August 2014 Surgery

AnasNana

Allydp..stairs were not a problem for me as long as I took it slow. I agree with Ally2345, the hardest part is going from semi-laying to sitting to standing.

honeymama...my surgery was Friday a.m. and I came home on Saturday afternoon. I was ready to come home. I  am just more comfortable in my own house.

shewolf...hoping everything went well for you.

Cinch..wishing you luck today.

MrFu54, Honeymama, Diva77, Thumper007, Genny5775...best wishes tommorrow...you girls have this, just as those of us before you did.

aviva5675

if you're in hospital for few days ask nurses about the hair washing cap.It's a cap that some how washes you're hair and leaves you refreshed, but your hair isn't soaking wet.

iwannaseeyoubebrave

Wow!  Lots of action going on here!  I haven't been engaged as much these last two days and have missed so much!  I had a crazy stitch working it's way out last week and decided to go to the PS.  I'm so glad I did.  I just got a call today asking if I'm taking the precautionary antibiotic they gave me after snipping the stitch.  I said Yes!  They said Good!  Because it came back benign staph and antibiotics will keep do it's job.  Thankfully it's already healing and nothing looks strange.  I'm SOOOOOO ready to get these !$%!*#&$*!#& expanders out.  Don't get me wrong, they have been tolerable, it just seems like the closer I get to exhange the more uncomfortable I get.  I think it's mental.  Kind of like when you have to pee and the closer you get to the toilet you feel like you are going to wet yourself.  LOL   With all that said, although it feels safe in the hospital after surgery, it's best to get the heck out of there just as soon as you are able.  Nobody wants an infection, especially staph, and it sure does happen!  I was in the hospital for two days for my MX.  Lumpectomy was outpatient in the hospital and now Exchange will be at the Surgery Center as outpatient.  Be sure everyone is washing their hands around you in the hospital as well as at home. I had hand sanitizer all around me and by the front door!  Don't be shy to remind everyone to wash their hands!   It's for your own protection.

I've been thinking of all you lovely ladies on here and hoping those that have had their surgeries this month are resting and healing nicely.  Hope all is well with Cinchgirl today.  Tomorrow is a very busy day!  Thinking about each of you and wishing you all the best tomorrow.  You will do great!

Someone mentioned stairs, it shouldn't be a problem.  It's actually a VERY good thing to be moving that body (gently) after surgery.  Just be carefuly with those stairs!

Pedis and color.  I just went and had mine done over the weekend with my daughter.  I went for firey red.  Makes me feel fierce!

Someone mentioned earlier about how it's difficult to stand from the sitting position after MX.  Yes it is.  Your arms will be somewhat useless in helping to push yourself up at first (it does get better everyday though! ) .  I was in a recliner for the first couple of weeks with a flat sheet behind me.  For the first few days, anytime I wanted to get up someone would just stand in front of me and pull the corners of the sheet behind me and up I went!  It worked beautifully.

There was a conversation I missed about being tired.  Yes, this is a tiresome and stressful journey.  Some are tired from the treatments, meds, surgery, etc., but I think it's true that we are all just tired from the stress of it all.  It does get better though.  I think with every milestone along this journey we get a little stronger, or maybe a littler more tolerant and /or resilient.   So rest when you need to but don't let it consume you.  Get up once you are rested and keep fighting, keep moving forward.  You are stronger than you know.

xxoo

Susan

 

Shine14

Great list Ally! I would also add an extension cord. I didn't use it too much because my husband was there almost all my waking hours, but the idea is that it makes your phone closer to you plugged in. I was in the hospital for a couple days in 2012 and remember that it was so uncomfortable to check texts or talk on the phone because i had to twist around.  Just an idea!

Good news! I just spoke to my BS and she said the pathology reports showed that all the cancer was DCIS, so that confirms stage 0 and no further treatment needed! That was what we expected so no big surprise, but great to hear her say those words.  Yay!

Her other news was that I can make an appointment to have my drains removed tomorrow or Friday!  Just my breast drains, not the ones on my belly, but I should get them off on Saturday when I have my first visit with the PS.  She is going to call the PS to see if she can take his out, too, but either way I am SO CLOSE to being drain free.  Wow!

Just like so many have said about being tired, I have always felt that when you are worried or preoccupied about something, it is draining!  I think that is normal, unfortunately.  I found that I didn't worry so much when I kept myself busy and tried to make physical activity a priority.  And being in good physical shape will help with your recovery so you may feel like you are taking control of this crazy situation.  !  Not to mention the whole endorphins make you happy thing!  Just another idea!

diva77

Shine that is good news! Woot Woot!!

I am so glad to read that everyone is recovering well. Gives me great comfort! 

My bag is packed (thanks for the great list ally) and the nurse just called to review my list and remind me to be on time tomorrow 11:30 sharp. Had my pedi...went with BC ribbon pink!  I will be staying overnight -  insurance covers 23 hours -  for me I think I will rest better at home and the germ thing is on my mind, too.  Great suggestion to have hand sanitizer near me!

To my August 7th sisters: MrFu54, Honeymama, Thumper007,  Genny5775, I wish you a relaxing and peaceful evening filled with laughter and love! Tomorrow we will be together in spirit and we will be brave warriors as we continue our journey down this path.  Or as my dear friend would say go kick this cancers !@$ butt!!!

gentle hugs to all my August Sisters!  

Ally2345

Shine-  Woot! Woot!  Doing the happy dance on your path report!!  Hope you are drain less soon!!  

Susan-  Fierce...yep, that's the spirit!!  So glad you were taking your antibiotic...yikes!! 

MrFu, Honey, Thumper and Genny-  you have so got this!  You all are going to do great tomorrow. Have a relaxing night if you can...watch a favorite movie, just try and relax. Know we are all thinking about you!!

Cinch-  just letting you know we are thinking of you today!!  Best wishes for you recovery.  

Julie-  I believe my PS is in the same boat with fat grafting. He wants to see how things settle so we may still be on the same track into another procedure!!  

You all are going to do great!! 

Ally

bobogirl

Okay.  First off: honeymama, mr fu, thumper, genny and the beautiful diva (what a sweet message you wrote!)  I am in the bag with you on the way to sx.  I am a stow-away in the bag full of cr*ap you are bringing to the hospital!  We will all be with you every second.  Diva, we had our pedis at same time!  Cinch, thinking of you!

Secondly, I agree with everyone about stairs.  They were not a problem for me (going slowly).  Wow -- I would scrap that whole tile thing for now!

Who was talking about how long to stay in the hospital (vs leaving same day)?  I'll just volunteer my own experience. I had two 'drive-by' surgeries before my BMX.  Both times I felt a little jilted.  I wished for more surveillance and pain control.  I imagined the hospital as a kind of spa, very clean, with nurses to attend to your needs, take out food, and movies.  I was scheduled for two days in the hospital with BMX.  Unfortunately I contracted two (2) life-threatening hospital infections -- as a result of being in the hospital.  For one of the infections, I had only a 40% survival rate.  They could not get on top of it.  Then, as they did get on top of it, I contracted the 'hospital flu.'  Eleven people died in the hospital that month from that flu.  When I got the flu, I got the hell out of the hospital.

Now I am going to be the kind of person that you will not be able to get into the hospital.  I have always regarded those old people strangely -- the ones who won't go to the hospital unless they are dragged there.  Now I am one of those people, except I am 43.  Okay, I am actually 44, but still adjusting.  Make of this story what you will.

Ally!  Red-orange was an excellent suggestion.  I was going to go with it.  But then they did not have that modern color.  So I went with a neutral -- opaque, but when you get close it looks slightly lavender.  Perhaps it will fool any dimwit who tries to get people to remove toenail polish.  i know, I know, they do it for pulse ox, but they can look at the fingernails.

Shine!  Excellent news all around!  Getting your drains out rocks.

bobogirl

I reply to myself.  I swear, Allydp, you are the sweetest.  It is, in fact, very painful and alarming.  It is so good of you to notice.

We are all of us a bunch of gorgeous and feisty badas$es, many of whom seem to have been around the block a few times.  I'm just incredibly impressed.  Allydp looks so adorable in what I perceive to be her headshaving pic in her avatar.  And Violet is a bada$s nurse whose avatar pic is also so beautiful, and Honeymama is adorable with her gorgeous babies, and then, of course, there is the beautiful Julie.  And cateyz is actually wearing a bikini in her avatar!  Who can compete with the August sisterhood?

Honeymama: post-op bras suck.  And yet, get the most expensive ones you can, the ones that look the most comfortable.

cateyz2

Another thought for those of you that have the dye injection, the hospital I went to their protocol is to but a little lidocaine in the very tip of the syringe they inject the dye with to numb before the dye, as it can sting, however for a very short time and it works wonderfully. Ask the radiologist about doing it!!

Also may I stress again for you ladies heading into surgery, be sure to ask for the anti-nausea patch to go behind the ear in addition to meds in IV, works wonders. And also to be sure to take stool softeners as the pain meds can constipate you terribly!!! Don't need anymore pain to deal with while recovering!!

Allydp

Thanks so much for all the feedback on the stairs. I'm relieved to know they won't be an issue. I've decided to throw my hands in the air and give up on having the bathroom done. I will just shut the door so I can't see the mess! It's too stressful to try and rush it.  

Violet - your nurse camp sounds wonderful and how nice you were able to get away and clear your mind before surgery. 

Susan - as Ally said, thank goodness you were on top of the antibiotics. And I love your flat sheet trick. I'm definitely going to use that.

Shine - YAY for a clear path report! That is awesome news! And good call on the extension cord. I'll add it to my list. 

Bobo - I am in awe of your strength. You've been through so very much. I don't blame you one bit for avoiding hospitals. I'm so glad you're here with us and can't wait for you to be on the other side of this surgery.

1more, Shewolf, Cinch - thinking of you all and hope your early recovery is going smoothly! 

MrFu, Honeymama, Diva, Thumper, Genny - we're all here rooting you on! Get a good night's sleep and know this will all be behind you soon. Check back in when you can! 

Ally2345

Hey August Gals-  How about this for a funny story...Bobo and I are in the same city, with the same PS, having procedures  on the same day at the same surgical center!!!  How very funny is that??  Talk about "being with you!"

Ally

honeymama

To my Aug 7 sisters: MrFu, Diva, Thumper and Genny

Here we go ladies, no turning back now. We are stronger than we think and will be giving advice on  this really soon!  Thanks to all the other Aug sisters who have given advice, support and a laugh!  

Goodnight everyone and see you back here in a couple of days!

Juliecc

Wishing you a successful and easy surgery, Honeymama, Mr. Fu, Diva, Thumper, and Genny.  Please check in when you feel up to it.

Ally2345, that's crazy about you and Bobo!  Maybe you'll run into each other in the hallways.  

Milaandra

Hello everyone!  I have a surgery decision to make quickly so they know how much time to book on the 29th, and you know how it helps clarify your mind to get other's opinions. 

Here is the scoop about Mr. Lumpy. (Hard to be afraid of something that sounds like a character in a beloved children's story) He's near the surface, and my breast has ulcerated. Despite that, ultrasound showed my lymph nodes were normal, my blood work was good, he's approximately 2.5 cm, which is even smaller by percentage since I wear a UK 36H, very hormone sensitive (ER+/PR+ 8) I'm 51, still menstruating but only barely. LOL! HER tests are still pending. They are therefore treating it as a low stage.

The surgeon is recommending segmented excision if I quit smoking this weekend.  It will basically be like a reduction surgery with the scar in a different place. (Mr. Lumpy is in the upper outer quadrant of my left breast, about 4 inches from the nipple) Otherwise, it's lumpectomy and he said he can't guarantee the aesthetics. Please note, the surgeon was 1 1/2 hours behind schedule, DH was late for work, and I was so relieved the surgeon was cancelling my CT scan and not recommending mastectomy, that my head was swimming and I didn't ask much. My fingertip O2 levels were at 98%, btw. And yes, I'll quit smoking anyway, but I would have liked to taper off first!

Now that I've had a chance to think, I'm wondering if the lesser surgery would be better for my immune response. I've only had eye operations, and I did have complications, but I have no way of knowing if that was me or the surgeon. I don't know, though, if the ulcer will result in a less than satisfactory appearance. Lefty has always been a bit bigger than Righty, so tissue availability shouldn't be an issue. I would just like to avoid a strangely shaped, pulled wound site.

Sorry for rabbiting on like this...

Juliecc

Milaandra, I'm sorry you have had to join us.  Mastectomy is a longer and more involved surgery but if you go with lumpectomy, you would almost for sure have to go for radiation 5 days a week for maybe 6 weeks?  As a smoker, you will be at higher risk for complications and slower healing.  There are good threads on here about lumpectomy vs mastectomy.  2.5 cm isn't that small for breast cancer and there is a posssibility that it will be found in a lymph node.  I'll find a thread for you about lumpectomy vs. mastectomy. 

Juliecc

Milaandra, look at the 7th post on this thread by Beesie.  It sort of looks at all the pros and cons.  This thread is on the DCIS board but your cancer is probably IDC which is more advanced than DCIS.

Mastectomy vs Lumpectomy

Milaandra

Mastectomy wasn't one of my options...

ml143333

Hello - I will have surgery on August 27th! 

I was diagnosed with IDC grade 1 (so far) on 7/11/2014.  My tumor is 1.4 cm on the right breast at the 11:00 position.

I will have a BMX and SNB with immediate gummy bear implants.

The MRI came back with no new findings.  I am actually looking forward to having surgery.  I don't know what to expect as far as radiation or chemo, but we will find out after the pathology comes back.

I with all of my fellow sisters well!

bobogirl

Welcome Milaandra and ML!  I think Julie is giving excellent advice here, Milaandra.  And I think we would also all say you should 'go with your gut' -- we will all support you.

Allydp, I am in awe of you too.  I'm thrilled to be with this August sisterhood, really.  And you are quite a badass yourself, managing this busy pre-sx thread on top of everything else.  You are a gracious host.

YES!  Ally2345 and I are having sx on exact same day, same venue, same surgeon!  It looks like I am going to 'warm up' the surgeon for Ally.  And -- Shhhhh.  Don't tell Ally.  I think I am going to leave her a surprise!  I must say, this whole 'Ally and I are twins' thing has cheered me up immensely.  It's sort of like the excellent August thread in general, except that it is custom-made for my town.  We are all here so that none of us feels alone.  And yet, now that I know Ally and I are up together, I keep thinking over and over, I'm not going to be alone.  It's an excellent feeling.

Okay.  Thinking of our August 7th sisters.  Meantime, who's up for the 8th?  Myers 421!  And the beautiful Julie.  You're beautiful on the inside too, Julie, making our newbie sisters feel better with the happy and positive parts of your sx adventure.  Your picture makes me smile to look at it, so I love it, but I don't know if it makes me *feel* better, since I did not look that pretty even at my own prom.  

Standing by!

iwannaseeyoubebrave

I hope all our sisters who had surgery so far this month are healing nicely and getting lots of rest, drinking lots of water, staying on top of the pain meds, taking their preemptive laxatives (yes, you should, you will be thankful you did), taking in lots of protein, moving around a little more each day, and staying positive!

Milanndra, I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but glad you found us.  If you are still trying to make a decision, there is a lumpectomy thread that helped me through when I was first diagnosed.  There's a ton of helpful information over there as well.  Might be worth a peek.

Julie and Myers, you're up next!  Get some rest tonight!  You ladies are going to do awesome!  And for our Monday sisters, Ally2345, Ninany, Jules_NY, Lori1967, and Bobogirl, get some rest this weeken or party it up, whatever your flavor, you deserve it!

 

Ally2345

Susan-  love, love, love that quote!  I posted it to some friends the morning of my bmx and said I was channeling my "inner Winnie-the-Pooh"!!

Bobo and I are having such fun with our situation...I am sure I will get the last time slot of the day because I love my coffee and breakfast. Argh!!  It is a great feeling to know we aren't alone!!!

Julie and Myers-  have a wonderful evening and an even better day tomorrow!!  Big Hugs!!

Ally

Juliecc

Thank you all!  I haven't had a chance to get nervous yet.  I worked late every day this week to meet all my deadlines that will happen when I'm off.  I was super frazzled today.  I'm about to take a shower and shave from the neck down.  Then I'll head over to my boyfriend's because he will be taking me.  :-)

My mom is meeting us there.  She has been on vacation with my brother in Maui and they are just getting on the last flight out before the hurricane hits!  The flight is suppose to leave in 40 minutes.  We were thinking she was going to be stranded and miss my big event :-P

Take care, everyone and I'll check in hopefully in the afternoon!

Allydp

Julie and Myers! You're up! Hope you both can enjoy your evening and get some good rest. Sending you big hugs!  

Julie - I'm so glad your mom is making it back in time. Phew! 

Ally and Bobo - how awesome is that?! What a small world. I'm so glad you two will have each other to keep company. You'll have to let the nurses know. I'm sure they'll get a kick out of it too.

Bobo - thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

Milaandra - welcome. It's a tough decision, but we are all here for you whichever you decide. 

ML - hi and welcome! Back when I was first dx I couldn't wait to start chemo, so I know what you mean about looking forward to surgery. 

AnasNana

Pathology report came back today....cancer cells were very close to chest wall on right side which means I will now be getting radiation. 

Cancer was also found in left breast. I am so glad I followed my gut instinct and had the bmx.

Now just hoping the drains come out tommorrow as they are really starting to annoy me. 

Julie and Myers...it is your turn. Sending you hugs. 

Have a great night everyone.

iwannaseeyoubebrave

AnasNana, sorry to hear about the radiation but it's better to be safe and make sure there's nothing left. And now you have peace of mind with your left side as well. I hope you are feeling better every day. You will feel so much better without those drains!  Keeping my fingers crossed that you get those removed tomorrow. 

Ally and Bobo, it sounds like the doctor's and nurses are in for double the joy with you two!  What a great story. 

Ally2345

Anasnana-  so glad you followed your gut. Sorry you have to have radiation. One of those twists and turns we hit in this journey. Know we are here for you and will be supporting you ever appointment. You have got this!!

Ally

bobogirl

Anas -- good job following your instincts!  We are proud of you.  We will be with you through rads if you want us.  There is very nearly nothing better than getting your drains out!  I should know -- I feel like I have had 1,000,000 drains so far.

Julie!  Shaving from the neck down?  What does that mean?  After you have aced your exchange sx you are going to have to elaborate.  You are not shaving your lola, are you?  I am making myself laugh, and sending you hugs!

Susan, I have just got to say: your posts are so sweet.  You are so looking after everyone.  You are our little mother.  For my part I know I need to get more protein..

Wanted to let you guys know I'm dedicating my chanting practice every day to those sisters who are up in sx.  Julie and Myers, today that's you.  I breathe in any fear or worry you might have, and breathe out peace.  I hope it works.

Ally and I are going to keep the nurses hopping!  Ally, what is this great breakfast that you have?  Poor thing, missing your breakfast.  You are going to have to have your life partner make it for you as soon as you get home so you can catch up on your breakfast.  I am anticipating a monster caffeine headache from missing my morning coffee.

I really do hope I get an excellent nurse.  An excellent nurse who is forthcoming with the happy juice can make all the difference..

Courage!  We are supposed to pronounce that with a French accent.  I would put it in italics, but then the whole post goes into italics.  So irritating.

Ally2345

Bobo- The best breakfast is the one I don't make and the one DH does not make. Not great in the kitchen.  Last time on day of surgery my friends sent pics of their morning cups of coffee...yes, I felt truly loved!!  Last few days of vacation...why does that time go so fast and other times (like waiting) seem to drag on?  You are SO right about the nurses...I hope I get one with a sense of humor!  That always makes things easier for me.  Let the happy juice flow...

Allydp and Susan-  you both do so much for this board!!  Keep it up as we head into the turn with lots more ladies scheduled.   Your positive posts keep our spirits high!!

Shine- Hope you get that belly drain removed tomorrow. 

Waiting to hear from Myers and Julie...then Fu, Honey, Thumper, diva, Genny,  Ninany, JulesNY, Lori, Bobo and me are on deck.  Some may be posted twice...I was trying to follow threads and the first post that Allydp did but probably messed it up.  Let's rock this thing!!!

Courage (in my best French accent) !!

Ally

brandyrose

Hi Everyone, 

Thanks very much for all your kind words. It's definitely been scary, but I am starting to work through it. Met with my new surgeon who is terrific and he ordered a CT and bone scan before my surgery. Had an MRI and my left breast is completely healthy at this time. I have my CT this morning, and am waiting to hear about a bone scan. It's crazy how terrifiying it is to find out more, but ignorance is NOT bliss for me. I need to know. 

My surgery is scheduled for August 13th. I decided to do a single mastectomy with delayed reconstruction. However, I still want to remove my other healthy breast when I have my reconstruction. Unfortunately my surgeon doesn't think that I have the time to have additional recovery right now. He believes I need to get started on chemo immediately. So I'm in survival mode now. But he also told me that I could have a mastectomy on my other breast next year and have the tissue expanders for my reconstruction added at the same time. So that's my plan. 

I stopped by a cancer clinic and got a library card and some books. The best one for me so far has been "Affirmations, Meditations and Encouragements for Women Living with Breast Cancer." by Linda Dackman. It's given me a great point to work from and to help face the struggle ahead. And to acknowledge that I will have intense grief from losing my breast, but that it's okay. 

My dog Lexie (border collies) also died of cancer which was the scary part for me. She died in my arms in the back of a van as my roommate drove the hour long drive to get to an emergency vet clinic. So it was the hardest possible way I can think of to say goodbye, and made me really confront my own mortality. 

That's my update, and again thank you all for your kind words! 

Brandy, Age 30, from Canada

Ally2345

Brandy-  So sorry for all you are dealing with right now. So glad you have a great surgeon and it sounds like you have a plan. I was in a better state once I had a plan. Sorry about losing your dog...it is hard to lose a member of your family and having him pass in your arms had to be hard. You are strong and you will get through this. Keep us updated and as you progress there are lots of ladies to answer questions, listen and offer encouragement!!

Ally