July 2017 Surgery

MsMisha

I was worried about the dye because there are some older threads on this site that mentioned it was really painful. So I called the nurse navigator and asked about it. That's when she told me that they'd switched to a new type of dye because they were getting those types of complaints. She said that was the main selling feature for therm, that the manufacturer advertised it was less painful. But I didn't feel anything.

I'm not sure this is a very recent change though. The threads that mention the dye being painful are several years old, and I couldn't find any references to it after about 2014. But when I heard about potential pain, I needed to know what to expect.

The part that she said was a recent change is using the magnetic seed rather than a guide wire.

Malizabeth - Unfortunately, i don't have any info on lymphodema or the pain you're experiencing. Hopefully someone else can help with your questions.

Felinemum - I didn't have special prep either. It may be based on the specific procedures being done, or maybe it's just the preference of the hospital.

RedJo40

Ladies,

It's been one week since surgery. Today is the first day I feel like myself. This by far has been my worst recover from surgery. Off pain meds, just taking Tylenol and the muscle relaxer. The needle in the boob before surgery wasn't as bad as the threads I had read. Thank goodness there is no cancer in my lymph nodes and it wasn't invasive, just a large DCIS. As stated before I had chemo and radiation with endometrial cancer and really didn't want to do that again. Meeting with PS tomorrow and hoping the drains come out. I haven't been producing much the last 48 hours. Still taking naps and having family take care of me.

Thinking of everyone as we recover and for those getting ready for surgery.

Redhead717

Thank you everyone for your comments and support. The unknown was definitely the scariest part of my biopsy and I'm hoping it will also be for my surgery. My reconstruction will be prepectoral, or over the muscle, so I really don't know what to expect. There isn't a whole lot of information out there or others experiences. I've read the whole thread on it here on BCO but it's still a relatively new procedure so still not a lot to go on.

Thank you to everyone who is checking in after your surgeries! It definitely gives me hope that this won't be as bad as my over active mind is making it out to be!

toughcookie_21

I am 1 week post BMX with tissue expanders and the plastic surgeon removed my drains today! I feel so liberated! They were very uncomfortable and the source of at least some of my pain. The stitches on the tubes were pulling on my sides and felt like wires poking me at all times. They hadn't been producing much fluid, less than 8 cc on the left and a total of about 12 on the right all of yesterday. When he said I'm going to remove them I was so happy. I didn't even have to ask.

I'm getting my hair cut off on Friday in preparation for chemo and planning a small gathering for my son's 11th birthday on Saturday. I'm starting to feel human again just in time to go in for my first chemo treatment. I find out next Tuesday what the treatment plan will be.

kae_md99

got my pathology back ,nodes clear and no signs of scarring. only residual invasive cancer cells remain. good margins...

rljes

Back from my MO, and I was told my HER2 was inconclusive for the 3rd time. (My BS told me it was negative) Even with the Mammaprint = Inconclusive. Something to do with "Luminal Type" (I'll have to look that one up)  MO said they will have to assume its positive and if I start Chemo after surgery, I will have the IV infusions as well.  Heavy sigh. I have lost 7lbs since Dx. This is just too much information to process.  And my dog is asleep and not listening. 

Has anyone else have the same issue with inconclusive HER2? Thx MsMisha for the update for the dye issue.  

Sarah_R

for what it's worth I'm going in forblumpectomey and SNB on Thursday and they have told me no special prep requirements other than no eating after midnight and clear fluids only. I get the dye three hours before surgery. (Can't wait...)

toughcookie_21

Hi haileys- how much lead time penguin need for the cold caps? I meet with the oncologist next week and should know better what chemo regimen they're going to recommend. I will be cold capping and working full time through treatment as well.

Rljessue- I was her2 equivocal after the original biopsy and IHC test. Then they did the FISH test on the biopsy tissue and it came back as her2 positive, but with weak amplification. I'm anxious to see what the results are from my BMX to see if the rest of the tumor comes back her2 positive. I read somewhere that different parts of a tumor can test differently just as different tumors in the same breast can be different. I'm not sure that this helps, but I'd be asking your MO if they've sent the biopsy out for the more advanced ISH test.

rljes

Thanks Toughcookie - my MO did say he might do another test. Didn't discuss it further with me.   I will follow up on the "FISH" test. Interesting.

FelineMum

Toughcookie,

I thought I'd share my BS' POV on cold caps: not very effective in most cases; very expensive; and she fears they could increase the odds of a recurrence in the brain due to less Chemo meds going there.

I used cold gloves. They work by decreasing the amount of Chemo meds that go into the fingers. This is important in the extremities because the meds stay there longer due to slower circulation. I started after two cycles because I was getting prickly sensations along with numbness in my hands. The gloves do seem to have helped - no additional symptoms and less of what had started happening. I wish I'd done cold socks because my feet now have mild neuropathy. My BS was okay with cold gloves because the likelihood of cancer in the hands is very slim.

Losing my hair sucked. It remains one of the hardest parts of having cancer. I swore I'd never leave the house without at least a hat or scarf; preferably my wig. I've only left "without my head" (as I put it) once because I was in a hurry and forgot. My hair started growing back and when it reached about 2 inches, I started wearing wide cloth headbands or scarves across my forehead and around the base of my hairline. I liked it. But after my final cycle, my hair started falling out again. So off to my stylist for another shave. I won't claim it's easy. I will say I got used to it. And my American Cancer Society wig is damn cute. I still get compliments on my new haircut from people I don't see often.

I'm not trying to tell anyone what they should do. I'm trying to share the information I have. FWIW.

Gigilala

I had BMX and SNB yesterday I stay 24h at the hospital

Nom I'm home and I'm happy to be at home at least I can sleep

The doctor gave me medicine for nausea before surgery and I didn't have vomiting

kae_md99

good to know you are home gigilala. get well and rest up.

rljes

Hi - Like your post FelineMum about your wig and hair issues. 

I have a question - those who have to sleep on your back since surgery, is this because of the drains or did you have reconstruction surgery? or none of the above.  I cannot imagine having to sleep on my back, it hurts enough as is.  I guess my Dog won't be able to sleep with me anymore. 

And Toughcookie, you said your drains were removed early at one week.  Good for you - what was your secret? 

Gigilala

thank you kae_md99

rljessu: I have to sleep on my back because I have bilateral mastectomy and I have 4 drains I cannot sleep on my side it hurt

Gigilala

i finish chemo June 27 I ask my oncologist about supplements he said I don't need any supplements

My question : do you take supplements?

And for hair what do you take? I just bought nioxin

kae_md99

Gigilla, i take biotin

Jumpship

Biotin for hair and Doctor's Best Curcumin with merivia to help with the side effects of tamoxifen/menopause and vitamin d

Jumpship

I am 2 years out from my bmx. My last chemo was a doozy. While it wasn't a supplement acupuncture and lymphatic dean massage were key in my recovery. Everyone is different and you didn't ask for suggestions but I thought I'd offer that up. As soon as I can sit or lay down comfortably I'm headed in for one of thise

FelineMum

For Chemo side effects, if you'll be getting Neulasta, take Claritin. It helps reduce the bone pain Neulasta can cause.

toughcookie_21

I had both drains and reconstruction so I had to sleep on my back. Even with the drains out, it hurts to lay on my side. My rib area hurts a lot. i have a really hard time sleeping on my back and have not slept well all week. Being in a recliner helps because it stops e from rolling over in my sleep.

No secret to getting the drains removed. I was very surprised when he said he'd take them out. They weren't producing much fluid though. It decreased very quickly over the weekend and by yesterday morning had only 1 or 2 ccs from all of Monday night.

shelabela

I had a check up today! And it was great. Sutures look great. And I had a complete pathologic response to chemo. Clear margins and all!😂 so happy.

I didn't get drains out yet. Maybe Friday she said.

Gigilala, glad to hear your home! How are you feeling?

Re Hair: I take biotin daily. I am 6 weeks past chemo and have incredible fuzzy hair right now.

Re sleeping: I was told until drains come out to sleep inn my back, I am not sleeping good though.

Gigilala

congratulations shelabela

Can u show me a pictures of Biotin please

I have same diagnosis

And same surgery: lymph node removal + mastectomy: left breast and prophylactic mastectomy right breast

Blipkitty

Hi Suzy,

Looks like we have similar Dx and surgery timeframes, and I have really missed sleeping on my side too. I'm starting to be able to move to my side more now. Lack of sleep has not been fun but this too shall pass.

The discomfort is definitely starting to get better now - a very supportive bra made the difference and I wear it 24/7. My Surgeon had to dig deeper for the SNB which recovery from that has been more challenging than the breast itself.

I'm hopeful that you are feeling better and you are able to sleep on your side soon. Best of luck to you and keep in touch!

Kindest regards,

Blipkitty

Jumpship

Yeah Shelabela

SuzyFL

Blipkitty.. thank you! I hope you too will be resting better. Some nights I sleep well, others not. I really need to go some yoga and stretching, but haven't made the time for it yet. I think it will really make my back feel better. I have another 2 weeks of waiting to get my results from the Oncotype test. As everyone knows, waiting is the worst feeling!

kae_md99

congrats shelabela,i did not get pcr as there were still residual cancer cells left but my nodes were clear and i am happy with the result..are you gonna still go with radiation

CA-Sunshine

Just a quick update following surgery on Monday, July 24 . I had a bmx with snb with alloderm and implant placement. BS says a minute spot was seen on 1 node but she didnt remove the node (why not) just sent for biopsy... Pain is bearable more left side (affected side)no nausea or vomiting..4 drains. My biggest problem so far is comfort.. Being on my back is hellish, and the slightest pressure to my left arm is very uncomfortable....But a speedy recovery to those recovering and good luck to those with pending dates.. l am on my way back to bed for a nap.0

lynae23

I had my BMX with tissue exoanders Tues & am home now. I just drained my 4 bulbs...it was pretty gross but I got through it. I was disturbed by seeing the incisions on my breasts for the first time. They were very lumpy and not smooth at all. Were yalls like that? Do you know if they will look better & more smooth over time? It feels good to have that tight bra off for a

toughcookie_21

My BMX w/ te's incisions are starting to smooth out. I had my surgery 1 week before yours last Tuesday. I agree the bra is uncomfortable and I asked the ps if I have to wear it all the time. He said I do.

Gigilala

I had BMX tuesday too and my surgeon didn't say anything about bra