February 2015 surgery

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    GaGa: they had me on antibiotics and they were OK with me getting the wounds wet. After the shower I was to clean the wounds, apply antibacterial cream and put dressings on them ( the drain ones. The incisions didn't have to be covered. I never had any problems. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

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  • JustAJennifer
    JustAJennifer Member Posts: 85
    edited February 2015

    My drain areas were covered in waterproof tegaderm, although that did cause skin irritation and some minor blistering.

    Ksusan, Robin, Melanie- all great news, let's keep it coming and also know we're there for each other on the bad days too. Love to you all!

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2015

    BB with BC45 - I am having many of the same feelings you are right now. I have found that by seeing a therapist in person for 30 min a week, has really helped me. I actually paid for an online counseling session and it was great and affordable too. These boards are great, but very often posts go unanswered because we have are own stuff we are dealing with now. How I now see myself has become quite disappointing and emotionalfor now. I am meeting up with some fellow ladies in person that I met through this board for support. I would have preferred my bothersome gallbladder to have been removed. I know also found a really good thread on body image here to. I tried copying and posting the link but it's not working right now.


    KSusan- that is such great news! I am so happy for you and your family. What a relief.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited February 2015

    Hi

    Great to hear good news, Robin, Amy and Melanie...I just bought two packages of prunes to eat with my colace as soon as I get home from the hospital! Oh, if they let me shower, I will be in heaven. Amy, how did you keep the SX sites dry/protected? Robin, check with your insurance...sometimes after breast/chest surgery, a recliner rental is covered. Gaga, good luck tomorrow, and ksusan, I am with ya. I think I need ativan or xanax til thursday...it really sunk in yesterday and after 8 weeks of hellish waiting and wondering, the anxiety is peaking and I am starting to get teary a lot. But I have so much to do today to be ready, maybe that will keep my head straight? I cannot tell you all how much you have helped me get through these past 2 months...and I know the "fun" is really just beginning. Hugs to All of YOU!

    arlene

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  • RainDew
    RainDew Member Posts: 305
    edited February 2015

    I think every doc is different. Mine sent me home from bmx completely wrapped in tegaderm - drain holes and all. So I could shower. My instructions were just to leave all that in place till 1 wk post op, when the nurse redressed it all.

    Showering was good!!

    Exchange yest went well I think. Have come home wrapped the same, so can't see yet, but pain seems tolerable. The fat grafting sites are a little sore though.

    Be strong ladies!

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    NurseShark...refresh my memory, did you have nipple/skin sparing mx? My nipples look like they were in my vitamix. PS said petroleum jelly only but I would feel better if it were abx ointment.

    Still have two drains. Output just a hair under 40 each. Scheduled for Friday removal. 

    Got the call from Genomics Health yesterday about the Oncotype test, making me aware of my cost after insurance. She said it takes two weeks from date of receipt to get results.

    When is your return to work?

    Did you get gummy bears?

    Glad to hear you're doing well!


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  • fmmbw
    fmmbw Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2015

    Praying for you all. Mx on 2/25, can't seem to get clear margins, so I'm just going to leave left breast behind. Question about port, did you all have it done during surgery or later? Fort Worth finally got it's share of winter blast, so roads are pretty treacherous. If I could just have a bowel movement before surgery I would be so happy. Have done senna, sip of prune juice, any other treatments. Hopefully I have what I need at home, too rough to get out!

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Fmmbw:I woke up from my BMX without my port. Good riddance! Lol

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  • fmmbw
    fmmbw Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2015

    @justamy did you have a port prior to surgery? RO said I will do chemo, and may want a port. So who does this port? Getting confused, but not my first or last time confused. My college roommate had cervical cancer 2 years ago, and still has her port? I know all cancers are different.

    Now on to the constipation!


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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Fmmbw: ohhh I misunderstood. BMX was the end of my treatment instead of the start. I had my chemo before my BMX so they removed it during my BMX. The port is a Godsend when you are going through Chemo. Only 1 stick per day and chemo goes so much better. I would have them put it in during MX if possible. If you don't then you just have another surgery... A very minor one without general anesthesia but another one anyway.Some surgeons do leave them in for awhile to be safe. Mine just took it out since he was in there.

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    jilly yes nipple/skin sparing with alloderm and gummie. I hope your drains come out it does feel a lot better ...ive been putting bacitracin on nipples starting to look better. I had supportive tape on until yesterday finally off (was itchy) now just wearing front closure sports bra feels comfy better than surgical bra.

    Only taking Tylenol during day now occasionally ativan for spasms . Night is worse take 5mg oxy and lots of pillows in recliner....

    I have 6 weeks of radiation once surgeon gives okay I don't plan to return to work until its over.. I have to lift 50lbs to be cleared for full duty ( also need to be able to perform chest compression s for CPR) so taking extra time.

    I never got a port. You can ask oncologist if needed. I got peripheral iv each time and blood draws all on left arm with out trouble. I






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

    No shower for me for more than two weeks--I'll be in a binder, not supposed to do anything with my dressings except call if there seems to be a problem.

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    ***Also tried to read through thread but send me a private message if I missed adding your date/ surgery to original post :)***

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    ***Also tried to read through thread but send me a private message if I missed adding your date/ surgery to original post :)***

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    NurseShark - I never did understand what the alloderm is for. Are your gummies over or under pec? She said I would be a b cup but right now they're under my chin. Lol I have the contoured ones so hoping they drop eventually. Also, I hope our nipples/areola return to their original appearance...same color, size, etc...

    I wanted to post before and after in the picture forum but find it confusing and difficult to navigate.

    Feedback from everyone appreciated!

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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2015


    My therapist actually came to the hospital on Friday to see me off into the OR.

    He has been very supportive!

    Insurance won't give me a recliner. I would be more comfortable, visiting nurse came by and all is doing well!

    Love Robin

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2015

    my implant is under the muscle the alloderm is just reinforcement to hold implant I think

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    I just got my drains out.I was a little worried because I heard it hurt a lot. I am happy to report that it didn't hurt at all. Happy to be free from the drains. Hugs Amy

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    Yay Amy!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you! You're on your way!

    Hugs!

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  • fmmbw
    fmmbw Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2015

    Happy for you Amy. Mine didn't hurt when removed, but getting new ones tomorrow. But at least I know what to expect.

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    so happy for you Amy. You had a tough time, but you are now well on the road to recovery.

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited February 2015

    NurseShark...Google alloderm. What a shocker! I never imagined...science is amazing.

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

    Amy, hallelulia, it's been a long surgery journey but the drains are finally gone. Wishing you a blessed pain free good night's sleep.

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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2015


    Yay Amy, so glad for you!

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  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2015

    Hi, I just wanted to let you know that reconstruction was important to me.  I know it isn't always for everyone, but it gives you such a feeling that you have a shape and can look normal in clothes.  I have a very good outlook because I too have a wonderful God!  I feel He guided my hand to that lump and gave me a peace about the whole thing.  It is a journey, and everyone has to make their own way.  I am very happy that I had the immediate tissue expanders put in.  I am 10 days away from my exchange surgery and I am so excited.  I had the dye put in at the same time as my BMX so didn't have to worry about feeling anything.  It is funny to see your pee blue!  Mine was clear by the next morning.  I drank a ton of water.  Make sure you drink lots of water while recovering.  It really makes a difference.  And remember when trying to determine whether you can do something or not, just because you can doesn't mean you should.  Take it easy.  Smiles and hugs, Robin

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    Saw my PS today and everything is healing well - 3 weeks out from surgery. I pointed out to him that the expanders seem to be very wide and are a bit under my arms. He said that he may need to put some stitches in to keep them from spreading under my arms. He didn't elaborate on when or how that would happen and I didn't think to ask - I'm just so happy that things are healing well and I'm feeling a little better every day. However, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm trying to figure out what exactly he meant by putting stitches in me and why this may need to be done. Did he use the wrong size TE? My cleavage looks great, but I'm definitely more wide that projecting. I haven't had any fills yet (150cc at time of surgery) so is it possible things will improve as that's done?

    Also, can someone tell me how to get to the photos area? I'm dying to see how the different TE's and implants look.

    thanks, Barrie

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    Jabec: I actually have some answers to your questions as I had it happen to me. When the BS did your BMX, he probably left a big space. Thats what happened w me. When they put the TE in they have too much room in there and they can move around (mine went under my armpits too). Mine were very bad and the PS had to open the whole thing back up and reposition them. He also put stitches under my arms that sort of acts like a barrier so they wouldn't go under my arms. It really helped a lot. Once they are filled, PS said that they will stay better, but the stitches helped a bunch. I didn't realize we had the same day!

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  • jabec
    jabec Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2015

    Hi Amy. thanks for the response. I read about your issues and having to have another surgery. So, does this mean that I would need another surgery?!! The TEs don't feel like they have moved at all, but it sounds like it may be that the pocket was too big on the sides and the TEs have spread out a little bit. It's not horrible - just a little bit has spread. Maybe the PS is waiting for a fill to see if it improves? I really hope I don't need another surgery to repair this!

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2015

    My PS saw mine and immediately said I needed another surgery. It sounds like yours just wants to put stitches in which wouldn't require another surgery... Just stitches... I'm with you.. The less surgery the better!

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

    Radioactive dye injections were fine--stung a little, but they were administered well. SIL here to get the house ready; two more chemical showers; check in in AM.

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