I bent and stretched awkwardly to get something out of the oven. I did feel something strange and I thought uh oh. Then Thursday I couldn't get out of bed. It hurt to breathe.

My BS said to put a hot water bottle on it (covered with a towel of course) and just sit around all day. I forgot and put the water bottle on over my pajamas for about 2 mins but it was hot so I asked my husband to get me a towel. Sat in bed all day Thursday, woke up Friday feeling much better, looked in he mirror and realized I burnt my back! So now I have 3 or 4 nasty water blisters on my back ( the size of a quarter or less).

I can not believe I did that! I suppose the silver lining is just like I could not tell that I burnt myself ( no nerves) I also have no pain from the burn! Anyways I am better and I do not have alot of pain but everyone out there should be very careful if they use a hot water!

Foreverchanged - i actually felt sympathy pain reading your hug story.

I Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Gardengirl33 · March 2013

3mom, here's prayin for ya' if you can raise three children you can raise a whole village. If you can raise a village, you've cancer beat!!

I've been feeling good, but those naps in the middle of the day just take over, I just can't say no. You with a 3 year, wow hope he likes naps! too

My discomfort comes from the drains go into me. Ugh! Almost every movement hurts, it's not an excruciating pain, more like an irritating pain. My husband said, " why aren't you using your little arm pillow you made?" We'll, duh leave it to a man to think of that. Guess, I was just trying to ignore the pain. Well my "little pillow" helps. It supports my arm and also puts just enough pressure on tubes so they're not moving.

What is my "little pillow?" Google, or yahoo, mastectomy pillow you will see images of them from heart shape to crescent shape. I printed a pattern fornancrescent shaped one and sewed and stuffed, and attached ribbon just so. I did this the night before surgery. Crazy? Well it did keep my mind off the upcoming surgery!

Trying to back off of pain meds. So far not too bad. I'll use them to be comfortable at night. After being up, moving around all day. When 8:00 comes around I'm a bit tender.

I get weird pain where my incision, breast used to be. Best I can describe is its a fluttering? Today I had a " ghost" pain, I swear if I still had my breast and nipple, it would have been right behind my nipple. Anyone else have " ghost" pains?

Well I had my three hour nap, good to stay up late and watch, yes I'm a big fan of,

" The Walking Dead" only two episodes left!

Thinking if you 3mom! You WILL do amazing!

suzique · March 2013

Thanks for that link!

dede707 · March 2013

Hi Dear March Sisters,

I am wishing everyone a hearty and healthy gentle hug and hello. I had surgery on 3/7 and finally feel great (just the last 3 days). I still am taking it very easy and need to have a short nap before dinner, but feel great. My children are estactic that I am up and acting normal again.

I wish all recent sugery sisters peace and serenity and know that each day gets easier. For me though, as the pain decreased, the emotions took over. About 10 -12 days out, I emotionally crashed and wallowed for a few days. I let myself go through the emotions and I am glad I did. I felt like Persphone in Hades and then returning to the Earth renewed. So now, I feel good. I urge recent and upcoming surgery sisters to do whatever they need to do to make them comfortable- be gentle with yourself and take the pain pills. My dh did set the alarm every 4 hours for pain pills and I am glad he did. It is true- stay ahead of the pain or it will take some to catch up. I, like Maureen, am mostly pain pill free. I still use one or two vicodin a day. I have a te and it is tight and my drain site is still tender and where the drain tubing was. I continue to use Ativan and happy to be on it- it has greatly helped my anxiety with my slap-me-in-the-face-diagnosis.

I meet my my MO and chemo (6 cycles of TCH) will start on April 1st, Fool's Day (the irony). I went to chemo college and other bc survivor friends and the chemo board on this site is helping me prepare. I pray I glide through as best as I can, for the sake of my 5 and 11 year old. They have done remarkablely well during the surgeries, but my treatment feels like it taking so long. I start 4/1 and my last cycle is 7/10 (half the summer). I thought I would have started already and been done by June. Oh well, this cancer beast has it's own schedule. Grrrrrrrrr.

Maureen, I thank you, for suggesting to transition over to the chemo (treatment) boards. I hope to find KeKe there (I believe she may have already started). I am also looking into Penguin Caps to save my hair, but not sure it is worth the effort. I have heard great results though and they do offer it in my onc. practice. Anyone heard of this?

Well, I wish you all WELL and gentle hugs. May rest and sleep find you and may your warrior spirit continue to fight this beast. Much love to you all.

Denise

Maureen1 · March 2013

Wow, lots going on...reading all the posts! Welcome to the March 2013 surgery group (((ssla01))), I've added you and (((Thankful2day))) to the list:)

Christina/3mom - (((hugs))) you will be in my my thoughts and prayers tomorrow morning along with the other surgery sisters for our last week of the month, what a busy month we've had!!!

Since we've had two more new people join here's another update to the list - just want to make sure we finish the month with a complete calendar of the surgeries...so here's the latest:)