March 2016 Surgery

Anonymous

Hi,

I will be having my surgery on March 22. It will consist of a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy.. I will also be having a great reduction on the opposite breast to create symmetry. Both will be done at the same time as an outpatient procedure.

Thank you and good luck to everyone....

Anonymous

Hi my surgery is scheduled for March 22. I will be having a lumpectomy with a breast reduction and lift on the non affected side for symmetry... I have mutilfocal tumors and did not want a mastectomy because I lost my leg in a motor vehicle accident and did not want another part of my body taken from me.. I have D size breasts and told my BS that i did not mind going down to an A cup as long as there is something there.. I met with the plastic surgeon and they will be working together to achieve the desired result. I cannot believe that it is outpatient...

Good luck to everyone....

Seedsally

Thanks Cajunqueen15. You are right. If ever we needed it that's now.

Sharon

Zoziana

Hi all- Please add me to the list.I'm scheduled for BMX and nodes on March 17. Getting nervous not so much about surgery but recovery, how much help I will need, how I can best maintain my fitness post-surgery and promote optimal healing and arm/shoulder mobility. It has been helpful to read all the posts, and I'm grateful for this site.

gerrib

Can you please add me to the list too. I am having umx and SNB on March 16th. This is a new primary ILC this time. 4 years ago I had lumpectomy and Rx for IDC in other breast.

Good luck everyone and hope those who have had their surgery are recovering well

okbecca

Prayers for you Seedsally. I'll include you in my morning prayers each day.

okbecca

I raised my left arm too high and lifted a gallon of milk out of the fridge. (Stupid thing to do.) Now my left shoulder hurts. Did I do serious harm to myself?

Seedsally

Thanks for the prayers for me okbecca. I hope you have not done damage. Maybe the shoulder was stiff from temporarily being unused and got sprained a little.Please be careful!

Asante314

Yesterday was supposed to be easy. A last morning of work with a nice schedule. Silly me to think that would hold true.

In the middle of a crazy mirning of work I get a call from the surgeons office saying pre-admissions is now requiring I have cardiac clearance before my surgery on Monday!!!!

I had pre admission eval w nurse and anesthesiologist over three weeks ago and they didn't raise a flag until yesterday!!!

Furious is an understatement.

My wonderful BS office arranged an appt with my primary in the afternoon where after a 2 hour visit I was granted clearance. I am grateful for them getting me in, but was laughing at the extreme thoroughness of the nurse practitioner who took a 45 minute history delving into so many unrelated issues which are all stable and under the care of specialists. I do work in medicine so I understand she didn't know me and I had been dumped on her Friday afternoon.

I laughed when she asked why this surgery is an emergency. Well since it has been scheduled for months and preop testing competed over three weeks ago- this visit started off with quite the misunderstanding.

The BS clerk gave me her cell number to call as she was leaving for the day. The BS nurse practitioner told me to go Jimena's have a glass of wine.

So at the end of the day I was spent. Once home 5 hours later than planned and now with 3-4 hours of office work to finish I started telling DH about my day, but hen his watch rang and he never came back. I am so thankful for my DD and friends who will just listen, but know that only all of you understand how hard this is.

Expectations breed resentment is a line I need to learn to follow. I had hopes of a lovely weekend w DH, perhaps a last good bye to my breasts, but instead I feel cast aside as usual for his other endeavors.

So for now I sit getting my hair done. A treat but also prevention of knowing I won't be able to deal with it for a few weeks.

Seedsally I will be thinking of you on Minday as we share a date and the same first name. !!!

My surgery is in the afternoon w SNB injection at noon. Fingers crossed they control the post op Nausea as planned but alas again I will likely be dehydrated and hypoglycemic before they even start.

Hoping to go for a walk in the sun today and look at the blooming trees.

Asante.

anniekaja11

Hi everyone,

ksusan "Mutant uprising squashed!" I love that!!! Yes indeed.

About looking at the new body I was very worried about this too, although I had a lumpectomy so it is not the same as what some of you are and have gone through. I had 1/3 of my central breast taken out including my nipple. I didn't know how I'd feel looking at it. But when the butterfly stitches came off and I was able to wash it, I did this little coping tool called "Welcoming" and I held my altered breast and told it welcome. Ive since nicknamed it FrankenBreast. Prior to getting my surgery plan, I looked at images of lumpectomies and mastectomies on-line. This was hard but I concentrated on the women. I found a lot of strength looking at mastectomy tattoos. And also, women who choose to go "flat" - I found stories about one women who is really into fashion for women who go flat. These things strengthened me.

I had a re-excision to get a bit more of a margin (on the right side) and then a port put in on the left side on Wednesday. I guess I had read some stories that this would be easy so I'm surprised at the pain and how much it wiped me out. I am a bit crazy - but I went back to work that afternoon - was able to take a nap on my couch in my office because I had two client not show up. And then I really enjoyed my last client. Thursday however, I was toast but they sent us all home at 11am due to a power outage! Yay!

I guess psychologically this surgery was harder on me than I thought - I was 3 weeks post a large lumpectomy with sentinel node taken out and starting to feel normal again.

Anyone else get a port put in? How was your recovery from that? I had read that the pain for some women was gone in a snap. I'm three days post surgery and man, it still is extremely tender and making my shoulder, arm feel odd.

AND (may I whine???) I can't stand the tape anymore! ARRRRggghhhh.

Peace! I hope the surgeries went well.

Annie

Paulinek

Hi everyone! My surgery is not until April 5th, but I wanted to pop in and let you know how helpful it has been to read through this thread. I had a lumpectomy and SNB in November, but with unclear margins and a small breast already altered from the LX, I opted for BMX with reconstruction. I just finished Chemo yesterday (4 rounds of TC), and I'm felling super nervous about this next step. I will be hairless and have Frankenboobies for a few months, but whatever it takes to kill this beast and try to keep it from coming back. I have a little one who needs me around for as long as possible

ksusan

Port discomfort varies. Mine never felt good. It became quite painful a week after installation, and my BS had me go to the ED for x-rays to be sure it wasn't fractured or placed incorrectly. Everything was okay other than the continued pain. He said, "Yes, your body doesn't like the port." I tolerated it and had it removed as soon as possible after chemo.

iammags

Nachout818 - I had a very similar surgery done last Wednesday. I chose oncoplasty for a lot of reasons and so far I'm glad that I did it. Reconstruction on my lumpectomy side and a reduction on the other. The surgery went well and I went home the same day. It was painful and I am still taking pain meds. Don't be a hero, keep up with the meds. I had two drains but yesterday they took one out (painful). Good luck with yours!

Zoziana I'm in the SF Bay area also

Sometimes all of this is too much. But on I go...

Sheree66

Hi to all! I got home yesterday from my BMX with TE and SNB. I'm happy to say the surgery went very well. I was pain free the whole time. The anesthesiologist gave me a paravertebral nerve block which helped me with the pain after the surgery. They also gave me Aprepitant (Emend) and Gabapentin to help with the side effects of the anesthesia. During the consultation with the PS, he informed us that because of my small breast size, it may be a challenge for him to close the TE if he cannot find enough healthy skin to close the incision. Fortunately, he was able to do the TE but he did not fill it in. He will wait until the tissues are well in place probably in the next couple of weeks. Overall, I would say that the surgery was not too bad.

Good luck to everyone who will have their surgeries next week, and speedy recovery to everyone who are on the other side.

ksusan

Goo news, Sheree66!

grandma3X

sheree66 - so glad to hear you are doing well! The paravertebral block is wonderful. I don't know why they don't do this more often.

I took the bandage off my nipplectomy site yesterday. I didn't feel any emotional loss after the UMX because I thought that at least I would still be me on the outside, so I was not sure how I'd feel about the loss of my nipple and aureola. I think I feel ok about it. The scar is a little bigger than expected. My MX scar has faded quite a bit since surgery, though, so I hope this one won't be too noticeable.

Today I started my AI. I'm taking Letrozole so we'll see how that goes. 😜

Have a great weekend everybody!

cajunqueen15

Thumbs up, sheree!

I loathe my port. But with adriamycin, you need it. I can't wait to have it out, maybe this month woot woot! It is a constant reminder of chemo for me. The placement surgery was not bad, but I had a bad reaction from the anaesthesia.

As I creep towards the end of radiation, I find my TE feels tighter and more uncomfortable. Wish I'd gone with a smaller implant.

Mckaylaleigh

OKbecca, how is your shoulder/arm doing today? I have probably done more than I should have (cleaning windows) and I did pay for it yesterday morning. It is so hard to just sit and do nothing but I have to remind myself that I will heal faster if I and kind to my body now.

Sheree, I am glad all went well. I was throwing up for 9 hours after surgery, will definitely be exploring options next time to prevent that!

Zoziana, you may want to not worry about fitness for atleast a week or two. I normally work out 6 days a week and I told myself before surgery I was going to atleast get on my treadmill and walk, even if it is 2mph, but I quickly realized after surgery that I did NOT have the energy to even do that. I am 6 days post surgery and I MAY have some energy to do a little walking today but I will keep it minimal. 

Has anyone had extreme discomfort from their drains? Mine had me in tears yesterday at the entry site and they are just so uncomfortable. They lie right against my ribs and just dig in. I want them out ASAP but I am still getting 25cc twice a day so I am worried it may be awhile, what are your outputs?

Nachout, I am shocked that is outpatient too. Hospitals kick you out so quick any more. Sometimes I would just like the extra time to be taken care of and rest, that can be hard at home.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone with their procedures this week.

Mecool

mckaylaleigh - yes! The two times I have cried since surgery have been after emptying my drains. I have 3 and one of them is so painful. It's the one that is still dripping outside and producing the most. But BS looked at it and said it was fine, it still doesn't appear to be infected. I go in on Tuesday in hopes of getting them out. The one on the left is sure to come out, I'm getting at most 15/day from that one. I was over 30 ml from the other 2 yesterday so I'm praying that today and tomorrow give me less than 30 in those 2 or they will have to stay I'm so over them. As the other swelling has gone down, where the tubing is under my arms is so much more prominent and just irritating. I want to wear normal clothes! I would feel 100% were it not for these darn things!

I got my chemo schedule all set on Friday. Ready to start next Tuesday and the final one scheduled for August 9th. I'm very visual and love a countdown so it feels good to see the light at the end of that tunnel. Ready to get started.

Praying for you all in you recoveries and upcoming procedures. Please be good to your bodies and I wish you healing and calming energy! All my love....

Molly

okbecca

Sheree, congrats on a soft landing. Hope it continues.

MacKaylaleigh, I had a real meltdown yesterday. Called it the post-mastecto-weepies. I just lay on the sofa and sobbed deep, wracking sobs for about 45 minutes. Then, I fell asleep and slept all afternoon. The pain from the drains clicked on when the pain pack emptied out and I ran out of prescribed pills at the same time. I called the doc, and she said it would be Monday before I could get a script. I finally found an old bottle with a few leftover pills in it from when I broke my foot a few years ago.

That backed off the post-mastecto-weepies, but I have felt drained to the point that I shake and my muscles tremble when I try to get around all day today. No doubt about it; my doc was a little too conservative on the pain control.

My drains are putting out less and less fluid every day, so I know I'm healing, but .... sheesh ... I am exhausted.

I dread pulling the drains. They hurt right now. How much are they going to hurt when they pull them out?

On a happier note, my husband told me not worry about how he looked at me after the surgery. He said that yes, he misses my breasts, but not anywhere near like he would miss me.

He goes back to work tomorrow -- he took a week off to take care of me -- and one of my girlfriends is coming over. I read on these boards that the tears set in when everyone goes away, so I asked people to come and watch movies with me during the second week post-op. I told her tonight that I'm so weak, I may just sleep. She said, "You sleep. I'll clean your house for you."

How do I deserve such friends?

I'm sorry that you had vomiting. That is miserable. And it makes you even more sore.

Me? I had such constipation that my first bowel movement after surgery was like giving birth.

This thing does mess with our digestive tracks.

My shoulder hurts still, but at this point, it's going to have to stand in line to get attention.

This whole deal sucks. But you know what sucks worse? Cancer.

One day, two day, three day, four.

Every day we are one day closer to getting well and kicking this crappy disease out of our lives.

Seedsally

I am so sorry for the misery you feel and I know soon I'll be dealing with it too. Maybe you have lingering effects from the anesthesia too. Hugs to you okbecca!

I am up and ready this morning for surgery number one. Excisional biopsy left side (lumpectomy) of the atypical Ductal hyperplasia. My BS wants to do this first. He's worried there may be some cancer there also. Probably be a week or two then he will operate on the right side for the IDC. Still debating in my mind LX versus UMX. The results of today's surgery may take the choice out of my hands. Keep me in your prayers please. It looks like it'll take most of the day. My DH will be with me. He's been so good to me through this.

okbecca

Prayers going up for you Seedsally and you Mecool, as you start down the chemo path. Mecool, I will add you to my prayers I pray for people every day. The list has gotten long, since I met my wonderful sisters on these boards. Just know that I am holding you up, every single day.

You're in my prayers and thoughts Asante.

zfirebird

Had my surgery Tuesday 3/8 and it was a great success. 12 lymph nodes removed and they were ALL clear of cancer. Praise the LORD!! Onto radiation treatment once I'm healed. A positive attitude and my faith has gotten me through thus far. Can't wait to get involved in various breast cancer organizations. This disease is beatable!! Ladies don't give up!!

JessieJake

Thank you to many of you who took the time to post some positive thoughts to my woe is me message last week. Seriously, a low moment for me on this road and you were very nice and I felt like a big baby. I kind of disappeared and gave myself some mental butt kicks to turn it around.

Things are better. I had a big celebration when the PS said I was done with the Nitro paste and my nipple survived (albeit darker than the other).

Mckaylaleigh - phantom pains? Oh yeah, I've had the "let down" feeling I used to get from breastfeeding a lot. There is so much "feeling" going on in my breast area it's like a constant riot sensation going on. When I get goose bumps I think the entire area around my breasts goes into spasms. Very infrequently is there quietness going on there.

Someone mentioned their thermostat went haywire (OkBecca?). Mine did, too. I feel sometimes that my lower torso is on fire. Just hot. It started int the hospital and at first I was worried about infection or something but I don't know what it is. Then, yes, I can get really cold, too.

Speaking of which, I haven't shaved my armpits or applied deodorant since before surgery! Luckily, the lack of physical activity has kept me from offending anyone, but I feel a little gross. Also, the discussion on first shower? I cried, called my DH a few names because I didn't think he was appreciating the enormity of it. I was so scared - scared to see, scared of pain, scared the drain bulbs would drop and rip out of my skin. Now yesterday I took a shower by myself and I was till nervous, but I did manage to wash my hair by myself though I can't blow dry it. I've now looked at my chest several times for a few seconds each. I am a lumpy mess made so from my unfilled TEs. I still have this saran wrap over my chest which the PS says I should try to leave on until my first fill on 3/22. Does anyone else have this?

Oh gosh, I hope that everyone is feeling a little better or at least having moments of peace in these days.

Contentment vibes to all!

Mecool

Glad to hear you're feeling better some, JessieJake! I had to laugh about the deodorant question though as I was just telling my mom, nothing like being flat chested, newly hairy and without proper hygiene to just really make me feel like a 12 year old! Not only did I miss the boat on the slight chance of hair not growing under my arms after surgery but I'm also still sweating there as well. I won't yet shave, not until I see my surgeon for post op tomorrow and probably not until the drains come out either because they are very obvious under there. But I did start using deodorant. I had to! I've always been a Dove girl and I'm going to stick with it but I picked up their new dry spray. So no rubbing anything on and it's been amazing!

Thanks for the prayers, Okbecca, that really means a lot to me as I keep the entire group in my daily prayers as well! Wishing everyone a wonderful Monday.

JessieJake

oh, that dove spray is a good idea! lol about the comparison to a 12 year old! I actually have one and I have to observe his school prep to make sure teeth are brushed, face washed, etc... He'd be perfectly ok stinky and dirty.

Did I miss something about sweat glands not working anymore

iammags

Yeah! I'm out of my surgical bra and into a sports bra. And better than that, I'm drain free. Woohooo! I really hated those things. And, yes, it hurts to have them taken out. I took an Ativan and it helped a bit. But boy was the pain worth it. Free at last!

Tomorrow I get to take a shower. One of life's greatest pleasures. But still no deodorant. Boo.

grandma3X

LOL - I think I went a month without deodorant after my UMX. I couldn't even be bothered to do the non-surgical side because really, what's the point of doing only one side? 😊 Luckily it was winter and I was able to start showering 2 days after surgery. I finally started using powder because the stickiness was irritating, then at about 6 weeks was able to use my stick deodorant again.

Iammags- glad to hear your drains are out! Sorry this was painful - this seems to be unpredictable with some feeling great pain and others no pain at all. I'm not sure why.

I meet with the PS tomorrow for the first time since my surgery in January. I have seen the nurse practitioner several times and finally asked if I should be checked by the surgeon at some point. Seems I was supposed to make that appointment several weeks ago! I guess I just don't know how this works. My follow-up appointment with the BS was made automatically even before I had surgery. The PS is in the same group so I just assumed they would do the same for her.

Zfirebird - yay for negative nodes!!

Jessie, Mecool, okbecca - this is the place to rant and rave, so let it rip! We all know what you are going through. A new study showed that most women experience PTSD after diagnosis. I'm sure many of us are familiar with the signs by now - difficulty sleeping, unable to concentrate, weight loss (or gain), anxiety and heart palpitations, etc. Being able to talk about my anxiety here helped me keep hold of my sanity and I'm glad to be able to support other women who share these experiences.

Asante and Seedsally - I hope your surgery went well today and you are resting easy.

Thoughts and prayers for Chapagonzo tomorrow!

Seedsally

Thanks grandma3X for your concern. I have had my surgery (excisional biopsy/lumpectomy) on left breast and feel pretty good right now. I was given instructions to be very careful for about a week when I see my BS to discuss results and form treatment plan. I'm so glad this first surgery is done. It was not a totally bad experience. The breast was still swollen and painful from my stereotactic BX on 2/23 so the procedure to place the hooked wire before surgery hurt a little. Mostly I had some trouble getting deep breaths while hugging that big machine for dear life lol. The actual surgery experience was alright. I felt a little panicky at first but I remembered to pray and I just relaxed. Then suddenly it was over. I always dread coming around afterwards. That may be the worst part but you know that gradually you do wake up and feel ok. Now I am home with pain meds and a very sweet and helpful DH. I just napped for a few hours and feel fine. Tired and a little pain but fine. Now it's waiting for test results again and dreading surgery number 2 (right breast for the IDC) and if the test results are not good probably a BMX.

Asante I hope you are doing well and I am thinking about those who will be having surgery tomorrow. May God bless you all and be safe and pain free.

cajunqueen15

zfire, great news! Alright ladies, I'm jumping to the April board. Hysterectomy scheduled for 4/12. Xo!