February 2017 Surgery

PickMoreWildflowers

Hi All,

I'm sorry to meet everyone under these circumstances but I am blessed for all support.

On Nov 1, I had a skin sparing mastectomy on the right with the TE over the chest muscle. I have mye next surgery Feb 27 for permanent implant.The TE is pretty uncomfortable. If you haven't been told, you loose feeling in your chest, that was a tough one for me.

Post surgery, I lived in a men's zipper hoodie sweatshirt & button up flannels. I'm a medium but I bought everything XL to make it easier to get on & off.

I was extra cautious with germs, I used a clean wash cloth or towel each time. I bought an organic wedge pillow on Amazon, $30, which proved to be a lifesaver. I also had plenty of prune juice & smooth move tea, I did not want to deal with constipation from the meds. High fibrous smoothies helped. If someone is helping you with the drains, make them wash their hands beforehand.

The week before my surgery, I drank as much water as I could, goal- gal a day. I drank 32 oz right before midnight the day before my surgery. I was told it helps in recovery.

I thought the surgery was going to be dreadful but I was pleasantly surprised, it was not bad. I made myself walk as much as I could in the hospital and once I got home.

Also, I would recommend buying a box of the little alcohol wipes for the drain.

I'm 3 months out, exercising, little stiffness in shoulder, but I'm sleeping on my stomach and can raise my arm all the way up.

Wishing everyone a healthy & speedy recovery.

Pamela_2016

Hally to see the mid February group doing alright. Hello Rebacfsn, summer-fl, and divas sista. so sorry if I forgot anyone, but as I see you each go through each day along with me, I feel kinship and happiness for you too.

One thing we have in common, and I hope it's helpful for those of you who are next: it is not as bad as you imagined. Uncomfortable, yes. Constipation issues to work out, sure. That first view in the mirror, a shocker. but it is surgery that we are all recovering from and each day does get a bit better.

Now for an important question. I haven't washed my hair yet!Today must be the day!!! could you do it yourself? Did you go to a salon? Did you have a loved one get in there with you and just scrub it up? I guess all of the of these could work but I am worried about trying to reach up and have twinges in my chest. Iwent to the salon the day before, so at least my blowout has looked good :-)

abg712

hi Lisbeth,

I had a unilateral mastectomy (left) and SNB 2 weeks ago today. With tissue expander put in. I would say the mental fear was worse than the actual pain. A few things from me:

- I am a big pain wimp and found overall, it was a tough 2 days in hospital, a rough first week at home. Then things got real better/ easier starting day 7 for me.

- I had to stay 2 nights and 2 days because I / we did not stay on track w pain meds. Reco: Take them on schedule (4-6 hrs) the first days in hospital, even if you feel like no pain. Keep them up. I was on : oxy for more acute surgical pain and Valium for inner tightness and deeper muscle hurt. I took both in hospital and went home w both. I found they were each effective for different discomfort. At home I went off Oxy after a few days, but still needed the Valium for a full week or 9 days.

- get a nightshirt that buttons down the front and flannel shirts with front buttons.

- also the front zip up surgical camisole is comfortable and easy to put on - it has drain holders that you use, then remove

- Now, I am on Aleve 2 weeks later - still need it daily as I move more

- I got a "husband" pillow for sleeping half upright. It helped the first few nights at home.

- you need to stay ahead of constipation while on oxy etc, starting in hospital and at home: colase pills or other, prune juice, and more.

- with drains, you also take an antibiotic.

Removing the drain did not hurt me. I asked if I shd take a pill before and they said no. It was ok.

- Started the light arm stretches and exercises 12 days later.

Focus on having a complication free surgery firstly! Do what they tell you, push and ask questions, wash your hands, report anything unusual and focus on healing.

Xxoo

EastcoastTS

Thank you everyone for the advice and tips! 2/27 just around the corner for me. Gulp.

Hahlyn

Heartfull - Good luck today praying for smooth surgery and speedy recovery!

Hahlyn

DivaaSista

Hi ladies - I'm going in for my 1st post op surgeon's appt. in about an hr. after my double with no recon and lymph node removal.

Not gonna lie - I'm pretty nervous... a couple of days ago it seems as if a new pain or discomfort kicked in. Kind of made me wonder if I should have kept taking the prescription drugs... a couple of times I bumped my ptc mortin to 800mg. This morning I may do 600 about 30 min before my appt. But wondering if I should not take any so I can tell her where I'm really experiencing pain.

I'm anxious about the whole drain thing being pulled. And I have this sticky adhesive over my 3 incisions that I think she will pull off today!!!! Oh my word! I evendors tried lifting a tiny piece and that is NOTHING nice...I'm taking deep breaths EVEN as I type.

Also my chest is not flat, rather hard and lumpy in some parts like there Andre little rocks in places...is that even normal???

I will definitely give an update after I return... going into surgery was even more calming than this... I prefer to be knocked out when it comes to all things discomfort or pain related... lol

Thanks for the vent!

HarleyMama

Hello to everyone. Reading this board has been very helpful. I got a package today with two shirts I ordered for post surgery. They have removable pockets for the drains. I opened it up To find a pillow to help under my arm along with a hand written note. She is a 6 yr. survivor. I just stood there and cried.

I'm a week away (2-28) and the anxiety is at times off the charts. I'm trying to stay busy. Fortunately the weather has been nice and I've been able to get away for long rides on my Harley. Wind therapy is the best for me.

Good luck to the ladies going in this week.

Hugs to everyone that is recovering.

We are all strong women.. We can get through this.

Pamela_2016

thinking of you DivaaSista. I did have reconstruction but there are still some weird bumps and scar tissue things going on with me. A visiting nurse says it's all completely normal. It will just take some time for the tissue to calm down and settle in.

like ABG, I cannot emphasize enough the need to stay on that med regimen every 4 to 6 hours. Have someone wake you up to take pain meds and relaxants at least the first three days. I moved to motrin only by day 5.

I have been feeling so surprisingly well, that one thing I have done very wrong is entertain far too many visitors. It's been Grand Central Station here since day 2 and I'm exhausted tonight. But tonight happens to be my 50th birthday and two girlfriends are cooking an elaborate feast for us. I can't call out on this one. So I will nap until then. But I hope you all will do better with this than I did. Just say no. Visiting hours between 10 and 12 and that's it! or something like that.

nayda985

DK what website did you use to order your shirts?

I am having surgery on Friday...very nervous...but I know everything will be fine..i have to put it in God's hands.

Hahlyn..so sorry you are going thru all this with your picc line...I have a port...my first port wasn't put in correctly which caused me grief..but when I got the second one put it correctly...it worked like a dream..no problems...hope they give you a port lady and end this grief the picc line has caused you.

Hahlyn

THanks Nayda!

Yes Dk where did order your shirts my surgery is scheduled for Monday Feb 27. They may not arrive on time but would still like to have.

Thanks

EastcoastTS

Pamela2016:

Has the visiting nurse been helpful? My insurance covers one -- but have to ask Dr. to approve/order. Worth it?

Glad you're doing well! (Or so it seems if you're even up to visitors!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, too.

Pamela_2016

East coast TS,

The visiting nurse just reassures me that everything looks fine. It's good to have that second opinion when your drains are still in and you are still waiting for your first post op appointment with PS or surgeon. I have seen her twice and that is enough.

I had told most people that I didn't want to see anyone for the first four or five days. I expected to be in pain or a drug-induced kind of delirium. glad to say that has not been my case at all. My mind changed in the hospital and I let a few people come up and say hello. And then have felt well enough for visitors ever since. I've been surprised.

everyone seems to experience this within a range, but differently. I have been enormously lucky and have found it to be anuncomfortable but not painful experience.

thanks for the birthday wishes. it started with lobster bisque and ended with a tray of desserts to choose from. Memorable.

LisbethS

Thanks abg, Pamela, DivaaSister, ajbclan, DV, Pickmorewill, and everyone for all the great information. DV, I too would like to know where you ordered your shirts. It's going to start heating up here soon so I don't think my flannel shirts will work. I don't think I can do the satin as that will be too hot. I'll need thin cotton that's for sure and I have no energy for shopping except online. I get hot when I sleep.

My PS didn't say anything about providing camisoles with pockets for the drains. When I had my first MX the drains had clips on them so I could clip them to my PJs and when I went to another doctor's office, they all commented on they had never seen drains that came with clips and how cool they were so I guess the clips were unusual. I have a new doctor so I hope they have the drains with clips too. I could move them around depending on how I was sleeping or if I was going out I could hide them easier, very nice to reposition them anywhere I wanted.

Hey Nayda, I remember all your port problems from our chemo group. Freaked me out. Glad you got a new one. Are you getting yours out with surgery or do you still need it? My BS said she'd remove it and my MO said it was ok, but I was thinking of getting it removed later with my TE/implant transfer instead. It was so nice to have the port for my IV when I was in the hospital, but that's probably silly since I will only be there a day or two, knock on wood.

I have such trouble taking pain meds (narcotics or NSAIDs like Advil) on an empty stomach, even a little bit empty and I'll throw up. I've learned from previous surgeries to have a snack at my bedside that doesn't require refrigeration and is easy to wolf down in the middle of the night with minimal chewing and nothing dry that get's stuck in my dry throat. Snack pack pudding works for me, but I do get tired of it. Anyone else have problems and/or found a solution to round the clock pain meds and empty stomach?

This is so nice to have all you ladies for help and support.

LisbethS

Somehow I missed a page of posts.

Eastcoast, thanks for the article about pain. I'm going to ask my PS about that. Sounds easier than a pain ball or pain pump, or whatever they said I was getting.

DCISinAZ thanks for the offer, I'll PM you about it. I see you're in PV which is very close to my PS but far from me, but thanks, you are so sweet.

nayda985

Hey Lisbeth!....That's a great question about my port...that's a question I forgot to ask my surgeon...I am going to ask them that today..ty!

Yvonne_M

Gig, hope you get your surgery today! If not, there's a good reason, I'm sure.

EastC, thanks for that article!

Summer, glad you are doing better.

Prayers for all, I'm talking God's ear off!

Pamela_2016

Waiting to hear from heartfu and gigs. hope you are well, thinking of you

HarleyMama

For those asking about the shirts I ordered. This is the website

http://www.mastectomydesigns.com/store/c1/JSAWmast...

I got my order in less then a week would have been sooner but the holiday added to it.

Hugs to all, 5 days and counting

Hahlyn

Nayda - Good luck tomorrow. Praying for Gods covering over you.

Hahlyn

BCinGA

Hello Everyone,

I'm 38 and found a lump in 2014. It didn't set off any mammogram or ultrasound alarms until it grew this year. I thought I would be in the March surgery list so I've been lurking, but I found out today that I'll be having a lumpectomy on Feb 28th. We've waited so long for so many test results that I'm glad the surgery part will (hopefully) be over soon. My mass is right under the edge of my nipple, so there is a good chance they'll have to take it. I'm option out of reconstruction during the surgery, but who knows what the future holds. I wish everyone luck in their surgery!

Hahlyn

BCinGA - Welcome to our group sorry we are meeting under these circumstances. Surgery is coming up soon..my surgery also a lumpectomy is scheduled for Monday Feb 27. Hoping for an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery for both of us.

Hahlyn

LisbethS

Good luck tomorrow Nayda! Hahlyn, in case I don't get on this weekend, good luck on Monday, I'll be praying for both of you.

BCinGA, sorry you have to be here but welcome. Sounds like things are moving fast for you now, that can be a good thing, the wait can be the hardest part.

Thanks HarleyMama for the link. I'm going to get one of those shirts and an MX heart pillow. Summer weight front closure shirts are so hard to find, and hot days are around the corner here

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Reginac

As I sit here this morning I cannot believe I have surgery on Tuesday. I am having a dmx with DIEP reconstruction. I have been 4 weeks without chemo and that makes me nervous. Surgery makes me nervous. I have so much I want to get done before I go in. Staying calm is becoming more difficult every day.

And don't really know what I am nervous about is the worst part. I love the BS and PS. They are two of the best. The PS is amazing. My boobs will probably look better. But they won't be mine. But they won't try to kill me either.

nayda985

Thanks Hahlyn and Lisbeth!!!

I made it!!!

Thank you for the prayers....I had to be at the hospital at 5 30 in the morning yesterday for pre-op...my surgery started at 8 am..i was in surgery for 2 hours...I was in recovery for 1 hour...I came out of surgery doped up...lol...my fear leading up to surgery was not waking up from the anesthesia...I finally put it in God's hands and the Lord woke me up...the anesthesia though was very hard on me...I kept throwing up all night long...couldn't keep anything on my stomach...I have 3 drains...the nurse said I couldn't go home til I could keep some food down without throwing up...I finally was able to this morning...the nurse showed me how to empty my drains..they showed me some exercises to do with my arm and also gave me a book explaining each exercise...I follow up with my surgeon on Tuesday...he told my family that my surgery was a success..I was so ready to go home..they finally let me come home this evening...MY Breast Are Gone!! I look down and they are gone...I haven't had my cry yet...but it will hit me in a couple days..just glad I am home and alive.

Thanks for the link for the shirts Harley.

Hahlyn are you doing?

Hahlyn

Nayda I was waiting on you girl! So glad you had the strength to jump on and give an update. Thank God for his covering! Rest and take it easy.

My day is coming up Monday. Giving it to God

Hahlyn

heartfull

heartfull here!!! Just a quick update! I'm feeling really good! On day 4 from surgery & feeling so happy that the surgery is over! The lymph nodes came back fine so far! Staying strong & getting stronger! 😊Sending you all love & gentle, gentle hugs!!!! More soon!

Hahlyn

hearfull - Thanks for checking in and giving an update. Glad to hear you are doing well. It gives hope to those of us who are next in line. Continue to rest.

Hahlyn

Castigame

hello

My apologies because I am not funny or friendly type at all. I probably get help a lot more than I contribute.

Doing quite OK. Nerve pain subsided. It feels like I am getting electrocuted though. My DH helps me a lot. I even did PT routine for 45 min today while singing hymns using youtube.

Made drAinage requirement for 3 consecutive days. I can't wait to have these removed and get on the chemo train. Thinking me and my hubby will have steak wine followed something something for desert the night before c

I am glad i am alive and will plan to keep it that way for another 40 yrs. We promised each other 50 yrs and we only been together 10

kkdavis1961

Tomorrow Feb 28 I am going in for a excisional biopsy surgery. I have already had a core needle biopsy and it was negative. The BS says that after 6 months it still looks worrisome. I'm hoping for the best. Just hate the waiting. I'm really scared what they will find. Wish me luck.

nayda985

Thinking of you Hahlyn....your going to be great today...I am praying for you lady!