February 2017 Surgery

Bluebird1013

Hahlyn,

I hope they get the blood clot issue resolved for your peace of mind. I know every thing that happens adds to your stress. Do you know why some of us get picc lines and others a port? I guess I don't know much about either yet. I get a port on March 1. Thanks for all your posts. Up days and down days we are all in this together. Positive thoughts for all. Elaine

Pamela_2016

hello everyone,

Hahlyn, I really hope this blood clot thing gets worked out. Thinking of you.

Yvonne, they told me the same thing about seeing an oncologist only after surgery, but I insisted and I'm so glad I did. It was important to me to hear about my treatment plan from someone with that particular perspective. The surgeon is thinking about surgery, plastic surgeon is thinking about reconstruction, and oncologist is thinking about the cancer. I wanted to be 100% sure that, for instance, I shouldn't be starting tamoxifen until after surgery. We already knew I will need it, so why not take it then to keep it from growing while I was waiting for surgery? It turned out that she didn't think that was the right thing to do and explained. But again, hearing it from an oncologist put my mind at ease.

Also, I was having anxiety since I had multiple tumors. I had three show up on mammogram and a fourth show up on MRI. All small and it turns out they stage based on the largest tumor in the group. I needed to be reassured that staging was not done on th cumulative size. Also, to my mind the multifocal tumorsmeant I was working something more aggressive and I was very upset about the six week wait till surgery. Didn't I need this faster? She explained that this is just a different kind of presentation, but not an indicator of severity. She was able to tell me things about my biopsy path report the reassured me that this was not moving too fast. It gave me great peace of mind.

I understand the protocol that includes seeing oncologist only after the pathology report is in. It may not be medically necessary, but if treating the whole patient, I think there is the need to treat the mind as well. This helped me psychologically. I am glad I insisted.

Hopeful1212

I too am a part of the February group, BMX February 28th. It can't get here soon enough!

Yvonne_M

Pamela, thank you for sharing that with me. How are you feeling?

Castigame

I am relieved that the surgery is done. I did take a very close look at my flat chest. I thought i would cry a river but not a single tear came out. Extreme pain from all the limp nodes removed from the right side. Only one was removed from the left for biopsy and turned out to be benign. My dh picked up some type of bug from the hospital stay. Crossing fingers for clean margin. I pray for speedy recovery for me and everyone

Hahlyn

Rebamacfan glad to hear from you. Praying for speedy recovery and clear margins! Hope dh feels better soon.

Hahly

HarleyMama

Hopeful1212

We have same surgery day. I'm also having bmx. Are you having reconstruction? I've had 2 lumpectomies and unable to get clear margins. So reading to move forward. I'm so anxious, the 28th can't get here soon enough. Sending you hugs.

Anonymous

Hi Ladies- I had a BMX w/TE's on 1/31. TE's are definitely uncomfortable as I had read. I had some swelling under my arm near the site where they took the sentinel node, and saw the surgeon yesterday. She said to not use that arm and see if the body re-obsorpes the fluid. Now I notice the elbow in the same arm is slightly swollen and it's freaking me out on the inside. As Hahlyn, I had a blood clot on 12/31 most likely from my IV chemo treatment. Hahlyn- it was painful and swollen. It was harder for me than the chemo! I ended up in the hospital, but finally got it on track actually with my primary care Dr. But now I'm not sure what this is...clot? lymphedema? fluid just moving? who do I call? surgeon is out tomorrow, PS? PCP again? Ugh....just so frustrating!

Pamela_2016

well, my first lesson learned. My pain was beautifully managed in the hospital, but I made the mistake of thinking I could take the lower dose of Percocet once I got home. Don't do it.

I will certainly wean myself down today or tomorrow. But the first day after surgery is NOT the day to experiment with the half dose. The pain got to about 7 and it was incredibly difficult to move to bathroom or get in and out of bed last night.

i'm less than 48 hours out, and taking 2 Percocet pills of 325 mg every 4 hiurs to get through this second night. immediate and good relief. and Valium is definitely your friend in the first couple of days and probably long

abg712

abg712. Left mastectomy Feb

abg712

Pamela, I also had multi focal. 5 spots in all on left breast. 2 were found on ultrasound, 2 were found MRI, 1 was found in surgery. 1) it makes me significantly question the right breast more and 2) I agree this presentation feels scary and more aggressive. I have been searching for a multi focal BC oncologist (ER+ and right after prehnancy)in NYC without luck. Not the way they organize their specialties but I am worried.

Pamela_2016

i'm going to see a second oncologist at University of Pennsylvania in about 10 days, so if I learn anything different about multifocal presentation I will definitely let you know, abg. The one oncologist I talked to at Jefferson removed my alarm. she thinks The size, lymph node status, and ER positive were more important factors in my case. But always good to get a second opinion. We can compare notes.

Anonymous

abg and Pamela- I had 4....they lumped it into calling it a "mass", and it took me a while to realize there were more than 1 (too much to think about as I went right into chemo). I was worried too, but my oncologist I think was the same thought as yours as they're not worried about the amount (as I was always doing a BMX)- it was the other factors like you said that came into play. I want to let you both know as well that I got a complete response to chemo. I had an ultrasound after 3 chemo treatments and it looked like 3 were shrinking but the biggest one was holding steady. Pathology report came back last week that no residual cancer found. So hang in there.

Giginb

Hi Everyone,

My surgery is scheduled for 2/22. My pre op bloodwork may delay my surgery. My WBC came back last week (3 weeks PFC) low 2.6. I find it strange how my WBC and RBC is lower now than it was during chemo. My MO had me take 1 neuprogen shot on Wednesday and I had my blood drawn this morning. I will be having a lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy implants removed and replaced with smaller implants and a lift. I originally planned on implants removed and not replaced but PS convinced me I would not be happy with outcome. He also gave a something called Venapro. They are cuffs/wraps for my calves that are electric/or battery charged (have not opened box yet). I am suppose to wear them at least 8 hours a day after surgery to help prevent blood clots. Does anyone else have these? I, like most everyone, am very nervous about my surgery and even more so about what the outcome of my surgery. Did they get clean margins? Has my cancer spread to my lymph nodes ? Pain? After my cosmetic breast implant surgery 16 years ago I was in so much pain I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I thought at the time if I knew how uncomfortable it would be I would have never done it.

Anyways, I am happy to have found this place. I pray everyone has a speedy recovery.

LisbethS

I have a some questions for those of you that have already had your surgery especially those with BMX and TE/implants. I'm scheduled for March 10.

What meds did they give you in the hospital, particularily for pain?

How long were you in the hospital?

What meds did they send you home with for pain?

Did you take anything for pain when you had the TE fills?

After scheduling my surgery, I'm getting a little worried that my PS is going to be one of those doctors that is frugal with pain meds. I'm really worried about the pain management, because I've heard it can be quite painful. I probably sound like a drug seeker.

My PS said that I should take Motrin for the TE fill appointments. Are the fills painful? Can I do them without Motrin--NSAIDs make my asthma worse. Can you drive yourself to the TE fill appts?

They told me I'd be in the hospital for only one night. That seems like a short time to me.

Thanks so much!

DivaaSista

Hi - Today is the 1st day I created an account and this is my actual 1st post. Until now I have just been doing 'drive bys' (hopping on the site secretly scrolling and reading the comments, stories and journeys of others).

Last night I just got home from my scheduled DMX with TE placement (Surgery on Feb 15th). After surgery I woke up elated to see I only had 2 drain bulbs but then realized so thing must not have gone as planned. My surgeon had informed my family that due to the amount that of tissue and that had to be removed that the skin was too thin for TE placement during surgery and that it could be completed after pathology reports were in to make sure all margins are clear. At 1st I was bummed but every step of this journey has been preordained so I just trusted what I couldn't control.

I stayed at the hospital 2 1/2 days. Surgery was Wed morning and I was released Friday evening. I'm 42 and mom of 5 so I was grateful for the time there and I think not having the expanders in now has helped A LOT!!! To the ladies that have had the TE insert at time of surgery ->You.Are.The.Real.MVP!!!! I know God knew what He was doing by having me wait.

I was given Norco (hydrocodone and accetimophen) for pain at home every 4 hrs. (I only took it 2 times since home and this morning chose 3 motrin instead.)

1 thing to all you about to go in... the constipation they tell you about is real!!! Do anything and everything to get ahead of the game on this one. I didn't plan ahead of time because after diagnosis I changed my diet to pretty much all plant based (1 because I opted out of all conventional treatment such as chemo recommended by my surgeon and onc. But that's a whole different thread...) So with my diet change I thought I'd be good, however the pain meds do back you up. I pooped for the 1st time today in 4 days! (And I usually poop 1 - 2 times a day). I'm hoping I'm all in the clear now. I have been very open about my diagnosis and journey through Facebook and when I pooped for the 1st time I literally wanted to FB it live. Lol!!!

I send my love, prayers and "atta girls" to all you warrior chics! You all can do it! I'm recovering now and have nothing but time so if anyone needs to vent or needs a laugh or needs to feel sane around another person walking a similar walk hit me up or friend me on FB. My friends and family thought my live video after surgery (a little high I might add) was pure comedy.

Moderators

DivaaSista,

Welcome to Breastcancer.org! Thank you for finally joining and posting! You're sure to find our Community a wonderful, interactive experience where you can learn much, meet friends, and gain knowledge as you navigate your treatment journey.

Also, big warm welcome to Hopeful, gig, and the rest of the newbies!

Thank you for sharing your experience and for being here for others as we are here for you. We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

Pamela_2016

hi Lizbeths,

Q: What meds did they give you in the hospital, particularily for pain? A: in hospital I was given oxycodone, Tylenol, Valium, and something called Neurontin. I stayed about 24 hours.

I was sent home with Percocet, and Valium. after a rough 1stnight, Motrin was added to my mix. In the interest of me taking one, not two, tablets of highly constipating Percocet. This mix of Motrin (every 6) and Percocet (every 5) has worked very well for me.

I am taking Valium every six hours to prevent muscle spasms. This has not been an issue for me at all so far.

I am also taking a stool softener, but that has not worked yet. I think it may be time to add metamucil to the mix. I am only three days out from surgery though, so not uncomfortable yet.

I was told by friends to expect 5 to 6 "acute" days and that has not been my experience. The night I got home from the hospital my arm and chest was very sore, about a seven. But I have never been out of control since, and have been surprisingly alert.

my biggest issue has been getting in and out of bed. Wish I could've had a recliner, but lots of pillows and a helping hand on the back make all the difference.

haven't had any TE fills yet, so I will look forward to others advice on that. But I know that my goal is to go low and slow.

LisbethS

Pamela thanks so much for all the great answers. Did they give you a pain ball? Not really clear on what it is exactly, something like a pump with local anesthetic for the first 72 hours. They're giving me that.

I also found out my doctor does fills every week, 60-100 cc. I didn't realize it was that often. His office is really far away, 45-60 minutes, longer during rush hour. My husband can't take that much time off from work and all my friends work, and that's too far for my mom to drive. It seems like driving would be painful at least for the first few weeks after surgery, let alone if I need something for pain or for my anxiety. Don't know what I'm going to do.

We don't have a recliner anymore either. We're going to go look at them but don't know if we could get one in time. I'm a side sleeper so the PS strongly encouraged me to get one. But I can't sleep on my back or in a recliner so don't know what I'm going to do about that.

Let me know how your TEs go, wishing you painless TE fills.

Divasister, sorry you didn't get your TEs but sounds like it worked out better for you. I still have my arsenal of meds for constipation from chemo so I'm not too worried, plus just getting over a bad case of c.diff. which i caught at the hospital for a hysterectomy, so a little C might help the D and I'll have normal poop for once. Lol!

Anonymous

Lisbeth- I had BMX w/TE's on 1/31, so I'm just shy of 3 weeks out. I was in the hospital for 1 night (had the option for 2). They told me in the hospital to just make sure I let the nurses know if I needed pain meds, I stayed on it regularly. Now I can't quite remember, but do know I had percocet, and also had that for home. I do remember suggesting to the nurse that I alternate with another pain med, but now can't remember what that was. I did Tylenol (500mg) and Percocet the first few nights, but went straight on Tylenol after about day 5ish. I'm honestly more uncomfortable in a way since the last drain came out....I think I did too much (which didn't feel like a lot) too soon, so swelling a bit around the chest. Spending these days doing nothing. Driving is uncomfortable.

Sleep - I spent the 5 months of chemo worrying about having to sleep on my back after surgery lol. I'm a side sleeper. I ordered a wedge pillow and neck pillow from Amazon and prop up additionally with pillows. The neck pillow helps (even though I didn't like it at first). I can't wait to get back on my side, but I'm sleeping ok...not great.

I took Benadryl for a while at night as I would get super itchy and uncomfortable (plus could help with sleep).

My PS is waiting a good month from surgery to start fills (but actually put a bit in at surgery time). He said it doesn't hurt (lol), but I'm going to take tylenol or something. I'm reminded that it's going to be tighter, so I'd rather be prepared. They told me every 1-2 weeks depending on my discomfort, and my PS does 60 cc's at a time.

Most of us want those drains out, but I want to just say that the drains are helping get rid of the crap in your body....once they are out we have to be really careful on what we are doing so we don't cause any other issues. My arm started swelling the other day and it freaked me out and was that reminder that I needed to slow way down.

Hahlyn

DivaaSista

Welcome to our group! Thanks for sharingyour story. Seems like your doing pretty good after your surgery. Thanks for the tip regarding constipation. I for sure gotta get ahead of that!

God is in control and knew what was right for you. Trusting in Him always!

Praying for your continued recovery.

Hahlyn

EastcoastTS

I'm headed for BMX on 2/27. I asked about the pain ball and was told they didn't do these but would do Exparel (bupivacaine liposome) instead. I honestly am not sure if they would have done this had I not asked about the pain ball. You gotta manage your own health care, wow!

Here's a good article about pain management from Angelina Jolie's surgeon. Ha ha. I know, maybe that topic is over-discussed -- but she must be a good doctor and she used Exparel! I Googled the med and that's how I found this article. My advice: ASK your BS. Because nothing will happen if you don't. But I'm pushy.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/health-answe...

I also talked to a woman today who had BMX in November and her PS used Botox. Which I've just read about. She had one-step and almost NO muscle spasms. I'm going to ask about this, too. Why not? All they can say is: no. I've had it before (just being honest) so my body is cool with it.

As far as reconstruction goes, I considered UMX (I'm possibly multi-focal, not sure. I did not do another biopsy on second spot seen on re-review of my MRI because I already had surgery date in place) but I finally just came to the decision that BMX is the best for my situation. Dense breasts, family history, possible high risk depending upon who you're talking to. Also, they found LCIS in my tumor, too, and the first diagnosis was ILC, now changed to IDC, but this is only on the biopsy path. So I wonder what the heck will truly come up with this in the final path -- and at least I won't be like: damn, wish I had known that and just gone BMX. Also, I'm really small (AA cup probably) and everyone concerned with cosmetic (which I realize it NOT getting the cancer out) has told me: girl, do BMX. But the final decision was me/mine/personal. You have to weigh all the factors and go with what you can live with or, heck, live without! But I'm not sure even when they wheel us into the OR -- is everyone completely sure they've made the best decision? I'm not sure there myself. Yes, I worry about more surgery and having to deal with both sides involved but...I want to make the best decision. If I made my decision from fear, I would go UMX. If that makes any sense at all.

We're with you! Support, wisdom, kindness, acceptance, understanding. You're not alone.

EastcoastTS

Whoops -- this was meant for another thread with someone asking for advice! I have multiple windows open. LOL. I'm a mess.

So going to cut and paste over there, too. Ignore my madness for reading twice but some is good info. (Botox/pain article)

Pamela_2016

I don't know about the paintball, but I think having something steady for the first 72 hours is going to be just perfect.

I am just finishing day three and finding that i canextend time between doses and feel just fine.

Sounds like it will be difficult to go get those fills, LizbethS. I wonder if there is a local support group with other women who have the same need that you do? Just a thought, but is it possible that someone else would need a ride and you could take turns getting each other tothe plastic surgeon in another town?

denisel

This pain management article is being printed as we speak and I will bring it to my surgeon Tuesday. I am scheduled for DIEP reconstruction surgery and hope this is an option for me. Thank you for sharing!

DCISinAZ

LisbethS - Where in AZ do you live? I also am in AZ and could potentially help you with some driving. If you want to PM me, we can see if it would work out. Hugs!

Pamela_2016

lots of water and then Miralax mixed with almond milk. Problem solved! feeling good.

Now I have to decide how much activity is good for me. Am I ready for a real walk outside on day four? feel pretty sleepy and low-energy, but maybe that's because I'm not moving enough. Any advice from the pioneers out there?

EastcoastTS

Are we supposed to take Colace BEFORE surgery for a couple of days? What is best way to combat constipation? I've read so many options and would love to at least manage that. I have Colace, etc., on hand but not sure what to do with it!

summer-fl

hi all, just wanted to let you all know that i came through surgery ok. i've been in pain but manageable with the meds. i was able to go from 9 last night till 4 this morning without a dose but when i'm awake i like to keep closer to the schedule. i've been doing my pt exercises very gently and walking around some. all in all i think i'm better than i thought i would be. more soon.

Hahlyn

summer fl- glad to hear your doing okay! Stay on top of your meds. Praying for speedy recovery