August 2013 Surgeries

IrishDancingMom

JBDayton..thank you too for your kind words.

aviva5675

Dancin-- my first night was ok- we got home about 8pm, had hubby make me an egg, then we went upstairs. I had read about making a 'nest' of pillows, so I was upright with both arms supported.  I took vicodin thru the night- Tom woke me up when it was time for the next dose. I know I slept off and on all night, in bed. I was able to get up myself and go to the bathroom in the morning. I woke Tom up and he got me breakfast. I was able to reach for the coffee pot, but couldnt move a coffee mug of water over to fill it, couldnt scramble eggs... but I ate and drank.  Was on tylenol all that day, once or twice following day and thats it since then...

So you'll be good!  I think this time it'll be tougher-- Im figuring on taking the vicodin or what is prescribed for a few days even after being home, with the goal to be off it within a week.  on the outside, hopefully sooner...

Ladies with TE--- how long til you could sleep on your side a little???

With my reduction/oncoplasty I was able to carefully side sleep a little after about 4 days, not bad!!

mmadrigal05

Hi ladies!

All of you are absolutely amazing! Your courage through these tough times inspires me. It doesn't matter if your newly diagnosed or you are a "survivor" going through continued processes to become a woman again, we all have the same feelings, which means that none of us are alone in our battle. Happy vibes to all!

To my fellow EMSers: I was a paramedic as well. The things we see on a daily basis can make anyone indifferent to the traumas of life. It takes a certain kind of person to work in EMS in any capacity. But the compassion that we learn is immeasurable. That is one thing I learned to pass out on a regular basis when I was working and it's helped me pass it out to myself during this journey. 

As far as the shower thing: my PS said I can take a shower even if my drains weren't covered but that I can't take a bath and submerge them. Luckily, I got the little buggers out yesterday!!! Glad they're gone but I'm now really feeling the tightness and missing muscle. I had Lat Flap surgery on Aug 2. Very happy with the results thus far bc I know I can later work on getting my range of motion and strength back. Something I found helpful for me during my showers was to put one of those temporary 3M hooks on my shower wall at the height of the drains then hang the drains from that. I couldn't stand something around my neck as I showered but the plastic wrap is a great idea too:)

As far as being nervous: Good luck trying to get rid of that feeling. It's going to be there no matter how many surgeries you will go through. The key is to redirect that energy to a more positive outlook so that your corticol and stress hormone levels stay low. Meditation, music, sleeping a lot, whatever works for you. For me all of those things work as does coming to these discussion groups and sharing with all of you. We are fighters ladies! We will get through this. Cancer is just a bunch of rambunctious little cells. We are much bigger than that:)

Not so happy to hear about the bad news that some of you have received. You will be in my meditations. Happy to hear the good news. You will also be in my meditations. Lots of love to all of you!!!

babs6287

Can't believe my PUMX and bilateral recon is one week from today-getting soooo anxious!  Funny I wasn't this anxious last year when I had to have a UMX because of Stage 3 BC- I guess it was because I didn't have a choice, didn't have time to think about it (had 1 week from diagnosis to surgery) and this tim  the choice is mine.  But since last year I already had a "scare" in March of this year and I rather be pro-active as opposed to reactive.  Just rambling due to nerves! 

Irish dancing- good luck tomorrow

2 timer I'm one day behind you-let me know how you do!!!

JennH8

Ok, I think I may have changed my mind on one point of surgery.  My original plan was bilateral mastectomy foregoing nipple sparing.  Now, I think I will save the nipples.  Ugh.  I go back and forth and back and forth with this.  I'm getting down to the wire so need to find a decision I can stick with and feel comfortable.  Never thought I'd stress so much over nipples.  My biggest concern is complete vanity I will admit.  I think it sucks that as a women, we have to give up a part of our body that makes us feel feminine.  I know for some it's no big deal.  As my daughter says, it's just a bunch of fat hanging off your chest mom.  Well, that bunch of fat means something to me and I'm not strong enough to go without.  I totally commend those that forego reconstruction.  YOu are amazing ladies.  Even though my cancer is only on the right, I am choosing to get rid of both as it's the only way I feel peace in that aspect.  However, this nipple issue.  I can't settle and it's almost D day.

KBeee

Irishdancing...wishing you a restful night's sleep and a successful surgery tomorrow with a speedy recovery to follow.

MAPBB

Hi JennH8,

I originally scheduled to have the nipples out but totally changed my mind on that.  I thought I wouldn't really care, but decided that I do.  and only for vanity.

And then changed my mind again from inplants to DIEP.  I finally feel comfortable with my decision but haven't had any procedures yet.

Rosamond

JennH8, my suggestion is to go for keeping your nipples as you can't get them back once they're gone. This is not an option for everyone, but having kept my nipple has been important for my healing. I only feel that I've lost the gland and fat inside as my skin and nipple still look like me, and, to my hand's touch, feel like me.



I had also decided, prior to my SLN biopsy, that if I couldn't do an implant or needed radiation, that I would go flat on the one side and eventually get a beautiful, organic, healing tattoo. It gave me comfort to think of all the pleasant, aesthetic options - nipple, implant, tattoos. I think vanity is just fine as this is your body, and as a woman, you have the right to feel healed and beautiful. It's part of the journey and can take a long time, but it's important for moving on.



One week out from my UMX, I love looking at my new/old breast, despite the nipple having no sensation, and the large, black incision line from my nipple to under my arm. Each of us must make the choices that are best for ourselves and our health, but I truly believe that if you embrace the choices and are open to possibilities, there will be beauty (and, yes, sometimes vanity) that can help you heal on your journey.



I know you will make the best decision for you. All the best. (((HUGS)))

KBeee

JennH8:  I hope you have time to relax this weekend and are at peace with whatever decision you make.  There are no easy decisions here.  There was no decision for me because my tumor is beneath the nipple.  I think maybe I'm glad it is, since it's one less decision to make.

To my fellow EMS team folks in the group...sorry we had to come together on this team too, but I know you understand my philosophy on it all that comes from surviving 20+ years of fire/EMS.

And for me, I am ready to celebrate some good news for a change!  I just got a call from the hospital that my genetic testing came back normal!  No BRCA1 or BRCA2!!!!!  For once I am thrilled to have bad luck (instead of bad genes).  I know there is still likely a genetic component somewhere, but it was refreshing news nonetheless, and is going to set the tone for a great weekend. My friends are coming over tonight to help me fill my freezer with meals... a girls night while the guys play poker.   I plan to finish laundering anything in the house that can be washed, go for a bike ride with the kids, swim in my pool, work my last duty shift on the engine (this will be very sad), go to church, pack, and be ready to hit the hospital Tuesday morning to get the show on the road. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

jbdayton

I hope everyone with surgeries planned for next week can find time this weekend to enjoy your family and get some rest.

I am busy getting ready for Monday's BMX.  I did all my floors today, laundry done, some meals cooked and in the freezer.  Still need to do a little more shopping tomorrow.  Plan on going to church and relaxing on Sunday.  Earty to bed then early to rise on Monday and head to the hospital.  Have to leave at 6a.m. for 12:00 noon surgery.

By Sunday I may not feel as prepared as I do right now.  I am sure I will be super anxious by then.  Trying to stay positive but this is a big step.

To all those healing hope you have a comfortable weekend. 

mmadrigal05

JennH-I'm right there with you as far as the fat and nipples meaning something to you. I know in my heart that boobs don't make a woman but in reality and the society we live in that's just not the case. Being 36 when diagnosed and losing my husband unexpectedly 2 months after diagnosis I knew I had to get my boobs back. These past couple of years have been rough. I've learned a lot about how strong I am and I continue to learn new things about myself all time. That's part of this process. Thanks for being honest about your boobs meaning something to you! If you can spare your nipples, do! I wasn't given the option and really wish I was. I know they can rebuild them, but it's not the same. I asked my BS if he put mine in the freezer between Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson (Michele Madrigal's nipples:) ) for later transplantation but he just laughed so it's true, once they're gone, they're gone.

JennH8

So I mentioned to my oldest daughter today my thoughts about changing my mind and keeping my nipples.  She broke down and cried.  It scares her that I would make that choice and up my risk, although minimal, of recurrence.  I have a call in to my surgeon just to clarify some things with her about making that change if I chose to do so, but will probably not get a call back until Monday.  I'm hoping if I do go that route, I'm able to reassure my daughter that it will be ok.  One of my deal breakers though will be radiation.  I was told that unless my cancer has gone into the chest wall, I can avoid radiation by getting the mastectomy, which is what I'm trying to do.  I'm wondering if I keep my nipples if that will change regarding the radiation. 

grammaB

Day 10 post surgery for me.  Doing really well, more so than I dreamed to expect!  No pain, was off narcotic pills the evening of Day 4 post and no longer need even aleve.  BS removed all the drains (4) yesterday. Yippee!!!  (I had gone a couple of days with barely any out put. Less than 25 ml for all 4 combined.)  What a relief that was!!  I felt so much more human and even lighter, though they didn't weigh much physically, to speak of.  She says I am doing really well.

Final report on the 2 nodes removed was negative.  No final path on the breasts yet as it has been sent to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion.  Hopefully it will be back by next Tues.  BS did say no cancer in prophylactic breast (L) don't know if that went to Mayo also.

I am still wrapped though and probably will be until next Tuesday which will be Day 14 post.  I see bs again then.  She says it controls the fluid, helps stop bruising and keeps chance of infection down.  I have no bruising on my chest to speak of and it all looks good there.  A little tender under the arms where that darn little roll of fat comes over the top of the binder.  I even have my tank on under the binder now so my skin feels better than with the ace bandage right on top of it.  I think I am going to burn that ace!!!

Don't remember if I mentioned this my BRCA 1&2 came back negative, no sign of mutation, on Monday!! That made my day!

I don't remember if I mentioned this already either, but I have even driven, I think it was Monday this week, Day 6 post.  It was a short 14 mile round trip to the PO, but it was OK.  Tired after of course, but no real damage that I could see.

I plan to do no reconstruction at all.  I am totally comfortable with being a flat sister!! )  I'm 64 and boobs just don't mean that much to me....sheesh they were hanging down anyway who needs that??

To those of you that got news that was'nt what you hoped for, I'll keep you in my prayers that things work out the absolute best for you.

To those of you with surgeries next week, try not to stress too much....yeah right!! Do things that make you happy and are calming to you.  If it means a Xanax or two, so be it, whatever gets you through the waiting peacefully.  It won't be long and you too will be on this side of things and working on healing and getting on with your life.

babs6287

Gramma B  Glad to hear you're doing so well-great news!!!!  

JB Dayton  My surgery is Thursday and I find that I'm nesting at work and at home.  I'm pretty stressed about work-we're having a BIG inspection that I was in charge of preparing for and I'm hoping to be back before it happens (They only give 7 days notice)  I've planned a very busy weekend with some great friends who've been there for me this whole crazy year so I won't think about the Sx but, easier said than done.  I hope you can stay calm----

Babs

VintageGal1111

I am new here & just figuring out the discussions. This may be a good place to start since I just got diagnosed last Friday & my surgery is scheduled for next Thursday Aug 29th.

I have had the mammo, unltra sound, biopsy, MRI, EKG & chest xray, met with the surgeon last week & hubby & I will see hm again on Monday.

I am learning terms I wish I didn't have to know, tyring to grasp what it all means, & reading posts here that have been very helpful

Thanks

~Lyn~

jbdayton

Lyn - Welcome.  Sorry you have to join this group.  You will find everyone to be very helpful.  Feel free to say anything you would like.  No question is a dumb question.  We will give you our best answers.  We are all at different stages in this process.  Some of had chemo some are on their second or third surgery.

Our best wishes to you for an easy surgery next Thursday.  You can do it and beat this disease.

Have a good weekend everyone.

DeliriumPie

Good evening ladies. Wishing good thoughts for those if you with surgeries next week. Enjoy this weekend and try not to fret too much, I found none of my fretting affected any outcomes as far as I can tell anyway. Not that it stops me. One thing I wanted to share for those doing last minute shopping this weekend. It may be helpful to pick up some tape, gauze pads, and large waterproof bandaids for when your drains come out. I was told I need to keep the sites covered for two weeks and change them everyday. I have been meaning to hit the drugstore for three days and still have not managed to. It is such an effort to leave the house now: shower, makeup, struggle into clothes that fit, wig, then fiddle with foam boobs that refuse to lay naturally or symmetrically. It is a two hour process that is exhausting. I did all that to go to the dr today then totally forgot to stop at cvs on the way home. What a waste! I wish I had thought of it beforehand when I was nesting. Meanwhile I am playing medicine cabinet mcGuyver.



Congrats on the bits of good news Grammab.



On the topic of nipples. I wish I had mine and wish I had the option. But as someone else mentioned maybe lucky I didn't have the choice so I didn't end up guessing and second guessing decisions.



Goodnight beautiful surgery sisters!

Rosamond

Thoughts for a good weekend for all! I am going to make my first dinner for my family tomorrow night since surgery on 8/14 (with husband's help ;-).



No longer need even Tylenol, and today was the first day the tightness in my pec muscle over my implant was less noticeable. Drains still bug me, but totally tolerable. Hope to get them out on Wed during PS post-op appt.



Peace and healing to all!

jbdayton

Way to go Rosamond. One step closer to normal. Have a wonderful dinner with the family.

honeybair

Five days post surgery and off pain meds except for 500 mg. of Tylenol at bedtime to aid in sleeping.  Drains still in and went out to breakfast with hubby, daughter and granddaughter then down to mall bookstore for 20 minutes while hubby walked around.  Two more brief stops and back home.  Tired, of course, but happy to get out of house.

No reconstruction for me at this time, but may change my mind later.

For all who are in the healing process, sending healing thoughts your way, and for those who are facing surgery shortly, sending thoughts of comfort and peace.  My fear of the surgery and pain were much greater than my actual experience has been so far.

Someone on one of these boards suggested men's button-down shirts post surgery for disguising drains and flatness. I wore my shirts both times out of the house.  What a great idea.

IrishDancingMom

Hi KBeee...

Thanks! Well as you can see I'm back online already and I had a mighty fine experience with my surgery yesterday. The wire localization (piece of cake), the surgery (bigger piece of cake). I've only taken Extra Strength Tylenol since I came home from the hospital yesterday and today..no pain killers at all. I'm in a little bit of pain but feeling very very blessed!! Now I'm praying for clean margins. I've already today made my breakfast and lunch and went for a short walk.

Thanks to everyone that talked me through this surgery. (Next radiation). I would be happy to help anyone else that is feeling as anxious as I was beforehand. I found thinking of the cancer physically leaving my body helped alot..plus my compassionate husband and daughter.

We can do this. Thanks again everyone!!!!

Kirsty

IrishDancingMom

Hi Avivia...

Thanks for your advice about the sleeping. I slept in my regular bed last night and only had minimal pain. I felt pleased that everyone in surgery deparment said I was the most cheery patient they ever had. I told them I was grateful that they are here for us patients and I thank the Lord that they went into this profession to help. Even found the nurse who was giving me my IV (was 8 months pregnant) was very tired looking and I started rubbing her arm to make her feel better

Did most of you have general or twilight during their surgery? They gave me general (completely knocks you out but longer recovery room time) because my biggest fear was waking up in the middle of surgery (like what had happened to my mom once). My surgeon then insisted I got general and it worked out great.

How are you doing?

Kirsty

babs6287

VintageGal1 Welcome -although I wish you didn't have to be here!  I too am having my surgery on 8/29.

Hopefully, we'll both breeze through this one.  Since it's my 42 nd wedding anniversary I know it's a lucky day for me-and will be for you too!

Have a good weekend.

Babs

VintageGal1111

Thanks Babs!

 Congrats on your anniversary. We celebrated 40 years in June. Had a big party!

All the best to you on Thursday!

Thanks for your reply.

Lyn

Jo6202

Hi August sisters,

I am scheduled for surgery on Aug. 30 th. I am so tired of waiting. I just want to get on with this so I know what I am dealing with and can plan my life a little. I first saw my primary care physician on July 1st and had to wait three weeks for mammogram and ultra sound. Then another week of waiting for stereotactic biopsy and then results. Then doctor went on vacation and I am now waiting again for surgery. This waiting and worrying is tiring. Anyone else out there in limbo land?

JennH8

First I want to say hello to those that have joined us.  I'm sorry you've had to join this club but glad you found this place to share your experience.  Reading back over the recent posts, it's helpful to see those of you postsurgery doing so well.  Just a few more days for mine.  I went for preop on Friday and a gal asked me if I was "excited" for surgery.  I know she meant well by asking the question but I told her that's not exactly the word I would use.  I will be glad to get it done so I don't have to worry about it anymore for sure, and I'm really trying hard to stay focused on the positive of it so I don't slip into that downer mode, which I feel happening more and more the closer it gets.  A friend of mine keeps telling me, one step closer to being cancer free and healthy again!  A good thought to keep in my head and so true. 

IrishDancingMom

Hey Jo...

I'm sorry you are going through the waiting game. I only had that when I was waiting when the doctor first called about finding something to actually finding out what grade it was.

I just had my surgery on Friday. I scheduled the surgery on August 15th..between that time I put myself through so much upset and worry that I lost 10 pounds and had alot of tension headaches. Ending up being for nothing. I can honestly say it was a piece of cake.

Try to find some relaxing things to do for yourself this week while you wait. You deserve to treat yourself to a calm week. Keep us posted on your surgery.

Kirsty

jbdayton

JennH I personally understand since my BMX is tomorrow at noon (6 hr sx).  I am definitely getting very anxious.  Keep telling myself slow deep breaths. 

Have a few quick things to finish here around the house then relax for the rest of the evening.

I want to wish you a good sx and see you on the flip side. 

To everyone else with surgeries this next week, best of luck and my God be with all the surgeons for steady hands.

To those recovering keep the comments coming and keep encouraging the rest of us following in your footsteps.

Jtrosesav

DMarie24,

Best of luck with your surgery tomorrow.  As you know, I am having the same surgery as you tomorrow.  I report to the hospital at 8:30 am after stopping by my plastic surgeon's office to get the numbing cream on my nipple for the sentinel node biopsy.  

I feel wonderful today!  Me and my good friend spent the morning being pampered at a wonderful spa and then took a wonderful walk and shared a healthy lunch.

Now I'm just catching up on emails and phone calls and washing my sheets and clothes I'll wear after my surgery (button-downs) and then will pack a small bag for the hospital.

Thanks to the love I've opened to from friends and family and from me for myself, I am ready and anticipating a great outcome.

Love to you and I look forward to hearing from you post-surgery.  Thanks to everyone else for your messages, helpful hints and everything else.

Jacquie

DMarie24

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts, experiences and words of encouragement. I am certainly 30 minutes outside of Boston enjoying dinner with my parents then off to the hotel for the night. Report at 7a, surgery 11:30 & I hear it's 8hrs then 2 hrs in recovery. Makes for a long day for my family. As for me, I'm still holding strong to my faith & feel peaceful in my decision & medical team (not sure how). Keep the prayers coming for myself and everyone else on this site. Positive thoughts & prayers coming your way every moment.



Blessed,

Denise