February 2017 Surgery

Options
245678

Comments

  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Candles1

    Wow this is great information. Especially about the water. When i was going thru chemo i.could never stay hydrated.

    Thank you so much for providing tips on what has helped you.

    I was wondrering since you have had a lumpectomy does the hospital provide you with a bra? I'm heavy up top and normally where underwire. Doesn't seem like i will be able to wear that type of bra or any bra in the beginning. If you have any recommendations I would be grateful.

    Thanks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nayda985
    nayda985 Member Posts: 361
    edited February 2017

    Hi Hahlyn!!!

    Glad you started this thread....I will be having my surgery on Feb. 24th...I will be having a double mastectomy...I am very nervous about this surgery like I read what someone posted earlier said on this thread..you may have the best surgeon but complications can arise...I am really nervous about that and the surgeon says that hes gonna take out some nodes...I am very afraid of lymphedema...I just know I am going to be a nervous wreak on surgery day....I am already spazzing out and its 18 days away..lol...super glad to have this thread.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Hi Nayda

    I'm scared right with you. With my lumpectomy my surgeon also will be removing nodes..my nerves are shot..just the unkown..right now i get herceptin once every 3 weeks had my first one on jan 25 and i feel half way decent. Just afraid the surgery will have me feeling horrible almos like chemo.

    I too read the post regarding the best surgeon and complications..its true..and i understand but it put me in a different head space. I have to trust God and keep praying all i can do.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    I am also feeling more nervous as the date approaches. I keep reminding myself that this is completely routine for the surgeon so I haven't been concerned about surgery complications. I am afraid of what I know is coming and inevitable: postop pain. I feel better seeing the women in the January 2017 thread who have already done this and oftenturn the corner five or six days out.



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Sr2295

    Good luck tomorrow. Sending prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

    Hahlyn.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nayda985
    nayda985 Member Posts: 361
    edited February 2017

    That's right Hahlyn...imma have to put it in the God's hands and pray:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nayda985
    nayda985 Member Posts: 361
    edited February 2017

    Pamela...imma have to find that thread and read it...it may give me comfort also:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    I keep looking for the women with reconstruction who turned the corner two or three or four days out, but haven't seen it yet. So it gives me comfort, but also scares me. I don't want to be in pain for five or six days! But I just have to trust that they will get the pain meds and muscle relaxers right, and it will be a crummy five or six days, but tolerable.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited February 2017

    Wow, Candles, thanks for the pre-surgery tips!

    I have Colace all ready to go and will hydrate well, too. Great idea about doing this for veins. I take a probiotic every day and will continue.

    My plans: arnica and bromelain before and after, good for bruising and recovery. Arnica cream is also effective for bruising but would not use on an open wound. Vitamin C, zinc and protein however I can get it. Also, shoot I can't recall exactly the name, but Juven (is that right?). I've read it's great for tissue healing. You can buy the packets at WalMart and I think mix with water. Not a miracle drug or anything but seems to help from reviews.

    I plan to let my BS know in our pre-consult which is 4 days before surgery (because my surgery is on a Monday morning) that I'm taking these. Just in case. I am not doing anything docs advised against. (Omega 3, Vit E, Advil, etc.)

    Good luck and warm wishes to everyone on the BC twister right now. As Tiny Tim said: bless us each and every one! ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candles1
    candles1 Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2017

    Hahlyn, I was never provided a bra after a lumpectomy (at three different facilities). I do recommend purchasing a few front closure sports bras. I found some good ones online, very cheap. I brought them with me to the surgeries and wore them home. I continued to wear them day and night until I felt good enough to go without.

    I, too, hope to have a complication-free reconstruction. I am going with implants. I wonder - is the complication rate better/worse/the same as with flap surgeries? Also, I've never had radiation (and don't need it now either). I'm wondering if that increases the possibility of complications as well?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited February 2017

    Also should add that I've read over and over on this site from others so wise now to what we are facing: tell the anes. that you get nauseous easily so they prep you with anti-nausea drugs beforehand and after. It can't hurt...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candles1
    candles1 Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2017

    EastCoastTS,

    I do take the exact supplements that you take, and I completely excise all blood-thinning medications/supplements two weeks before surgery as well. My multi contains the B vitamin group too. All of these things have worked really well for me in the past.

    And yes, insist on the nausea medication when you speak to the anesthesiologist. The past few surgeries, I've woken up feeling just great - no nausea whatsoever. After trial and error with my earlier surgeries, the one that works for me is ondansetron. Metoclopra was tried once and does NOT work for me. Unfortunately, unless you know which ones do/don't work for you, your anesthesiologist might not get it right the first time. Luckily, I am able to inform the anesthesiologist of the one that works for me.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Candles1 and Eastcost

    Thanks both for the tips I will definitely order soft front closure bras..unfortunately there is no way I can go without (breast fed and large chest) bit saggy:(

    As for the nausea I for sure will be asking. Towards the end of my chemo nausea was a side effect and my MO before treatments would give me a bag of anti Nausea meds via IV and prescribed pills which helped. Thanks Again for the tips


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited February 2017

    Just got a zipper front bra (there were some hook/eye, too) at WalMart. Not $ -- $12 or so. They had more than one to select from. More of a sports bra, I'd say.

    My God what a selection of bras. I'm on the small/tiny side, so honestly, could almost go without every day. I'm not a big bra shopper. Goes to show that BS does not favor larger breasts, my friends! I think I got scammed on this deal. ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 9lives70
    9lives70 Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2017

    9lives70 surgery 2/28 BMX, SNB, TE's place

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    EastcostTS - I ordered a front closure but it's hook and eye from penny's. I honestly like the tshirt cotton bras they are so soft. This one I got from penny's is by 18 hour it's a little stiff I may have to return.

    Those that have had lumpectomy how long after did you start rads? Or did you have to have rads..I have yet to talk with RO I believe I have to have rads I'm Her2 positive. Just trying to look ahead want to get This over with

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Hello, Feb surgery sisters! I am scheduled for Feb 21st...BMX with skin sparing and reconstruction. So hard to believe, but I am ready! Good luck to all of you and lots of hugs to you all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Welcome 9lives70 and heartfull

    Sorry we are meeting under these conditions! Not an easy time for any of us, but we will make it! Praying for successful surgeries and uneventful recovery for all of us.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Bvh230 and Sr2295

    Hope both of you ladies are doing okay after your surgeries. Know we are here for you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Thank you Hahlyn for starting this post! It's a scary time, but made much easier with the help and support of these wonderful people! For me the wait to get a surgery date has been a tough part of this thing so far! My diagnosis was back in December and it's been a crazy road since then! Finally a surgery date and we can get the ball rolling! Hugs for all of you and lots of prayers too! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Candles1, I just want to tell you that I read your post about preparing for surgery and it helped me so much! I've also had a hysterectomy and came through it with flying colors about 4 years ago! Your ideas for "getting ready" are great ideas! I've kicked up my probiotic also and continue to exercise as much as possible to get ready! I just wanted to tell you that your post was just what I needed right when I needed it...surgery on February 21st! Sending hugs and thanks! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • geeyes
    geeyes Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2017

    heartfull, I am scheduled for the same day and procedure as you. Except I am done with chemo. Are you having implants or TEs? I came to know today that I will be getting TEs because of the possibility of radiatio.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MariH
    MariH Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2017

    Are you being treated at UCLA? Wondering about Santa Monica vs Westwood. My surgery isn't scheduled yet. Have to have MRI first to see if any other sites. If not then just lumpectomy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sr2295
    Sr2295 Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2017

    thanks for all of the good wishes! I am home and feeling pretty good following my surgery. One night in hospital. I'm awaiting pathology report. That's apparently going to take a few more days. I was given a bra at the hospital. I agree that post surgical nausea was pretty awful. Fortunately, I had spoken to anesthesia folks in advance and they had a few options waiting for me. Arm stiffness and pain is worse than any chest discomfort. I'll post again soon. Glad to be home before the predicted snow storm.

    Luck to anyone with upcoming surgery!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bevmomduck
    Bevmomduck Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2017

    I am totally nesting in prep. Last night was my last night to have wine with dinner. Getting a bag of zip front bras from a friend who recently got rid of her TE's and has her 'own' boobs now. Got mywedge pillow and body pillow for bed, satin pjs for sliding in and out of bed. Now I'm making notes for DH and daughters cause they want assignments. One daughter will be the social media gate keeper, another the delivered food record keeper, daughter who lives 4 hrs away is assigned to up the sending of funny kid pics and anecdotes.

    Any other suggestions? Surgery is Feb 16 - this is my 2x around and no messing around - I want these boobs off cause I can't get away from being aware of the lump that came back so quickly. Thanks, all

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Bevmomduck - looks like you have it all together..I am taking some of your tips! the satin PJ's never would have thought of that!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Glad you are home and doing well...prayers and hugs for a great recovery for you!! :)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Geeyes! Hi there! That's good you are finished with chemo. I don't know which way that will go for me until after surgery. That is the part that I am most afraid of. How did it go for you? I am having implants and have been trying to learn as much as I can about them. I hope time goes fast for us and for others waiting for surgery! The waiting is the hardest part for me! So happy to meet a fellow Feb 21st surgery partner! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gently
    gently Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2017

    Hi Shaz and everybody, I feel lucky to find you. I saw a multidisciplinary team yesterday and am scheduled for a 3/10 lumpectomy & sentinel node dissection. Eyes wide open and trying to understand what I need to know. Joining the club.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gently
    gently Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2017

    Mari H, I'm scheduled at Santa Monica UCLA a month from now. Would love to hear what you learn about either location.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories