March 2017 Surgery

wallan

Hey cdv:

I feel for ya, having to return to work so soon. You couldn't get a bit more time off possibly? Do you look forward to going back for the distraction? I sometimes wonder if I should return to work for the distraction, that is why I ask. I mean, I sit at home bored. But physically, I don't see it happening anytime soon that is for sure. I can't even drive the car yet. LOL.

Anyways, could you talk with someone at work about giving you a break on the work uniform so you could wear a baggy sweater over top of it or something like that? The cami would help you I am sure too. My PS told me yesterday I could wear a cami or sports like bra as long as it was very soft and did not leave any indents or marks on my skin. So if I wear a soft bra and the elastic leaves a mark, it is not suitable. But, the soft bra could work with a prosthesis in the one side to even you out. Or a cami with a pocket in it.

Hugs to you. You are very strong.

wallan

2FUN

Would a loose cami keep PS happy, and allow you to have some coverage? If your office is cold, at least you can layer. I get what you mean about not looking sleek. I don't know if you are aware of the forum at youlookfab.com. it is a fasion/style site, but the people there are really helpful, and may be able to offer specific solutions. I know you don't have money to spend, but you might be able to find some deals so you have one or two outfits. Our area has a number of work wear second hand shops. It might not be your exact style, but ig may work. It's only going to be a relative short term problem.

Scottiemom11

Raven. . .thank you for sharing. Here in HotLanta, our annual 2-day breast cancer walk is sponsored by It's The Journey and that is so true. No matter how much we go through it is a journey for all of us and I am so grateful to have these boards for support through my journey.

2Fun. . .it takes a very special person to work with special needs and I give you major kudos for that as I have dealt with that lifelong journey as well through my own children.

Bluebird. . .glad all went well and take it easy. The exhaustion finally overcame my pain and I slept nearly 12 hours straight. Just up briefly to take meds last night. Going to catch up on some more sleep today.

Cdv. . .can you talk with your HR about wearing loose flowing women's dressy knit shirts. I wore those when I went back from BMx because they were all I could get over my head. I got my shirts from Sam's Club and Costco for very little money ( I know your money is tight) and just wore them with dress or suit pants. Sending hugs and prayers.

Also praying for DiV and hoping all our recovering well.

Scottie

cdv4251992

Definitely will be asking about the camis. Going bra-less has been weird but I haven't been doing much and am not allowed to stand up straight yet. Walking slouched over with no bra is probably different from good posture and no bra? I feel self conscious mostly. That's most likely because I'm not able to do my regular routine or lift my arm and am limited in the clothing I can physically put on and get off.

I'm sure it will work out. It's only been 3 weeks, but I feel so much better this week (aside from the swelling) than I did last week. Another week will make a difference.

Bluebirdgirl

2Fun, I forgot to add that my implants are the 410FX style, 560 cc. I plead ignorance on exact cc fill with my TEs, but I think I was around 480 cc and I was wearing a size 38C bra, even though my rib cage is 36". Before BMX I was a 36D. I don't know what my bra/cup size will be at 560cc, but I am guessing I will be a D cup again. I am 5'7" and 165 lbs. My PS said plan on at least ten days to recover so I took two weeks off. I think that will be about right for me and how I feel right now. I could have had my exchange surgery sooner, but ran out of sick time.

Cdv , hope you can figure out a solution, sounds like you've got some good advice on here.

Again, good luck and wish everyone speedy recovery!!

Molly50

Good morning! Bluebirdgirl, I feel very much like you do. No narcotics just Tylenol so far. I am sore especially around my ribcage. I got Natrelle Inspira 450cc implants. So far it's looking good. I am going out for a short while to get a different sport bra. The one I bought hurts my ribcage.

Sjsparks

Hi all! I just got the call that my mastectomy and tissue expander surgery will be March 30th. I wanted to say hello and start reading through the threads to get myself prepared. I have no idea how to get all my info to show up like you at the bottom of the message.

A little about me: 35 years old, Wife, and Mom of two-ages 9 and 10. I found out I had BC 10/24/16; I finished my chemo 2/21/17; I am triple positive; I will receive Herceptin every 3 weeks until November; I elected bilateral mastectomy with implants.

2FUN

Welcome sjsparks. Sorry this is happening for you. But we are here to cheer you on.

If you go to the top of this page to :my profile:, there are buttons to click and enter your personal data

Scottiemom11

Welcome sjsparks. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have.

I am doing better today but still in pain when I move around too much. Finally checked my implant card and I have Mentor 300 cc smooth round ultra high profile memory gel implants. Can't yet tell what size I will be as I'm swollen from the surgery.

Trying not to get frustrated and to remind myself that I needed a month to recover from my first exchange and this surgery was more complicated due to my scar tissue.

Molly is sounds like you are doing great. Yeah!

Scottie

Yvonne_M

Welcome sjsparks!

2FUN

say a prayer I get my drains out tomorrow

Any thoughts about very low grade warmth over my TE? It has been like that since day one. Surgeon didn't seem concerned. I'll see the nurse at PS tomorrow, not worried. Just wondering.

EastcoastTS

Welcome, sjsparks! And warm wishes to all my March surgery buddies. Sorry I'm perpetually behind on comments.

Someone asked about the nuclear injections. I was worried about these and they were a breeze. HOWEVER, I recommend that you ask for EMLA Cream prior (doctor can prescribe). I asked for the prescrip (I had to ask twice) but the nicest nurse during the procedure told me they apply if the patient asks IF they come early. 30 minutes. But you might want to know that first. Someone on this board told me to apply 1 hour prior, cover the breast, wrap in Saranwrap, head to appt. That kept my clothing clean and, really, I did not feel much of anything. It's a topical lodacaine cream.

2FUN: I'd mention the warmth to your PS. Better safe than sorry. I say because I am still dealing with a post-op infection. Warmth, redness, swelling initially (5 days post op). Major load of oral antibiotics really helped. All swelling gone, redness down to I'd say 5%, no heat. I never had a temperature of any kind. But -- still have some redness. My feeling is I may have to do the IV antibiotics at some point. Maybe not. PS was not alarmed by red still being there yesterday -- but I haven't had a fill yet. I'm 23 days post surgery, btw. I'm fine to wait on fills -- I'm really small and not getting many anyway -- but the redness does make me nervous, gotta admit. Would hate to lose my adorable/lovable TE!

cdv4251992: I'm sitting here trying to imagine ways to creatively manage your work attire. The strict dress code is a challenge. No larger but professional blazer allowed? I've found some great ones at thrift stores recently. If no workable solution arises, could you talk to management? I hope you figure out something without much stress. That's what we need to leave behind at the moment!

HUGS to all!

lovepugs77

EastcoastTS, I was the one that asked about the nuclear injection. The nurse told me to get LMX4 or Aspercreme with Lidocaine and apply before I come to the surgery center that morning. Is that the same thing as EMLA? I didn't need a prescription for the LMX4. She also told me about the saran wrap, and to apply quite a bit of the LMX4.

2FUN

interesting comments about the nuclear injection. I had mine done the evening before, since my surgery was at 7am. The person who did the injection gave me a numbing agent, and I didn't have to do anything.

magjr

Hi Lovepugs77

I also had the nuclear injections last Monday the day before my surgery because I was first case. I was terrified from what I was reading. about them. Quite honestly, I found the shots to be the equivalent of the lidocaine injected prior to my biopsies, I did take the ativan ordered by my BS for anxiety, so maybe that helped me relax. And Yay all 5 LN frozen sections were negative, Hope this helps, Sending Hugs your way~

Bluebirdgirl

welcome, sjsparks! You found a great site! I have learned so much in the 7 months I've been on here. Everyone is so helpful and caring!

Molly, the compression bra they sent me home in was very uncomfortable and I had to put one of my older ones on. I had purchased it in a larger size just in case. Hope you find one that is comfortable. My PS considered the Inspira implants, not sure why he decided against it. Just depends on body type I suppose. Mine are so swollen right now, ugh!! I am thinking I can quit the pain meds tomorrow. They sure do help though.

Scottiemom, hope your pain is better today. It hurts me to move around too much too. I've watched more tv in the last 24 hours than I usually do in a week!

2Fun, good luck with drain removal. I don't remember mine hurting that bad, just the thought of it I think is what was scariest. Just not natural to have those things in !!

Hugs to all

2FUN

lovepugs77, glad your LN were negative - great news!

lovepugs77

magjr - I'm glad to hear the nuclear injections were similar to the lidocaine local for the biopsies. I can definitely handle that. Yay for your negative LN sections!

2FUN, I haven't had the lymph nodes out yet...I think magjr was saying that her nodes were all negative. My surgery is on Tuesday.

Jadacrimson

Hello all, this is my first post on the forum. I am having surgery today at 1 p.m. Double mastectomy with possible lymph node disection. I was diagnosed around November 14, 2016. I have had a horrific time dealing with all this. I have been extremely depressed to the point of not being able to function. I was unable to even post on here. I am terrified I won't wake up today. The surgeon said it will be about a 5-hour surgery. I really considered not having surgery. I still don't know if I am doing the right thing. I am in the 1% because I don't look at things as all "flowers and puppies." I am a realist. I am only 47 and I don't want to be mutilated but I know I will die if I don't have this surgery. I don't know how I will handle this mentally after surgery. I definitely believe in quality of life over quantity, but I have 2 kids who are 19 and 15. I am on a antidepressant and anti-anxiety pill. My 3 biopsies were horrific, barbaric, the worst thing I have been through so far in my life. I am terrified of getting these injections before surgery. I don't know if I will be able to do it. The surgeon blows it off like it's no big deal. I know better. All I hear is think positive thoughts. Ha!! My life is over as far as I am concerned. I will probably need chemo/radiation, so I will lose my hair too. I wanted to start reconstruction today but they will not because they are afraid it is in my lymph nodes. It is all overwhelming for me. I feel very weak.

wallan

Hey everyone:

Day 15 post-op starting. I stopped the oral antibiotics I was on since surgery (preventative) and I feel better two days ago and I feel better. One of the side effects of these is fatigue. I have no more drains now and the home care nurse came by yesterday and told me I can shower this morning. Yeah!! She also discharged me from her care so no nurses coming by now. That is a psychological thing having a nurse come by. To me, it means really sick I guess. When she discharged me, I felt much lighter and on the mend.

I am sore a bit on the TE side, but nothing unbearable. I did have a "fill", my first one on Tuesday. The fat grafting side is essentially painless. However, they took the fat from my thighs and they still are stiff and sore, especially at the end of the day.

Basically, my spirits are up and I feel like I am on the mend. Today, I see the BS for my pathology results. I am a bit nervous about it, but not too much. I have turned a corner emotionally and feel more like my old self. Yeah!!!! So for all you ladies facing surgery, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Welcome sjssparks!! These ladies are truly amazing and you will get lots of wonderful support here.

Wish me luck today.

wallan

Yvonne_M

Hi Jada and welcome. You took a big step by posting on here, it makes it more real, huh? I just said a prayer for you, for your team, for your family. You are covered in love and protection. Try and not think too far ahead, just be in this moment. Tomorrow will be here tomorrow and you can deal with that then.

Yvonne_M

Today we meet our Oncologist that we were referred to. Going over my Mastectomy Pathology report, find out what it means that it went into 1 of the 4 lymph nodes. I tried deciphering my path report and just got more confused.

I finally beat this nasty cold and actually went out to eat yesterday, then came home and took a nap, LOL! I have been watching my resting heart rate this week, and it was at 103 for a while and I am down in the 80s now. It's supposed to be 65. Poor body has been working OT.

Love and gentle hugs to you all!

Scottiemom11

Jadacrimsion. . .welcome to these boards. This journey is frightening and we're here to listen. I did not find these boards until a few days after my BMx. My two children were 16 and 10 at that time. The ladies on my Dec 2014 surgery board helped me more than I can ever say. Sending thoughts, hugs and prayers for you.

magir congrats on the negative nodes.

I slept several hours straight again and pain is much more manageable. Baby steps.

Scottie

Molly50

Jada, welcome. I know this all can be frightening but you are in great company here. Just take everything one step at a time and remember you are doing what you can to be there for your precious children. Have you talked to your primary physician about some antidepressants or anxiety meds?

Scottie, glad you are sleeping better. Yvonne, glad you got rid of the cold. Pathology reports can be confusing especially in our poor, rattled brains. Good luck at your appointment today, wallen. Welcome sjssparks.

2FUN

jadacrimson, I am sending you a big hug. This is a difficult journey, and none of our situations are exactly the same, but we are here for you. Even tho the surgery and proceedures can be scary, each thing you do is leading you to health. Let us know how you are when you are feeling up to it.

2FUN

wallen, glad you get to shower! I hope today is my drain removal day.

Yvonne. Good luck with the pathology report. I got mine today. It was ok, not great. This means more consults to see if I need radiation. I was under the impression there was only a teeny tiny next to nothing chance I will need radiation. And now it may happen.

Scottie. Glad you are getting sleep

I feel like it takes so much mental energy just to remember details and write these posts! Too much anesthesia! LOL

Prayers and positive energy to all#

Sjsparks

Thanks all for the warm welcomes!

I am seeing post talking about injections the morning of surgery. Is this for a specific surgery, or do all mastectomy surgeries get it? I feel like I should know everything that they are doing to me on surgery day. Also the pre-op nurse said I should be just fine sleeping in bed with pillows and not needing a recliner. What are your opinions on sleeping? Also they told me If I have dogs to have minimal contact with them and no sleeping with me or being in my lap. This to me will be hard. My senior dog sleeps with me and is with me like a 3rd leg. I have plans on my young dog to spend a few weeks with a neighbor, she is just to hyper.

EastcoastTS

Lovepugs77:

Yep -- sounds like you've been told to manage as I was told (except the cream applied is different). It probably matters little that Emla is prescrip. You'll do fine. And some people may not need the numbing cream but it certainly can't hurt! I also took an ativan, I think. I wasn't driving. It was really a breeze. Slight stinging as the fluid went in but I mean...NOTHING at all. Not painful.

2FUN

sjsparks, the injection is for identifying the sentinel node. I had mine when I had a lumpectomy. Obvs., it was out after lumpectomy, so they didn't need to take it when I had MX .

I chose to sleep propped up on sofa so I wouldn't disturb hubby, who has been a trooper thru all of this.

Sjsparks

Thank you, 2Fun! I had sentinel node surgery back on Oct 31. I'm still numb under my left arm pit. So weird.