April 2017 Surgery

cjs9473

My prayers for everyone having their surgery this week. Six more days until mine and I'm starting to get nervous. I've had surgeries before so my anxiousness isn't so much about the surgery as it is about the recovery afterwards. Another thing I'm worried about is the pathology report. After my third treatment my tumor wasn't visible on ultrasound but when I have my surgery I will be almost six weeks out of treatments. It's probably silly to worry but I'm so afraid it has reappeared in that time. So I believe Ativan will become my friend by the end of the week!

tnd22

Hello fellow survivors! I was diagnosed officially 3/13/17, though my radiologist who did the biopsy was sure it was positive and told me so on 3/6/17. It is the most common- IDC- on the right side, slow growing, forgot to write the ER+/PR+ HER2- in my signature, so all signs are good for me. The only problem is a columnar atypia in the left, not cancer but they don't know if it can turn into cancer. Both lumps would have to be removed either way. Also, got my genetic testing back yesterday and I was all clear for breaks/abnormalities. I am 49, just shy of the age where they really worry and at which BC is normally diagnosed. I have always said I would take them both if I ever got BC, and am scheduled for next week, 4/11/17, with a DIEP reconstruction later. Never had non-elective surgery before, and never been under general anesthia, so it sort of freaks me out. I still slightly wonder if a lumpectomy would be a good decision as well, the surgeons I saw leaned to the BMX but left it up to me. I didn't have to have chemo before and really don't want weeks of radiation after. There is a lot of reading here, so I don't know if anyone would see this, about giving advice of a lumpectomy vs mastectomy. Longer recovery I know, but I'd like to not worry about it (much).

Rukoni

Hi, everyone! My surgery has not yet been scheduled, but I'm pretty sure that it will be this month, so I was happy to find this board. I was diagnosed with IDC on Dec. 2nd, 2016. February 7th, I had a lumpectomy, which removed the invasive portion of the tumor, but did not have clear margins (No lymph nodes were affected, though!). After much deliberation, I chose to go with a re-excision on March 23rd; still did not get clear margins, so I am looking at a UMX (I'm not sure if that's the correct abbreviation for unilateral mastectomy.) with an immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I'm pretty sure that chemo will start for me three weeks after surgery, but I could be wrong. Really hoping that I won't need radiation.

Positive thoughts and so much love to all of you on this journey!!

Tappermom383

That's rough, Rukoni, having to go through so many surgeries. We all wish you the best of luck and hope you can soon see the end of this treatment process.

MJ

BG46TN

tnd22 welcome.....I am going with a double mastectomy, but I am triple neg with a gene mutation...so I didn't really get a choice of lumpectomy vs mastectomy...although before I knew all my information I knew I would choose a BMX given the choice....My mom had bc 32 years ago and my sister 3 1/2 years ago....both survivors! I didn't want to have the stress every 6 months getting mammograms, u/s, mris etc....and going through the fear of will they find something else (yes I will still have check ups and prob mris after this, but in my head my chances have decreased)

My oncologist and radiologist say that I still need to get radiation after surgery, even though I am having a BMX, no lymph nodes involved and a tumor smaller then 5cm (these used to be the guidelines for not needing radiation) they both told me that studies have shown that having radiation after chemo/surgery raises your survival rate....My MO said "its the best 6 week investment you can make in your life" so I will be doing it after I heal from my BMX on April 17th..

Rukoni- good luck with your next surgery!! sorry you have had to deal with this for so long....this cancer crap really seems to drag out huh? Welcome!

BG46TN

I had my Pro-op testing on Monday....it was quick and painless LOL Filled out paperwork, the nurse asked me a ton of questions about my health history and how I did during chemo etc She gave me the special sponges (wrapped in foil bags) that I need to use to wash my whole body the night before surgery, and use 2 the morning of to wash just my breast area, they will call me the Friday evening before to give me my time to show up Monday morning......then they took blood, and did an EKG...that was it!

I was worried about them taking blood as I was only 7 days post chemo...but she said not to worry about it, they know my levels will come back up by surgery day.

So now I am all set, I need to go for a mammogram and U/S next week so the surgeon can see if there is any residual tumor left (PRAY for nothing!! lol) I am a teacher so we are on spring break next week...which works out perfect so I can get everything ready at home to be unable to move my arms much for a while......I will also do a few fun things with my kids,

They hired my sub for work for the 4 weeks I will be out....and now its all getting real!! ack!

TND22 I have also never been under anesthesia, so I think that is my biggest fear at this point....

Moderators

Rukoni and tnd22, welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're sorry you're here, but at the same time we're glad you've found this great Community! If you need help around the boards or some information from the main site feel free to send us a private message. We're here for you!

Best wishes,

The Mods

BG46TN

Question: Should I remove any nail polish before my surgery? They didn't mention it to me at all...but I feel like I read somewhere that you shouldn't have any on?

buffyjc

Hello, everyone! I've missed a lot, I see.

Thoughts and prayers for those having surgery this week and for those who have already had it and are now recovering. ((HUGS))

My surgery is exactly one week away (4/12) and I can't quite get the nerves settled! I had pre-op with my PS yesterday. I walked out with 3 scripts and a urine sample cup with hibiclens to use before surgery (I shower at night so it'll be used the night before). I have pre-op at the hospital tomorrow morning. I'm really hoping and praying once I have that visit, my anxiety about surgery will go away or greatly diminish. I just can't shake the "what if" scenarios that keep dancing in my head.

On a side note, we didn't have a recliner at home but thanks to a great sale at LaZBoy, we now have two! I'm sure it'll be well-loved in the weeks ahead.

Rukoni

tnd22: I definitely empathize with your situation. Both a lumpectomy and a mastectomy have their pros and cons. With a lumpectomy, it's a shorter surgery, shorter recovery; you will, also, need to go in for regular screenings and, sometimes, it also carries the chance (as in my situation) of leading to further surgery if the margins aren't clear. With a mastectomy, you won't have to worry so much about the regular screenings (from what I've been told) -- so you'll have that peace of mind -- and you, probably, won't have to worry about further surgery... and, hey, new boobs! Of course, there is, also, the longer surgery time and recovery time. It is all about what you are comfortable with. I didn't think I would be too concerned about the regular screenings, so I chose the lumpectomy route. It may be different for you. Hope this helps!

Hanging_in_there

BG46TN - I just got my pre-surgery interview over the phone. And then I watched a video about mastectomy and anesthesia. So either the nurse or the video said something about nail polish. But I think it was a certain color she mentioned. So since I was not paying close enough attention, (since I am not wearing nail polish) I would say remove it or call the pre-op nurse. I actually was surprised they said anything about nail polish. I guess I need to go back and see the video again, it might have been on the video.

Gkim

just to be on the safe side . No nail polish. They do interfere with pulse ox monitor sometimes. So in case of emergency, I'm having mine april 11. And the mapping on Monday.

candles1

I wore nail polish and toenail polish to all of my surgeries (I have had many). Nobody ever commented or seemed to care. I just don't like the feeling of unvarnished nails (mine have always been brittle and flaky). So,for me it's a comfort issue more than a style issue, and it never occurred to me to remove the polish.

Hope88

Hey all,

About the nail polish, I asked and they told me I could wear a very light color like when you do a French manicure but somehow a dark color may interfere with the oxygen checking or something like that so I had to take off my dark nail polish and just go plain. I was trying to hide the way my nails looked after chemo but oh well. Anyway I go tomorrow morning for my BMX. I will let you guys know how it is on the other side.

Take careladies

itfinallyhitme

I guess I'll jump on the bandwagon. I'm scheduled for BMX on April 20. I still have a few questions for my surgeon.

I feel like I shouldn't be apprehensive, since I had a partial mastectomy and a resection last fall. Mammograms aren't looking so great now apparently, and I'm ready to get off the surgery merry-go-round they want to put me on. But a friend had to tell me a story about someone who died due to complications if surgery, and I had to listen, then I had to go look it up after it played in my head for a few days non-stop. I wish I had known not to listen.

Anyway, trying to get everything ready for surgery. Very busy time for me - I put the surgery off until after Easter, but Holy Week is very intense for us (and I do NOT want to miss any of it!) so now I'm just trying to do what must be done. I need to get taxes finished. :P

So I might not be very good at keeping up with the thread, but I wanted to join in.

buffyjc

Just wanted to chime in about the nail polish. Many, many years ago, a co-worker was having surgery on her back and was told no nail polish. Today, at my own pre-op appt I was told only clear or French manicure is okay on the nails. I'm planning none at all. Anyway, it has something to do with checking oxygen levels I believe.

My pre-op went well. No pre-surgery tests were ordered...not even lab work! The only test they need is a pregnancy test which will be done the morning of surgery. Get this...I'm having a SMX or UMX (single/unilateral...not sure which abbreviation is correct) and reconstruction on the boob that's misbehaving (LOL). I asked if I would have a private room and was informed the hospital only has private rooms but then the pre-op nurse says, "Are you spending the night? Let me look." I told her I haven't been told either way. She checked and it's showing as an outpatient procedure. I assumed, especially with the reconstructive part, that I would need to stay at least for the night. Needless to say, I've got a phone call into my BS to check with her. If she tells me to check with the PS's office, I guess I'll be calling him, too.

Do we have any surgeries going on today? How's everyone hanging in there? ((hugs))

BG46TN

Thanks Buffyjc....I will be taking my nail polish off before surgery, I may put on clear just to help keep my nails strong...

Interesting that they won't keep you overnight for a mastectomy (even for just 1) I hope you get to stay so you can get some good pain meds and rest.

I believe Hope88 is having surgery today!

buffyjc

BG, you make an excellent point about the clear polish...it would totally help keep the nails strong. I keep forgetting how general anesthesia does weird things to the body. I visited my hairstylist Tuesday evening for a touch up on my color and she said anesthesia can have an affect on hair because it stays in the body for a little while. Then, a co-worker told me her hairstylist said the same thing. So, it might be likely anesthesia could affect the nails, too.

BG46TN

Did you hairstylist say how it effects your hair? Mine is just starting to grow back after chemo...I don't want anything to stop growth LMAO!!

yea my nails are still brittle from chemo, I kept dark polish on during taxotere...'supposedly' it helps keep them from turning black and lifting...and it actually worked for me! not sure of the science behind it....lol but if it works who I am to complain? I did read that it keeps UV rays from penetrating the nail bed, which would affect the chemo meds....so who knows ;-) I would put it on a few days before treatment, and leave it on for at least 2 weeks after...then take it off, keep on only clear for a week, then re apply before the next treatment.

BG46TN

Looking through the March surgery board, many women are using "bed wedges" to sleep on....do any of you have one? how do you like it? how does it work? are you propped up enough? I do have a recliner in our living room that I figure I may have to sleep in for the first few nights home, but I would rather be in my bedroom if I can.....I have no headboard (we have a shelf type thing behind the bed) so I'm thinking I should get some type of wedge?? We also have one of those dorm room "husband" pillows I could use, but I have no idea how comfortable that will be....I'm starting to worry about how I'll get comfortable to sleep after my double mastectomy!

Any help appreciated..

candles1

Buffyjc, "outpatient" can mean up to 23 hour stay, I believe. My BMX with reconstruction was "outpatient" and I stayed overnight. Seriously, though, I'd have been fine going home the same day.

Molly50

Hi ladies, I wanted to say hello. I am from the March surgery group. Warrior, I wanted to address your worries. I think at minimum you should do UMX. You can always have an implant which is a pretty easy surgery after a few weeks of expanding the muscle/skin. My cancer was on the left and I tried lumpectomy but had extensive LVI so had to go back in for a mx. I ended up needing radiation even after mx. During the months I was waiting for my tissue to heal (and finding out I have a genetic mutation) I decided I would have the other breast removed. I just finished my exchange to implants on both sides March 21st. I don't regret any of my decisions. I am glad I took it step by step because once the breast is gone it is gone. However, with an aggressive cancer type I think the less breast tissue you have the better. Just my opinion. Feel free to reach out if you need any support.

dcdrogers

FWIW. I met with my BS earlier this week (still waiting on an actual date). I'm getting a BMX. She said I should plan to be in the hospital for at least 1 day. No more than 2 days.

P.S. My insurance provider will only cover up to 2 days unless there are complications.

aterry

I have everyone with surgeries this week in my pocket and I'm sending lots of energy through a very rainy stormy day. There have been many postings and good exchanges. BG46TN, pillow-wise I'm planning to use a huge stuffed dog that my grown up daughter left in our basement. It will look very silly but it's the perfect shape to keep me from rolling onto my side. Of course it will need a very thorough cleaning. A front closing sports bra arrived in the mail today. It has a zipper that is harder to close that I expected but my finger tips are still numb and recovering slowly from chemo. I think it will be OK.

BG46TN

My surgery is 9 days away...and my no sleep nights are starting already..I woke up at 4:30 am this morning and wasn't able to fall back to sleep...once my mind starts thinking about surgery, and all the stuff I need to do around the house before I am unable to do anything for a few weeks....ugh!! forget it, I never get back to sleep....plus I am addicted to watching April the Giraffe and waiting for her to give birth LMAO so I had to check my phone to see if anything happened overnight ha ha ha anyone else??

Thank Goodness spring break starts after work (school) today! We have a few fun things planned for the week but mostly I feel like I did back when I was pregnant LOL I"m nesting all over! I have a list of things I need to clean and get organized before surgery! oh and I also have to get Easter basket stuff together for my kids!

Anyone else nest before surgery? LOL

Aterry that stuffed dog sounds cute and comfy! LOL

Gkim

I started taking arnica yesterday. 5 days before and til 7 days after sx. I'm thinking it helped me yesterday. I was able to take a restful nAp, or it was just that i was so tired n exhausted. All the thinking m going.

buffyjc

BG-My hairstylist said anesthesia can cause both hair and nails to become brittle and can effect the outcome of the color if done too soon after surgery.

Candles-Thanks. I always think of "outpatient" as being just a few hours. Considering my surgery is scheduled for 8:15 am, maybe I'll be home by the night. I really wasn't expecting the nurse to tell me it would be outpatient but now that the thought has settled in, I'm okay with coming home if there's really no need for me to stay.

Hope everyone has a nice, peaceful weekend!

6cats

Well, I'm back for the second time, a "New" bc... lumpectomy almost four years to the day from my 1st surgery. Yuck!

Generally bummed that I'm doing this again... see surgeon next week for final path. But it looks like no chemo, just radiation and an aromatase inhibitor.

Just wanted to pop in and say hi

Tappermom383

Sorry you're back, 6cats. I don't know if t helps to know what lies ahead or not. For me, this is all new so I'm taking it one step at a time. Best of luck to you.

MJ

Brneyegrl6608

Surgery scheduled for April 11th. Nervous but ready to get this process started.