May 2013 surgeries

GoWithTheFlow

WOOHOOO Catey!!!!!!

mshelton

No tubes, that's great Catey--and quick.  I got two of the 4 drains out today too.  Feels so much better.  

ckmoss

CateyZ-OMGosh!  Yeaaaa and Congrats...Always a red letter day around here when drain demons come down!  

By the way, did you find that booklet I was typiing with the link?  If not, I can send again..I ran out of time that day (thought was getting port) and just happened to think probaly was on American Cancer website..and it was word for word.

Ann-How have you been feeling..are you able to sleep at nights now?  I'm afraid I still can't sleep on that side unless I have the butterfly pillow hiking me up..and not over an hour then.  I woke up this morning very sore ..at some point I must have turned over without pillow and slept on it..but it went away after about 30 minutes and 1 ibuprofen later.

GoWith-How is that cording? Are you still hurting?

AMBNH-Thanks for your well wishes..!  And apparently, it just swirled overhead ..thank goodness!

Cateyz2-I was just looking at your surgery dates. ..Lumpectomy/MX almost same dates as mine..appears we had the same oncologist! lol..

____I'm excited to finally be getting chemo underway..but then its wierd its coming so fast now..my husband said well are you going to go shave your head (I said I was going to do shortly after 1st/2nd chemo..instead of going short..dealing with hair loss..then shaving anyway..)and I still am..but haven't quite been able to pick up the phone..I decided, though, I want to do it before I go back to work Sunday..so go back with wig..I haven't been there since 4/16

GoWithTheFlow

Cording is still there.  I have a wand massager I got at walmart a few years ago on clearance after xmas.  I've used it in the past on the backs of my calfs.  Have been using it down my arm and trying to stretch it.  The CT scan wasn't horrible considering.  I expected much worse.  They told me to take pain pill before coming in and I probably could have survived without it.  I did ask for a refill on them because I'm going to PT on Wednesday.

ckmoss

GoWith=When my husband had surgery and had to go to PT..at the end he would always ask for massage on back..Dont forget..that way you aren't sore from rehab. Good Luck with it!

melmcbee

Hey here is a link that explains more about the picture forum.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/805466



I wanted to post this as I have seen some interest here about it. This forum has been a tremendous help to those of us who need help deciding on procedures or just to know if something is wrong or normal. We also support each other on this forum just as we do here.



Sweetpickle Im thinking of you and sending prayers for quick healing.



Hope evryone is doi g well today. Healing hugs

cateyz2

CK Moss

Yes I did get your email and the link, sorry thought I already replied, blame it on fuzzy brain

Run4Us

Thanks Catey for posting the link.  I called my dr today to find out about going to PT... they agreed I need to go...still is difficult to stretch my arm... I don't have full range of motion.

Tomorrow I have my appt with a surgeon about the port...basically explaining the procedure to me ( which I would rather not know) and scheduling to have it done.  I'm guessing I will have it over the next few days. 

I hope everyone has a good night :-)

GoWithTheFlow

Run4Us, I never had much explained.  It's really cool though.  Just a round disc that is above your breasts (or where they were) that is connected to a main vein (artery? Who knows).   The procedure wasn't bad, I was a little sore but able to sleep in bed.  I think if you hug a pillow to your chest, it helps from "squishing" your chest and is more comfortable.

It was less painful than the femur biopsy I had two days before port was put in.

ckmoss

Good Morning all!

GoWith-why did you have to have biopsy of your femur? And what is a femur?  I hate the word biopsy.

Run4us-You just literally made me LOL..I would rather not know any details either..takes your mind places where it should never have to go..my mind generally likes to embellish. lol.

GoWithTheFlow

ckmoss,  yes I did.  femur is your thigh bone.  It was just above my knee.

Isellrejer

I had my double mastectomy on May 17th with nipple sparing. My PS did a peek-a-boo so no expanders yet. I have to wait for the left areola to heal as the right one did great. When that happens, I get to go back in for the expanders and they will be in for 6 months.

Am I the only one that feels as though there is thousands of bees stinging my chest with an elephant jumping up and down on it most of the time? Trying to go without pain meds most of the time till I just can't stand it anymore.

Anonymous

lsellrejer: Try to remember that managing your pain will help with healing. Don't try to be a martyr!

What's a "peek-a-boo"? I haven't heard that one yet...

kayezzy66

Run4us,i went yesterday for pt,and she wrapped my arm in stretch bandages,and she also massage my chest, arms,and shoulder...and i really think it helped.Have to go Mon.Wed.and Friday,and she takes it off ,and wraps it again...i had to buy the bandages there.I was thinking it was included with theraphy ..I also have to have a port put in,we fired the first chemo Dr.and gonna see another one Tues.Had my bc surgery May 14th...good luck on your arm,because i know how painful it is!!! Kay

GoWithTheFlow

Just made an appointment for next week t have my stubble colored by my hairdresser.  Haven't seen him since late December when he chopped my "below the shoulders" hair to a cute short cut.

ckmoss

GoWith-So did you lose all your hair?  like completely?

Well, my chemo has been pushed out a week. Whole big thing today with my oncologist nurse mgr, breast advocate, clinical trial woman..all about my veins...their need for LOADS of my blood...and my lack of veins...also, oncologist said while port is doable day after less chance for infection plus less soreness to wait.  Was up to me.  I wanted to get started and done..however, the whole everyone wanting several 1000 vials of blood from me..I just can't. The back of my left hand is still black and purple and my wrist is brown and blue..my foot has bruise from IV Friday and is about to get another in it tomorrow , putting in port (I am not letting nurses touch me, only anesthesiologist).  This way, I will have until next Weds to heal.

Also, need to get my head shaved..and having difficulty picking up phone to call.

Kay-I hope your arm feels better soon.  Is it cording? 

I'm wondering like Steph- what is a peek-a-boo?  My brain is swirling around that one..lol

GoWithTheFlow

ckmoss, no I never lost all of it.  We shaved it down (if you don't want to go do it, buy a $20 shaver at walmart and have friends/family do it) back in January when I was able to tug on my hair and it would come out.

I've always had a little bit of stubble, but now the sides are coming in fuller (although the top of my head is still spikey about 1/2" and shiney between the hairs).  Just want it colored.  Will probably do a light blonde so I still look the same but it's blonde and not grey.

AMBNH

Glad to hear of everyone's progress. Isellreger, I had my surgery on the same day as you and I totally relate. I'm sure it will get better.



Just got in from a full day at Dana Farber getting all my pre-chemo tests done. Bone scan, cat scan and echocardiogram. Had a mild reaction to the cat scan contrast. Throat started to close-felt like I was gonna pass out. I'm now on my recliner for the night, exhausted.



First fill in tissue expanders tomorrow then first chemo on Thursday. Busy week.

Run4Us

Just got back from Mayo clinic and my port will be put in on Friday. I found out that it will be done under general anesthesia...which I was happy about.  I don't want to know a damn thing that is happening.  I think the person I met thinks I'm nuts.... I was making such a big deal about having this stupid thing in...he looked at me and flipped through my paperwork and said "I was checking to make sure you did have a double mastectomy and have expander's in"...I asked why and he said well you had a major surgery and this really isn't that bad.  I told him I never claimed to be rational.  

Gowiththeflow...thanks for reassuring me.  I know I can do it I'm just being a big baby!!

Kay...I'm glad your PT seemed to help.  I'm going tomorrow so I hope I get some relief. Funny you mentioned firing your Onc...I did too.  I had the same Onc from 7 years ago when I was first diagnosed with BC.  When I had my recurrence and went to see him last month...he was shut down.  I went as far as having the chemo teaching and decided I had to leave.  I needed to find someone that actually seemed like they cared.  It took me 3 tries but I finally found the perfect dr for me.  You will find a dr that is right for you too!!!

AMBNH... I'm so sorry you had a reaction to the contrast..get some rest tonight. I am going on Thursday to have my first expansion would you mind checking in tomorrow and letting me know how it goes?  I don't know what to expect...wasn't sure if it's painful?? I know that there is a cream that can be used on the port site before you go in to numb the area...wasn't sure if I should ask for that for the fill...

ckmoss... I'm glad I made you laugh... I told my husband that I should just wear a sign when I go to the dr that says IS THIS NORMAL??? I seem to ask that question of every dr I see. 

GoWithTheFlow

anyone else's husband driving them crazy.  I just told him I was getting my stubble colored next week.  He wants to know if I asked my oncologist if I could. .....Seriously?  I'm done with chemo.  He then said, what about radiation.  Ummmm.. my head isn't being radiated.  /sigh/

At least he didn't push for me to call and ask.

AnnBR

Isellrejer, I can relate to the burning and stinging. I am finally feeling some relief this week, of course having the drains removed sure helped.



Ckmoss, gentle hugs to you. I am so sorry for what you are going through.



Kayezzy66, glad the PT is helping.



AMBNH, let me know how your first fill goes, my first fill is next week.



To everyone else - have a wonderful night!



Ann

Anonymous

GoWith: your hubby may be over thinking things, but I can tell he cares! His comments made me smile.



I found out yesterday just how awesome the people I work with really are. I work at City Hall, btw. At the end of the day, I was asked to go down to a coworkers desk. They had pre-surgery, we'll be thinking about you gifts. If I'd thought about it, I might have expected a card and some flowers in the hospital: we frequently do cards and/or a collection when someone is out sick, or for birthdays, or loss of a loved one. Anyway, I've been preoccupied (duh!) and never gave it a thought. I am amazed at the generosity of the people I work with. They gave me a gift certificate for a mani-pedi, another one for a massage, a couple gift cards, some cash, and... Wait for it... An iPad mini. Wow. I am a very, very lucky woman to be able to work with such generous, caring people!



I have to admit, it did occur to me that they would have just given me the cash if they thought I wasn't going to be around long enough to enjoy the gifts!



Wow.

cateyz2

Runforus- I always prepare myself for the worst so anything other than what Im expecting is good, strrange how my brain works

CKmoss- my cousin before her chemo had a shave her head party with a bunch of friends.

Gowiththeflow As far as husbands go at this point hes aggravated me so much with his ignorance and lack of sensitivity (running joke in family, hell never find it) Im happy hes spending most of his time afterwork in the garage. Hes been saying for the last 3 days when he gets home from work he will sweep the floor, empty dishwasher, etc and yet nothing gets done but him hanging out with his buddies. Now that Im starting to feel better Ive started doing a little bit more each day.

AMBNH Be sure to let us know how your first fill goes and how many cc's your 1st one is, curious how many did you have at time of placement?

GoWithTheFlow

He does care Steph.  He's just a bit overprotective and I'm pretty independent so it drives me nuts.

What awesome gifts from your co-workers!  Now we expect that you will be posting on here constantly with your new toy!

Catey, leave his laundry for him to do.  When he has to wear dirty underwear, maybe he'll "get it".  I'm trying to do a bit more each day to keep my arms moving.  I still am not ready to carry laundry baskets up and down th stairs, but I can fold them, put them away, and move laundry from washer to dryer.  I'm doing the dishwasher too because stretching to put things on the shelves is good (as long as I move slowly when I do it)

cateyz2

GOwith I havent done his laundry for at least 2 yrs as up til this BC I was working 6days a week, I work for USPS as a city mail carrier, so it will be interesting to see when I will get back to work, lot of repetitive movement and heavy lifting. Good thing about job I walk all day long so good exercise, already put on at least 7 lbs since surgery

AMBNH

Hi AnnBR and Catey, yes I'll let you know how the filling goes for sure! They didn't put any in during surgery because the skin was too tight at that point. I'm getting anxious about it but it has to be done.



Bought some scarves and head coverings today in preparation for the "big haircut." I'm having my hair buzzed off this weekend after Thursdays 1st treatment. If I'm gonna be bald I'm going to be stylish about it!

AnnBR

Steph01, what wonderful co-workers! It was heartwarming to read what they did for you. You are certainly blessed.




Ann

AMBNH

Run4Us, yes, I will def let you know how the first fill goes. I hope all goes well for you on Friday with the port.

ckmoss

Hi all!

AMBNH--that is soo the spirit!  And there really are some cute cotton hats/scarves out.  My oncologist had a magazine type book from some retailer that sold them..not sure if ya'll would or have seen, but she has on very cute yellow hat..and she is GORGEOUS..face model perfection...I was like...SERIOUSLY...even with this, they have the chemo hat models gorgeous! 

Run4-I am so with you there.  When I was lying in holding last Friday for the "port that never happened"..I asked the anesthesiologist (sp?..all choices in spell check look wrong..should go check the 50 bills I have in there ..haha), would I be pretty well out of it when he did twilight sleep..he said oh we can put you on out, and whipped the clipboard to me..I was like Ok!..You know, I've said I've worried more with this just because I am so damn tired of being hurt/pain/cut on/sore..and its like now theres this line..but then..once again..no choice..sighhh..We will get through..mine is tomorrow morning with my regular surgeon who I love and looks a lot like and acts just like Nick Nolte..gruff/humor/teddy bear of a man..great reputation! I'll let you know tomorrow..

Gowith--Im laughing at you saying your husband is getting on your nerves..I think Im getting on my husbands nerves..!..I told you he has been sick and I have been following him around with clorox wipes..and fussing if he misses his mouth by a fraction when he covers to cough..also have brought in hand sanitizer..He called me "Nurse Ratchet." lol

Catey-be careful lifting when you go back, though..MaineRottweilers (vet asst) was back at work couple of weeks and hurt herself picking up 70 lb dog. So be careful.

Steph-That is so awesome about your co workers...You know I told my husband the other day..Thank God, I have this sup (we shift bid every 6 mths..verizon callcenter)..she has been hugely supportive and has cursed with me Metlifes' slow response time, etc..the whole time..Ive had coworkers come visit and bring food, books, etc...Not ipad though!  That is really great!

Ann-thanks for the gentle hugs...that really makes me feel better when I read that from ya'll.  A great thought.

Macmcbee-I hope you are doing well tonight.

Sweet pickle- Im praying for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

Just took the first of three showers with the Hibicleans (sp?) soap. My arms itch now. Anyone else have problems? I don't remember having issues before.