June 2016 Surgeries!

barbski60

I just got home from the hospital today. Had a DIEP flap on Wed. I was way more alert after this 8 surgery than I was the 4.5 BMZ surgery in June. I was sent home with oxygen though but hopefully my lungs will get working better the next time I see the PS.I feel pretty good overall but I can['t eat a lot at each meal so I've been eating 5 tiny meals.

Blessings

barb

Clauclau

Wow! You were just sent home and you are posting. Way to go, my friend.

I wish you great recovery, and please let us know more about your surgery when you are feeling better. I would like to know details about DIEP vs DoRSO.

Gentle hugs,

Blinkie

Hello Junies, here's my update ~

I've been experiencing shortness of breath for about a week. Fortunately, I had my annual physical already scheduled last Wednesday with my primary care provider. Next Monday, I'm getting a chest x-ray. Also getting my annual echocardiogram and going to the lab for the regular annual fasting blood work.

The clinician says the breathing problem could be caused by a of a number of things: radiation, GERD, anxiety, heart trouble, or something completely new and different. She didn't mention cancer as a cause, but then, she is not an oncologist. Perhaps it's a side effect of anastrozole. The medical oncology nurse didn't think this was at all possible, but it is listed as one.

When I was talking with the medical oncology nurse I felt like she was saying, "No, no, that's a hardware problem. Couldn't possibly be a software problem!" I haven't called the radiation oncology department yet, but I'm tempted to do so just to see if they say, "Oh, no, that's a software problem, couldn't possible be our hardware." I know that's not a perfect - or even very good - analogy, but it made me laugh to think of it. Right now, anything that can make me laugh is helpful.

Thank you all for posting.

Lunderwood

Hello June Surgery group!

Just a quick update - I had my exchange surgery Friday. Surgery went well although due to surgery delays at the hospital I wasn't released until 9:30pm and we didn't get home until 11pm. It was great to be able to sleep (or rest) in my own bed. I came home sporting a new surgery bra and two drains. (such a nuisance) It's interesting that I am in more pain this time than with my original MX. Most of the pain seems to be from my native breast that was lifted and received a small implant. I can't wait to see the new me - but with all the swelling and bandages the big reveal will probably be at my post op visit in two weeks. I wasn't quite with it yesterday - due no doubt to the anesthesia and late night but feel much better today. I hope to return to work at least part time on Tuesday.

I hope that everyone is doing well and staying strong!

Laurie

Houston2016

Hi ladies, I guess my situation is reversed. I had chemo, AC and Taxol all completed 09/01/16, and now dreading for the surgery 10/5/16. I'm having second thoughts about the BS and PS and planned to go with a BS from MD Anderson. Problem is my current PS said the nipples can't be saved?? I would prefer my real than a tattoo. I been listening to you ladies about tissue expander which I also have at time of surgery. Can someone explain how you manage the tissue expander post surgery, how often draining them, who refills them, what does mean cc? Thank you all and have a great day☺

SPECTER55

Houston2016, I can only share my experience in helping you find answers. You have the chemo out of the way, which is good. Depending on where your tumor is located may determine if your nipples can be saved or not. It is totally understandable that you want them saved, but that depends on the blood supply to them. If you are not satisfied, you should seek a second opinion.

The TEs are not fun , but doable. The mastectomy is a major surgery. Most surgeons implant them during the mastectomy. They feel like Tupperware lids in your chest. You will have drains. No fun either. They will come out around 3-4 weeks later. About 4 weeks after your surgery, they will begin the fills. Your breasts are numb so it's not painful. The fills may cause some tightness, but it settles down after a couple days. Usually a nurse or PA will perform the fills. There is really no TE maintenance. You don't need a bra. They will fill anywhere between 30-90ml each visit until you get the size you want. The TEs will not look like the final implants. They are hard and weird looking and they don't move. You may feel discomfort under the armpit as that is where the TEs are anchored. There are some excellent resources on this board. I would not have gotten through my surgery without these amazing women. I'm glad the Mastectomy is behind me. My exchange surgery is around the corner. I didn't have chemo, so I am coming to the end of my journey. I wish you the best.

barbski60

My nipples couldn't be saved but I was ok with that - less chance that the cancer can be lurking there. I ended up wearing a tight sports bra after the fills and pretty much 24/7 until my reconstruction. My physical therapist thought it would help keep the excess fluid down (and it did). The TEs weren't that bad but I highly recommend you see an oncology physical therapist 2 weeks after surgery. It really helped with the tightness after the fills. The last 2 fills were painful (I went to 500 ml or whatever the measurement is) for a day or so. The TEs do feel like concrete but I was able to do yoga and 1 personal training session each week after 6 weeks. I felt pretty normal by the time my reconstruction surgery took place (09-21 - DIEP). I was in the hospital for 2 nights and 3 days and was released last Friday. Went to see the PS today and had all the drains removed but am still on supplemental oxygen at night. All in all I feel much better than when I had the BMX. Hope all goes well.

Blessings to you all!!

barb

FUBC

Barbski, good to hear all went well for you. I have my exchange next Monday but I'm getting implants. I know DIEP is very complicated surgery so I am praying that you heal fast and you get back to normal soon.

Lunderwood, great to hear your exchange went well also. I guess the next few months, most of us will have the exchange surgeries.

Maya, how are you doing? If i remember correctly, your surgery was due these days....

Hugs to everyone else,

Stay strong girls !!

SPECTER55

My implant exchange is next Friday. I can't wait. I may need another surgery to position nipples if they become malpositioned after the implants. I'm not going to worry about that right now. I don't need chemo or radiation so hopefully this is my last step.

I'm a little nervous about immediate post op pain. I'm allergic to codeine and I am going home the same day. I hope my non narcotic meds will work. keeping my fingers crossed. I'm just focusing on what my new breasts will look like. Good luck to all the June Surgery girls who may be getting ready for their exchange

Maya15

I am getting ready for surgery tomorrow, second mastectomy and bilateral DIEP reconstruction. Wondering what my body is going to look like when I wake up!

Barb, wow, sounds like you're doing good. 2 nights sounds very quick, I have been told to expect a 5-night stay. What is the oxygen for?

Specter, I don't do great with codeine, but I do just fine with Percocet or dilaudid. Maybe you could have them try something else while you are still in the hospital where they can monitor you for any reaction?

barbski60

The surgery was 8 hours and my oxygen level was low. I only have the oxygen when I sleep now. I had two drains under my arms and two below my belly button. There is a pretty long line of stitches along my panty line and my belly button is just weird looking. My boobs are soft but will need some shaping. I wasn't expecting much to look at now. I really can't believe how good I feel. It's only been a week!!

Maya15

Barbski, that's very encouraging, thanks!!

SPECTER55

Maya15, Unfortunately, it was the Percocet that gave me the worst reaction. I did get IV Dilaudid in the hospital last time, but I can't take it at home. I'm just hoping because of the numbness from the mastectomy, the pain won't be too bad. I already have a plan to take the non narcotic at the hospital to make sure my pain is controlled before I leave. I'm praying that it is so I can go home that same day. Thanks. I'm just grateful to be at the end of this journey.

FUBC

Maya, lots of luck. Update us when you get a chance...I'm praying for you.

Specter, mine is next Monday...grrr i am a bit scared but thank God I am not allergic to narcotics :-)

But I won't complain considering that DEIP is such a complicated surgery...My exchange should be about 2 hours and I should be home in the afternoon.

SPECTER55

FUBC, I hate that I can't take Percocet or other narcotics. Just being able to take something for pain and getting some sleep is all I want. I'm praying my breast numbness helps and I won't need much. I have no plan to suffer. I know how to get what I need. LEGALLY! Of course

FUBC

Specter you always make me laugh :-)

FUBC

maya how are you doing?

Specter, was your surgery last Friday or this coming one

SPECTER55

my surgery is this coming Friday, October 7. Tick tick. I cannot wait.

Maya15

Ugh. Spending 4th horrible night in a crowded hospital. Loud, hard to get any rest. I can't WAIT to get home. The pain is actually not as bad as for the original MX in June, though range of motion is obviously much more restricted.

SPECTER55

aw Maya15. Hospitals suck. After 4 nights, I'm sure you are climbing the walls. Be sure to mention the noise on the survey they send you after you go home. Believe me, they pay attention to the comments. Glad your pain is under control. Hopefully you can get out of that noisy place and get some rest at home.

FUBC

Awww Maya you poor thing... Hopefully you'll be home soon, hang in there...at least the pain is manageable...

Hugs

Maya15

FUBC, did you have your surgery? How are you doing?

I talked the PS into an early discharge yesterday after a 4th night in a tiny room with 4 patients, loud alarms from malfunctioning equipment, a patient vomitting all night, one in groaning pain and the third threatening to shoot herself all night. It is such a relief to be home! I am pretty helpless from the surgery but not in any pain.

Specter, I think the chances are good that the numbness will take care of the pain problem. Even with bilateral DIEP recon, I've had no pain whatsoever in either breast, just a bit in the abdomen the first 3 days, and at 4 days post op I was taking only Tylenol, and I'm only taking that because I have done my back muscles in trying to get in and out of a hospital bed.

hanley50

Maya - Oh my! A room with 4 patients! So glad you got out of there and are at home! Hope you finally get some rest!

Maryann

FUBC

Maya,

I can't believe you were stuck with 4 people in the room. I would have flipped if I was in your position especially since anastrozole, Lupron and the divorce are making me crazy and I am having constant mood swings.

I am glad to hear you're doing good though and back on Tylenol. I had my surgery on Monday and I do have pain. I am taking norco and nsaids. I am having issues with my right arm which feels completely numb (unrelated to the surgery as it started last Saturday), so now I am going for an MRI this coming Saturday while I was prescribed nerve pain med. It never ends....

Mom2fourplusmore

I'm so sorry to hear so many of you guys still struggling. That's aweful. And I hate hospitals so Maya, you must be going crazy. I had my exchange a couple days ago. I have to tell you I was perfectly fine afterwards. I think all the nerve damage and pain from the mastectomy helped me this time. Mind you, I didn't have the DIEP, I only replaced the expanders for silicon implants. So mine was easy. I am writing this only because if there is anyone that still has to do this surgery they can see it can be easy. I never even needed Tylenol. I was very nervous because my surgeons said I was in the most pain they had ever seen in 20 years after the mastectomy so I was afraid I would be in the same position. Luckily I'm doing great. I hope this helps ease someone else's nerves and I'm praying that all of you still struggling are better soo. You all are my Heros

SPECTER55

Hi Sisters!

I had my exchange surgery yesterday. This one was much easier than the mastectomy. I have a little bit of stinging pain and lots of soreness, but it's totally manageable with Tramadol and Tylenol. Just a little bit of nausea but not like before. These soft gummy bear implants are softer and feel so much better than the TEs. I got home last night around 8. Had some Jello and crashed . I got the 740ml implants but they don't look vert big. We'll see when the bandages come off on Monday.

Thanks ladies for your support.

FUBC

Specter Yayyyy

my implants looks so small also compared to the TE's Im almost disappointed lol

Let us know how they look on monday when you remove the bandages

Houston2016

Specter55, thanks for your info. I finally had surgery October 5, everything went well, and like you said, I have two drains that need to do every few hours. I am supposed to follow up with PS within a week, he told me at the hospital the drains may be removed after two weeks. How about the refill of TE? How often do I need to get it refill? Since I had an UMX I'm sure it will look awkward with the left TE and right breast. Thanks ladies and wish you all luck☺.

SPECTER55

Houston2016,

The fills are scary at first, but there really isn't anything to be afraid of. It doesn't hurt. They usually start the fills at about 4 weeks post op. The beauty of it is that you can dictate how much and how often to fill. If they fill with too much, too fast, you may have muscle spasms and severe tightness. You can also have your fills every two weeks to let your chest recover between fills. That sensation of having a "Tupperware lid" trapped in your chest and under your armpits will not go away. Stomach and side sleeping is out of the question.

As far as your drains, be sure to keep them clean and covered. No showers either. An infection will really set you back. Listen to your body and rest. A mastectomy is major trauma to your body's tissues and it sets off a severe inflammatory response. It takes a while to settle down. Having one natural breast will give you a guide for the reconstruction of the new breast.

Houston2016

Specter, yes it's major surgery. I thinking its far worse than chemo. So I have to wait four weeks to start the TE filling. I'm have to take pain reliever and the antibiotics, one of which gives me side effects like rash, and malaise. The problem is once in awhile I have this phlegm come up my chest causing me to cough and that's not good. I try to control it but ....does anyone have same issue how did you manage?