April 2016 Surgery

Jr114

I am scheduled for my exchange surgery for 4/6 after having a ns bmx on 1/13. I can tell everyone that is having this type of surgery that it does get better. The first couple weeks were tough but once drains come out things improve rapidly. I was an unlucky one that had drains for 3 weeks. I was physically and mentally much better once they came out. I found this site very helpful during my diagnosis and surgery.

Heathet

Lizzy1981 - prayers and good thoughts your way. I hope your pain starts to ease as you recover.

Jacklin

Dear Lizzy, so sorry to read how uncomfortable you are. I hope you were able to get some more rest and have less pain. I'll be thinking of you today - are they giving you enough pain meds? Please stay ahead of the pain, don't let it get away from you. Ask them, and don't forget to drink lots of water and keep the fibre intake up.

Baroque_bur_oak, I think we all have a certain level of anxiety pre-surgery. None of us wishes we had this illness and we don't want anyone else to have it either. I haven't had my surgery yet but I have finished chemo and I can tell you that chemo is no walk in the park. It's filled with little losses each day and accumulate over time - I've gone from working full time at full speed walking 2+ hours per day to now walking with a cane and needing a handicapped parking permit from the side effects of the chemo. My thought process is somewhat muddled at times from the medication I need to keep the pain in my breast and extremities manageable. Also remember that each person is different so not everyone will have the same side effects as me - as the MO's say: each person is different and they can't predict your side effects. I thought I'd get an easy ride because I was so strong.......no such thing.

Thoughts and prayers for berner1309, Jr 114, GraceN and KammyMN for their surgeries tomorrow.

Owens69

I just had my lumpectomy on Friday (April 1st). So far, so good. My breast is quite sore, especially under the nipple area. I'm not sure if this is normal or not. Today is my first day without narcotic pain meds. I can certainly tell a difference.

Is it normal to still feel a bit light-headed? Like, I can't get my thoughts together very well this morning at work.

And what about bloating? I haven't had a bm since last Thursday and my belly feels so very bloated. Dr gave me some medication for constipation, but it's not helping.

grandma3X

Owens - the constipation is probably from the pain meds, especially if you are any narcotics. I tried several things when I had surgery in January, including colace, prunes, some kind of tea (can't remember the name), and a suppository (which was awful and didn't help at all). The only thing that helped was Milk of Magnesia. I think there is a thread about constipation - you can probably find it if you do a search.

Truffles1214

Wow, lots of surgeries tomorrow! Best wishes to bernr1309, Jr114, GraceN, and KammyMN. You all will be in my thoughts. Stay strong ladies! We can do this! Owens, I agree with grandma3X. I had some constipation issues while going through chemo. Anytime I went more than 3 days without a bowel movement the nurses would give mesome Milk of Magnesia. Worked like a charm. Just stay close to a bathroom after you take it. Lol! 😉

grandma3X

Best wishes to Jr114 - my surgery sister
I wish I was as far along as you are - Very jealous that you are going over to the squishy side already! My exchange surgery probably won't be until this fall sometime.
I hope your surgery goes well and that your new foobs are fabulous!

Kawigirl1260

Owens, I had a lumpectomy on 1/7 and a re-excision on 1/14. It took me a little over a week after the second surgery before I was thinking clearly and not light-headed. I'm assuming it was lingering effects from the anesthesia. Hope that you're feeling better soon.

Jr114

Thanks everyone for your good thoughts. I am definitely looking forward to having this behind me.

Bern1309, kammymn, gracen, I am sending healing thought your way.

Owens hope you are doing better today. Warm prune juice was the only thing hat helped me. I tried to increase my water and tried to get up and walk around and it helpe

Lizzy. I hope the pain has started to subside. Be sure to stay ahead on pain meds and Valium. Everyday gets a little better.

Skittlegirl

baroque - Yes, BMX recovery was easier than chemo for me. I just had a BMX, no reconstruction yet or TE placed. I could drive at 6 days post-op. Went to a hockey game at 8 days post-op. One drain out at 8 days post op and the other out at 15 days post op.

I was back to making lunches for the kids at 5 days post-op. Doc said no housework, but dishes and laundry don't care about that, so I was doing those at 4 or 5 days post-op.

Heathet

I had my pre-op appt with my PS today. The big day is getting closer and closer. The nurse went over all the things I'll need to do pre and post surgery. She showed me the drains and how to use them. Need to pick up a couple of prescriptions to prepare my body for the surgery.

I've also been shopping for other supplies I'll need while recovering: a light dimmer for my lamp, safety pins, a pillow for my seatbelt, a drain holder for when I shower. I've been cleaning the house like crazy durning spring break just to have it ready. I know my hubby will help, but I just need to keep busy. I still need to get a few more zip up hoodies because I think that will be my new wardrobe for a few weeks!

Wishing everyone speedy recoveries!

Truffles1214

Best wishes to both Gammi4415 and Eleanora23! I'll be thinking about you tomorrow! Let us know how you are doing when you get a chance. I know how you feel Heathet. My surgery is on Monday and I have been trying to get the house cleaned for the past week. Unfortunately, I don't have my pre-chemo energy back yet, so I'm taking on oneroom a day. This is the first time I've ever wanted a smaller house. Lol!

Heathet

I slept until 9:15 this morning! That hasn't happened in a while and it felt great! I have my to- do list out in front of me and I'm in no hurry to start. It feels good taking a moment just watching some old black and white movies and not focusing on my surgery. Truffles1214 sending you lots of good thoughts for your surgery on Monday. Mine is the 19th, I'm counting down the days!

Jacklin

Hi girls,

I also had my pre-op appointment with the BS yesterday and today feel wiped out. Unlike you Truffles, I don't have any energy today but I do wish for a smaller house for sure!! Heathet - good for you for taking time for yourself to watch some good old B&W movies - enjoy!!

Thinking of all those who had surgery this week, praying for good healing, and for those who are having surgery next week, you know you're also in my thoughts and prayers. We can do this, we're here to help and support each other.

Gentle hugs.

afmontenegro

HI Jacklin, thanks for your post! yeahh, we have to do that we have to do and I am sure it is best to wait, hopefully we will get good results afterwards

All the best and good luck with surgery!

Andrea

Jacklin

HI Andrea - thanks for your good wishes. I just want the surgery done and over with, to get the cancer out of my body.

For all of you: I don't know if I say it enough, but having you all here means so much and is incredibly encouraging to me. I find that I'm very isolated and logging on to see how you are doing, getting an update on how your day is going makes me feel not so alone. Just thank you all for being here and for all your support - this illness is tough stuff and I don't know how anybody could do it alone. Hugs (and very gentle ones for some of you) for you all.

Heathet

Jacklin - I feel the same way, I'm ready for my surgery. I'm nervous but ready! I'm counting down the days. After the surgery I'll have more information - we'll know if it's ER or PR positive and whether I'll need further treatment.

I've been reading some inspirational books and one quote that remains in my mind is I am NOT a citizen of cancer. This disease is a foreign place to me. It's not my norm. It may be where I am right now, but its not where I'm staying. On this journey through cancer, I'm thankful for everyone here for sharing their stories and encouragement. Good thoughts and prayers going out to all

Truffles1214

Best wishes tomorrow Teejax! I hope your DIEP flap surgery goes smoothly! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm wondering how Lizzy1981 is doing? Better, I hope.

Jr114

I hope everyone that had surgery this week is healing well. I wanted to let everyone know the exchange surgery was much easier then the bmx. I have been resting but have been managing pain with just Tylenol. I haven't seen the results yet until Tuesday but I can already tell the implants are so much more comfortable then the rock hard te.

Sending hugs to everyone that is going through surgery

Jacklin

Jr114, that is good news to hear this morning. I'm so happy for you and pray that you'll continue to heal quickly.

Heathet, I'm looking forward to finding and then reading that book. I like what the main ideas are, reminds me of the book, "Cancer is a word, not a sentence".

Hoping and praying that all my early April surgery sisters are pain-free and healing well. Thinking of you multiple times each day, wondering how you're doing.

Heathet

Jacklin - the book is The Power of I Am. It has really helped me to have a positive and healthy mindset. I'm heading to Barnes and Nobles today, I'll have to look for the book Cancer is a word, not a sentence. I don't want cancer to dictate my life, it is just a small part of who I am at this moment. I want to take all the fear out of the word and focus on being healthy, strong and whole!

Teejax- praying for you tohave an easy surgery today and a speedy recovery. You are in my thoughts. You are all in my thoughts!

NattyB

Hi all,

Joining the club with surgery in the next 2 weeks. MO decided surgery first to be dictate chemo afterwards - apparently diff therapy for Stage 1 vs 2 since I'm HER+ and age (47). Decided on the BMX - mentally it's what I need since the time between mammox4, US and biopsy and mammo again was taxing personally and professionally. I know I'll still have frequent testing but I've decided to evict the girls and go with their fake counterparts. I see the PS and sign consents on Tues. Beyond ready to get this show on the road. You all seem like such a sweet group of women - thanks for starting this thread:) Gentle hugs to all:)

LatiekakeB

I've received confirmation of my surgery date, 4/18/16, Bilateral Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (prophylactic on left, cancer on right), SNB, and reconstruction. This is really happening

Gami4415

I had my surgery yesterday. The sentinel lymph node howed no signs of cancer. It was a breeze going through the surgery. I would say the worst part was the mammogram to stick the rod in. I'm a bit loopy so I'll join you gals tomorrow or Sunday.

brandford37

Can't wait to get over my surgery (Lumpectomy) next Tuesday april 12th I need to no the Stage of cancer and the grade, wish it was tomorrow so anxious to know my treatment plan.. I just hoping I won't have to do Chemotherapy I keep you guys posted on my surgery I'm so nervous and so stressed out over this Breast Cancer keep asking my self why me I have 4 kids to feed I'm a single mom, 10 months now into a relationship and I love this guy to dead but I know this his too much for him I'm 37 and he's 27 don't wanna put all my problems on him, I know our relationship not gonna work out since breast cancer in way thing will never be the same....

GraceN

Just checking in with all of you! My BMX went very well Wed and I came home Thurs. evening! I do have some pain but it's totally manageable and I'm doing very well! I am sending best wishes and prayers for all my April surgery sisters and pray you all do well! I was so ready to get mine over with and really it was not bad at all! Chemo was much worse for me!

You can do this girls!!! You are strong and God will give you the strength you need to get through every challenge!!!

Heathet

Thank you GraceN - I'm glad your BMX went well! That is good news. I'm ready for my surgery on April 19th. I want to get it done and over with it.

hikerchic

I hope it gets better soon. Sending positive vibes your way!

Eleanora23

I did it! The Lumpex and SNB were done on Thursday. Home working a shift online today. Pain kicked in today, moderate pain only, and a fair amount of stiffness. Manageable. Managing to be home by myself, just keeping focused on work. Grateful for the folks that sent wishes to me on Thursday. Today seems to all. be forgotten ... (I hate asking for help and don't particularly need any today Gotta rs...emember to hold off on cleaning and reaching for a few days. I started cooking and doing floors day of surgery, I'm kooky

I found it odd that the surgeon's office didn't call me Friday, in particular since the doctor didn't see me after the surgery.

She left a message with a friend that was waiting to transport me home that things looked good. But this seemed kind of brief. I don't think these things should surprise me anymore but they do. I'll call the office Monday, don't care if I seem a pest, as I don't wish to wait until thurs follow up to know how she thinks things went!

I wish you all awaiting your surgeries or just out of them the best of luck and speedy, glitch -free recoveries!

Ellie

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Jacklin

So happy to hear from those who have had their surgeries this month already, and even more thankful that you are all doing so well - well enough to log on and touch base with us. Will continue to pray for your recoveries and that you will be pain-free.

GraceN - so glad the surgery is done,

Ellie - that is odd that the surgeon didn't phone you on Friday, hope they do so on Monday,

Gammie4415 - so happy for your that the lymph nodes were clear,

Brandford37 - TNBC is a difficult diagnosis, but don't forget to breathe!! Give this new man time to absorb your diagnosis and you may be surprised at what happens in your relationship. Being a single Mom is not easy either, I've been there and know how hard it is, I'll be thinking of you.

Heathet, did you find the book?

NattyB, send me a PM when you have your surgery date and I'll add you to the list, ok?

Have a great Sunday everyone!