March 2016 Surgery

iammags

The bit about armpit hair was hysterical! I'd settle for loosing the dreaded chin hair.

I must, I must...hahahahah! I remember that, too. For the first time in my life I have small-ish boobs. I had reductions on both after the surgeon found clear margins. But, boy, they look good! Pre- baby, for sure.

If you haven't already, don't forget to fill out your profile with your dx and tx if you know them. Sometimes it's helpful for us all to see when giving our 2 cents. And your location. Whatever you feel comfortable with.

JessieJake

Hi iammags, what kind of cruel joke is it to give us chin hair? Not fair. But I always think we get a little payback when men have to start going in for prostate checks.

I went into settings, which I haven't been familiar with, and it doesn't offer a lot of control. For example the DX and TX is either private or completely open to the public. I couldn't determine a way to keep it only available to members.

Is there a way to make your "signature" available only to members?

Hope everyone is having a good day so far. My chest is feeling better after complaining about my first fill, but my mind is at turmoil trying not to SCREAM at my DS who is supposedly helping me clean the house. One strip of vacuuming down the middle does not a clean carpet make.

chapagonzo

Stopping in to update about my surgery on 3/15. Like most of you I am sure, I was wrecked with anxiety leading immediately up to the surgery. All this happened so fast for me and I made a very quick decision to have a BMX after failure to clear margins during a lumpectomy on 2/18. Most days I feel brave that I did that and I am going to choose to remind myself of that. I had a wonderful caretaker the first week..my sister. So Thankful for her. I think because of tried to follow the doctor's orders to the tee, things seem to happen really fast for me. Both my drains were removed yesterday with no incident. I do have TE's and the PS reminded me that even during this time it is important to limit the use of my arms. I agree with him. It eliminates some of the pressure you might feel in your chest. I am scheduled for my first fill (I have some volume already) next Wednesday. I am also being considered for a clinical trial drug, DMT-1, because I am HERS2+. It is a very mild form of chemo and very effective in treating this positive status. I will also be taking Femera at some point because I am PR/ER+ as well. All I can say to you all is that you are some brave women and my hope for all of us is to keep our eye on the ball. Our decision(s) were not made out of vanity but moreover out of necessity for life preservation. I intend to remind myself of that in my worst moments (yes I still am having emotional ones) and Thank my lucky stars. My chest looks like a trainwreck and I am so ok with it. I am not alone...I have all of you!!!!!

DX 4mm invasive DCI and DCIS Stage 1, grade 2

2/18 Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node plus 1 extraction, neg

3/15 BMX with TE (High Risk)

"On my way to eliminating the rear view mirror!!"

Mecool

22 days later, I am finally completely drain free!!!!! YAY!!!!

Was a little put off by the warning to watch for any fluid pooling under the skin that would need to be drained with a needle.....so I'll focus on my excitement about being drain free!

iammags

Jessie- One of our BCO sisters, PontiacPegg, wrote this about making your profile public.

"Welcome! You're at the right place to get your questions answered. We're comforting, funny, information and caring. Please help us help you by finishing your profile with diagnosis, treatments so far, and projected treatments AND make it PUBLIC. This lounge can move very fast and it is easy to forget your status if it isn't included at the bottom of your posts. We also like to know where you live since we are all over the world and sometimes next door "

I followed that advice and I feel comfortable with it considering that I don't have my real name or info available. I do give my location.

Also, my DS (14) takes a lot of convincing to help around the house. And my DD (13) is so hormonal that, at times, I prefer if she's locked in her room.She is sooooo dramatic.

chapagonzo- good luck! Glad your surgery went well.

kalk

kalk 3/16/16 Lumpectomy right breast

okbecca

Chapagonzo, congrats on doing so well. I had a LOT of pressure from docs to go the radiation/hormone therapy route, but persisted in taking the bmx route. It turned out when the path report came back that I had chosen wisely. (One time, I would just as soon have been wrong.) I am soooo glad I had the bmx. I think I gave myself the best chance I could for a long, healthy life.

Mecool, it's a big relief when the drains get out. I got the last ones out Monday and felt so much better. I'm glad yours are finally gone.

My blood pressure is finally down out of the stroke range! I feel much better; had no idea how sick it was making me. Docs don't seem to know why it went up like that, they just can't figure it out. Me, I think care-giving for 90-year-old mother and working with breast cancer may have had a part in it.

All I know is that you guys are the best prayer warriors going, and that includes the non-prayers among you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

iammags

Great news, okbecca!! What a relief!

My incisions are so itchy it's driving me crazy. Plus, I seem to be allergic to bandage glue so even though I haven't had a bandage on in 2 days, the redness remains. And it's sooooooo itchy! Benadryl here I come.

Mecool

Super itchy here too, iammags!!!! Mine is mostly around where my drains were, the skin is peely and flakey and I just want to lay and itch, itch, itch! Asked my surgeon about it yesterday and he said to just keep a gentle moisturizer on it. I'm using Aveeno and it seems to help a lot!

So glad to hear this about your BP, okbecca! I couldn't stop thinking about you yesterday.

I haven't decided yet what it the best part about being drain free.....my shower with nothing hanging in front of me, making shaving my legs so much easier! Being able to roll over while I'm sleeping. Picking anything out of my closet to wear this morning, something that didn't have to be big or flowy enough to hide the drain bulb. Or, and this is probably the winner, being able to have my almost 4 year old sit on my lap again last night without the fear of her pulling on the drain....yup, that's it. That takes the cake

TGIF all! Wishing everyone a great day and an even better weekend! I have lots of plans this weekend with some amazing friends and family. Soaking up every minute of "normal" before starting my chemo on Tuesday. Happy, healing, calming thoughts to all my sisters here!

Seedsally

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Good morning everyone. Checking in after BS appointment for follow up in 3/14 surgery. No cancer cells found in precancerous mass in left breast. That's good. Doc gave me 1 week to make decision for LX/rads vs UMX with loose skin and ligaments in place for reconstruction vs UMX smooth and flat. He also told me BMX wouldn't be covered by insurance but if gene testing after surgery is positive the other breast can be removed later and they have to pay. I am talking Medicare with supplemental insurance. That is all ok with me and I want the UMX just have to decide about skin sparing thing. Anyone here have to go through these steps? If I go for skin sparing And then decide no reconstruction BS says I would have to have another surgery to remove the excess. I also worry about the left breast turning cancerous now. BS says we will concentrate on the right breast now for our next step. After surgery when the sentinel node is checked we will go on to chemo if any are positive. So I'll make up my mind after a few family discussions and probably have surgery week after this coming week. I appreciate any comments and thanks ladies.

okbecca

Seedsally, I just had a bmx on Medicare w supplement. Nobody said a word about whether or not they'll pay, but if they don't, tuff. I'll just pay it off $5/month until I die and then let them write off what's left. You might talk to your Congressperson (if they can stop fighting w members of the opposite party long enough to pay attention to a constituent) and see if he or she can get this ironed out for you. If Medicare isn't paying for this, it should.

After my experiences w docs, I would be immediately suspicious that the doc was trying to manipulate me into doing what HE wanted, according to HIS values and that Medicare would pay and he was lying. But that's just my experience. Your doc may be a prince.

okbecca

Bingo!

Take a look at this. https://www.healthpartners.com/public/coverage-criteria/prophylactic-mastectomy/

My opinion of the medical profession just keeps falling, day by lying, manipulating, bs-ing day.

iammags

Mecool- Thanks for the advice on the moisturizer. I'll try it. Also, I put maxi pads in my bra (nice, right?) and it helps a little bit too. Actually those pads are really handy.

Seedsally- You have a big decision on your hands. You have to go with whatever you think is best. My two cents is to search the forums on this site and get info from gals that have had to make that decision, too. Personally, I decided to go with lx and reduction on both breasts because I wanted the least invasive surgery and I can always do the mx if I need to. Good luck with your choice and don't let ANYBODY bully you into something you don't want.

As for insurance, there are people out there that can help with finances when you have BC. The American Cancer Society is one. Do you have a BC coordinator, like a social worker, at your hospital? That person can help a lot. In my area there are groups that will help pay for all kinds of medical care if you qualify.

Okbecca- that's funny...the congress working together...hahahaaaa. Especially anything to do about health insurance. Actually, about anything. It's a joke.

okbecca

iammags, sad but true.

okbecca

Seedsally, I want to apologize to you. I should not have spoken so sharply about doctors while you are in this stressful and very difficult passage. I am so sorry that you are faced with this decision. I've been through it, and reacted with a great deal of anger because I realized that my doctors were manipulating, bullying and disrespecting me.

In truth, I'm angry still. That is why I spoke the way I did.

But please know that you have every bit of support, prayer and love that I can send you as you navigate through this hard passage. Whatever you decide, it will be well.

Seedsally

Okbecca there is no need to apologize. I value everyone's opinions here. I have already ruled out a Lx for me. I don't think I could handle the constant worry about the breast becoming cancerous again. I just have to decide on the type of UMX I want. I don't have access right now to a PS for reconstruction at the hospital where my surgery will be done. The nearest breast PS is about a 2 hour drive from me. I am leaning towards the surgery that leaves extra skin and ligaments in place. My BS has offered that to me. He is very caring and gentle but he likes things neat and tidy and taken care of. I have faith in him as far as his concern about my well being. But I used to be a nurse and I know a lot about the tests and the limitations doctors have that is put on them by the insurance companies and federal guidelines. I just wish it was a perfect world. One without the big C.

okbecca

It sounds like you are handling this really well Sally. Blessings as you move forward.

Mckaylaleigh

HELLO everyone!!  I haven't been on in awhile but have had you all on my mind, especially you okbecca, so glad the BP is better!! Mecool, glad you finally got your drains out!

The past two weeks were pretty rough on me with my emotions and brush with depression but it seems to have passed now, whew! Hubs got home Saturday so I was busy enjoying the Easter weekend.  Probably pushed myself a little much as I am completely exhausted now but that is okay!

I really am doing pretty good but what I am struggling with the most is this ace bandage feels like sandpaper rubbing against me. Even on my back.  My drain sites are super itchy too so I will try the moisturizing lotion and see if it helps. I have put my laticain on a couple times when I couldn't take it anymore.  Also, probably 80% of my steristrips are still on, how long did it take for yours to all come off? I am ready for both them and my ace bandage to be gone!

Do any of you massage your incisions? My husband had to massage his incisions when he had knee surgery and he thinks I probably will need to too but my surgeon hasn't said anything. I bought Vit E oil and Cocoa Butter but then I thought about BIO oil that I used many moons ago and wonder if I should try that, what are all you (probably mostly non recon girls) doing/going to do?

We made it through the month with only one surgery this week, Yay!  Good luck to you warriorwannab and continues hugs and prayers to all of you during your healing

Mecool

Glad to hear you're doing well, Mckaylaleigh! I was thinking about you. I'm super busy at work today, prepping to be out for my first chemo tomorrow but I wanted to jump in and say that I have been using bio oil! Can't see a difference yet, but it does feel good and I just started last week. My steri strips were all off within a week of surgery. As soon as they started lifting at the edges from showering my doc said I could take them off. I didn't have any bandages on ever so I can't help with that one, sorry As for massage, yes! My nurse navigator suggested just rolling a tennis ball around on my chest very gently and I finally started this after getting that last drain out last week. She said this would help greatly with scar tissue. I'd recommend that if you can but maybe just place a call to your nurse for ideas too.

iammags

Mckaylaleigh- My drain sites itch, too. I just got back from the doc who said that one of the sites has a fungal infection and that's why it itches so much. Are you kidding me? Oh well. This, too, shall pass

She also told me that Aquaphor is good for scars. She said that after 3 weeks I'm supposed to start massaging them so ask your doctor on the timing. Scars are actually pretty tricky. The tennis ball is a good idea for those that had mx. I used the Bio oil on another scar and I like it, too. Maybe you should just call your doc and ask? I hope that you feel better soon!

MyWalk_113

I'm not sure how to post in here when you have a question.. I'll give this a go! I've had my surgery and they got the invasive tumor out. I did not get clean margins, which surprised both mmy doc and me... The tumor had spun off in several directions, causing DCIS to form in several areas in my breast. I have a fear of surgery, on the night of my surgery I had 2 seizures. I am quite depressed, my Dr wants to go right Bach in and do surgery..I've just healed mostly, and I'm not sure what to do. Is waiting to see if the tissue mutates such a bad idea? Thank you for listening. Peace, my friends.

njnancy

When they talk about "clean margins", how do they test for that? I have my first followup on Thursday and wasn't sure what to expect.

MyWalk_113

njnancy, in my case, they sent the breast tissue around the invasive tumor, directly to the hospitals lab. They checked it for any further carcinoma in the 2cm area around the invasive tumor. Hopefully, that tissue is "clean", or has no further carcinoma of any kind.. This is called getting back clean margins. If they find carcinoma of any kind, you are told you have non clean margins. Generally, the dr wants to go back in and get clean margins as soon as possible. Hope this helps.

okbecca

Well ... garbage.

I thought I was all out of the woods and on the come back trail. But my left divot is puffing up and kind of achy, and I'm pretty sure I have a seroma. Gonna call the doc and see about getting it drained.

We babysat my 3-month-old granddaughter Saturday. I was careful, but I ended up cuddling her on my left shoulder for a couple of hours while she napped. It hurt after that, and I imagine that's what happened. I'm not sure, but I think cuddling my sweet baby girl may have been worth it. :-)

I was supposed to start physical therapy tomorrow, but I'm guessing I'll have to put it off for a few days.

Does anybody know how bad getting one of these things drained is in real life?

Bleck.

iammags

MyWalk- How scary for you! I took Ativan before several of my tests, MRI being one. It really helped me to calm down. I don't know your history but I suggest contacting your doctor and asking about medication prior to your surgery. They may be able to help you. You have a lot to think about and I know the waiting and not knowing exactly what is happening is so scary! There are a lot of women on this forum who are willing to listen and commiserate with you. And, hearing stories like yours may give you some comfort. Good luck to you!

okbecca

I sent photos of my divots to my surgeon. I'm going in Thursday to have the nurse practitioner decide if it needs to be drained. The nurse told me they don't numb it when they do that. Asked her if I needed a biting stick and only got a laugh. I guess I'll take some of my pain meds that are leftover from the surgery before I go up there. A friend is driving me, so I can be a drunk as I want.

It's a kind of purgatory, not being able to hold my granddaughter. But I guess I will stay away from that for a couple of more weeks. It's a small price for being around to see her grow up. :-)

Wish me luck.

iammags

okbecca- good luck! The drainage sounds painful. They really do that without numbing the area? I'd make them do that. I'm a wimp, though!

stellamaris

okbecca..draining the seroma is not too bad. I had one drained in February. The BS used a syringe to "pop" the blister and it all just came out. Take what you need, but it is nothing to be too anxious about. Good luck

stellamaris

yaay - 6 days post op and 2 of 3 drains removed! Pain is minimal. Can sleep in my bed, and could lie flat on my back with legs straight today. Incisions are all dry. Healing much quicker than I ever expected. Will see the BS on April 14 to find out the story on rads, but at this point so,so grateful to be feeling as normal as I do. A sincere thank-you to all the wonderful warrior sisters on these boards for their unfailing support and sharing of information.

Mecool

That's great stellamaris! Glad you're feeling so well!