August 2014 Surgery

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  • myers421
    myers421 Member Posts: 267
    edited July 2014

    Hi all = ) August 8th surgery here.  I had my bmx last July, lost an implant this past March and I will be undergoing latissimus dorsi with te placement.  Praying this is the beginning of the end Winking

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    myers421-  Welcome!!  Bummer that you have to go through another procedure.  But the end is in sight so we will just keep on, keeping on!!  I think you and juliecc are our first girls in August so the two of you can get us August Surgery Sisters started off right!!  

    Ally

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2014

    Myers, gosh you've been through a lot with your surgeries, I'm so sorry for the complications. The worst is behind you now and hopefully it's smooth sailing from here on out! 

    Well ladies, I am ecstatic to announce that today is my last chemo! I don't think I could've gone on much longer, so the day couldn't have come soon enough!

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited July 2014

    Congratulations on your last chemo, Allydp!  

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Alllydp-  Doing the happy dance for you!  Woot! Woot!  Last chemo- DONE!!   Congrats!!

    Ally

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2014

    Myers welcome!!! Holy moly that's a lot of surgery!!!!! I'm sorry you went through all of that and I'm hoping this is the home stretch for you too!!!

    Allydp in crying tears of joy for you!!!! Congrats!!!!!

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  • Shine14
    Shine14 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2014

    Hello August Surgery Sisters!  I am scheduled for a bilateral mx (dcis in left, prophy right) and immediate DIEP on August 1 so I may be leading the way for the group. :) I feel blessed that my cancer was caught so early so my only concerns are this surgery, and not further treatment.  I am glad to have you all to share ideas and support!  

    Just had my pre op appointment with my BS and looking forward to getting this done!!!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Shine14-  Welcome!  Sorry for the reason you are here but, like you said, it was caught early and that is a blessing.  My dx was similar but dcis in right and prophy on the left. So glad your appointment went well.  I am counting the days!! Blaze a great trail and start off our month with a great procedure and outcome!

    Ally

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  • Sunshine36
    Sunshine36 Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2014

    Hey everyone :) I just made my way over to this thread from the chemo boards!  I have my final round of chemo next thurs and then my bilateral (with te) is scheduled 8/20! Now the nerves are really setting in and im feeling super unprepared!  Im looking forward to sharing/gaining info with you ladies! 

    Xoxo

    Jen 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine36-  Hi Jen!!  Woohoo!!  Almost done with chemo!!  That is awesome!!  I had my BMX with TEs on May 5th.  MereMere posted a list of things that are helpful to have.  I would recommend you go to the Breast Implant Exchange 101 (I think is the correct name) that is coordinated by Whippetmom.  She will need some information from you, for instance measurements and the type of expander your PS is planning to use.  You can private message her if you would rather do that than post.  I did not even know to ask my PS about the type of expanders that he was going to use.  I also did not realize that it can impact the choice of implants later on.  Whippetmom will give you information that you can use to have an informative talk with your PS.  Don't let all of this overwhelm you.  You will be ready when the 20th rolls around so just use this time to gather items and info!!  Keep us informed!

    Ally

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  • Sunshine36
    Sunshine36 Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2014

    Ally - thank you so much for the info! How are you feeling now after your surgery?  Was it scarier or easier than you expected? Ive read and heard so much, my mind is all over thr place.  My surgeon has likened the pain to "sore as if you worked out at the gym really hard" so it makes me feel like it will be bearable. Ive also been told after chemo,  it'll feel completley bearable!  

    One thing im concerned about is how much use of my arms the first few days for things like, umm, personal care (trying to not over share lol). Trying to prepare my husband of what he may have to assist with :P 

    Any advice? 

    Xoxo

    Jen 

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2014

    Thanks, ladies! That last round was in the nick of time. I found out yesterday my liver functions are elevated, so it was definitely time to stop. Let the healing begin! 

    Shine - welcome! So glad you caught your tumor early and were able to avoid chemo. 

    Sunshine - welcome! WOOHOO for your last chemo coming up! My last round was just yesterday and while I'm feeling pretty beat down, it feels great to know my body will start to recover soon. And like you, my mind is in overdrive about the surgery and I'm full of nerves. Just thinking about it gets my heart rate going. I told my hubby I can't imagine how nervous I'll be the day of. I also took Ally's advice and got with Whippetmom about the implants. She was extremely helpful!

    For those who have already done the BMX, how soon could you sit up? I have a neck condition that prevents me from laying down for long periods other than sleep. I'm hoping to be able to sit up right away, but I don't know how realistic that is. 

    It's almost the weekend! Anyone have any fun plans? My husband and I are having a big Conquering Chemo BBQ in a few weeks, so we're officially in party planning mode. :)

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2014

    Jules - I almost forgot to tell you, I'm on another thread with Meadow for TNBC. She saw that we were on this thread together and wanted me to tell you she said hello! 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Allydp-  Woohoo on being done with chemo!  I really did not lay completely horizontal after my BMX.  In the hospital I had the bed levered up to about 45 degrees.  They have you sit up to stand and walk to the bathroom a few hours after surgery.  The morning after the surgery, the nurses want you up and moving.  I was
    told to eat breakfast in a chair and then strolled the halls in my
    wonderful hospital attire!!  So I guess the long answer is you are
    upright pretty quickly after surgery.  At home, I used and still use a wedge pillow at night. 

    The BBQ sounds like fun and you deserve it!  Celebrate!!

    Ally

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  • myers421
    myers421 Member Posts: 267
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine, I would recommend contacting your "Nurse Navigator" at the hospital you will be having your bmx at.  I was beyond nervous before my surgery, I got in contact with the nurse navigator from the cancer center in the hospital and I was LITERALLY walked thru my entire day of surgery from admitting all the way to the floor I would be staying on.  My nerves were calmed because I knew exactly what to expect.

    As for range in motion, you will not be able to "reach" up or over for a few weeks but don't worry you will get it back (it may feel like you won't BUT you will) your mobility going south should be fine ; )

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  • MrFu54
    MrFu54 Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2014

    Hello Ladies,

    I finished neo-adjuvant treatment on 7/3/14.  My mastectomy (Left) without recon and axillary lymph node dissection is scheduled for 8/7/2014.  Radiation to be determined. 

     

    Millie


     

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited July 2014

    Welcome Amy! I'm sorry you have to go through it again.  Praying that you have favorable results this time around! 

    Welcome Shine! Great news that things were caught early.  I am also blessed in that category.  I see you had a lumpectomy prior to your now scheduled mx. I followed a similar path. Cheers to getting this on the calendar.  You are going to do great. 

    Jen, welcome and congrats on your last treatment!  Use this time to prepare and get as much information you can about your upcoming surgery.  Knowledge is power.  I'm always amazed at how little these surgeons have to say sometimes during visits.  These boards are awesome in getting ideas on what to ask the doctor.  My visits were always productive when I had a list of questions.  It also gave me piece of mind.

    Alicia, Yay for your accomplishment of finishing up chemo!  I love that you guys are having a conquering chemo BBQ.  Love and laughter is the best medicine to heal the heart and soul. Wishing you strength as your body continues to recover.  

    As far as laying down,  just like Ally said, you will probably be doing more sitting than laying down.  We borrowed my parents recliner and I lived in it for almost 3 weeks. It was easier to sleep and easier to get up. I highly recommend it if you have one or access to one. 

    Susan



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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine, good question about the personal care.  Here is my experience.  I had BMX with tissue expanders placed and went home the SAME day as surgery.  This is not the norm but my surgeons said it's better to be home away from hospital germs.  My surgery was 6 hours instead of 4.  I woke up just fine and I was feeling good.  I was totally able to putter around that night, take care of my own personal care in the bathroom, etc.  Wear a nightgown with no undies or PJs that are easy to pull down by yourself.  What was hard for me was doing anything requiring pushing, pulling, or reaching because all involve the pec muscles that were just operated on.  Pulling open drawers, opening pill bottles, and reaching up for something was difficult.  Also, bending over didn't feel good for my chest.  If I dropped something on the floor, I had to do a lunge or a squat.  I wished I were in better shape!

    As for sleeping, I slept semi upright with pillows behind my back.  I also had pillows on each side to rest my arms on.  I was given little heart shaped pillows you put between your body and arms near your armpits.  It made the armpits feel better.  I still sleep on my back with a pillow under my knees.  The TEs get in the way of sleeping on my side.  I hope I'll be able to after exchange recovery.

    Monday I have an appointment with my surgeon so he can look at 2 red bumps I've had on my "breast" for a month.  I'm trying not to worry about it being a recurrence.  That would require treatment and delay my surgery.  It sucks that we all have to worry about things like this.

    July is going super fast.  We'll get past these surgeries before we know it!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    juliecc-  Bummer about the red bumps...it is probably nothing but glad you are having it checked out.  You have to blaze a trail on Friday for all of us that are having surgery the following Monday!  :)  Have a good week-end!!

    Ally

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Ally.  I really think it will be something else since I was grade 1, stage 1 and I take Tamoxifen.  ER+ tends to recur years later.  Also the spots are a good 3 inches from the original tumor.  You have a good weekend, too!

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2014

    Hi ladies, last chemo today, yeah baby!!!!!!! Also found out the my MRI showed no visible cancers cells!!!!!!!! Woooohooooo. Still have a long road but I know the worst is behind me and with that news I am so eager to push forward with the rest. Slight change in my surgical plans. For now I am having a left MX and will have a proph MX on the right next year during my recon. It's recommended to wait at least 6 mos after rads end to have recon with IBC. My BS thinks it's best to do it all at once and let the PS start from scratch without having to deal with a scar. Though I'm a little disappointed I completely understand and am happy with that plan. Plus less recovery now. 

    Allydp- xoxo to Meadow. She has really given me some positive feedback and encouraging words!!!

    I read through all the posts and have so many more personal comments but can't remember who wrote what!!!!! It's hard to scroll back on my phone. 

    Welcome to the new posters to this board! And to whoever is having the DIEP I hope you don't mind if I chew your ear off I'm having that next year!!!! I'll try and wait until you recover!! Lol! 

    Today by far is the best day I've had since I was diagnosed!!! Feeling hopeful!!

    image

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited July 2014

    Congratulations, Jules!  What a cute picture of you!

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2014

    Ally - great to hear you were able to sit up right away. I'm hoping they get me up and going too.  

    Millie - welcome! Huge congrats to you on finishing chemo!!

    Susan - thanks for the kind words. I actually bought a cheap recliner last month in anticipation of the surgery. I heard they were helpful, plus I didn't want to be cooped up in the bedroom for weeks. I'm a little worried about reaching the lever though. Hubby might be doing lots of assisting. 

    Julie - I'm so sorry you have to deal with those bumps. Like Ally said, I'm sure they're nothing, but better to have them checked out and get the peace of mind. Please keep us posted on how the appointment goes Monday. 

    Jules - hip hip hooray!! I'm so thrilled for you!! No more chemo AND a clear MRI…that is wonderful!! It sounds like your medical team is on top of things with the recon, and like you said, you'll have an easier recovery so yay for that. Hope you're doing something fun to celebrate. Love the pic. :)

    I've been adding all of our new members to the top of this thread, but if I've missed anyone please let me know! Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2014

    oh and I clarified the fact that my BS follow up is 17 days after surgery. Because I am not having recon now, it's considered an easier surgery to do and recover from. I will be seen by the NP's before that who will monitor and remove my drains. 

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  • brandyrose
    brandyrose Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2014

    Hi everyone, 

    I took have a surgery in August although I don't know the exact date. 

    On July 7th/14 I had a partial mastectomy. I debated whether or not to do the full mastectomy, but ended up taking the risk. I also had a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. 

    Now I'm told that 3 out of 5 of my lymph nodes have cancer cells, and that there was cancer in the margins of the tumor, so I have to do a mastectomy. 

    I've decided to have reconstruction done right away although I'm still considering the options. But now I really feel that I should have a BiLateral (double) mastectomy with reconstruction. That way I have both peace of mind, and a brand new set. 

    And I'm 30 years old, and my dog just died yesterday so I'm feeling insanely overwhelmed and emotional. 

    Brandy

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Dear brandyrose

    Sorry about the margins and SLNB results and your dog too. Our hearts go out to you.

    The Mods

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2014

    brandyrose so so sorry that you are going through all of this at the same time. If we could only hit a pause button on life while going through the steps, decisions and treatments of BC. I am 40 and for me, despite what the research says, the peace of mind I will have after my bilateral mastectomy (BMX)  is worth it. Have they done genetic testing on you? If you are + for the BRCA gene, having a BMX is pretty standard. Good luck with all of your decisions and with dealing with your loss. My heart goes out to you. We are here for you if you need us!

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  • myers421
    myers421 Member Posts: 267
    edited July 2014

    Ohh Brandy I am sorry about your dog that is very difficult let alone in the challenges you are already facing.  I was dx last April DCIS in right breast, my dh and I choose a bmx to cover any future complications.  Come to find out there was cancer in the left breast, needless to say we feel blessed we made that decision.  I would recommend a bmx, you are so young and have many years ahead of you.  xo

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited July 2014

    I'm so sorry, Brandyrose.  That is a lot to handle all at once :-(  There is a page on this site about mastectomy vs. lumpectomy and also a few threads.  There are also pros and cons to having a mastectomy on one side vs both.  I chose a bilateral mastectomy because I had a long history of lumpy breasts and biopsies and didn't want to have as much fear anymore.  As I understand it, there is still a 1-2% chance of a recurrence in the breast area after mastectomy.  There is not a reduction in the recurrence rate to other parts of the body compared to lumpectomy + radiation.  I am sorry you are here.  I suggest you read as much as you can on reputable sites like this one to help you make your decisions.

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine- I missed your question earlier but juliecc gave a response that was similar to my experience. It was actually easier than I had expected. Just need to take meds and rest when you can. I did not need assistance in the bathroom (except stool softener).  Step in tanks that I could pull up with a large shirt were my outfits and I could manage those. You will do great!

    Brandy rose- My heart just goes out to you.  So sorry about the loss of your dog.  I chose to have a bmx because of my family history, age of my kids, work and wanting to be done.  Regardless of what you decide, you will find others who have done similar and you will find support.  Ask questions and let us know how we can help.  You have friends here to help you!!

    Ally 

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