February 2017 Surgery

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited February 2017

    Tomorrow is my Mast and I cannot believe the emotions I am having today! Not about the surgery itself, well a little bit, but mostly the after care. Am I over thinking all this? So I have semi-cleaned the house, did the laundry, took the dogs for a long walk. I have my outfit laid out; my husband's flannel shirt (do I wear anything under it?), some easy to put on shorts, and my slippers. Any other suggestions? Prayers for all of you undergoing this, it is comforting to find this community.

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  • kroop73
    kroop73 Member Posts: 22
    edited February 2017

    Hi ladies,

    I hope all had a good day today with all your treatments and recovery. I am sending positive thoughts and prayers for those of you approaching your surgeries. Let's encourage one another, as this can be such an emotional time. I got good news today from my surgery last Friday. My margin and lymph node is negative for cancer. Praise the Lord! Now we are ready to begin brachytherapy.... and we start the process tomorrow! My surgeon is going to place the balloon/catheter inside my breast where the lump was tomorrow morning 02/14 at 7am. Happy Valentines Day to me! I will go to the Oncology radiologist on Thursday for ct scan and test to get me ready to begin. I will start on Monday 02/20 thru Friday 20/24. This is all happening so quickly! No time to slow up now.... I'm ready for this to be done! Hang in there ladies, we are survivors.... we will come out victorious! Thoughts and prayers with you all!

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Congrats Kroop! Such a blessing.

    Good luck tomorrow Yvonne! I too have emotions leading up to my surgery both surgery itself and like you the after care. Praying tomorrow goes smooth and recovery is speedy for you.

    You can do this and we are here for you!

    Hahlyn

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  • nayda985
    nayda985 Member Posts: 361
    edited February 2017

    Good Luck Yvonnne!!

    Kroop:)

    I feel like the 24th is trying to come fast..i need it to slow down..still very nervous....my father in law passed away last Wednesday and I feel sorry for my hubby..he has to deal with the death of his father and deal with me having cancer..i just pray everyday that God continues to give my hubby strength to move forward.

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  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017
    I can be a bit high strung about all kinds of work-related or other things, but I am surprisingly calm as I prepare for surgery tomorrow. I expect the nerves will increase as the night wears on and I probably won't sleep well. But I'm shocked that I feel some kind of peace about it. maybe it's that I trust my surgeons? Or that I can't control anything anymore? LOL.
    I was much more worked up when I was trying to decide if and how I would reconstruct. And when I went on the warpath to move my surgery date up. But once I did what I could do, I've mostly been OK. we will see how I do between now and tomorrow morning when I check in at 6:30 AM.
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  • Kathy21
    Kathy21 Member Posts: 19
    edited February 2017

    surgery was on 2/7


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  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    How do you feel Kathy21

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited February 2017

    My surgery has been moved to 3/7, but thank you all for your well wishes/prayers. Was going to try and schedule an appt with an Oncologist, but was told that they don't see you until AFTER your surgery. This is all so new and I'm trying to keep up.

    Candles, I don't know how I missed your post, great advice on preparing for any surgery! May I ask specifically the diet you speak of a couple days prior to surgery? Also we have been taking Mucil (Kirkland's version) for years now once a day at night. Should I bump that intake up before surgery?

    Nayda, I am SO SORRY about the loss of your FIL!!!

    Pamela, prayers for tomorrow!!!

    Kroop :)

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  • Sr2295
    Sr2295 Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2017

    congratulations Kroop! I also got a call last night from my bs that my pathology reports showed no cancer - complete response to the chemo and targeted therapy. I'm continuing herceptin and going to start radiation after 3/10 according to my mo.

    Luck to all for easy recovery from surgeries!

    Kathy my surgery was also 2/7.

    I'm hoping to have at least one drain removed tomorrow -anyone have drains removed all at once ?

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  • candles1
    candles1 Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2017

    Yvonne M,

    The low residue diet is the one typically prescribed before abdominal or bowel procedures to reduce the amount of matter in the intestines. I find it's useful for any surgery because it doesn't produce as much material that will just end up sitting in your intestines for a few days due to the anesthesia.

    Google "low residue diet" and you will see all sorts of examples of what to choose and what to avoid. What I like on the list is probably different than what you would like. But in addition, it's a matter of eating as lightly as possible to reduce not only the bulk but the overall volume of what's about to just "sit there." So, it's not enough to just choose low bulk foods, but also it's important to reduce the volume of the food you eat. Choose healthy foods because it's also really important to keep up your strength and stamina. Protein is so important.

    Since you have some time, you could experiment with how your body reacts to upping your dose of Mucil. If your surgery were tomorrow, I would not advise increasing your normal dose ... just before surgery is probably not the time to be experimenting with the amount of fiber you take, and how you react to it. I personally do step up the metamucil before surgery, but that works really well for my system. Metamucil is bulk forming, but combining it with the low residue diet a few days before surgery really clears me out pretty well and keeps things moving afterward too.

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Pamela 2016 and Summer FL - Good.luck tomorrow. Prayers are with you both!

    Nayda

    So sorry to hear about your father in law. Prayers for strength for your husband and your family.

    I'm nervous right with you. My mind is all over the place. Had some blood work done prior to my herceptin treatment scheduled for tomorrow nurse called yesterday and said my red blood count was low asked if I had a scab or a cut. Well this new picc line i got back in January has been giving me some issues, bleeding and my arm is hurting..so tomorrow I go for an ultrasound. I'm just tired of this. Im trying my best to be positive I'm simply just tired and wish this was all a bad dream. Only through God's Grace and Mercy I am holding it together there is not a day I don't cry.

    Sorry for venting im just having a day.

    Hahlyn


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  • nayda985
    nayda985 Member Posts: 361
    edited February 2017

    Hahlyn.....I wish this all a dream too...a nightmare where you can wake up from and be cancer free. I hope they will fix your picc line and give you some relief...I don't cry everyday..but once or twice a week I break down...I feel your pain...I am ready for this to be all over and stay over:)

    Thanks @ Yvonne:)

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  • Krma
    Krma Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2017

    Double mastectomy with reconstruction- February 24th, 2017

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  • jinmo
    jinmo Member Posts: 82
    edited February 2017

    Thinking of you Reba, Pamela, and anybody else going tomorrow whose name I missed. Good luck!

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2017

    thank you jinmo

    Other than tad bit nervous my new.chapter which will start at about tomorrow 1115 am., I feel really good. I already told my DH and my dog this is for me. And I promised.my hubby 40 more yrs of nagging.

    Thank you for all the encouragemrnt.

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  • bvh2305
    bvh2305 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2017

    Hahlyn-we all have those days. You're entitled to it. I hope tomorrow is better.

    Summer, Pamela and Reba, I wish you the best tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing from you in a few days.

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  • kroop73
    kroop73 Member Posts: 22
    edited February 2017

    I had an out patient surgery to implant the balloon catheter inside my breast this morning. I will start balloon radiation next week, Feb 20-24. I am wearing a surgical bra that will remain on until 2/24. There is a catheter protruding from my breast, the incision left open to drain....about 5-7 lead wires inside the catheter. I see my Onco Radiologist Thursday for further testing before we start my rads. Now to try to figure out how to sleep and take a sponge bath with all my "new" accessories.

    Good luck and much prayers going out to all you brave women. We got this! God bless!

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  • Alissa234
    Alissa234 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2017

    My surgery was last Friday 2/10. Bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. Home Sunday morning. Reading the posts have been helpful. What I've learned is this is a constant waiting game. Waiting for results. As I sit here thinking I hope I get the call tomorrow from the surgeon with the final path results. One thing this dx has taught me is patience. I'm post op day 5 and very painful, I'm taking my pain meds every 4 hours as prescribed. I realize everyone is different but the pain should be getting better soon??? Went for a walk outside today which felt great. My husband and I had a great valentine's date lol, a ride in the car and a stop at Walgreens. I actually went in and it was very weird feeling, like everyone knew or was looking at me. Which I knew they weren't.

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  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Alissa 234, I hope you keep feeling better and better! That is great that you got out of the house, even if it was a Walgreens visit! My surgery is coming up soon...Tuesday! I'm so ready to get it going...I can't go backward so I can only go forward! Sending you hugs and smiles! We'll get through this! :)

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  • HarleyMama
    HarleyMama Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2017

    Hello everyone. I am scheduled for a double mx with TE 2-28. It was a very difficult decision but I really feel that it is the best one for me. I got implants in 2000 and have been very happy with them. I will be using the same PS. Now that I've made my decision the waiting is driving me crazy. I finally called Dr. today asking for something to help with the anxiety. My emotions are on a roller coaster. Reading these boards has really been helpful.

    Good luck to everyone on their up coming surgeries.

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Well I went to.have an ultrasound on my arm with the picc line and I have a blood clot. It was a long day. I was able to have my herceptin treatment but right after my picc was removed. I asked is MOK prescribing meds for the blood clot and I was told no unless I'm in pain and there is swelling. Well there is both. I was hoping to get prescription before I left but nothing. When I got home I emailed MO telling I need meds I don't want this clot floating around in me. You know my nerves are just frayed at this point. They have to figure out how im going to continue the herceptin if I have this clotting issue. It was suggested a port but if I have this clotting deal they don't know. I guess I will have to get stuck 10 more times until the herceptin is over. This just sucks..

    Praying for Gods favor.

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  • bvh2305
    bvh2305 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2017

    hahlyn, thinking of you. I hope things get better soon.

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  • denisel
    denisel Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2017

    Hi everyone!

    I had a double mastectomy 7 weeks ago and now scheduled reconstructive DIEP March 7, 2017. .

    Has anyone elected to have the DIEP without tissue expanders first? My PS prefers to use tissue expanders but due to my need to return to work he can do the surgery without the use of TE's but said the look is a bit more natural when using expanders. I am afraid my paid FMLA leave will be unpaid while I have the expanders in for two months prior to the DIEP surgery so I will need to go back to work. I have a high stress job and would rather do the surgery sooner than later. Any input on this?

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  • bvh2305
    bvh2305 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2017

    Dkfedder, I chose a BMX also. My surgery was 2/6, with reconstruction to follow in a few months. I felt this was the best decision for me. I have 4 drains and I am looking so forward to having a couple removed tomorrow and most of all, just getting out of the house. Never thought I would look forward to a doctors appt. lol I hope the anxiety gets better soon, been there.

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  • Reginac
    Reginac Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2017


    Denisellong I am having bmx with diep on 2/28. All the same day. No expander. But I am going smaller. I am large breasted. I wear an F cup. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.


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  • Westthebest
    Westthebest Member Posts: 31
    edited February 2017

    Hi Yvonne and friends...still working on a technical piece of my bio with tech staff so bare with me.... I just had a BMX Dec. 12. Happy holidays to me: (started CMF Feb. 2nd)

    Re what to wear-I have 2 flannel shirts that are so comfy....and I put a puffy vest over it cause it's cold here...add sweatshirt to that if need be. Some put a loose camisole underneath all....basically they don't want much of anything touching you. I got some loose scarves to layer when I braved going out. At my hospital they have a store called Transitions that helps with temp prothesis, a more substantial camisole etc. The women were a great help. Ask your doc where to go in your area. Best of luck to you.

    Dkfedder-Yes, the anxiety is probably the worst part. I try to tell myself if all you brave women can do this, so can I. Distractions-friends, shopping therapy (online or brick and mortar) and exercise help. A counselor of sorts can help too.

    Alissa234-BMX pain-yes, it does get better. I found if I stayed up too long the first few days it knocked me-ouch. Was able to pretty quickly ease on to tylenol. (as the other drugs can cause constipation). Again, distractions help, even if you are laying on the couch.

    Wishing all you amazing ladies a safe and positive journey.

    Westthebest

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  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    My surgery was this morning and I am shocked at how well I have felt. I had unilateral mastectomy with a tissue expander placed. They are completely managing my pain. I've been visiting with my husband and my sister who flew in from Florida for a couple of hours. I've eaten. I just can't believe it.

    I do feel sore right now with discomfort level of 1. I had my last pain meds five hours ago, so the stuff is really working. A couple hours after surgery my pain was at a 4 with soreness mostly centering around my ribs. I also think it's going to be hard to get up and go to the bathroom. I'm not moving my arm or chest, and I get some real twinges when I do.

    Anyway, I just wanted to reassure those preparing. The pre-op nurses commented that my heart rate was very high before surgery (between 100 and 120) so I was highly anxious! I can tell you with great confidence that it wasn't necessary. These nursing teams truly know what they are doing. Trust that you'll get excellent care.

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  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2017

    Pamela_2016, thank you for taking the time to write to all of us! My upcoming BMX is next Tuesday and I appreciate hearing how you are doing? My surgery is next Tuesday (February 21st) so I am all ears! Continue to keep the positive attitude and keep us all posted! Sending you gentle, but big hugs and happy smiles for a great continued recovery! :)

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  • denisel
    denisel Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2017

    oh great good to know, I am also going smaller.

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  • denisel
    denisel Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2017

    Reginac, Good luck with your surgery. I can't wait to hear how you feel and prayers sent your way!

    Denise

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