February 2015 surgery

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2015

    I was also crying on the OR table. I made a bad choice and face timed with my 5 year old daughter right before I went in and she was crying, and then that put me over the edge. Luckily my bresst surgeon was a good hand holder

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Anyone getting tracers and dye: be warned that your pee will be blue green after surgery. I woke up in the maternity ward(ironic...right?) Because they were out of beds on the cancer and surgery wards. The nurses kinda freaked a little about my green pee till they found out it was normal. So if you have nurses without a clue...just know green pee is OK...lol

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited February 2015

    fourminor and justajenn, i think i am worrying about the tracer because of exactly what you both said. I am avoiding thinking of being in the OR with 2 breasts, and waking up with one. Every night, for the past few nites, i have been thinking. Wow- this is my last sunday (saturday, friday, etc) nite with a left breast. This really sucks. F&;k Cancer.

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited February 2015

    I did not feel the injection at all, but I had been given the numbing cream as soon as I checked into the day surgery.

    I did take photos of my boobs before both my surgeries. Not sure why.

    By the time they wheeled me into the OR for my lumpectomy, I was so loaded with Verced that I didn't care what they were going to do to me. Before the mastectomy they gave me so much Verced that I don't even remember kissing my husband good-bye.

    Now I do still have times when I feel grief that I will never look and feel the same. I see all these beautiful women on TV in their beautiful clothes and I feel my pain, both physical and emotional. I miss wearing my usual clothes. Sometimes I'm able to help myself feel better by remembering that this is better than losing almost any other body part. I mean, if I had a choice, I'd rather lose my appendix...

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  • Melanie-C
    Melanie-C Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2015

    thanks Rose066. I'll give it a try!

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited February 2015

    greenae, my tracer was not bad at all, it just stung for a few seconds...sometimes we can unnecessarily go through a procedure multiple times in our minds and reading can become counterproductive, just try to relax and it will be over before you know it. I took an antianxiety and that did help. Love, Jean

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  • faithhopecourage
    faithhopecourage Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2015

    Good evening sisters. I am four days post op. Underarms are very swollen. Heartburn and yes, I really need to poop!! Not feeling nausea but so bloated. Been taking dulcolax the last few nights. Eating prunes and nothing is really working. All suggestions welcomed!!!

    Congrats Robin!! Great news on your nodes. They wanted to send me home the next day also, but I didn't feel strong enough. Had only gotten out of bed once. Decided to stay until the next morning and I felt a lot stronger. We all really need to allow ourselves to take our time to heal.

    Rose I think I will try your warmed prune juice and apple juice combo.I'll let you know if I'm successful.

    I'm also sleeping in a recliner and it is working well for me. The visiting nurse came both yesterday and today and suggested I get myself moving so I have been walking laps around the house. Feeling a little stronger everyday but boy I would really love a shower!!

    May the dear Lord continue to bless us all!!

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    Greenae...I had Emla cream I applied heavily and covered with saran wrap 3 hours prior to procedure. Painless!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited February 2015

    Thanks, all...yes, I am obssessing over the tracer. Feeling anxious, as sx draws closer.

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  • melihowe76
    melihowe76 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    I thought the tracer was bad but it wasn't nearly as bad as post op. My mom, who was diagnosed almost exactly 4 years to the day before me, said the tracer was the worst thing ever LOL

    My biggest issue now is this huge seroma that has developed and killing me! It's gotten so large that my underarm is swollen again and it's so tight that it feels like my nipple is going to pop.

    Cancer you suck!!!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited February 2015

    oh no melihowe, i hope that resolves, can u call your doc. My issue is solved. NYU says No EMLA cream. I will take xanax

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  • faithhopecourage
    faithhopecourage Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2015

    Greenae I had my tracer the day before surgery. I was so stressed and nervous. It turned out to be a piece of cake. They covered my face with a towel and sprayed me with a numbing spray. Two small needles in each breast followed by massage to move the dye along. The hardest part was staying in one position so they could trace and mark the sentinel node. Try not to be too nervous. It honestly was not bad at all!!!!

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    I am getting my drains out for sure tomorrow! Yay! I called because im still draining 65 per drain but they said they don't like to leave them and in more than two weeks and tomorrow is two weeks since they put my second set of drains in after they reposition my TE's.I have had drains three weeks all together and it will be awesome to be free!

    I am going to have to talk to my PS tomorrow about these terrible cramps I've been having in my chest.I don't want to keep taking narcotics, but the pain is excruciating when it happens. Maybe I can take muscle relaxers or something else. I can't wait to get some still in my te's. I have heard it helps them stay in place . I think I get my first fill in two weeks. I think it will be 50 cc. Right now I only have 12 in each, so basically flat.the look of it doesn't bother me, it just feels really empty.

    hugs to all of you were getting ready to have surgery and those who are recovering. You all are awesome. we are one tough bunch of ladies. Well I'm not test that my God is amazing. Praying for all of you.

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    Amy - I am sooo happy for you!! My drains were my nemesis and were preventing me from going on vacation with my family, so I feel your relief. Now you can move on with healing and feeling like a person :)

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    Amy...valium helped tremendously with my chest spasms.

    Hugs!

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    Greenae...I forgot-in addition to the emla they applied the numbing spray just prior.

    Hugs!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited February 2015

    thanks, everyone, and Congrats Amy! I was told by radiologist they use Nothing at NYU. So, they can shovel me off the table because i will take a vicodin and a xanax. Lol

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2015

    I have my surgery consult with my BS tomorrow. My sis is coming with me. I am 95% sure I'm not having reconstruction. I was 90% sure this morning. I just want this over and done with. I want my life back. After consult we are going mastectomy bra/forms/cami shopping. I just want to touch and feel and see what the options are. My BS said I have a few weeks to decide, not a few months. It's been one week since my diagnosis phone call. How my life has changed this month.

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    drain free today!!!!! Still sore as hell! But feels good to not have my buddies hanging around. In other delightful news my nipples are bleeding and scabby....they look like they would hurt like hell glad I can't feel em' just loaded up with bacitracin. My post drAin sites feel a little sore /puffy. I hope no seroma....but I feel like that would be unusual they were only putting out 20cc last 3 days????

    Ugh still sleeping in recliner ....wish I could get out and walk but it's so cold and my neighborhood streets are awful from last snow still...

    The lifting/range of motion restrictions are killing me ...I know different surgeries /surgeon s have own restrictions what are you ladies allowed/not allowed and for how long? I feel like I can't do anything


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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    I am NOT supposed to lift more than 3 pounds for 6 weeks. I can't reach over my head with my right arm or reach too much at all because it hurts. I still have my drains until tomorrow so maybe it will get better after they are out.I haven't done any exercise since my surgery. My cul de sac is covered in ice and I'm still in pain everyday. The spasms in my chest really hurt. I called my doctor today about it and they told me take ibuprofen every 8 hours. It about made me cry. That's just not going to do it. Anyway I think we need to be gentle with ourselves. Hugs Amy

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  • JustAJennifer
    JustAJennifer Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2015

    congrats Amy and nurseshark on drain news!

    I was told by the PS no above shoulder movement or driving until drains were out at 2 weeks. Now I have above the shoulder exercises to do 5x per day and they are helping. No lifting more than 5 lbs for 4 weeks. Walking is allowed, but I haven't done any yet (snow, cold and my treadmill in the basement is unappealing). No restrictions after 4 weeks other than listen to my body.

    On the one hand, it will be nice to get back to normal. But on the other, it's been nice having help with meals, shopping, kid activities and laundry!


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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2015

    I'm at home resting!

    I do laps around the apartment! That is relieving the gas. My tracer was not bad, four needles. It stung but no big thing.

    I don't have bandages on or bra or anything! PS said she doesn't want anything constricting me! I'm glad! I was able to look in the mirror and see the results! Not bad considering everything that could have happened! Still have pain, not as bad as it was! I was told I can take a shower with the drains! I was really surprised. I haven't yet though, I'm being cautious. It's all the not knowing that makes you half crazy! I am not seeing my BS or PS until March 3 so I guess I will have these drained in a while! I'm thinking about taking a pic to show you, I am really surprised about how well this all went!

    Praise God! He is good!

    Love Robin

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Robin, I was like you with nothing on w I came home. I took a shower the first night home...all by myself. I've taken one nearly every day since with the drains in. I did have to start wearing a bra because my TE's will not stay put but that's not too bad. Glad you are home feeling good! God IS good! Hugs amy

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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2015


    Thank you Amy! Thank God we have each other because we get to ask questions and get support!

    You all have been a lifeline for me!

    I wish I had a recliner because I can't lay down. I have 9 pillows all around me.

    I'm okay right now!

     

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  • Melanie-C
    Melanie-C Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2015

    the prune juice did the trick. Yeah!!!

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited February 2015

    Robin, I also have my post surg appointment on March 3rd but was told I could have my drain out as soon as output was 39cc or less in 24 hrs. You might want to check that out with your BS. Love, Jean

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  • Rose0766
    Rose0766 Member Posts: 92
    edited February 2015

    glad to hear, MelanieC!

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2015

    yay Melanie. So glad to hear everyone is doing well.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2015

    I'm glad for most everyone's positive news, and hope people with pain, clogs, etc. will advocate for yourselves.

    I have decided it's Xanax coverage from now through the morning of the 25th, when I'm scheduled. People will be with me, and people will be waiting at home to help.

    My excellent news for the night is a verbal report from Myriad to my oncologist that I don't have BRCA 1, 2, or other known inherited cancers. There's some confusion about whether he ordered BART; when we have the written report it will be easier to tell and, if not, decide if I want to pay for it (the confusion is that he says he didn't order it, but my insurance sent a denial letter, and I verbally authorized out of pocket payment). But yay for no BRCA!--news that made my sister cry with relief when we woke her up to tell her.

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  • GaGa60
    GaGa60 Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2015

    How were you able to take a shower that night without getting your wounds wet interested since my surgery is tomorrow morning at 7 AM would love to know was told I can't shower for at least a week lucky you ....will post back after my surgery tomorrow God bless you all and I love reading all of your inputs there are so helpful

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