April 2017 Surgery

cjs9473

buffyjc - The only negative I've heard about saline implants is that they can ripple at the top. I'm not sure about any other problems. I'm getting cohesive silicone implants ("gummy bear") but now I'm in a quandary because of the report about textured implants and cases of ALCL. I've read that a specific brand, Allergan, were shown to show up in a lot of the cases, and I'm getting Sientra brand, but that doesn't make me feel much better. I understand why plastic surgeons prefer textured (less chance of capsular contraction). I've also read that the cases of ALCL were usually patients who have undergone revisions due to developing a seroma. But I'm still torn about what to do. I don't think that going flat is for me. I also don't think I want DIEP with how long the surgery takes and longer recovery.

I've had a couple surgeries under general anesthesia and didn't have any side effects. I was like you for the first one, very nervous - I remember how my mother reacted when she woke up from surgeries and it sort of scared me. But it wasn't bad for me at all.

I hope that all goes well for you!

sholt1213

Surgery scheduled for April 11, double mastectomy with reconstruction. I previously had a lumpectomy tumor in left breast, with precancerous cells in the right. After surgery discovered cancer in right breast as well.

Decide to have double mastectomy with reconstruction. First surgery healing and recovery went smoothly.Waiting to be informed if need chemo. Just feeling overwhelmed

aterry

Hope88, thanks for starting this thread. I've skimmed through the postings but need to go back for details. Thanks to everyone who has posted and shared and my heart goes out to everyone making difficult decisions. I've just been scheduled for April 17th for a lumpectomy. In my case the MO and surgeon made the decision, in consultation, and I didn't need to sort things out as so many of you are doing (I would have spoken up if I disagreed with the drs, though). My post Taxol MRI looked good (an earlier ultrasound after AC showed no shrinkage at all so this was unexpected good news). All over this site I've read many posts about problems with plastic surgeons. Friends who have been through this have had similar experiences. Is there something about the speciality that attracts difficult people, do you think? I've heard this saying about surgeons, in general, "Often wrong but never in doubt."

Trishyla

Hello, April surgery sisters!

Since there wasn't an April surgery thread at the time, I put my name on the March list, but technically this is where I belong.

My surgery is scheduled for April 4th, and I'm starting to get nervous. I hate the idea of going under anesthesia, especially for the 12 to 16 hours my surgery is expected to last. I just keep thinking I might not wake up. It's such an odd feeling.

I know the long surgery will be tough on my family. My husband, my only sister, and my oldest daughter will be at the hospital for the duration. My son lives a couple of hours away, in San Diego, and has to work. My youngest daughter will be starting her final quarter at UCSD. They'll be getting updates from the oldest daughter. I just wouldn't want her to have to give them bad news by phone.

Man, I'm feeling morbid tonight. Got to snap out of it, I've got another week of waiting. Eek!

Trishyla

aterry,

To reply to your question about plastic surgeons, I have to admit that I really don't like mine. I trust him, because he's very good at what he does, but he has a personality that really clashes with mine. I do my research, ask a lot of questions and am very opionated about my treatment. He seems more comfortable with the " because I say so and I'm the expert", while I want to always know why.

My breast surgeon, on the other hand, is wonderful. I adore her, trust her, and wouldn't trade her for anything. She's the first person I met with after my diagnosis and is the one who's been with me every step of the way, reassuring me and answering every question I have.

The funny thing is that she calls herself "The Destructor". She's the most positive, calm, upbeat person I've met duting this whole process. Very un-surgeon like.

Trish

Hope88

Hey All,

Welcome Aterry, Trish, and Sholt!

Trish, looks like you are going to be the first April surgery so far. I know what you mean about getting nervous. Now that I have a date, I kind of just want it to get here so I can get it over with. Surgery for that many hours does seem daunting. Do you have any mood stabilizer to take? I plan on taking Ativan the day before and day of surgery.

Aterry, nice to see you over here. Glad to hear how much your tumor shrunk. My plastic surgeon came highly recommended and so far I like him. He left the reconstruction decision up to me, but we discussed all the alternatives. I do think it is important to be on the same page together.

Well, it's late (but of course having difficulty sleeping) so I am going to try and rest my mind and body.

We've got this ladies!

BG46TN

HI everyone! I have to go back and read up from the weekend (you ladies were busy posting!) I met with my breast surgeon on Friday and My surgery date is set for April 17th! ack...now that its planned it seems so close!! The good thing is I am off work (teacher) the week before for spring break so I have time to get ready at home, and get my kids all situated for when I return....

I have to go in on Monday to have preop testing....and have to go in the day before surgery for the lymph node mapping (which will be Easter....hmmm wonder how that works...the hospital I'm having surgery in is about an hour and 15 min away.....I wondered if they would even do it that day, but the nurse said the hospital is alway open...so yup LOL (I knew it was always open, just didn't think they did planned tests etc on sunday, let alone Easter ha ha)

I had my last chemo yesterday :-) yay!! My twin sister surprised me and showed up to sit with me (my husband had to get the kids off to school etc since my appt was early) it was so nice, made me cry, she showed up with balloons, a basket full of "pink" goodies, and pink donuts! Then we went out to lunch after to celebrate, the guy at the next table overheard us talking about my last chemo and he bought us drinks (offered alcoholic but since I can't drink lol I took an iced tea) there are some really nice people around...even our waitress gave me a hug before I left :-)

now I"m going to start getting anxious about surgery...I've NEVER had surgery before and never been under anesthesia...so I"m a little nervous...

DawnLee

Hi Trishyla,

It looks like you're two days after me. Where are you having your surgery? I'll be at NOLA.

Tpralph

I was diagnosed march 10 for IDC 1/4 cm, just had a mri and awaiting results. have my preop this Thursday with my NP. Then to see the surgical oncologist april 7 to tell me about surgery.  I hope that I am having surgery in april.  What is the usual waiting time for surgery if you are not having neo adjunctive chemo?  I will be a month out when I see him.  He said it takes a bit longer if you want reconstruction surgery same day.

BG46TN

Tpralph do you know what type of BC you have? Mine is triple neg so I had to do chemo first, then I will have surgery (april 17th) I was diagnosed in Oct, started chemo in Nov....

With some types they like to do chemo first to see how your tumor responds....but Im sure your MO or breast surgeon will let you know all that.

good luck!!

Trishyla

Dawn Lee,

I'm in Los Angeles, so NOLA is a little too far for me. I will be having my surgery at City of Hope hospital. It's a world renowned cancer center, with plenty of DIEP procedures done each year, so I know I'll be in good hands.

I'm having my surgery on the 4th, so I'm two days before you.

Hope all goes well for you. I hear NOLA is a great place to get your surgery done.

Trish

Gkim

my surgery tentative day is april 11. I'll know tomorrow after the presx consult. Simple mastectomy. No reconstruction.

sholt1213

Well wishes we have the same surgery date

dcdrogers

Hi all.....I was diagnosed in November and started chemo in December. I'll have my last chemo on March 30. I'm awaiting a call from my patient navigator to schedule surgery and it looks like it may be end of April. I've met with both BS and PS and will meet with them again before surgery. I'm having a BMX and planning on having the "one-step" direct-to-implant procedure. PS says she will shoot for direct-to-implant but if there's an issue with my skin then there's a possibility she will need to use TE' s. Fingers crossed that my skin is healthy enough after surgery to place implants directly in. I'd like to bypass TE' s if possible.

-Dee

Hope88

Hey All,

BJ, glad you got your surgery date. Now the real nerves kick in. My pre-op is this coming Mon., 3 days before surgery. I just got the official note in the mail, and I will be having some nuclear dye or something the morning of surgery for the lymph nodes. I am getting nervous about pain; don't have much pain tolerance. Do you plan on going back to school this year after surgery? My surgeon told me that recovery for the mastectomy without reconstruction is about 2-3 weeks, so I only took off till the end of April. I may take an additional week in May if needed. That was a nice surprise from your sister. 🤗

Welcome anybody I missed! Dee, I hope you get to have the one step procedure.

Tpralph, I think many women have surgery first. How fast they schedule you depends on your tumor growth rate, surgeon's schedule and other factors. Hopefully you will get a date soon because the waiting causes us much anxiety.

Gkim, are you planning to have reconstruction at all?

Well, hope everyone has a good night.

BG46TN

Hope88, I do plan on going back to work...I think I am going to tell them I need 5 weeks off...but I want the option of coming back sooner if I am feeling better, drains out etc...I dont want to use up all my sick days if I can help it...

I have a friend at work (also a teacher) who had a bmx 2 years ago and she was only out of work 3 weeks...so I just hope my drains are able to come out in a timely fashion LOL

Good luck with your testing etc...yes they told me I have to do the radioactive dye mapping the day before surgery (I wish it was just done the morning of instead) its so when they go in they can see where your lymph nodes are and the path they take...or something like that LOL and supposedly we will pee blue for a day or 2...so don't be surprised lol

BG46TN

Hope88 I think I do have a pretty high pain tolerance (I had all 3 of my kids with no epidurals or pain meds) BUT that being said I am nervous about this pain LOL

One piece of advice someone in the March surgery group told me is to tell the anesthesiologist that you get nauseous/throw up easily...they will give you extra nausea meds in your drip, so you don't wake up throwing up, which is common (and not fun with new incisions) so I am going to tell them this LOL

Gkim

God bless on ur sx, no I'm not .see I have implants now since 2009, then my dx last month, I just don't want to deal with implants later in the future, while I'm still thinking that the cancer might come back in other areas. My back hurts already as it is, I just don't want other problems to come up. And flat looks good too , it will make us thinner and sporty . Right now, I look plumper. I just need to get used to looking at myself in the mirror. There's. Website that I like called leave me breastless , and the flat n fabulous . Which help me a lot in my decision .

Lula73

hanging in...

Give the people in NOLA a call and talk with them about your questions and concerns with the recon. Breast reconstruction/restoration is ALL they do everyday, day in, day out. No butt lifts, face lifts, laser hair removal, or anything else-just breast cancer surgery. They are mot just doctrs there, they are artists as well. Talking with someone livetime who is knowledgeable in the procedure and has the experience behind them to pull from after doing these types of surgeries on women of all shapes and sizes is very helpful. There is no charge to talk with them via phone consult to better evaluate your options. Here's their info: breastcenter.com 504-899-2800

Hope this helps

BG46TN

Those of you having a BMX, How long are you planning on staying out of work? I'm a HS teacher, my surgery is April 17th....I told them yesterday I am taking 4 weeks with the option to extend if I need to. I really hope I don't need to extend it since I don't want to use up all my sick days...since you never know with this cancer crap whats around the corner...and I'll have dr appts etc too...

A friend of mine has a bmx almost 5 weeks ago, she thinks 4 weeks should be good...she is going back to work next week at 5 weeks out, but only works a few days a week and every other weekend (in a hospital)

I figured it will prob be 3 weeks for drains out etc...then add in dr appts, follow ups, expander fills (how early do they start those after surgery?) and I'm an hour and 15 min from where my surgeons are...

I guess I"m just babbling LOL

cjs9473

I am getting very low on sick days, and I just put in my request for two weeks for my April 10 surgery. My doctors told me two to three weeks. If I go past three weeks, I will have to dip into my annual leave. Luckily I have a desk job, so it shouldn't be too bad for me when I come back.

Gkim

My sx , with lymph node thing will be on april 11. No reconstruction. I'm expected to be back to work in floor in med surg night shift may 12. I think it should be enough hoping for no cording, or other complications .

Logang

The dye for the sentinel node biopsy does make your urine blue. I had the dye put in the morning of surgery. I had a catheter in and definitely saw my blue urine!

Had my preop appointment for my 4/10 surgery. Excited to find out that I only have to be off for 2 weeks instead of 3! Glad to not need drains this time! Two rounds with them was plenty!

Tpralph

bg46tn

Nope don't know what type. They tell me they will remove it first; however that was just after the mammogram and ultrasound when it was only one point four centimeters. After the MRI I had on the weekend it was 2.5 centimeters so now it's twice the size. So I don't know what he's going to plan to do now I see him Monday and I'm hoping he's going to have some answers for me. Yes it is very anxiety ridden this waiting. I just don't want to wait too long and then have the damn thing spread to the lymph is if it hasn't already or further than that for that matter.

Tpralph

hope 88 thank you. I hope so too. Waiting waiting waiting. I guess this will continue for awhile. I really hate that I have to be here but everyone here makes it a bit easier.

Hanging_in_there

I am waffling over whether I want to have reconstruction or not. I have a one chance, which is to add tissue extenders and then get implants later. (I will be having radiation). Most of the autologous recons, I cannot do. And the ones I can do, I don't want to risk (butt), or don't want to give up my back muscles.

Last week I knew I wanted reconstruction during this one chance. Today I don't want to have all that extra surgery and recovery time. I'm an old mom of a 9 year old, and spending more time in bed staying away from my son is not appealing. Does anyone have any words to the wise in helping me make this decision. I have 3.5 weeks until surgery. I'm hoping in that time, I'll stop waffling and some clarity will come.

I did find it most helpful to see a friend's garments for using with prostheses. It doesn't look as scary as what I imagine.

Hope88

BG, you had all three children without meds? Wow!!! I am a pain wimp, so I expect to be in a haze the first week. Then, I can hopefully ease off the serious meds. Plan on taking 3 weeks total with an option of an additional one or two if needed. I have to save some time for reconstruction later this year (anticipated recovery is 6 plus weeks). Thanks for the tip with anesthesia. I had to have it last year when they put in the port and I did ok. I don't know about the time for expanders, but I was told the recovery time when you have a BMX with expanders is longer since the PS is involved and the procedure is more involved. You should be fine.

Speaking of pain, is anyone having a nerve block? I heard this can help a lot with the pain. My PS told me he will use one with reconstruction that will last 3 days. I hope I get one with the BMX. The thought of drains is making me nervous.

So, I will be peeing blue, huh? Lol 😂

Hangin, you have to make the decision of course, however I would hate that for you to lose the option of reconstruction down the road. A little extra time for peace of mind the rest of your life may be worth it. Whatever decision any woman makes about her body is not wrong. It is the right decision for her. I hope and pray you can decide and have peace with your decision.

Tpralph, hang in there. Just a little while longer. My thoughts are with you.
Everyone else, we are getting closer to surgery day!!
We've got this!

Oh, a little humor to brighten up your day, my crazy coworkers are throwing me a party before surgery (this coming Tuesday). It's called a "Ta-Ta Hoo-Rah!" These people....lol. And yes, my officemate, fellow teacher did ask me first. I thought she was joking about the party, but no! I will have to let you all know how it was. Hoping to laugh bunches.

So, ta-ta to all of you!👯👏👍🤗

BG46TN

Hope88 so funny about the party for your boobies!! I should have one too! Maybe a special toast at Easter dinner since my surgery is the next day :-)

yup all 3 kids...no meds...not sure what I was thinking, but I'm more afraid of the meds then the pain ha ha but I WILL be taking all meds offered after this surgery for sure!

Gkim

leavemebreastless.com Flatand fabulous.com Pinkpepperco.com

Warrior2016

The last time I was on here I was trying to make the choice between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. My breast MRI after chemo showed about 2 cm of residual cancer in the breast tissue My tumor had been 4.1 cm but the chemo did its job and it disappeared. Unfortunately ten days after the MRI I discovered a tumor the size of a grape. Apparently without the chemo the cells are going wild. So, the doctors made a decision for me and I am having a bilateral mastectomy on Thursday the 6th.

It really helps to know that other people have the same fears of surgery as I do. I, too, had natural childbirth with my children and people always applaud me for that but I got something at the end - my boys! With this surgery I am losing something and the emotions are all over the place so, please, give me the pain meds. I don't expect the surgery to be too painful, though, as I am not having reconstruction; I have chosen to go flat. My fears are more the anesthesia and dealing with the loss of my breasts.

I really need to be grateful as I am a retired teacher. I have the luxury of not having to return to work and my children are all grown. Blessings to all of you and I will be sending positive energies your way to help you all heal physically and emotionally.