December 2016 Surgeries

MyJourneys

I think I'm caught up with everyone now, and that you're having a great weekend! Let me know if I missed adding anyone to the group.

Please post if you need support through the weekend.

RedemptiveSufferer

Thank you, MJourneys. I've been thinking of you a lot, too. Glad you're experiencing less pain w/the TE. I felt so strong in the beginning but since my episode that sent me to the ER I've been having multiple breakdowns a day. Not sure if it's the pain meds, insecurity caused by the episode, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude I feel over the support I've received from friends & strangers alike, or what. Lots of mixed emotions. How are your wounds healing?

Goincrzy8

funny kind of emotional today yesterday one week for surgery maybe cause I know daughter is leaving tomorrow I have felt great drain still at 50cc hoping to get out Monday but so far not looking good for that

Daughter bought me a genie bra and I love it I can put a knitted knocker in the left side and now I am even and the right boob is contained so I can actually go outside with my drain which is so bilky

DD4845

Thekeensheep, you sound a lot like me. On Dec 7 I had a L lumpectomy, removal of OLD big implants, bilat mastoplexy (lifts for what was left of the girls), sentinel node bx and a port placement all in one procedure. Was supposed to be a 5 hour surgery but turned into 8 hours because I have such a meticulous plastic surgeon. I wanted everything done at once. I work in cancer research (mainly on BRCA studies) and am a Physician Assistant, so pretty much knew what to expect. Between DX and surgery I made a lot of meals and soups and packed my freezer with portion-sized containers. Also bought a lot of my favorite frozen meals like Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. This has worked great for me so far. I also did all my Christmas shopping, put up a tree and a few decorations. I'm not one who likes a lot of people fussing over me, so I've been very selective in who I told about my diagnosis. My daughter flew up for a couple of days and I have a neighbor and couple of co-workers who have helped. I have 3 wonderful dogs who have known I needed comforting, but I did hire a walker for my one big sweet pit bull. Otherwise I've managed on my own really well. Unfortunately I had some positive sentinel nodes so had to go back for a completion axillary dissection yesterday. Same day surgery and doing well today. A couple of things I would offer:

Stay positive. A positive attitude goes a long way, not only in how you feel, but also how treatment goes. BRCA treatment has come so far and there is so much available.

For those who still haven't had surgery, ask your surgeon about the preoperative "cocktail" of Tylenol, Neurontin and Celebrex, given 1-2 hours before your procedure. It does so much to help with post-operative pain and even nausea. Orthopedic surgeons first started using it but now it is often given before breast surgery.

Looking forward to continued help and insight from this group as I go forward with treatment and hope I can help in some way too.

MexicoHeather

Hi. I'm having trouble getting everything out of the drain. It's coming out Wednesday, but these last three times I have trouble. This is causing anxiety. If 5 cc were left in the tubing, is that okay?

MarcellaPa

Hi Provence

Of course you're normal. Pretending an abnormal situation like we are all going though here is normal ISN'T normal.

You were just diagnosed in November and had surgery within weeks--who wouldn't feel teary and overwhelmed?

This is a lot to take in emotionally and physically. Give yourself some slack and don't feel you have to be tough.

I have had my bad days when crying for a bit helped but I trust those here that say it does get better in time.

I hope you're resting well after your surgery and feeling hopeful.

Marcella

Ann-sg

Hi, this is my first post. I was diagnosed on 10 Nov - right breast cancers ER+, PR+, HER- and had a right mastectomy on 30 Nov (hope you don't mind me posting in Dec surgery thread). During the surgery, one of the sentinel nodes was suspicious and my BS decided then not to do ancillary clearance.

Received report on 15 Dec during my first post op visit. The suspicious node is positive with 2mm cancer at the edge. I also have 4 cancerous tumors (1 grade 2, 3 grade 1) instead of 2. Largest tumor is 2.6cm.

BS offered to do second operation - ancillary clearance in early Jan or to proceed with chemo followed by radiation and hormonal therapies.

I am confused and would appreciate advices.

Thanks!

RedemptiveSufferer

Welcome DD4845 & Ann-sg!

Provence, I'm just seeing your post. I think whatever you feel right now is normal. I felt so strong regarding my diagnosis and prior to surgery and for several days this week it's as if a dam broke and I've shed buckets of tears. There are so many emotional aspects to the diagnosis and surgery, then throw on top of that the anesthesia & meds that are either in or need to work their way out of our system. There are lots of reasons to be teary-eyed and that's o.k. Doesn't mean you aren't strong...just means you're human. {{Hugs}}

Ann-sg, I wish I could offer advice but feeling so new to all of this myself that I don't have any. But I offer you my prayers and hugs as you make some tough decisions. You may also want to try some other threads where you'll find people who are a bit further down the journey than we are...just a thought.

A question for those who've had their surgeries: how many are still on pain meds? A friend of mine who had a UMX 6 yrs ago told me she was on pain meds for 1 wk, but then switched to muscle relaxers (Ativan?) and that's what helped her. Anyone else on relaxers and does that help w/the discomfort?

Goincrzy8

Redemptive, I think we are all different. I can't answer your question, because I had UMX with no reconstruction. Hopefully someone can reach out to you. I am not a pill taker at all, no tylenol etc during my LBBC( life before Breast Cancer). I had been taking Tylenol extra strength every 4 hours in the beginning. Today one week later I may take 2 a day just when I feel the skin tightening etc.

I have been moving more and walking around the house. Hopefully you are keeping hydrated and flushing the narcotics out of your system.

When is your next dr appointment?

Good luck to Kattis tomorrow will be thinking of you. Welcome to the new ladies, sorry you have to be here, but it is good to be with like minded women and to be able to vent, offer support.

Sorry about those that have positive nodes, I find out path hopefully tomorrow and have been praying for a good pathology report. But like everything else, it is what it is, I cant change anything now.

DandilionWishes

Hi I had bilateral mastectomy 12/9 after MRI confirmed scattered LCI on the left breast, with axillary lymph disection because biopsy confirmed metastic to a node. What an emotional roller coaster. Glad to have this forum.

dccancer

Redemptive - I had my surgery on 12/7 and still need pain meds. I have tried by starting with advil and then taking the percocet if needed. Generally it seems the end of the day when I have tried to do too much i have to take something. I have a TE which is quite uncomfortable. I am vaguely regretting not just going straight to an implant. I also still have my drain which is irritating but it should come out Tuesday.

For those with positive nodes and additional surgeries looming I am so sorry and sending all positive healing thoughts. The therapies improve every day and with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act things will only get better for all of us. xoxo

lilyp6

MyJourneys, I am so sorry for all that you're going through. Your attitude is amazing, though. Keep doing what you're doing and get through these hurdles.

tlgio17

Hi All,

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing and welcome newbies to our Dec forum. 

Redemptive-- we had our surgeries on same day but I don't have the TE so lil different.  I have been alternating Tylenol and Advil still every day (6 hours or so).  I stopped the Percoet but yesterday I think I overdid it and felt super tight and uncomfortable, so I took one when I went to bed.  Definitely a long healing journey.

Is the TE painful or uncomfortable?  Just wondering so I have an idea when my time comes w that.  Right now the thought of more surgeries isn't too appealing. 

I have my 2 week follow up this week and she will be referring me to oncology.  Am wondering what my treatment plan will be w the 2 out of 5 nodes being positive. She said that is a grey area?  Normally, 3 or more is definite chemo.   Sooooo, just trying to not worry myself too much (easier said than done of course).

Thinking of everyone healing and on this path w me,

Traci

lilyp6

Redemptive, My surgery was on 12/2, and I don't have TE's. I'm still very sensitive and sore. If I take 1 5mg of Norco, I can carry on pretty well. I've even added walks in. As soon as it wears off, I'm sore again. I am trying not to take any, but impatient to feel like myself again. I'm going to talk to my surgeon tomorrow about it.

pepper43

BMX, SND (4 lymph nodes removed) with 600 cc TEs filled 300 on 12/07 and I'm still reliant on pain pills and muscle relaxers. 3 of my 4 drains were removed on Friday- last will hopefully be gone by Tuesday. I am constipated and very very sore. I will need to have these TEs in through radiation and at least 6 months after for skin to heal before implant exchange. I am hoping this pain and discomfort goes away or is significantly alleviated at some point.

RedemptiveSufferer

Goingcrzy8: Thanks for the input. I am getting up and moving around the house and drinking lots of fluids. I trust it will get better soon. Today was a better day. My next appt is w/my PS tomorrow afternoon.

dccancer: I have a TE as well, and sometimes I regret not going flat. As my mom said, you make the best decision you know to make then move forward. Most women are thankful w/their decision in the end, so I keep reminding myself of that. I too feel it moreso at the end of the day if I've done too much. Sounds like you've managed to cut back on pain meds pretty well. I hope to get to where you are soon!

Traci, it's so odd. Sometimes I ask myself, is this really pain or is it major discomfort? I think it's discomfort from the TE...very tight at times. I think most of my pain is coming from more of the side of my chest where the drains were. I did manage to go much longer today without a pain pill and even when I took one I halved it. I hope I can continue doing this so I can stay more alert. I was so groggy at times I could barely wake myself. Not a good feeling. I'll be thinking of you during your 2 wk appt. I pray you won't need chemo, but more importantly that you'll receive exactly what is needed to get rid of ALL of it for complete healing. Also praying for peace of mind. you're right, easier said than done at times. Major {{HUGS}}

Lilyp6, Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're doing well on very little. When you say go on walks, how far? In your neighborhood? Through your house? I'm up during the day and trying to move more, but I definitely know it if I over do it.

Pepper43, Gosh, i can so relate. i finally got my 4th drain out Wed...what a good feeling to have it gone. I, too, was very constipated. Finally broke down and gave myself a suppository (I know, TMI) which worked, but then it swung to the other end of the spectrum and I've been fighting the "d" word. Eating mostly bland foods...nothing sounds good anyway...and consuming drinks w/added electrolytes. Trying hard to remember "this too shall pass." How well do the muscle relaxers work?

lilyp6

Hi Redemptive, Yes 5mg of Norco is tiny, but it helps a lot. I've been walking 2 to 3 miles on a trail, about every other day.

RedemptiveSufferer

MyJourneys, how are you? Thinking of you.

tlgio17

Good Morning,

Thank you Redemptive for the prayers this week. Appreciate it. I also am feeling discomfort w tightness and just different, so its going to take some time getting used to I guess. When do you have to get your TE filled? And how long of a process is that before they do the final reconstruction? Do you have to follow up w any other treatments or is that the final step for you? Wishing you also healing prayers and comfort.

MyJourneys, also thinking of you, hope you are doing ok.

Hope all the other ladies have a good Monday as well. My son is off school now for winter break so I am going to try and enjoy spending time at home w him. I can hardly believe the holiday is this weekend!

((hugs to all))

Traci

DandilionWishes

Province & Kattis894,

I'm normally totally self sufficient. Post diagnosis, that began to diminish. Post surgery (12/9), my self sufficiency abandoned me! At 53, I know my emotional range and it's usually steady. For whatever host of reasons, this diagnosis and treatment knocked me - completely - unexpectedly - off my core. Some days I cry so hard it frightens me. But it always passes and somehow I then feel better. Reading so many posts I see this is "normal."

Typically hospitals and community social services have outreaches to pitch in, from calls. to home services to volunteers, rides, support groups & sliding scale therapy - my recommendation is don't be shy: ask!

You may be pleasantly surprised which neighbors and friends turn out to be generous-often not the ones you'd expect. People opening up to help me has given me daily reason for gratitude amidst all these challenges.

Goincrzy8

Disappointed my drains are still at 50cc, wanted this bugger out today. So needless to say, no pathology because my drains are not where he wants them .He wont give path over phone prefers face to face, worried about what my Christmas present will be since my drains are still flowing.

Hope everyone is healing nicely and those going forward with surgery my thoughts are with you.

RedemptiveSufferer

Traci, I hope you're enjoying the start to your winter break! I saw my PS today and he said now is the time he typically begins to fill - 2 wks post-op. However, I have a red place on my chest not far from the incision that concerns him. I've been on antibiotics this entire time and it hasn't gone away. He switched me to a different antibiotic today and I'll see him Wed. So, once it heals (praying it does soon) he'll begin. How long the reconstruction phase lasts depends on my treatment plan. Still need to meet w/the oncologist the 28th. At minimum I'll begin Tamoxifen unless my last discussion w/her changes. You remain in my prayers. If you don't hop back on here this week Merry Christmas! ~ Kim

tlgio17

Hi Kim,

Thank you! Hope your new antibiotic kicks in and all heals up for you.  I have my BS f/u tomorrow and then referral to oncologist, so anxious to get all that over with.   Hope you and your family have a Merry Xmas too!!

Traci

Goincrzy8

Redemptive sorry to hear the issues you are having.

Myjourneys Hoping all is well with you.

Hard to believe Christmas is here. I have no idea of the day and date. Guess that is what happens when your normal get up and go to work routine is stopped.

Hope all other December surgeries are healing and recovering.

Kattis Have been thinking of you.

Goincrzy8

had drain removed today will need chemo had positive nodes. Feeling sad

RedemptiveSufferer

Goincrzy8 I'm so sorry to hear of your news. Have you already met with your oncologist?

Goincrzy8

Have appointment on Tuesday, then surgeon spoke to another MO that I know and trust so I will get an authorization for a second opinion.

Srfmom

I'm scheduled for a mastectomy with TE on the lefton December 29th.

Provence

Goincrzy8, I also had my drain removed yesterday. Sounds like we will have similar treatment. I also met my oncologist and he recommends chemo as well. It's a lot to take in. On a more positive note wasn't it great to be able to shower? It's the little things...

Goincrzy8

Provence, Yes not having to drag my friend around was great. I had mastectomy and still have stitches no shower yet:( I can not wait. At least washing the hair helps. Not looking forward to Chemo. But whatever I need to do to be healthy is what I have to do.