April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

SoutherMother

Had my surgery on Tuesday. Feeling better than I thought I would. Leaving hospital tomorrow.

Lmonelli

Thank you to everyone who posted such kind words. I so appreciate and i am so grateful for all of your support!

Still in quite a bit of pain but they're putting something together so I can go home.

We shall see.

Hugs

Lori

Lmonelli

That's great news southermother ! It's over! Yippee!!!!

justmaximom15

Happy May to all and I'm glad to hear from all those who've had surgery this week and seem to be doing great. Thinking of you today Flounder... I'm next!!

Last day at work so I'm busy trying to get ahead of things and letting others know what to do in my absence but I've promised to check emails and messages hopefully by Wednesday for anything urgent.

It's gettin real!

lusciousleaves

Hello sisters! I just found this forum last night and this thread today, so I hope nobody minds me jumping in here to play. Here's my brief history: 4/21 BMX and SNB. Skin sparing procedure with immediate expander placement. Filling and exchange for silicone implants later. Dx: Right: DCIS, grade 2, Atypical ductal hyperplasia. Left: Atypical lobular hyperplasia. SNB: benign. No chemo. No rads.

I've been to the PS's office 2x since my release last Thursday to change dressings on the left drain site for bleed outs. It seems something on that side doesn't like it when I move this way or that. It starts a gusher running that makes a mess. The PS scolded me this last time for not being enough of a princess and told me I need to find my masculine side, that men have this automatic mechanism built in that allows them to accept others waiting on them and serving them. He warned me that if I didn't stop being a 'doer' that I'd have these drains in for a very long time. They could come out a whole lot sooner if I could just *stop*. He said washing my hair was too much to do. Washing a countertop was too much. Putting a bowl of food into the microwave was too much. Oh my. I get to play royal and have servants. How ever will I cope?

I do have to say that this being day 9 since the surgery, the pain is almost absent, and I've not had a pain pill since midnight last night. I'm really happy with how things look so far, and it's finally sinking in how fortunate I was to have had things come about in the way that they did, caught at stage 0 and plenty of options. I'd love to hear the experience of others who are going through the same right now.

Jackbirdie

Flounder, wishing you well today

LMonelli- well done! Great news. Rest now.

Thinking of the others just recovering from the last couple of days. Give your bodies what they need to recover- rest, fluids, and protein

SpecialK

bbbun - "drop and fluff" refers to the change that occurs when your newly placed implants "drop" deeper into the pocket and "fluff" forward to give a bit more projection.  Right after surgery the muscle can be a bit tight and cause the implants to look like a hamburger bun or a bagel.  As the muscle relaxes the implants can assume a more normal looking shape.  It is a good idea to take photos every couple of weeks since the change can be subtle, you may think nothing is happening, but it is a process that takes some time - sometimes up to six months.

Jackbirdie

SpecialK comes through again! Thank you! Always so straightforward and easy to understand

SpecialK

jackbirdie - I'm here to help - all that surgery in my sig line has to be good for something, lol!

Jackbirdie

you have helped. Many times. And not just about surgery. I can see you do your reading! And thinking! Thanks again,

Katy

AudreyB

I went to the hospital for pre-surgical testing this morning.  Went through that awkward Q&A about health issues, all of which I answered "No" to. No diabetes, no heart problems, no high blood pressure.   Just this pesky cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cried all the way to the hospital, an hour drive alone, and I had no tissues. I don't know why some days are more emotional than others.  I'm also having a hot water heater problem at home and it is causing all kinds of problems, but that's another story.

I have to admit I am afraid how I am going to handle the next 5 days.  Even Xanax isn't helping today.

DayLily15

best wishes for flounder today

downdog

Glad you found us, and welcome, lusciousleaves! It's in your best interests to let others look after you, if you have that support available to you. I am type A and I have really had to make a conscious effort to not do anything. I do not want to tear internal stitches and I don't want my implants migrating into my armpits. My husband is completely catering to me and I am not opening doors, pouring drinks, opening the fridge or even using the microwave - essentially acting totally helpless. When he leaves the house for a short while, he tells me, 'Don't do anything stupid'. I can't shower until tomorrow, but he will shower with me so I don't stretch my arms. It has been a trying time for me, but by refraining from using my arms, I have healed well. I know everyone's body responds differently. My drains were removed today, 4 days post-op. The nurse says everything looks fantastic and is returning on Monday, just to ensure things are OK. I see my PS later next week.

Sending calming and peaceful thoughts to all sisters healing and for those with upcoming surgeries. You are strong, on good days and on bad days. Breathe deeply, you have what it takes to get through this. Namaste.

Here's a pic of the hydration belt (worn backwards) I used to hold my drains that caused such a fuss at the hospital.

eiresol

May 18. Dbl Masectomy w/lymph node biopsies, TE placements.

I saw May 1 on the calendar and my heart stopped, two weeks to go!

Frefluterb

hi ladies

I had my lumpectomy with SNB on April 15. I feel better than I have in a long time. Having said that.... I can't stand any clothing touching by biopsy site!!! Nodes were clean, tumor was 1 cm. I see the oncologist on Monday for the rest of the pathology and the next indicated step in my treatment plan. Just wanted to check in and say HI!! I have learned so much here.

Denise

lusciousleaves

Wow, 4 days post op? I've done next to nothing today and I can tell it's nowhere near where it needs to be for removal. I did open the fridge and the back door, and I lifted my computer a few times, plus stretched reaching for a few things. That's it.

How was it you were able to go straight into implants? I have to do the expanders. I'm thinking it was because of my original size. I'm a B cup and did a tissue sparing mastectomy.

BTW, nice belt! I need one of those. I'll be they made a fuss about it.

Hopeful82014

Lori, glad to see you doing well. Southermother, glad to hear you're feeling good, too.

Justmaximom and Audrey, we're all in the home stretch. I did my pre-admit yesterday and was lucky enough to have a really, really kind nurse who had all sorts of reassuring answers. Still, it makes it awfully real, doesn't it? I'm scrambling to get work finished and notes written up, too, for my colleagues. I'd rather be outdoors...

DD - love the belt.

Luscious, I LOVE your ps! Thanks for the laugh.

Jackbirdie

to all those recuperating.. Great job. Hang in there and rest.

Down dog - you are so funny. Great belt!

Denise- I had a lot of post surgical pain. (12/18/14) still do. Everyone is different. Some heal faster. We all have different thresholds of pain. I'm glad to hear it's getting better.

To those coming up in the next few. Sending positive energy. Wishing you smooth sailing and peaceful feelings.

My dear Audrey- there is no accounting for when those emotional dips come. You must pack Kleenex !!!' They will come again unfortunately. I'm glad they were nice to you at the Hosp and informative. I think maybe this visit really made it more real for you. Not to mention the baggage we all have in everyday life.

I think everybody could use a dose of THE DAILY JACK! hey! That's my spot!

DayLily15

jackbirdie - i could sit there with your dog looks so relaxing !!!!

Jackbirdie

he's a real comfort. You'd be welcome any time!

Katy

middleagedmama

hello April sisters,

I want to first wish

Downdog, Cheesequake, southernmother, suzyQ42, Lmonelli, roostergirl, bassfishin, and flounder well in your recoveries! You are amazing strong woman and will come through this stronger than before our diagnosis.

I had my skin and nipple sparring BMX with tissue expanders on Tuesday. I was first up in the morning and was in surgery for six hours. From there recovery for about four hours. Tuesday evening was tough with nausea and pain but once we got it under control was able to use the restroom with little help. I came home Wednesday afternoon. That night was tough for sleep because I had a hard time finding a comfortable position. Today I saw my PS and he said things looked good and took off all bandages. He told me not to wear anything tight including a bra because the skin shouldn't be compressed From both sides To keep the skin From dying. i actually have less pain since the dressingscame off. I am managing my pain with Percocet but only half a dose and it is working fine. It is doing the job.

Good luck to upcoming surgeries! It is painful but now I can say from experience that you will survive it.

downdog

Welcome new sisters, eiresol and Frefluterb! Eiresol, breathe deeply, you can do it. Frefluterb, great news on having clear nodes and good luck at your Monday appt with your MO!

lusciousleaves, I had nipple sparing and was an A, but have good skin elasticity. She upgraded me to a B. I didn't want anything larger, as they would get in the way of my arms with all the activities and sports that I do, nor would they suit my body. My PS said I was a good candidate for direct to implant. Depending on the type of incision your surgeon made on your NAC (nipple areola complex) for your SSBMX and the size of your areolas, perhaps the size of the skin flap remaining was insufficient for direct to implant and maintaining your B cup size. Maybe your PS didn't have a lot of experience with direct to implant and preferred TEs?

Oooh, Jackbirdie, just what we need, an official mascot and comfort dog for the April & May surgery sisters. Welcome Jack!

middleagedmama, thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Great news that your PS says everything looks good. It's interesting how the PSs all have different techniques and preferences. Yours says no bra and mine has me wearing a surgical bra 24/7 for 6 weeks. Sending healing hugs your way.

Hopeful82014

Jack is our designated relaxation pro.

lusciousleaves

Mine has me wearing surgical bra 24/7, too. I'm guessing he prefers the TEs to silicone best. He said the tissue needed to be stretched. I was sure I had plenty of skin to accomplish the task, so maybe the pecs were the problem.

I loved the PS did this, and am wondering if others have as well: he injected botox in the pecs to reduce muscle spasms.

Jackbirdie

luscious- that's amazing he did that! I needed that! Here I am 4 months later still struggling with nerve pain, phantom pain, and a barbed wire tightening around my chest.

I had started PT 2 months ago but had to stop. It was way too painful still. Then the port placement. Then started chemo. Now I'm back 3x a week, and having gotten my range of motion back on my own, she is working on scar tissue management. It's very VERY slowly getting better.

Post mastectomy pain syndrome is real, but it seems most BSs want to cut and run. But i have heard of surgeons treating PMPS patients with injections to the site after the fact. Doing it while you are under seems BRILLIANT to me. I have hurt Botiox hurts/stings. So better to be out. That's s great story and I'm glad you're getting along well. Hugs.

downdog

lusciousleaves, I have seen a couple of posts on this forum mentioning their PSs giving them botox during recon surgery. I think it sounds like a great idea to do it while you're out and opened up. I didn't receive it. I am taking gabapentin, which I know addresses cut nerves. I will have to look up whether it controls muscle spasms. I am not aware that I am experiencing them, but the pain pills could be masking them.

Dear Katy, I feel so bad that you have endured such a shitstorm of pain, complications and lousy experiences. Jack must be such a comfort to you on those dark days. You are such a kind and loving person, it just seems so unfair and truly sucks.Lots of big hugs.

Frefluterb

thank you, I must say I am so humbled by the experiences all you women have shared.

Jackbirdie

Downdog- thanks for those hugs. And the understanding. I was taking gabapentin, and it was especially helpful for the pain in combination with opioids. However, it did elevate my liver enzymes. I was concerned because I just couldn't get them to come down, and I was about to start chemo, which is very hard on the liver. I didn't want the onc to have to reduce the dosage. If I was going to do chemo, I wanted it to have every chance of working. I eliminated, one by one, all of the meds I was talking except the pain meds and gabapentin. They came down some. I started drinking the juice of a lemon in hot water every morning, they came down some more. As a last ditch effort, I took the gabapentin out of the equation. Within 30 days liver enzymes were normal, and have continued to DROP during chemo. Last blood work showed the best numbers ever.

I still do the lemon every morning. It has been shown to not only cleanse the liver, but also works (counterintuitively) to lower uric acid and help with gout. I have read also that the lemon helps break up the crystals in joints that cause other types of arthritis pain as well (e.g. Osteo,,RA).

I have never been much into natural remedies, but this liver business gave me an education about the cost of everything you put in or in your body. Cancer has changed me.

I am wishing all of my April girls recovering this weekend peace, and rest. Be good to yourselves

Flounder

Surgery went well yesterday and I'm recuperating nicely. Should go home tomorrow. Surgeon changed the dressing today and was very happy, very little swelling or bruising. I took a peak and thought it looked good! And the lymph nodes were clear. Thanking everyone for well wishes. It means a lot.

Hopeful82014

Great news, Flounder! I'm so glad for you.