May 2016 Surgeries

NattyB

Hi Special K - you have been an amazing resource for me on pretty much every board you touch and I appreciate your time tremendously so thank you for coming over:) I'll be discharged (hopefully) on your surgery day so best wishes for nice and easy and textbook procedures on our surgery day (in advance).

Hi Raven - happy to hear your are wearing a pull over item - I have only a few button up tops and ordered a few from Amazon that look kinda cute (Amazon has been my special friend when I cant sleep - my husband thinks I'm having an affair with my debit card). As for missing your husband - that's a for real worry probably for all of us. We've been married for almost 25 years but "together" for longer - that particular aspect of this road we are on is going to be rough. He travels a lot for work so we are always stealing time. Just hope I feel good enough when we get time alone. Blech. But he's a good man and I'm lucky that he has a twisted sense of humor too - that will no doubt keep us sane through this shitstorm. I covet your sleep - can't even talk about how jealous I am of 9 hours. I can't remember, did you do chemo?

raven4mi

Hi, NattyB. No, no chemo for me. Recurrence of very early stage/low-grade DCIS is what prompted my BMX - chemo was not indicated either time. I'm very lucky to need no further treatments. I'm sorry you're having so much trouble sleeping. I'm peri-menopausal, so the only time I have trouble sleeping is when insomnia kicks in because of that, but usually I can conquer that with multi-vitamins and magnesium. I'm sure the stress of your upcoming surgery isn't helping either. Just know that there's light at the end of the tunnel and we're here for you!

I hope you're enjoying the "drain naming" that's been going on - that was your idea! I've christened mine "Flotsam and Jetsam".

SpecialK

raven - this is my third expander and second exchange to implant, so I have done this before and don't anticipate any issues, but I appreciate your kind thoughts! One thing I can say is that the majority of people find almost immediate relief from the feeling of tightness even though they have just had exchange surgery. Those that have experienced neck and upper back discomfort through the expander phase usually find that those areas no longer have soreness or pain. Also, an additional positive note - most exchange surgeries don't involve drains, unless you have special circumstances such as needing them for a very extended period after MX/BMX.

natty - thanks! I am here to offer any assistance I can - might as well use my experience to help, it is a silver lining for me. Good luck to you too - I have found that with almost everything BC related, the anticipation is worse then the event, whether it is surgery or systemic treatment. You got this.

I wanted to also say this - for those who have just had surgery I have found that it can take about a week for every hour you are under anesthesia before you lose that fuzzy hungover feeling. Those who have had Propofol sometimes do better because coming out of that particular drug is easier and you will feel sharper, but depending on the procedure you are having done some docs like you to be more deeply anesthetized, and so use different drugs.

ella23

Raven--I feel for you and what you might be going through emotionally right now.  When I thought I had nipple necrosis after my delay, I sobbed for days, and thought I was crazy for crying over nipples. I still have a huge fear of losing them after my BMX.  Praying your surgery goes well and that your have a beautiful outcome that will help you overcome your loss soon. Totally rooting for you!  And, how awesome that you are recovering so well.  You give me hope!  Re: peri-menopausal symptoms, do you get hot flashes?  I'm peri-menopausal too and I get them here and there but yesterday I had about 15 (which is waaaaay more than usual) and thought I wouldn't make it through the day.  Never thought that stress may trigger hot flashes but perhaps that's what was going on?

Natty--I totally have regular midnight affairs with my Amazon account, too.   Have you come across the "Fighter T"?  Like most mastectomy shirts, it's not cheap--but it is sooooooo soft.  And cute enough to pull off as a "regular" shirt.  I have the black one and it looks and feels great.

SpecialK--that is a long list of procedures!  It must be overwhelming, even for a "frequent flyer."  How are you feeling?  I noticed that you had a BMX w/TE back in 2010...may I ask why you're having an exchange now?  Did you have the TE this whole time?

My BMX is in less than 24 hours....  I think I may be the only May 10 surgery here, which bums me out.  Thinking of everyone who has surgery this week and praying for wonderful outcomes!

ella23

SpecialK--whoops, I was typing when you were and just read your post.  Third expander and second exchange!  May I ask why?  Did something go wrong before?  Just ignore me if you'd rather not answer, I totally get it. 

SpecialK

ella - I don't mind explaining at all, but I don't want to scare anyone! I had skin and nipple sparing bi-lat mastectomies (NSBMX), with IMF incision and immediate expander placement in November of 2010. During my surgery I also had bi-lat sentinel node biopsies (SNB). The SNB done on the cancer side was initially declared clear in the OR, but later in the lab 20 isolated tumor cells (IST) were found and both my BS and MO felt it was imperative that all of the nodes on that side be removed in another surgery due to being Her2+. Even though I had what amounts to less than a micromet in the SNB I had a much larger cancerous node further up, so ALND was an excellent choice. Between the BMX and and the ALND I developed fairly extensive skin necrosis, but it was being watched and treated. I also had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic used during the initial surgery and had to be put on steroids and have all drains pulled. This complicated the necrosis as steroids inhibit healing. I had the ALND surgery in Dec., and about a week later my left expander ruptured through one of the necrotic areas near the left nipple. I had an emergency surgery to excise the necrotic skin and close the rupture. This did not hold, so I had another surgery two weeks later for additional excision which did not hold, a repeat of that two weeks later, and two weeks after that the left expander was removed so that I could move on to chemo. Six weeks after chemo was finished the expander was replaced and left unfilled. I still had the right expander with its original surgical fill. I filled very slowly - 25ccs weekly - on the left only until it had the same fill as the right, then filled bi-lat until done. I exchanged without incident six months after the replacement of the left expander. A year later I had fat grafting done to soften the step-off as my implants looked a bit coconutty since I have thin skin, had very thorough mastectomies, and a small frame and bony chest. This was an excellent result aesthetically. A couple of years later I experienced some bottoming out - mainly due to thin pectoral muscles, perforating allograft material, and fairly substantial implant size. I had a surgery to replace the allograft with a completely synthetic material called TIGR mesh, which is supposed to provide less problems in this regard. During that surgery the skin on the left side re-opened in that same area where I had previous issues. The skin was closed but didn't hold, so I had another surgery trying to close it, even placing a smaller implant to see if less skin stress would allow healing, but it did not work, so the implant was removed and the skin finally healed. Six months later I had fat grafting to bulk up the skin. I changed plastic surgeons and had another fat grafting done. This is often done to radiated skin to help it stretch and allow for reconstruction even though I did not require rads due to the previous ALND surgery, but it is a newer process. It has been helpful and made a real difference in how the skin has responded. I had a new expander placed this last December after eighteen months of being flat on one side. I filled without incident and am now ready for this upcoming surgery next week, my 16th and hopefully last! For anyone who just read all that and had the pants scared off of them - I am a very unusual case - this is not common!!! Don't worry about your surgeries, I am sure they will proceed without this level of complication! As for how I am feeling, this is so old hat, and so far removed from my diagnosis, that I am pretty blasé about it. I am very happy that I had a successful expander placement when it was looking pretty uncertain, so I am hopeful that this surgery will go well. However, I also know from being without reconstruction on the left side that if it doesn't I can handle that too.

I know y'all are saying OMG right about now, lol!

FGodmother

Hi, I am Kerri, and I will be going in for a lumpectomy for 0.9 cm IDC in my upper left breast and SNB this Thursday, May 12. According to my surgeon, this is day surgery and I will be home in my own bed by early evening. Two years ago I had a complete hysterectomy with oophorectomy, too. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer, so I wanted those puppies GONE! No one is my family anywhere has ever had breast cancer, though, so I feel like I am taking one for the team ( I have six girl cousins within two years of my age.) The minute I got my diagnosis, I ripped off my estradiol patch. Since then, it has been non-stop hot flashes and night sweats. I am still awaiting the oncotype test results and well as the mammaprint results before I know if 9 weeks of chemo will be the next step or not, but 6 weeks of radiation is definitely in my future, as is Aromatase inhibitors.

I am really hoping that this "day surgery" is just that--easy-peasy. My husband and I have had plans to fly to MO for nearly a year to visit his elderly parents, and my surgeon gave her hesitant blessing to allow us to fly out (flight is four hours) on Saturday, just two days post-op. My surgeon is most concerned about deep vein thrombosis. She says as long as I get up and walk every 30-45 minutes, wiggle my toes and calves continually, and don't lift anything over 5 lbs, she will allow me to travel. Am I crazy? Looking forward to this trip has really helped with the dread and anxiety about the surgery.

Praying and sending good vibes to all of the sisters who are going through surgeries this week and next.

SpecialK

fgodmother - I have a good friend who had a lumpectomy for a similarly sized area of IDC and she went to the movies the same night, and traveled to Italy about a week later for a trip lasting several weeks - I think you will be OK, just follow the precautions. Make sure you hydrate during the flight and before and after also, and don't lift any luggage.

LRGO2016

Greycat,

Here's hoping your surgery is successful and as pain free as possible. And I hope it provides you the protection it is meant to offer. I can't imagine dealing with this at such a young age. Hang in there!.

FGodmother

Bless you, SpecialK, for helping my mind be at ease. My husband will be happy to hear that, too, as he thinks I am trying to be super-woman. I think I am being realistic, based on what the surgeon said.

raven4mi

SpecialK – Holy moly! You've been through the ringer, girl! Oddly enough, your post did not freak me out as much as maybe it should – I realize that your issues are pretty rare and uncommon. Just so glad you have most of the bad stuff behind you and your attitude is positively heroic, imho.

FGodmother, I had a lumpectomy 8 years ago and took my kids to the water park the next day (with a nanny and other friends in tow.) I will say it was very tiring, so plan to nap and rest as much as you can and listen to the precautions from your medical team, but otherwise you should be good to go.

SpecialK

raven - thanks! I have tried to maintain a sense of humor and optimism throughout - the goal was to save my life, reconstruction is a bonus. My perspective is shaped by time and experience though - for those fresh to this challenge that can be a more difficult proposition!

NattyB

Hi Ella - I did see that shirt - I was just worried about that big zipper but good to know you liked it. Raven - the drain naming just makes me so happy and I'm so happy for you that surgery was it. It's the little things on this journey and if we can all laugh about our crap all the better. Just got out of my chemo class and whew - there was a woman in there that was just angry and her main issue was her acrylic nails. The nurse said they had to go (whether or not that's true or even needs to be addressed is another issue). I felt so bad for her because she couldn't get past it then got upset because the nurse was telling her no alcohol and this patient drinks a glass of wine every night after dinner with her hub. Lordy - this poor lady was struggling. I was sitting there (as a nurse too incidentally) thinking for Pete's sake enough with the rules already, this lady is just coming to terms with her diagnosis just like 2 weeks ago and starts chemo next week and you are flipping her world off it's axis. Her sweet little elderly husband was sitting there thinking, I'm screwed. It was frustrating to watch the person leading this class just not being plugged in to the patients emotions and tailoring the message to her. I get that she has to check the boxes and cover everything but honestly, not everyone has the same goals and plans in regards to treatment. Anyways, had to get that off my chest since it was fresh and it's keeping me from making a rash decision in regards to this nurse, lol. Found out that I'll be put into menopause on my second treatment so super excited about that. Not sure what the weapon of choice will be. I guess I'll sleep when it's all over. Ambien helps for about an hour then 2 am wake up call. Then i wake up my dog who has to pee, then I pee then we all roll about and I turn on the cancer channel in my brain and that's all she wrote. Is it sad to look forward to narcotic sleep?

SpecialK

natty - are they putting you into menopause or telling you that you will likely go into "chemopause" as a SE of the chemo agents? Some people resume their cycle afterward, but it is often age dependent. The closer you are to natural menopause the less likely your cycle will return. On the nails thing - if this lady is having a taxane chemo she is in danger of losing her nails, it is common practice to advise to remove acrylic and cut them super short. I went way beyond that in an effort to stave off damage and I will expand on that if you are interested. My nails looked great - no ridges, no darkening, no ridges - but I did lose a pinky toenail because I don't think it stayed cold enough, and also had to have the ring finger nail cut off long after chemo ended because it kept lifting. It took about six months to grow back and all I can say is that there is a reason we should have fingernails - a finger without them is not cute at all, lol! If you will be on Taxotere I would advise icing both fingers and toes - from the very first infusion of T only - it is usually about an hour long. The nail SE is an ugly one, and is sometimes somewhat permanent - some people lose a lot of nails, some a few, and a lot of people don't lose any - but nobody knows who will be lucky. While the nurse was not very sympathetic to this lady she is only trying to keep her from ripping entire nails off her hand. The wine thing may sort itself out because, to me, wine tasted like vinegar during chemo,

NattyB

Hi Special K - I think the nurse said that about the menopause as a generality but said to me specifically that they would put me in menopause guessing since I'm strong ER. I hope not to regain my cycle just hoping to get those particular symptoms over with:). I definitely plan on icing my hands and feet - for both function and fashion. No bothering with the hair though - too stressful. I just felt so bad for this lady who was having the few things she enjoyed brushed off. It just could've been handled with a more sensitive touch, but maybe it's just me. Good to know about icing the first treatment, I wasn't sure if it mattered on that one. I can't be having nails coming off. Yikes

georgiaredskin

Hi everyone!

NattyB and raven4mi, my husband and I named my drains:

1-Odessa, 2-Twirly, 3-Theobald, 4-Frankie!

Whoever recommended using a fanny pack for the drains: you are a genius and thank you SO much! I feel SO much better without that scratchy-velcroed camisole and it is much easier for hubby to clean the drains.

Been enjoying the posting by everyone.

Good luck to anyone with a surgery tomorrow. When I try to list names, it seems I forget some.

GreyKat-I hope the surgery went well and that you are doing ok

SpecialK

natty - I am also strongly ER+ at 96%, but was already menopausal prior to chemo. I was pretty sure I wasn't making much in the way of estrogen, but there had to be some somewhere fueling that tumor - along with the Her2+. On the nail front - prior to the first chemo I painted my nails opaque dark gray. I left that polish on until the day after chemo as there is some thought that light penetration to the nail bed with Taxotere can precipitate nail loss. Day after I removed the polish and painted on a clear coat of nail hardener - I used OPI or Sally Hansen. I applied one clear coat a day for the next 7 days, then removed and started over - so did that three times between each infusion. I also removed my acrylics and cut my nails super short so as not to catch them on things and tear them. This worked very well for me - my nails all looked healthy except for my wedding ring finger one that lifted late and had to be dealt with. Nails coming off is not a fun thing at all, right? Yikes is correct! Best to ice even if you are one who doesn't need it - it is an easy thing to do and may be what prevents any problems! Occasionally you find nursing staff that is just burnt out on oncology - maybe that nurse has lost her sensitivity, but you're right is was probably a bad day for that lady

monicammoriah

Sending all of our surgery sisters good vibes and wishes for a speedy recovery!

I have a few random questions- hoping that someone can answer.

1) my lump had gone from "hmmm. I think something is there" to feeling like bits of concrete (my daughter's words, not mine). I'm hoping it's from the biopsy, and not some mutant disease growing in my body (oh wait...) 🙄Has anyone else had this experience?

2) I just realized that I will start my period right around the time of my surgery. Doh! Which wouldn't be that big of a deal except that my period is the bane of my existence, and I am completely convinced that at some point in the near future It will cause me to bleed to death. It's one of those two pads and a tampon in 30 minutes kind of period. Sorry for the graphics, but I'm trying to figure out how I will manage that post surgery. How is the arm pain and range of motion?

3) has anyone gotten path results? Did you get any immediately after surgery? If not, how long did it take, and did you have any "surprises," whether good or bad?

And

4) how does a post surgery breast with TEs look? Is there a lot of loose skin? Or is it just a tiny nub? Just trying to prepare myself for this.

Much love to all of you. ❤️

sensitivehrt

Sending everyone that had surgeries today and upcoming this week a speedy recovery. I'm about 3 days out and doing fairly well. Think I tried to cut back on the pain pills a little soon, as I'm a little more sore tonight.  Had been feeling pretty darn good.  Need to remember to take it easy.

Monica-I was told about 2 weeks for pathology.

Bonniebleu

Hi there everyone. Hoping all that recently had surgery are doing good and healing fast : )

My BMX is Thursday, May 12th. For some reason I'm just completely terrified. I've had gallbladder removed, benign tumor in hand removed and hysterectomy, none of which I felt scared like this.

Someone earlier wrote that they felt like they were headed off to thier own execution and I can relate.

When I woke up in recovery from my hysterectomy I was in terrible pain and there was a baby/child crying, for what seemed like hours, I wanted to get off the table myself and comfort the poor little thing. Hope that doesn't happen again.

I wish I could find/use a new PS, he was incredibly arrogant and cold. The hospital, BS, PS, and my family practitioners office can't seem to communicate with each other and are calling me, to fax information, etc. dropping the ball. Many more issues but I don't want to get into those.

My faith in the whole thing (medical wise), is dwindling. :

Bonniebleu

Add to above...pre op blood work last week shows my WBC count is high. I had sinusitis and completed antibiotics over a week ago. I feel fine, no symptoms, except exhausted which I think is stress. Going to have blood re drawn tomorrow per Dr. Has anybody dealt with this before surgery?

grandma3X

Joni - sending you hugs and healing thoughts today!

Monicammoriah - my path report for my surgery in January took 6 days. I had the report by the time I went for my first post-op appointment. It was a little surprising in that the MRI showed 2 small areas of concern, but the tumor was actually 1 big one (common occurrence for lobular cancer). I could feel it though, so I was not totally convinced that the MRI was accurate in the first place. As for TEs, they look pretty odd at first. I have small breasts, so they only put 60 cc's in on the table. Most of the volume seemed to be above my breast, but now that I've had a few fills, it's starting to fill out and look a lot more breast-like.

SpecialK - I have learned so much reading your posts on other threads -thank you! I hope this will be your last surgery.

Bonniebleu - I had a C-section in 1986 and recovery was WAY more painful than having a MX. I'm sorry that you are dealing with an arrogant PS. Hopefully he's so arrogant because he's a genius in Surgery!

I went for my pre-op blood work this morning and plan to contact the anesthesiologist tomorrow to make sure he will be available next Wed. for my next surgery. I have talked with him since my last one but he was not sure then what his schedule was going to be. I attribute much of my nearly pain-free recovery to the anesthesiology regimen he used last time and want to be sure I get the same thing this time.

Have a peaceful day, everyone! Also Love the idea of naming drains!!

raven4mi

Monicamoriah, my TEs were filled only with air immediately post-op (I was supposed to start getting the saline last week but that got delayed – they'll do it during the nipple excision tomorrow.) They look a bit lumpy in places and you can clearly see the edges of the TEs especially at the top, and there are a few "dents" here and there which my PS assures me will fill out once he starts putting the saline in. Otherwise, in a bra or clothes, they look pretty good – I even have cleavage.

Bonniebleu, the only other major "surgery" I've ever head was a C-Section and I'll tell you right now – recovery from BMX with TEs is a walk in the park compared to that. (I was so miserable after my C-Section that I swore "never again" and ended up having VBAC with my second!) If you've already been through an abdominal surgery like hysterectomy then BMX should be cake.

Wishing healing thoughts to everyone recovering and calming thoughts to all of you who are waiting!

Side note: As I was trying to post this comment to the thread, I kept getting error pages on the site saying "This website is under heavy load." It's a sad commentary that there are so many of us posting on these forums that the pages are crashing. Stupid effing cancer.

Papillon1

my doc said I would be in hospital for 4 nights. Another said I would be in as long as the drains are in.... So I assumed that would be 4 nights !?!? Surely I won't be in for 1-3weeks?! Would being prophylactic make any difference?? Confusing.

myToyStory2

A day late, but still wanted to send good wishes to all who have had or are facing their surgeries this week! And sending thanks to all who are participating in this thread and offering their wisdom, advice and personal experiences - you can be assured that we first timers are soaking up as much info as possible - and we are grateful to you!

NattyB

Bonnie - funny you should mention that about sinusitis... Have had mostly allergy like symptoms but last few days a super sore throat. Went to the clinic yesterday, negative for strep and flu but the sweet soul np decided to give me 5 days of abx just in case, his thinking was why chance a delay. His wife happened to be going for an MRI today. BC seems to be an epidemic in my travels lately. I'll clue in the Dr tomorrow just in case they need to order repeat lab work since my pre op stuff was done several weeks ago. I would think you'd be ok (unless your labs are way out of whack) since you had finished your course of abx, aren't symptomatic and you will get antibiotics pre-op as well. Try not to stress to much - I'm telling myself that as well:)

Papillon - maybe your surgeon was just giving you a worst case scenario? I was told 1 night non-negotiable but 2 at the max for my surgery.

Grandma3x - thanks so much for sharing about your anesthesia. I asked about a nerve block and will find out morning of surgery if they will.

Monica - not sure how long it's been since your biopsy but could be that you have a hematoma in there and that's what you are feeling. Pretty common - I had one that was much bigger than my tumor and it settled out in an area that was different from my tumor (they came at my tumor fro the side vs straight on). It took a while for it to go away - like 3 weeks maybe...

Special K - as usual you are my resource hero. Thank you for the play by play and what to do when. I read about the polish too but wasn't sure about how long, etc. I bought some OPI nail envy and plan to try that. I'm assuming you did your toes the same way too. I think I'm going to do navy and dark gray, black might be a little too goth for my boys lol.

Best wishes to everyone in their various stages of pre, post and waiting. This is all so super dee duper fun but I am so grateful for all of you, this group is a blessing:)

Valstim52

Just wanted to chime in, the polish really works I kept darkish polish on while on Taxol, and then used the nail envy by OPI No nail lifting. Don't neglect your toes either. Keep them dark. My nurses all told me (one had been through several rounds of chemo) its the light that causes the darkening and weakening.

MoreShoes

Hello ladies, I'm joining this group because I'll have a BMX on May 25th. I'm freaking out and crying all of the time. I'll go back and read your posts. Hopefully there will be information on how to grieve and how to "say goodbye" (as a nurse suggested to me) to my breasts. No reconstruction.

raven4mi

Papillon1, I'm already well over 3 weeks with my drains and am probably looking at 4-5 weeks with them - I sure as heck can't imagine being in the hospital that long just because of that! From what I can gather, most people are discharged after only 1 night unless there are complications of some sort. I'd ask for a clarification on that.

WenchLori

Oh my goodness Papillon! My heart goes out to you and your family for all the loved ones you have lost due to cancer! May the Lord be watching over you during your procedure, and may He keep you in his healing hands! (((((((((((((((((Papillon))))))))))))))))))