SEPTEMBER 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • Beatlebear
    Beatlebear Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2015

    Just to let you know I had my surgery on the 10th and all went well. No results on pathology yet, but ultrasound prior to surgery was reassuring. I will see the doctor on Wednesday possibly for staple removal and possibly removal of one or more of the 5 drains put in after the surgery. Been doing good and mostly off pain pills and just using Tylenol. Hope for those that are going into surgery that it goes well for you and those that have had surgery that your recovery is swift. Have decided to cancel the the tissue expanders and will plan on a tram flap surgery late next year.

    In Jesus name,

    Beatlebear

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    solfeo, I agree you should not be near anything that could compromise your healing. I am glad your DH is doing well.

    Beatlebear, don't you need the TE's to stretch your skin and muscles prior to rads?

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  • rainnyc
    rainnyc Member Posts: 1,289
    edited September 2015

    Navigatingthru, how did you end up with a thoracic epidural? Were you awake the whole time, or did they give you something to have you sleep? Just curious: that's the first I've heard of that level of surgery without a general. Or am I missing something?

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    I had a thoracic epidural for my umx as well. It was awesome. No nausea, great pain control and no opiods. My anesthesiologist is also a pain management doctor.

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  • Navigatingthru
    Navigatingthru Member Posts: 11
    edited September 2015

    Hi rainnyc,

    I actually had a thoracic epidural anesthia, and was completely 'out' during surgery. Apparently they are starting to use this practice for breast surgeries and its proving to have better surgical outccomes (especially nausea and pain control). I worked fantastically for me. I essentially had no pain and no nausea.

    There are several articles on the subject and here is one for your refefence: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1234994/

    Take care :)

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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited September 2015

    This is my first post, and I am still very new to everything! I had a clean mammo in June, but found a lump last month and now I'm having a lumpectomy and SNB on Friday. I had an MRI last week (since it wasn't showing on the mammo) and they saw another area of concern. So yesterday I had an MRI guided biopsy on that (same breast). I am anxiously waiting for that result to see if it will change our plan for Friday. I look forward to getting to know everyone and plan to spend some more time catching up.

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    Welcome Amy sorry you have to be here. Read and ask lots of questions. Check out the lumpectomy lounge for advice as well. It's a wonderful supportive group.
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  • feefoo2
    feefoo2 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2015

    My surgery is scheduled for September 24 in Rochester, NY. Left Mx with SNB. I've decided not to have reconstruction.

    This is forum is amazing, a wealth of information and support.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2015

    Amy and Feefoo-

    Welcome to our community here at BCO. We hope you find this to be a supportive place when you need it most. Good luck to you both!

    The Mods

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  • Debal725
    Debal725 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2015

    hello ladies,

    I am new to this group but I am scheduled for Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on September 23. Just met with PS yesterday and got way too much info. It is becoming very real now and my anxiety is growing daily.

    Deb

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  • cchix49
    cchix49 Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2015

    I made it! Surgery went well. He found nothing of the 6.2cm. tumor. Gone. He did not cut into my chest muscles. Tumor had been into my chest wall. So visible of cancer. Thank God. He removed a cluster of nodes. That was new to me. I thought they would be removed individually. I must have missed something along the way. Anyhoo, I go back Monday 21st for drain removal and path results. I am sore and nauseous but taking meds. The pain med makes me nauseous thus the nausea med. I have slept a lot. Yay. The drain tubes are gross but no problem. Hey, with what I have gone through, not going to let some little ole drain tubes gross me out. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. If I can be of any help with sharing my experience, please ask. Would like to hear yours on how long were you sore and the node clusters.


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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited September 2015

    that's great cchix so you had a pathological complete response?! I love hearing those stories..I have an appt with my surgeon tomorrow to discuss the toradol and forget studies then plastic surgeon Friday then a fun weekend going to apple orchards with the kids surgery on Monday 😬 I have no idea how I wont be able to hold my 1 year old she's a mamas gir

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  • 39andhip
    39andhip Member Posts: 164
    edited September 2015

    Welcome Deb! I think waiting is the worst part. I found that making an extensive 'to do' list and keeping very busy in the days before surgeries helped me to keep my anxiety levels in check.

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    Welcome Deb. Have you looked at the packing and preparing link at the top of this thread? I highly recommend buying Pink Pockets which you can Google for the link to help manage your drains. Also stock up on alcohol pads for using to disinfect and strip your drains.

    Also if you fill in your profile with dx and TX and make them public it helps us answer your questions easier.

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  • Gabby56b
    Gabby56b Member Posts: 82
    edited September 2015

    Mastectomy with Tissue Expanders - Oct 13

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  • pennsygal
    pennsygal Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2015

    Hello all -

    I'm scheduled for a lumpectomy on September 30 with SLNB - and possible ALND. I had neoadjuvant chemo due to aggressive cancer and one node that biopsied as positive, as well as several other nodes seen on MRI. Post-chemo imaging shows that all nodes now look normal, and my tumor, which was small to begin with, has shrunk significantly. I'm having rads no matter what surgery I choose, so BS thinks it's worth trying for the lumpectomy.

    Well wishes to all!

    Barb

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  • Jennvo
    Jennvo Member Posts: 27
    edited September 2015

    Hi,

    I'm having my mastectomy and SNB (maybe axillary) on September 21 for Extensive 5cm+ DCIS High Grade Comedo hormone negative. It's showing up right next to the chest muscle, and surgeon is recommending that I wait for reconstruction because they need to radiate. However, the plastic surgeon is all for putting an expander in for the duration of radiation (and chemo if they find invasive aspect). A lot of "ifs" involved here. I am getting a second opinion tomorrow...not much time to decide. Mostly I feel like I'm skating on thin ice with the aggressive and fast growing type (they are really concerned that there is invasive cancer in the middle of the DCIS that encases the entire upper and outer quadrant of my breast).

    Anyone else opting to wait for reconstruction? I'm definitely heading in that direction!

    Jenn

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  • Jennvo
    Jennvo Member Posts: 27
    edited September 2015

    I forgot to add...has anyone know anyone that has used cold caps?

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  • Lharry
    Lharry Member Posts: 86
    edited September 2015

    NavigatingThru - we had surgery the same day. Bilateral MX with tissue expanders. You are obviously healing much quicker! I still have all 4 drains, with a minimum of 20 ml coming from each (max is still around 70-80 ml), and I am still needing to take pain meds either once or twice each day. I really thought I would be recovering fairly easy because I'm healthy to begin with. Also, my surgeon hasn't put any fluid in my TE yet. He said he wanted my wounds to heal first.

    I must say, my biggest battle right now is depression! My body is hideous! HIDIOUS! I keep telling myself it is temporary, but my God! Why in hell do they allow us to remove the dressings! It makes me cry every Time

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    Hugs Lharry. It's hard for me to look at one breast gone two must really be hard. Jennvo welcome. My understanding is radiation damages breast tissue so the plastic surgeon puts the expander in during the mastectomy and does the fills prior to radiation for the best outcome.

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  • cchix49
    cchix49 Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2015

    @Stephmoen

    Enjoy those kiddos while you can. They grow so fast. I love this time of year. I am looking forward to taking my great grandson to the pumpkin patch. There are some very nice ones in the area. I enjoy them too. The change in weather always feels good too. Fall is my favorite season.

    Hope it goes well with your surgeon visit. I did not choose any recon. It does not bother me. My husband is somewhat ok. I do not want any more surgeries or risks.

    I slept most of the day. Husband would come in and wake me up to see if I was ok. Feel like a grouchy bear...go away and let me sleep. I know he means well so I just smile and think...grrrrr. I would like to have had more time to investigate the anethesia and pain topic on here but I did not. I have never been a pill taker and am not happy with the opioids they have given. I have to take a nausea med along with Norco since it nauseates me. The pain is not severe so I do not take them every four hours. They make me sleep which I enjoy. Chemo took my good sleep away. I feel very blessed with the progress of this cancer. Tumor had shrunk 30% After 2nd treatment and could not feel after 4th. I am uneasy that Doc took a cluster of nodes out. I wanted the minimal but I trust he knows what he is doing.

    Take care sweet lady and you are in my prayers







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  • cchix49
    cchix49 Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2015

    I just found a knot under my arm where a cluster of nodes were removed during my mastectomy Sept.14th. I called the on call doctor and he did not seem concerned. He asked if I had ace bandage wrap. I do and said it happens sometimes and to call my doctor tomorrow. Anyone had this experience? It does not hurt but feels and looks awful.

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  • RearviewMirror
    RearviewMirror Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2015

    September Sisters - let people help you. I am suffering from a case of overdoing it. Surgery on both sides last week. Listen to your doctors. Don't overdo it. Feels like a major set back but hoping it is just temporary. But on the plus side-- nodes were clean!

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    Hugs rear view mirror, I hope your setback is short lived.

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  • Navigatingthru
    Navigatingthru Member Posts: 11
    edited September 2015

    Hi Lharry,

    Hugs to you. It gets better with each passing day so hang in there :)

    Not sure where you are located but do reach out for support. I've found lots of valuable resources along my journey thus far. You are not alone. There is support.

    Do take care and keep me posted on your progress.

    Thinking of you...

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  • Lovey1226
    Lovey1226 Member Posts: 12
    edited September 2015

    So, ladies who have had surgery, already.... How many days did you need help after surgery? It seems my tentative surgery date may be Oct. 2nd. My husband has limited time off, and we have 2 grade school aged children (6 and 7).

    I was hoping (because I am a dreamer), if surgery is on Friday, by Wednesday, I may be able to be alone through the day? Is that a pipe dream???

    I am still waiting for the path to come back from my SLNB I had on Sept 11th. I am trying so hard to be patient and positive, but this is taking FOREVER!!!!!

    Sorry just needed to vent a bit.

    But, how is everyone else doing today???

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited September 2015

    Lovey1226, what surgery are you scheduled for?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2015

    Hi all! Jumping in a little late in the month, but wanted to share some good information for you and future posters to help prepare for your surgeries:

    Check out some good info from the main Breastcancer.org site on Surgery, including:

    Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.

    Lots of practical advice here on helping to prepare for surgery:Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....

    Also, you may find it helpful to chat with ladies from past months' surgery threads to get first-hand stories of their experience; see the August 2015 Surgery Sisters thread.

    Hope this helps and good luck with all of your surgeries!

    --Your Mods

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  • cchix49
    cchix49 Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2015

    @lovey1226. I am only 3 days post Surgery. I had mrm on right and simple on left. I feel good. I am very sore and have swelling under my arm on right side. I know not to overdo things or lift but I feel better than I have felt in a long time. I see Doc Tuesday for path reports and maybe remove my 3 drains. They are a nuisance but not bad. I and my husband are retired so I have him here and very blessed to have my daughter move in to take care of me thru all this stuff. I think I could be alone thru the day if I had to be right now. I would just have things prepared before like food etc. I still take pain meds so I do a lot of sleeping. And I enjoy that so much after losing my good sleep pattern during chemo treatments. Hope this helps. I know we are all different and I am much older than you. Any questions please ask. God Bless

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  • MarieTherese
    MarieTherese Member Posts: 85
    edited September 2015

    Lovey1226

    I had LX and SNB last Friday. I am still sore and tired, but I have been home all week without any trouble. Sat and Sunday were rough, because I had quite a bit of post op muscle pain. The doctor said this was rare. I hope to start driving next week, but planned to be out of work for 3 weeks total. At first it sounded like a lot, but I am glad I asked for it. Tried to vacuum last night- not good.

    It turns out I will need it, because all of the consults start up next week: PCP, BS follow up, MO, RO. In between I have been calling insurance company and trying to rest up for round 2 of treatment.

    Best wishes

    MT

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