February 2017 Surgery

liveandlearn

Hello, all. I just had a needle-localized lumpectomy w/sentinel lymph node right axilla excision on 2/2/17. I have appointments made to see the Rad Oncologist on Tuesday 2/14 and the Oncologist on 2/16. Everything seems to be on track. Just getting my feet wet here, as I figure out what kind of support I will need to get through the next phase of treatment. I saw the nurse at the surgeon's office today, but the surgeon is out of town until I get to see her on 2/23. I'm looking at the pathology reports and trying to understand what they really mean. I think it's all good, but I wish I could have asked the surgeon a few more questions. I'm not even sure whether they did or did not remove a lymph node. But the nurse says that all the things that SHE looks at look good, and that I am right on schedule with my appointments to see the other specialists. Pain has been manageable, though a little more than I expected, and I've been a little more tired than I expected also. All in all, I have a good outlook and prognosis, all due to early, EARLY detection, thank God. I send my good wishes to everyone on these boards, and hope for speedy and fully recovery for all those coping with breast cancer.

liveandlearn

Hi Bluebird. Though we have different diagnoses, it looks like we had a similar surgery, on the same day. So I just wanted to give you a thumbs-up and a get well soon, and my best wishes for a full recovery.

HarleyMama

Hello everyone, I'm pretty new. I was diagnosed Dec 2016 with DCIS. I've had 2 lumpectomies and have not gotten clear margins. I have mulled over my options for 2 weeks. Met with PS yesterday and this morning made my decision. Scheduled for surgery Feb 28. Double mastectomy with tissue expanders. I really feel like this is the right decision. Im very nervous and anxious. Reading these boards has been very helpful

Kathy21

I am a few days behind you with a similar diagnosis. I had my wire localized lumpectomy and papiloma removed on 2/7. I had two nodes removed, but my incision looks like they took 15 - I guess that is normal, not sure. Like you just got involved in these forums and learning as I go.

Kathy21

Wishing all goes well for you. I am sure this is a very anxious time. I will say a little prayer.

Annbee

HI! I have been reading your posts after my diagnosis. I thought it was time to join. You have given me support and thank you for that. I am scared but know I will be ok. My surgery is scheduled for Feb 15th. Very nervous. I had to say goodbye to my 2nd graders today. I am taking the rest of the school year off. They cried. I didn't tell them what was wrong. Now it feels real. Can't hide at work.

Moderators

Hi Annbee-

Welcome to BCO, you're in the right place for support as you prepare for your surgery and treatment! We're all here for you!

The Mods

Reginac

I am having double mastectomy with node removal February 28. Having DIEP reconstruction at same time. Waiting is the hardest part. I am trying to stay busy. I have been making all kind of freezer meals. The organizing, planing, shopping, and cooking keep me distracted.

I completed chemo and will have 4 weeks of no treatment until surgery. 4 weeks after surgery I am planning on having ovaries removed.

Wishing you ladies the best of luck and much strength.

Reginac

February 28 complete double mastectomy,SNB, and DIE

Sandzat

Hi dear all,

I'm a 40 year old who had mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy done on Feb 6th for a 1.7 cms tumour in my left breast and a widespread area across the centre throwing up a type 3 curve in the MRI scan. I felt the lump in a self exam, had many diagnostic tests done and finally wanted to have a lumpectomy, but the Doctor wouldn't hear of it... Anyways, the surgery is over now. And I'm home now with a drain attached for the next few days/weeks. And many painkillers. Today is Day 5. My histopathology report should be ready by Monday. I'm hoping that that there is not much axilliary lymph node metastases. I will also know my stage then. And the treatment plan.

bvh2305

Hi All,

My surgery is now behind me! As many have written in there blogs "things change". My change is my diagnosis. I am now IDC and not ILC as I was told. No big deal. I did spend the first night in the hospital instead of coming home. I am allergic to several pain meds and I was doing well with the IV meds so I continued those for 24 hours. However, the pain hasn't been that bad. I have kept on top of the pain by taking the med when due and not waiting until it was real bad and trying to bring it back under control. This has worked well for me and I really don't need it at all now. A few tips I would like to share:

1. Sleeping in a recliner helps. I am a side sleeper and I can't get comfortable on my back in the bed. The 4 drains I have prevent me from rolling onto my side. I purchased a travel pillow to go around my neck (Walmart $9.97). This has really helped my neck from hurting.

2. Prepare for constipation....this was really bad and I could have prevented it. I wish I had started Colace or generic before my surgery. I sent my husband to the pharmacy last night and he bought a bottle of the magnesium drink they give you before a colonoscopy. This finally brought me relief.

3. I did not feel like visitors. My husband and I have large families and you have some that will insist they want to visit regardless of what you say. I didn't want to be rude so I had my oldest daughter send out text messages updating them on my progress and insisting I just wasn't up to talking on phone or visitors right now. We have had many drop off food, flowers etc but no one has stayed very long since they had read the text messages. I feel this helped.

4. The hospital gave me a Softee -Roo camisole. I really like this. It's very soft against the skin and kept my pajamas away from my skin. I actually ordered another one from the company and it arrived in 3 days. It has a kangaroo pouch for my drains and also two small soft "pillows" you can insert in the cami. I haven't used the little pillows yet but may in the future before I have my reconstruction.

5. The drains....I have four and they are a nuisance. I bought large safety pins and I pinned my drains to my pajama top on the inside. They are hidden from view and I don't have to hold them every time I get up to go the bathroom. I was given a fanny pack at the hospital and I use this to place them in while showering. My doctor has me covering the area where the drains go into the skin when I shower. I cut a quart size Baggie in half and taped on me with a waterproof medical tape. The tape my husband bought is about 1/2 inch wide and I would recommend wider to keep the area sealed from water.

6. Take an overnight bag with you and leave in the car, just in case. When they decided to keep me my husband didn't have to go home to get anything. Actually, you don't need anything but I still wanted a hairbrush and my toothbrush.

I know many if you are having surgery this coming week. I think the anxiety before the surgery was much worse. I see my oncologist this week and more of my pathology results will be available. She will be able to tell me if I need chemo or rads. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you after your surgeries.

Hahlyn

bvh2305

Glad to hear the surgey is behind you now.

Thank you for the tips, overnight bag never would have thought of but i.guess you never know. It's best to try and be prepared.

Hope all is going well as to be expected for you. Hoping for a speedy and uneventfull recovery.

Hahlyn

Shellybeans

Hi ladies - stopping in from the January board to give you love and encouragement and some real-time honesty. I think I cried nearly everyday leading up to my BMX with TE surgery - I've had so much anger and sadness since my diagnosis. What I want to leave you with is hope.

I had my surgery on 1/30 - so tomorrow is 2 weeks and this weekend I actually got confused and thought it was 3 weeks because I feel really good! Someone told me that day 9 was the best day and I have to say that something happened on day 9 and I just woke up feeling so much better!

Getting your drains removed is nothing. I was on the verge of an anxiety attack when that was done - I just didn't want anything to hurt - and I felt silly because it was literally like a tug - no pain at ALL. Had my first fill that day too - that was 2/8 and it wasn't bad either. Just take a muscle relaxer before you go and you will be fine.

You won't be running marathons and it is surgery - so the whole process of getting the anesthesia out of your system (just making you really tired) is a pain if you are an active and independent person. BUT once you get to the point that you can taper your pain meds you start to feel like yourself. For the first few days, stay on your schedule to remain ahead of your pain cycle. Set an alarm or have your caretake do that. I was on 800 mg Ibuprofen by the Saturday after my surgery - and now I just take one on occasion when my arm where my nodes were removed acts up - just at night before bed.

Good luck and gentle shoulder hugs to you all. You are going to get through this part of the process.

EastcoastTS

ShellyBeans and bvh2305:

THANKS so much for words of encouragement and advice. I'm headed for BMX on 2/27 and reading all I can. Have a list for the overnight bag in place! Colace ready, too. Prepare for Surgery: Heal Faster has been recommended if anyone else is interested. Used copies available on Amazon, etc.

Much warm thoughts to all...

Hahlyn

Shellybeans

Thasks for popping in and providing words of encouragement and tips. I have been filled with anxiety and been crying for awhile leading up to my surgery. I just pray it and the recovery are not as bad as I have conjured up in my head.

I read the Jan group post and notice you will start chemo. Ive already gone thru it. 6 Cycles of TCHP and now I'm currently on Herceptin every 3 weeks. Chemo can be difficult but with your spirit you get through it. It's doable. My only tip is stay hydrated if you feel weak or notice yourself not intaking enough water or fluids request extra hydration from your MO. I had extra hydration twice a week after my infusions and it helped.

Thanks again for stopping by (dont be a stranger) enjoy your Sunday and upcoming week!

Hahlyn

Pamela_2016

Thank you bvh2305 and shellybeans! It is good to hear your perspective having been through this. And thanks for such good advice. Ive heard from several that staying on pain med/muscle relaxant schedule is key, even if it means being woken up to take a pill those first days.

I am set for Wed with AnnBee and Bev, and I look forward to us all checking in to reassure the others.

also, I posted this Ted talk on the January thread. it helps me to think of actions I can take to feel stronger and better. hope you find it inspiring as well.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_the_game_...

Pamela

Yvonne_M

Hi all, I'm new here too. Had my surgical biopsy done on 1/27 and got results of BC and am scheduled for my Mast on Valentine's Day, how romantic, huh? Been reading my head off on this site of how to prepare for the surgery, how to dress, etc. I was able to stay off pain meds on the biopsy (he took out a big chunk), so I'm buckling up for the heavy duty pain meds. I've never really had any before, just Advil, so reading how to prepare for it and to keep ahead of it really helped you guys. Thanks to all of you.

heartfull

bvh2305 Hello and thank you for your wonderful update! Your ideas are so helpful to all of us now in line for surgery! Keep getting stronger and I wish you great luck with the oncology results...that is a scary part, but it will be good to keep moving forward! Sending thanks and big hugs!

heartfull

Hi Shellybeans! Thank you for taking the time to send the positive and helpful info!! You and others are so good at providing a light at the end of the tunnel to focus on...day #9..something to look forward to after surgery! Thank you so much and gentle hugs back to you!!

Annbee

ladies you are an inspiration. When ever I start to get anxiety about surgery and recovery, I check in and read. I always feel stronger. Three more appointments tomorrow one with the primary, full body CT scan (insurance won't pay for the PET) and pre op at the hospital. Trying to stay positive for CT scan.

Hahlyn

Shaz1970

Good luck tomorrow with your surgery. Praying for a speedy recovery.

Hahlyn

kroop73

Hi Hahlyn, thanks for sharing this thread. I had surgery last Friday, 02/10. I had more tissue removed from my left breast to obtain a clear margin and one lymph node removed. Waiting on pathology report on both. I hope to start radiation therapy in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again! Prayers and thoughts go out to all the warriors fighting this disease.

Hahlyn

Hi Kroop73

I am having my lumpectomy on Feb 27. Filled with anxiety and fear of the unknown.. when Did you have your first surgery? Im so sorry you had to have a second surgery. If you dont mind me asking did.they have to make a new incision or did they go through the same one to obtain clear margins

Thanks

Hahlyn

Sr2295

hi ladies! Thanks so much for all of your posts. The sharing of info really helps! I came home often my surgery (2/7) with 2 drains and a surgical bra. What kinds of bras/ wraps are you all finding successful while still having your drains?

Thanks!

kroop73

Hahlyn,

I had my lumpectomy on 12/8/16. We thought it was just a benign tumor. However, the pathology report said otherwise. They were able to use the exact same incision from the lumpectomy in Dec to remove the tissue from my breast. But the lymph node removal required a second incision, which is under my left arm pit. I am very sore with both but I believe the arm pit is just a little more sore than the breast. I wish you the best with your surgery. It is not that bad at all. I was only down about a week. I don't work a full time job so I was able to take it easy and go at my own pace. Sleeping was the hardest thing... trying to get comfortable. But again, it was only about a week or so of discomfort. You will do fine.... I will be praying for you! Let me know if you have other questions. We will get through it together! God Bless! Kandi

Shellybeans

SR2295 - I didn't have any wraps. Just one bandage over each incision and one on each drain. My PS doesn't wrap and I was SO glad. When I would start to sweat I would itch really bad. I just realized writing this that SE has stopped. Since my bandages were removed I've been wearing a light camisole under my clothing. I tried a mastectomy bra and hated it. I was a D cup before surgery and always wore an underwire bra. Now I don't think I ever want to wear a bra again. It's actually been nice going without.

Sr2295

thanks Shellybeans!

Castigame

In about 50 hours, my journey starts.

Excited and scared at the same time.

All I know is I will survive for myself.

Please wish me luck.

EastcoastTS

My thoughts are with you Rebamacfan123!

Pamela_2016

I am set for Wednesday as well, Rebamacfan. While I'm not exactly looking forward to it, I am glad the waiting will be over.

Wishing you awesome nurses, the right med cocktail, lots of flowers, a sleeping position that works.