June 2016 Surgeries!

Kawigirl1260

Hello All!

Been a few days since I visited, so lots of reading to catch up. Sounds like everyone is getting good news and is recovering well. That's so good to hear. Jojok, you're one of several Spokanites here! We should start a club or something.

So glad for all of you getting your drains out! That was such a relief. My doc said no showering as long as I had mine. I would sit in a shallow tub of water, wash as best I could on my left side, dab with the wet cloth under my right arm, and have my DH wash and rinse my back. The hardest part was getting up out of the tub. Should have invested in that shower chair like I'd thought about.

tsoebbin, I had a meltdown the night before my surgery. I had several moments before then where I just had to bite my lip, breathe deep, and keep going because I wasn't in a place where I could "let down." But that night it hit me that it was the last night that I'd look like that since I was not reconstructing. I knew my DH would accept the "new" me, but I wasn't sure that I could. Was so grateful for my hubby who just held me and stroked my hair. I still have those flashes of thoughts that I'm going to get the word later down the road that the cancer has come back and there's nothing to be done. Could be that my dad had malignant brain tumor removed only to have a different, terminal type of brain cancer come up 3 years later.

My BS's nurse is going to give me an exercise booklet next week. They told me a week after surgery to start raising my arm slowly. Have been doing that since then and have pretty good range of motion. Just some pulling under the arm. I have the book Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan. My BS said that she's familiar with it and I can start using it when she releases me to do more extensive exercises. It was put together by some Harvard Medical School doctors and professors. You can get it pretty cheaply on Amazon.

I get my Rx for my post-mx camisole on Tuesday! I can't wait. I've been in that lovely post-surgery bra with compression since my surgery on the 2nd. It's getting really tiring! And it's quite hot and the temps here are headed into the mid-90s next week. So, I'm in that until the first of September, then I get my Rx for my breast form. I've been taking breaks from the compression bra with a little Jockey brand sports-ish bra. Slip on with little removable cups. I took the right cup out and it fits nicely against my now-flat chest. And, since I'm small to start with, it's not terribly obvious that there's nothing on the right side. That's helped with the acceptance part. Whatever helps, right?

Prayers for continued good news, quick recovery, and pain-free rest. And prayers for peace to all of you.

Keep breathing........................

Kawigirl1260

Hope, just read your post. So glad that things went well for you! Take those meds! Easier to keep pain under control that to get it under control! Hope that you're able to eat more soon. Nothing like being sick to your stomach on top of recovering from surgery. Sleep well!

Hopefloatsinyyc

Just saw breast surgeon team on morning rounds... Removed the two sentinel nodes found in mapping, sent to pathology and ALL CLEAR!! So relieved. Waiting for discharge from plastics....feeling like a weight has been lifted

tsoebbin

Breathing and smiling today! Thanks to all that are posting your progress post op. I'm making notes and hoping I progress as well as you have.

Happy Friday!

Traci

Kawaigirl.... yes to the Spokane BC Club! 💚💛💜💙

jill47

Good morning all - it's been a long post surgical week. I just tried to stop pain meds so I could poop today, not going to happen, pain too high. Surgery took 2.5 hours. Was in post op a long time, I know better not to leave the hospital until my pain was tolerable. The drains are routine for me at this point, they are so tiny, uncomplicated and light weight compared to the 2 wound vacs, the battery pack/fluid collection units are heavy, tubes long, black foam/clear tape run up my vertical incisions (PS used mast. incisions). I can see very little of my new foobs. Saw PS on Tues. he said surgery was difficult because my skin is so thin and detaching the pec muscles was hard. Left br has a new horizontal incision that I can see, this is where he had to remove the muscle and skin together as they would not separate. Wound vacs come out on Tuesday, will go back to work on Monday, do what I have to in the office then work from home the rest of the day. Same for Tuesday, there is no cleaver way of hiding these things. I'll check in on Tuesday.

Lunderwood

Happy Friday Everyone! It's good to hear so many reports... I have such respect and appreciation you all - thank you again for sharing your experiences. There is such a comfort knowing that I am not the only one going through this experience.

I had good news during my 1wk post op check up. Clear margins and no lymph node involvement. BS believes the followup will be hormone therapy but no chemo or radiation. I will meet with the MO next week for his opinion. My drain stays in through the weekend. (drat it) but I it is scheduled for removal Tuesday.

The BS is still restricting my activities so I am mainly walking on my treadmill. No outside walks or cycling for awhile due to worries about potential infection or issues with thin skin especially in the Texas heat. There is still concern about the very thin skin due in part to the amount of tissue that was removed during surgery. I believe the reconstruction process will be slow for me. Oh well I would much rather sacrifice skin and tissue for clear margins than worry about another surgery or radiation. I have been fortunate not the need any of the stronger pain meds but am cutting the muscle relaxants in half or quarters and taking one in evening.

Wishing everyone a restful weekend! Hugs to my June Surgery sisters!

Kawigirl1260

Hopefloats and Lunderwood, so glad to hear that you got good path reports! That's such a relief!

Jill47, hope you're feeling better soon and the healing goes well.

Traci, glad you're breathing and smiling again. Those moments come and go. So glad to have so much support here.

Have a fabulous weekend, ladies!

Peace

Pat

FUBC

Tsoebin - I so understand what you're going through. I had major panic attacks before my surgery. The fact that my BS couldn't save my nipple depressed me to no end. To top it off, I am in the middle of a divorce, although my husband has been by my side ever since the BC dx. However, as soon as I had the mastectomy, the attacks went away. I had a small episode last night but I think it was due to my divorce. You'll see, your panic attacks will leave your system once the cancerous tumor is out. Lots of luck on the 29th.

Praying for you all.

Hopefloatsinyyc

day 2 recovery. Last night home alone and it felt good. No problems making it to the bathroom, stripping and measuring my drains, taking/recording meds (on Advil now... T3 only reserved for big pain) and had the elusive bowel movement haha! Using Traumeel away from incisions to help with swelling and bruising. PS said revisions would be needed going from a DD to a B implant, but I can deal with that in 6 months. Right now just relieved I'm able to do most everything without lifting, pushing or reaching of course. Slept with a wedge just fine. Friends are doing a Costco run today and another is coming to help with dinner- this has been totally manageable. So far.

barbski60

had BMX with TE yesterday afternoon. Just got home from the hospital. Hurts a little but the pain meds are good. Am tired. Was able to take a shower at the hospital before I left. So far just tired, Not as bad as bad as I thought it would be. Good luck to all!

nye1980

I'm new to the boards and everything happened so quickly. Found a lump, mammogram and ultrasound clear, decided to biopsy, and found out June 1st that it was cancer. Two weeks later I had a mastectomy of the right breast with no reconstruction. Unfortunately some nodes involved--5/28 (1/8 sentinel; 4/20 axillary), but clear lungs, liver, and bones. Feeling grateful for that. Recovery has been relatively easy and don't quite have full range of motion back, but better everyday. Still have one drain in, but hoping not for much longer. Meeting my medical oncologist on Tuesday. My surgeon has recommended chemotherapy and then radiation and hormone therapy.

Mom2fourplusmore

tomorrow I go in for the dye injection and then surgery on Thursday. It's raining here so I decided to make homemade fettuccini Alfredo and watch a movie. I watched "little bit of heaven". Probably not a good choice. It was about a woman dying of colon cancer and all the relationships in her life. I was bawling like a baby for most of the movie. I think I should have chosen something like Finding Nemo. Lol. Anyways, I must admit I'm nervous. Now mind you, I will only admit this to you all. My cancer is small and I don't have much to be worried about on that end. I'm just not excited about volunteering for the pain. And there is a part of me that wonders if this just the beginning and there really Is no end. Logically IKnow that's crazy. I'm so early staged. To all those women who truly face this devil at stage IV, you are my Heros. And I give you all a hug.

barbski60

well got home from the hospital on Sat. I am feeling pretty good overall. Just some tightness where the expanders are but I've been keeping up on the pain meds- no oxycodon today - just valium and extra strength tylenol. had to take several naps today but managed a shower, emptied the DW and did 2 loads of laundry. The drains are a nuisance but not that bad. I really thought this was going to be a lot worse. Seeing the dr tomorrow - maybe I'll get a drain or 2 removed. Happy thoughts to all.

FUBC

Good for you Barbski, but I would avoid laundry as you risk pulling the drains.

I felt pretty Ok after the drains came out. Then 3 days later (10 days from surgery) I got the first fill (30cc only) and I have been hurting tremendously. I tried to go to sleep but I can't, they hurt that much...Not sure if I should stop the fills for a while.Nothing helps, hydrocodone not doing much. I don't know what to do.

Mom2four...good luck on thursday. Saying a little prayer for you !!

Lolliipop

I had NS BMX on 6/15/16. Plan was to have immediate reconstruction with TE. PS wasn't happy with color of nipples at time of surgery and chose not to put in expanders. Blood flow and color are good now but won't be able to start reconstruction for 4-6 months. I was hoping to be leaving cancer behind by then and begin a new healthy chapter in my life. I am very grateful that my nodes were cancer free and there was very little cancer found in the breast tissue that was removed. I am two weeks out from surgery, recovery has been slow. Drains came out after one week, I was terrified to have those pulled out but it wasn't that bad. I think this second week has been more painful and uncomfortable than the first week home. I will see my oncologist today and find out if I have to have radiation.

Hopefloatsinyyc

just got back from PS office for postop appointment. Pulled all three drains but ordered to lay low and stay in bed as much as possible for 2-3 days to ensure I don't get a seroma since I was borderline levels on 2 of 3 drains. Put on a coobie bra today and despite the revisions that will need to be completed, I managed to look at myself in the mirror without crying. PS confirmed 650cc high profile gummy implants were successfully placed at time of BMX. He had originally planned for 700's but he didn't have the skin to work with, so 650 it was. Healing well and seeing hima again in 7 weeks. Next appointment is Monday with the oncologist.

SPECTER55

Hi Maryann,

I'm just getting back to the board to read some of the posts. My surgery got delayed due to an insurance issues. I got that resolved and my surgery was done on 6/17. I'm home recovering after a difficult post op period. I lost a lot of blood, but not enough to have a transfusion. The iron pills made me sick. My blood pressure was very low. I was discharged on 6/20. My pain worsened when I discovered that I have a codeine allergy. My blood pressure bottomed out, I was nauseous, dizzy and weak , then I started having shortness of breath. My husband had to call 911. I was re-admitted with anemia dehydration and hypotension. After IV fluids, and low dose iron, I finally made it home.

The mastectomy wasn't that bad. The drains are a pain. The doctor removed two already. I still have two in place. I'm still weak from the anemia. Going up a flight of stairs just wipes me out. I can only have Tramadol for pain. I'm really concerned for the exchange surgery and how my pain will be controlled.

Even with all that I have been through, I have no regrets about having the mastectomy.

The pathology revealed no hidden cancer, but extensive ADH on the left.

My sister called me a "breast cancer survivor ". I didn't have cancer. I'm more of a "breast cancer conqueror".

Kawigirl1260

Got to hand in my post-surgical bra and all of the compression padding yesterday! Huzzah! And just in time for the weather to get hotter. Now I have my "training bra." Training me to wear a breast form. Carlotta at The Essential Woman Boutique calls them "puffs." Just little pouches with pillow stuffing in them that fit in the pocket on a very soft camisole. My BS requires her patients to wait 3 months after surgery before she'll write the Rx for the "real" breast form. Wants to be sure my chest if fully healed. I can see that as I'm still a bit tender around the incision. And I still have some swelling.

I had been going out and about from time to time without the surgical bra, wearing a coobie bra, which fits nicely over that flat right side when you take out that little "cup." Needless to say, I was a bit lopsided. I'm small to begin with (B cup), but it was still rather obvious. It didn't bother me. In fact, it was somewhat empowering. Of course, no one would actually say anything, but I didn't notice any "odd" looks either.

So, now I have options. I can wear my form or not, depending on my mood. I kinda like that. Going without makes me feel a little "edgy." Which would make you laugh if you knew me, haha.

Best wishes to those who have upcoming procedures. And prayers for healing for those who have had your surgery. Take things slowly and keep breathing.............

Peace!

Kawigirl1260

Specter55, WOW! How scary! So glad you're feeling better! Take care of yourself - and let others help!

Maya15

Good luck to those of you going in tomorrow!

I am getting my first fill next week, I'm dreading it and hoping it won't be too painful. Then again it will be nice to have something there instead of the current lumpy but flatish chest.

I have started PT for my cording, the stretches are starting to help with lifting my arm sideways or above my head, and the nerve pain meds (gabapentin) have been great for the pain/burning.

FUBC

Maya, as we are both in NY, can I ask where you are being treated?

I took note of gabapentin and i'll ask my PS tomorrow if he'll prescribe it for me.

Maya15

FUBC, I'm being treated at NYU. My PS wouldn't prescribe the gabapentin essentially because my nerve pain in the arm is a consequence of lymph node removal and that's the BS "territory", but when I saw my oncologist she got a pain guy to come and see me in the chemo suite and prescribe it.

FUBC

thanks Maya. I'll probably call my BS's nurse tomorrow and see if I can get them to prescribe it.

I did have my first consult at NYU. That's where I was dx

I liked the PS but not so much the attitude of the BS. I ended up at Sloan after going there for a 2nd opinion

Maya15

FUBC, what kind of pain do you have and where is it? Can you elaborate on the attitude of the BS?

My PS wouldn't start fills until 2 weeks after drains come out, so 4 weeks from surgery. My chest where the expanders are was so painful after surgery, I'm glad they are waiting. On the first night I "accidentally" tried to roll over and sleep on the non-surgery side and had to get an immediate infusion of morphine just because I'd tried to move sideways. I'm hoping that won't happen again with the fills.

FUBC

Good morning Maya. Of course I have pain all over both sides, but what's making it unbearable is an area that's probably seroma bc it feels swollen and it makes my right breast looks bigger than the left. The pain is stronger when I am in bed, hence my sleepless nights. Hopefully the PS will be able to tell me something today

The BS I met at NYU was very abrupt. She stayed with us for 30 minutes during consultation and we (me and my husband) had very little time for questions. Her NP walked in the room 30 minute exact during consult and they kind of rushed us out. We got the same feeling with the NP also, she was just rushing us out. We had a consult with the PS the next day and I liked him a lot.

At Sloan, the BS stayed with us for almost 2 hours, we couldn't believe it. And she was so good on explaining everything and took time to go in details and would listen to all our concerns etc. We decided right then and there that we wanted the surgery done at Sloan, so we stayed there for another 3 hours doing paperwork and meeting everyone else, insurance people, nurses, BS again and I even had the pre-surgery testing done that day..

Another thing I noticed, the BS at NYU said she'll remove 5 lymph nodes (no matter what) on my effected side and if more were needed, I would go back for another surgery. The BS at Sloan said she'll remove whatever lights up during surgery which were only two on the right and one on the left. I was happy about this detail bc I figured the less lymph nodes out, the lower the risk of Lymphedema.

Anyway, I have heard the BS I met a NYU is very good and she has good reviews on this board so maybe my experience doesn't mean much.

Maya15

FUBC, I hope you get some answers/relief from your PS today, because it's not normal to be in that much pain 2 weeks out. It doesn't sound like nerve pain, so gabapentin might not work. Keep us posted.

I have a different BS (male), so far my experience has been good. I like that they have everyone under the same roof so I didn't have to worry about finding an MO, making appointments, etc. Sloan is the same I think. My surgery options were limited to mastectomy and removing all the lymph nodes because there was so much cancer, and I had to have the most aggressive chemo, so I didn't go for a second opinion.

marveletar

I'm having my double mastectomy on 7/16. Can anyone give me an idea of how long the surgery takes and what is the "norm" on when you can actually start moving without too much pain? What is the best advice you can share that will help get me off the ledge I seem to be on? thank you all

Icietla

Welcome, Marveletar, and our sincere condolences. Are you having any reconstruction done in connection with your mastectomy surgery?

I had modified radical mastectomy and sentinel and axillary nodes removed on my diseased side and simple mastectomy on the other side, but no reconstruction. I left the hospital three hours after the start of my surgery.

marveletar

Hi Icietla - thank you so much for the welcome. I'm having reconstruction done and I was told I will be in the hospital for 1-2 days. It feels like a bad dream that I keep thinking someone is going to say just kidding. But

Hopefloatsinyyc

marvel- I had a BMX with immediate implant reconstruction. Was able to go to washroom alone and walk slowly the evening of the surgery. Spent 24hrs in hospital and then home. I am a single mom of young twins with no help. I planned for them to have play dates and sleepovers but managed fine doing things like tracking meds, managing drains, getting food/drinks etc solo. Even showering day 3 wasn't that bad. I worked from laptop starting the Monday (surgery was Thursday prior)

Prepare as much ahead of time- lower what you need from high shelves in the kitchen, precook and portion some meals, stock up on things like Advil, senokot and have a tracking system to record things... You will do great! I had my post op yesterday and drains were pulled and I was given clearance to drive. Allow yourself the time to heal- but know that you can do this!