July 2015 Surgery Sisters

Tam-iam

SkySquirrel and Jkbrca2, so good to know you are doing well after surgery.

Ispy, sorry to hear about the infection, but glad you are already responding to the antibiotics. It really does sound like you made the right call after finding out about the LCIS.

Take care and fast healing, all of you!

plumster1

Sky squirrel and jkbrca2, sounds like all is well. Ispy, sounds like a hiccup that you can overcome. Thinking of you all.

PoppyK

So glad to read the updates! Glad to hear you are resting up and staying ahead of the pain and nausea.

Ispy's experience reminds me: Ask your BS who to call if you have any problems or questions once you are sent home. You should have a 24 contact. My BS also told me who to call if I had a fever; he would either call in antibiotics to a pharmacy or admit me without my sitting in the ER.

Ispy, So you have an infection. Hope the antibiotics knock it down quickly. So glad your incisions look good! The spasming muscles sound awful!

LCIS was also found in the pathology of the tissue removed from my good girl. Despite it's name, LCIS in not a true breast cancer. It does indicate that you are at a higher risk of developing BC in EITHER breast. My BS said that it didn't change my treatment or outcome. Was glad to have any and all atypical cells removed (as I'm sure Ispy is). I've included a link so you can read up on LCIS:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/lcis

Gentle hugs!

IndyGal35

I'm checking in 3 days post-surgery. I have drains on each side due to the bmx, and they are still averaging around 180 mL of fluid each perday.

As far as meds go, I'm taking one or two Percocet 5/325 every four hours. I can also take 5 mg of Valium every 8 hours for spasms. I take 300 mg of Clindamycin (antibiotic) three times a day. The Percocet is making me itch like crazy, so the doc said I can take over the counter Benadryl to help. If I'm still itching tomorrow, he said he will call in a new narcotic for me to try. My temp was up to 100.7, but he wasn't too worried, and my On-Q pain pump is pretty shriveled. My guess is that it will be empty with an "apple core" appearance by tomorrow night.

My best advice really is to stay on top of the pain. I tried to be a pain warrior at first, and I let it get out of control. Playing catch-up was really counter productive. I've been able to taper the Percocet every few doses, but I'm still pretty much taking everything prescribed on schedule.

I was allowed to remove my bandages yesterday. I was afraid to see my breasts at first, but I already have lumpy B-cups. The PS inflated each side with around 220 mL during surgery. They looked much better than I'd expected.

I hope this info is helpful for those of you heading into surgery next week. I still hurt, I'm itchy, but I'm managing it much better (physically and psychologically) than I'd expected.

Rest well!

Bunnybumps

To everyone who has checked in so far after surgery,

Thank you for posting your updates so quickly. It's not only great for me to hear what your experiences are, but also to hear from you period. It takes a lot to manage all the pain and goings-on after surgery, so big props to you all! And as I'm hearing your stories going in, I've come to care about you all and want to hear about your outcome. So sending out more big love and gentle hugs!

xxxooo

jcfree

IndyGal, good to hear your infection is doing better. I tried to be tough and not take the pain meds yesterday , that didn't go over so well. Just felt miserable with the pain, so back on pain meds for me. I had a spasm in my chest where my UMX is in the hospital, OMG that was bad! They gave me Ativan to relax the muscles and it worked, have not had any spasms at home so far. Home health nurse came on Wed. and she showed me how to change the bandages, I too did not want to look at my breast. But it wasn't too bad, not at all. So will be changing myself tomorrow.

SugarCakes

Hi Ladies, just want to reiterate...

1) stay on the pain meds schedule despite how you may feel and

2) really DON'T do things like lift a gallon of milk, pour drinks from a 2 liter bottle, bathe and help dress your 4 year old, or even slightly lift your 4 year old after a fall.

Sigh. I am in pain this morning after doing all of the above over the past two days. Just had NSBMX 5 days ago. Started taking meds less frequently and pushing the envelope on things done. It's my right side (dominate side) that is especiIally hurting. The pain was incorporated into a dream before I woke up around 5am and took Percocet. Things look the same and I was taking an antibiotic anyway; so I hope it's just pain from overdoing things. I have one drain on each side and the daily volumes have steadily decreased.

mira845

my update - home now after an overnight. I was told margins were good but sentinal nide was positive. She took 3more but I do t know the results. They did reconstruct the boob with my latissimus ddorsiuscle so I have an incision on my back kind of close to under my arm. It's long, like 10 inches or so. But other than being higher, I think the PS did a good job of making it close to the size of the good boob. He said he tried to compensate for the changes radiation will bring too. It's pretty swollen right now. I have 2 drains coming out of my back. If I keep on top of the meds the pain isnt so bad but when they start to where off, oh boy, it does hurt.

Since this is my right boob, its tough to adjust to not using that arm. I also notice my stomach muscles are getting quite the workout.

Hope everybody continues to heal and be well.

Scottiemom11

ispy. . .sorry about the fever. I would think they would automatically put us on antibiotics after surgery. Glad you got some. My path came back with LCIS in all four quadrants both breasts. I had only one ILC and one spot of LCIS known going in. We have to make tough choices quickly when diagnosed and research on LCIS is limited.

Hugs, hope recovery speeds up and you get your drains out soon. Did PS give you something for muscle spasms? Valium or Flexeril?

Mira prayers and hugs!

All, take your meds on schedule and make like a T-Rex during recovery (short arms close to your body no lifting bending or stretching). We are all already warriors from the moment we are diagnosed. Hugs to all.

Scottie

sailorgirl15

So glad to hear from everyone and hear your updates. Rest up and heal well!! Gentle hugs to all!

I_Spy

thanks everyone. And poppy, I know what LCIS is, but thanks for making it clear that it isn't a "true" breast cancer. My point was that my left breast had not had anything show up on mammogram, and it wasn't even on our radar. That LCIS goes with my prior DCIS in right breast, atypical ductal hyperplasia, BARD1 gene mutation, mother and aunt both died of breast cancer, and dense breasts. The PBMX was a horrible decision to make, and the fact that my left breast was involved after all -- even with "just" LCIS -- gave me confidence I had made the right decision.

Regarding antibiotics: yes, I think they usually send you home with some. I have a history of C.Difficile infection in my intestines (from clindamycin given by a dentist) that I fought for two years, so they didn't want to just give me antibiotics prophylactically. I did have IV antibiotics in the hospital for 24 hours. So, now I have antibiotics at home. I'm just doing my regular probiotic stampede against C.Diff, which means tons of Kefir and probiotic pills and no sugar or gluten, etc. etc.

Mira sorry about the Sentinal node. Hoping the rest were negative!

Sugarcakes -- just remember: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." But I think I would have passed out if I had done what you did over the last several days.

jcfree I had a spasm in my right pec in the hospital and I started crying haha. You'd laugh if you knew me -- I don't cry over pain -- I have a really high tolerance. But that did it! They gave me morphine which I appreciated.

Indygal I looked at my incision yesterday too. It wasn't as gruesome as I'd thought (but I was very prepared, having looked at pictures). I had them take my nipples, so it's a little weird. But in general, I think I'm going to have nice foobs.

PoppyK

Ispy, I didn't mean to minimize what LCIS is. I had it, too and am so glad it's gone. I posted my comment about the LCIS to help anyone who hadn't heard about it, or might become afraid that their path report may include it. I never thought of LCIS as "just" LCIS. I am so sorry you lost your mother and aunt to this horrible disease. I know you carefully made your decision to have a BMX and that it was a difficult one. I FULLY support your decision!

I wasn't given prophylactic antibiotics either.

Mira, Sorry your sentinel node was positive. Rest up and heal well!

sailorgirl15

in case you have not seen this - it was in the WSJ.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/defying-doctors-more-w...

SugarCakes

I read some of the article, not all. Two things piss me off. One, Angelina Jolie didn't play not one part in my decision. Two, I do not see my breast as the enemy.

It isn't simply about surviving. I can "survive" and still have have a greater chance of going through all of this crap again. IF the doctors, mammograms, etc... had caught my BC sooner in my dense breast, I MIGHT would have been more inclined to hold onto both. I didn't like the lack of detail and no guarantee of follow-up monitoring that would be covered by insurance. BMX means less worrying for me (though no guarantee) and that means better quality of life for me. Period

plumster1

I will say all three BS i consulted brought up the Angelina factor. However, they all said she did the right thing given her BRCA1 status. However, they all said that the average person who maybe was not as informed about BC in general and her genetic status heard "Angelina-BC-BMX".

I personally think everyone's BC journey is their own with many different factors and everyone has to make their own choice whether ..LX,MX or BMX.

Scottiemom11

Sugarcakes. . .I concur. I had annual mammograms starting at age 31 b/c I found a lump. That one was clearly a cyst on ultrasound but b/c I had such dense breasts insurance paid for annual mammos thereafter. I will never know how long the ILC lurked and was missed or why the mammos did not pick up the LCIS. I consider myself blessed that the radiologist last year saw a change in my mammo, ordered more pics and then did an ultrasound that day. The ILC could have been missed for another year. Also I had two MRIs some of the LCIS showed up some didn't. I will say that I postponed genetic testing until 4 months after surgery and only went through with it for my daughter's sake and to determine whether I needed a hysterectomy. I still may have to have one someday just not now and my daughter will start mammos at 29 because of my diagnosis.

We make tough choices no matter our diagnoses. That's why we're warriors. Hope all are doing well today. The heat really got to me today so no more sun before surgery or for awhile after. Going to need some new Kindle books.

Scottie

FemaleAthlete

Hello everyone,

my surgery was July 2 - UMX with SNB. The pathology report came back with no lymph node involvement however....positive margins. So, I am going back in this Monday, July 13 to get clear margins.

I am now seriously thinking about a PBM on my right side because I DO NOT want to go through this again. Has anyone experienced this? What can I expect the second time around?

I stayed in the hospital until Saturday ( surgery was on Thursday), my drain was not draining but no-one seemed to worry about it. When I went in after 3 days of not draining ( and looking like I was an A cup) my BS removed the drain and found out it was clotted off. The stitches were removed and I had a pressure bandage to wear to try and keep from building fluid up again. I experienced fatigue, loss of appetite and depression but I was up and walking around the day after I got home.

Oh, and my ONC is now talking about RADS and HT -something I was not prepared to hear.

What's your input? Did any one go through something similar? If I go for the PBM, are there any concerns? Did anyone do a PBM after having a UBX? I am almost certain I am going to have this done, just would like other people's input.

May everyone have a non- complicated surgery and a speedy recovery.

TIA

mfana

SugarCakes

I totally get you; it takes a while for the brain to catch up with the limitations. I tried to cook 8 days post-op and paid for it. Hope you are feeling better now.

IndyGal 35, I'm glad you like your new "bumps" and it's awesome that they could already inflate with 220 cc. Mine is barely beyond point of being flat, but it well get there. Wish you luck with pain meds

IndyGal35

My doc called in Tramadol since I had an allergic reaction to Percocet. I was without anything except extra strength Tylenol for about 8 hours today. Now, I'm playing catch-up, and my On-Q came out too, so I hurt quite a bit tonight.

My fever went up to 101.7, so we paged the on-call. The doc said I need to be using my spirometer every 2 hours and aiming for at least the 1000 mL mark. He thinks the fever spiked since I'm sleeping so much and not getting deep breaths. (The body needs oxygen to do everything including heal.) He also said it'll take a while for my urinary tract to recover from the narcotics, and that's normal. (I swear I have to try to use the bathroom three times before I can get the tiniest bit of relief.)

So...use those spirometers as often as you are told, call immediately if you see a rash, and drink lots of fluids.

Will check in later! Hope you are all doing well

EmmyJ

It's so nice to read everyone's updates, and I hope everyone is doing well!! My experience has been a bit of a roller-coaster. I also notice that I have had a much different experience compared to the rest of you that have had bmx's.

1- I had no dressings/compression bra on when I was in the hospital.

2- I never had the little pain reliever that is put under the skin, or given the "pain pump" in the hospital

3- I was told that my ps will not give any refill on the muscle relaxers I was given (flexeril)...I was given a 10 day supply, and have had consistent spasms

4- the pain medication is given to me in scripts that last about 4 days...so I have to call them and feel guilty/grimy and ask for more when I get close to running out.

Number 4 is what is driving me crazy. I have an extremely high pain tolerance, but I have developed an excruciating burning/pulling/ripping sensation on my back (right past my armpit). Oh my gosh....it drops me. Then, if I cry and try to take a breath in, it burns even more. i can move my left arm like i did before surgery, but my right is now useless because if I make the slightest movement, that ungodly pain comes back...and then my entire chest spasms. It has sent me into a bit of a depression. On a positive note, my drains might be taken out on friday, and we can start filling these bad boys. I have one normal looking foob, and one that is...well....unique lol. I can't wait until they both look a little more normal. Also, I was able to take my first shower!! Heaven on Earth, I tell you.

Sorry to complain so much in this post, but I needed to vent. I hope you are all doing well though!!

plumster1

EmmyJ- sounds like some challenging circumstances you have been dealing will for pain management. It sounds like you are handling it well and anyone would be upset or depressed feeling if any small movement was extremely painful. I will send good thoughts your way. Hugs!

EmmyJ

Thank you so much

Sparkle2014

I just would like to chime in - i too was started on antibiotic once got IV in arm prior to UMX last year - and also allergic to penicillin so me too - I got clindamycin in my IV prior to and during surgery. They also sent me home with oral clindamycin 2 x day for 10 full days - huge pink capsules to take in addition to pain meds - i ask for Vicodin as had that years ago for frozen shoulder and knew wasn't allergic and can tolerate a 500 mg or 750 mg tablet etc,,, didn't want to TRY percocet as never had had that and felt less anxiety knowing would be ON something already had had prior in life as I am vry sensitive to meds and foods and very allergic. i stayed over 1 nights - i was awake night before surgery - nerves - and awake almost entire night at hospital as felt put thru the ringer,,, and the nurses kept coming to check me and give meds and just never fell asleep then first night home - trying to get into guest room bed - and turning and bending - small space - and too flat to get in bed - i got very lightheaded and dizzy and felt awful - then vomited up what ate - i was SOOOOO hungry - so totally hungry that I ate a huge peanut butter sandwich and huge bowl fruit and gosh it sat under the chest in ribs and was not good idea to eat that - too HARD to pass right after surgery - so ladies avoid nuts and nut butters until you get stronger - to pass it thru -

also i had drain in 11 days - keep a journal date and time #cc drain and when empty - DR will want to read it

take a bath from waist down and sponge bath upper area avoiding chest,,,, keep chest as dry and sanitary as long as possible - i waited 8 days to shower - but i bathed daily from waste down beginning on day 3 - only had sponge bathed first 2 days,,, and had visiting nurse for 7 days daily once day to check on me - wore that recovery adjustable bra - which was kind of TIGHT for 11 days - without taking it off except to bath - that was tough by 7 - 8 days - i was feeling so compressed and when asked - DR said oh you didn't have to keep it on sooooooooo LONG - UGH - ask you DR what amount time you NEED to be in it...

get the alcohol prep pads or wipes and keep you DRAINS CLEAN - wipe the pipe as gets bacteria on it,,, be extra sanitary - so avoid infection near the surgery site... don't RUSH - MOVE SLOW - don't pick up and reach and bend and reach too much - - let the site close up and be clean and DRY and protected and REST - that is important to get good results - you want those stitches to CLOSE up nicely and look good so baby yourselves - ask people to HELP you - don't be afraid to ask them.....

try to eat bland for few weeks - it will help you heal to not have things to difficult - drink LOTS water and more clear liquids, lemon water, cranberry juice is wonderful to sip on throughout day - flushes toxins out, lemonades, gingerale, 7 up - gatorade etc - no greasy spicy, meaty foods too soon,,, think broth, toast with jam, saltines, plain unseeded breads, rice krispies are gluten free, rice is good, greek yogurts fight yeast infections - have 2 day for protein boost, lactose free milks with vit D and calcium, eggs or egg whites with cheddar or swiss cheeses and toast, fruit, special K has good protein and easy to digest - add banana to it,,, Stoneyfield yogurt makes great antibiotic free, non fat frozen yogurt at whole foods -

try to have lots of pillows around your body and soft cozy clothing - things can step into - tank tops, Ts, yoga pull on pants, knee socks - keep feet and legs warm for circulation - and long sleeve tops can step into - body heals nicely when kept at good warm - not hot temperature,,,

youtube has great meditations, power positive thinking videos and quotes - fill head with positive thoughts and positive end results - power of the mind is very interesting,,, and listen to soft soothing music and try to be calm and allow body to heal and renew what needs to be

Good luck ladies - i'm trying very hard on my end here to look for the blessings and find peace with all that all of us must go through - emotions, physical pain, life change, energy drained, body image - weight changes, stress from daily life and making sense of it all - it is a LOT to handle,,,, the journey doesn't stop when have 1 or 3 surgeries,,, it is relearning a new life after cancer,,, and it takes time to get back up and back to feeling good or hopefully feel better then did prior to DX!!! manage your expectations and be KIND to yourself,, listen to what body needs and go slow,,

good night - prayers to all

jkbrca2

hi Emmy, it's safe to vent here and get support. I'm up awake at 130 am EST myself with quite a bit of soreness and burning feeling across chest. I just took my 130 am dose of Percocet and waiting for the 20 mins for that to kick in. I do miss that wonderful reclining hospital bed with bedside table and light switch!

Turns out my drains are not draining much fluid but instead some of it is oozing out at point of entry. Fortunately not across incisions. BS said that's ok as long as fluid doesn't build up , albeit messy and I'll schedule a post op Monday to reassess. She might just take drains out. Meanwhile I change the gauze pads2x a day. The hardest part is putting the surgical bra on again. It's super tight across my chest. I recomend for anyone with same issue to schedule your guaze changes an hour after painkiller dosage. Otherwise it's more painful to manage that bra being velcroed close again.

I'm handling Percocet well so far. I get s little itchy everywhere but very tolerable. It does make me feel like I've had a few glasses of wine too.

Sending good healing thoughts to everyone recovering and big hugs to everyone in queue scheduled for surgery

SugarCakes

So, despite taking things for constipation from the beginning and drinking LOTS of water, I haven't had a real poop in a week now. I had a very small teaser on Thursday. Hadn't really thought about it because I felt I was doing what I needed to do and have felt ok in that regard. Should I be concerned? Should I call the doctor today (Sunday) or do you think it can wait one more day? Can't find anything in my discharge and recovery papers about it and cannot remember what doctors advised, if anything.

EmmyJ

sugarcakes, i know all too well where you are coming from. my husband bought me some miralax. There is no taste to it, and I just mixed it in a small glass of juice and my problem was solved a few hours later. Colace and other softeners never worked after I had my kids, and I didn't want another horriflying experience, so I figured I would try that product. It worked really really well. I hope you find some relief soon!!

Jkbrca2...I'm sorry to hear you are having issues with your drains! Mine are driving me nuts! I have had issues with my left side since day 1. At least your incision is healing well!! I hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly!

SugarCakes

Emmy, Miralax is what I have. It worked during chemo but it's not working now, it seems. I have even taken it (in coffee) AND colace today. Nothing. I'll call the dr in the morning. I feel fine. No urge to go, no discomfort. Just figure I need to go!

I_Spy

Hey guys -- I took the stool softener but it didn't work. I then had one heaping teaspoon of freeze dried calcium magnesium powder, and it did the trick later that day:

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Calm-Calciu...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1436733391&sr=8-2&keywords=calm+with+calcium

I will be adding this to my vitamin regimen, as things were a little slow this morning. I also eat green juices and lots of water so I'm used to being regular. The powder also has vitamin C and potassium.

Scottiemom11

On the subject of supplements. . .I take Calcium, magnesium citrate, zinc, probiotics, and Vitamins C, DH and E, and biotin in add into basic multivite. All of these were recommended to me to help various SES from surgery and anti-cancer meds. Senekot worked for me when on the pain meds, but had to take it daily.Green tea helps too.

Glad to see all of the posts and hoping your all starting to feel better daily. Healing thoughts to all.

Scottie

1SweetPea

Hello Ispy,

I hope it isn't too late to join this group. I'm new to this site. 😊 I had a lumpectomy with IORT on Friday, July 10th. My BS said the surgery/IORT went beautifully. Nodes were negative at surgery; I'll receive the final path report on margins this Thursday the 16th. Two weeks before surgery an MRI revealed I also had a brain mass, a meningioma. I'm scheduled for stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) at the end of the month. I would love to be of support to others in the group and also hear from those who have had IORT. Sending you love and a gentle hug.