September 2017 Surgery Group

Castigame

Dodgersgirl,

I understand your nerves. For what is worth Chemo is the biggest evil among treatments.

About appetite, it will be nonexistent mainly due to painkillers. I would get variety of groceries. This way if one does not appeal to you go w next one. Painkillers also give constipation so earlier you can reduce it the better. Appetite comes back within 12 hrs after reduction.

About pain killers, you will be given some strong stuff. Take every time because most intense pain lasts about 72hrs after surgery. Also take any painkiller refill offer. Any additional painkillers will come in handy for later surgery you have planned. I heard some drs or hospitals give only extra strength Tylenols these days due to opioid crisis.

Wish you speedy recovery

Mimi

IntegraGirl

I had my surgery Aug 31 and I was fine the next day as far as appetite was concerned. I didn't have a sore throat and really just ate regular meals. I'm not moving a ton this week because I have three drains in so eating accordingly. A wise friend gave me dried prunes to snack on . Good call on her part

I keep up with my pain meds and feel not too bad although I do feel like I'm welded together in the morning. I find showering is a pain with the drains so have body wipes to use between showers.

I sleep propped up on three good big pillows because of the drains. They are hopefully out on Monday. The surgeon told me yesterday to have a quiet weekend .

I bought a handy garment (bought two so that be could be washed while I'm wearing the other) that has pouches to tuck the drains and tubes into. It's easier than trying to pin them onto clothes.

My range of motion is not bad although when they tell you not to lift more than 5 pounds, they mean it

DodgersGirl

integragirl- thanks for all the information. Hoping to leave hospital with only 1 drain as that is what BS said generally happens. I haven't figured out where to sleep yet. Thought it would be in my recliner the first few nights but the recliner handle is on same side as my surgery. DH is sleeping in spare bed after having surgery 4 weeks ago and our regular bed is a waterbed. Seriously considered a hotel for a few nights. Plus it would have room service!

Rebamacfan123- thanks for posting! My BS is only giving me Tylenol 3 which has never really worked very well in the past for me. I just keep reminding myself that each day should bring an improvement. Hubby is so much better now after 4 weeks post surgery so I hope to follow in those footsteps.

Question- how soon after surgery do you start working on range of motion?

IntegraGirl

I asked my surgeon the same question and he said after the drains are out. I'm on Tramacet for pain killers and they work well

DodgersGirl

integragirl- thanks again. I remember my RO telling me not to wait too long before working on range of motion but forgot to ask BS that same question. Will ask while in the hosp

DazzlingEagle

Hi. And hi, dodger's girl from the April 2017 chemo topic. Hope everything goes smoothly for your procedure on Monday.

My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 20. I will have an axilla rescission for the large tumor there and also a lumpectomy on right side. Also some sort of lymph vessel bypass. Before surgery, an ultrasound guided guide wire to locate tiny tumor in breast for the lumpectomy and also blue dye for lymph nodes. A couple days ago I had all the pre-op and the nurse said I will have pump for pain meds which will be an opiod. I have to be admitted for one night. The excision for breast tumor won't have any bandage; it said it was an open air closure. But possibility for two drains. The nurse made me demonstrate I could manipulate the drains by myself and my fingers and nails are still a little sore but I could do it. Even though I don't want to do it. They gave me a chart to record the amounts from the drains.

DodgersGirl

dazzlingeagle- thanks for the detailed info on what's to come!

I do worry about milking the drains as my fingers are still sore from Taxol, too. But figure, like everything else we didn't know we could do while on the kill cancer journey, I will take it one day at a time!

I am having the U/S guided wire placement just hours before surgery so have to check in at hospital 3 hours earlier than original plan. BS had always said since I was doing mastectomy, I wouldn't need the wire. Something clearly changed last week when this process was added to my day on Sep 11.

DazzlingEagle

Dodgers girl, I was just wondering, is the department where you get the guide wire near where you have surgery? So what time do you have to report for the guide wire? I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending good thoughts your way.

For me, the guide wire and surgery are going to be two buildings away from each other and the nurse said it would take half an hour for transport from surgery to come get me and take me to the surgery center! Ugh. She said I would be in a hospital gown already but I also read you are allowed to change back into clothes. If I'm allowed I definitely want to change back into my clothes. I think my sister is going with me for the guide wire but it's really early, around 6:30 a.m., so I told her she didn't have to, she could just meet me at the surgery center a couple hours later. It's about 2 1/2 hours away so we are staying at a hotel. I have to call the day before for the exact appointment time.

I've been practicing being calm and breathing and not freaking out right before the surgery. I was calm during chemo sessions because I was at peace with that treatment decision. I am not at peace yet about the surgery. I keep on wondering if it's the right decision, if I'm going to cause massive damage to my arm. But if the tumor is left in, isn't there a greater chance the tumor releases cancer cells into my blood? I don't know. The first surgeon I was seeing didn't want to do surgery. Was she right? Is this surgeon right?

I'm worried about being able to keep my scarf or chemo cap on. I don't want to be taken to surgery and then in recovery where everyone can see my bald head. No one has seen it except my oncologist and one of the MRI techs.

Castigame

DazzlingEagle and Dodgersgirl,

I know both of you are full of nerves about upcoming surgeries. Pleass hear me out.

I had a very bad mammogram late Dec 2016. I seeked three surgeons each from different hospitals. All told me the same set of treatments. I did not want to accept that I needed all that traumas to my body.

I was advised by the BS that lumpectomies were possible but my remaining boobs would not look pretty at all. He also advised he would take out 2 nodes min from the left about 20 from right arm. I came out of radical MX 17 nodes out 4 pos extracapsular extension. Stage 3A 7 mm surgical margin. 4 tumors removed. Biggest tumor was 3.5 cm. Modified MX left 2 nodes out 0 pos nodes. 1 tumor removed. Stage 1A 1 cm surgical margin. As a result of nodes removal, I have a mild lymphedema in my right arm which is under control. I have done PT, wear compression sleeve and flexitouch pump. Due to 6 week long radiation, I have not used the pump almost 2 mos. I just have slight fluid retention.

When you wake up from surgery, you may feel relieved even though at the same time very sad possibly angry. Looking at surgery scar could easily make you cry a river. You are also likely to have intense pain when you wake up at your home.

please be gentle re everything. Wish I can help you with drains and changing bandages in person. I struggled at times with mine bc I sure did not want to ask my DH to see my body waste. If you feel pain which feels it is tugging your body, lidocaine spray helps. I used lidocaine spray quite a few times for my right side (sensitive due to multiple nodes)

Please remember completing surgery means 2/3 way done for your treatments. And both of you are done w chemo which is bigger evil than surgery.

Wish you smooth and speedy recovery

Mimi

DodgersGirl

dazzlingeagle- I was told to check in at the hospital and they will take me across the street to the building where they do mammograms and ultra sounds. There is where the wire will be placed. I will be brought back to hospital to await surgery.

Nothing about this sounds fun. Especially if I have to make that trip in hospital attire. Sigh.

I am bringing my chemo hat and stocking hat. Hope I can wear to U/S, too. Crap.. don't want to be pushed here and there in public with a bald head and butt hanging out.

Will be glad when this leg is over

DodgersGirl

rebamacfan123- thanks for the description of what's to come.

Thanks for the well wishes, too!

I had always planned that hubby would help with the drains since he can see and get to them so much easier that I think I will be able to. But since his surprise open heart surgery, he isn't as agile as he was this summer!! But we will figure it all as as we go thru this all this week.

I don't have a follow up appointment yet with BS. Their nurse will call me each day to check on drain amounts and schedule my first follow up after drain amounts lessen. I do have follow up with MO on Sep 20th. They hope to have pathology by then.

Thanks for the tip on the lidocaine spray. I have that one hand for joint pain.

DizzyGirl

Dodgersgirl,

You probably won't feel like cooking so foods that are ready to eat or require little prep work would be best. I didn't really have much of an appetite so soft foods are probably best.

DizzyGirl

DodgersGirl

Dizzygirl- thanks!

I ended up getting frozen dinners and canned pears which just sounded good!

EastcoastTS

I had my mom and husband help with drains. With limited range of motion, it would have been hard to drain and record amounts. Don't forget to have alcohol wipes on hand. You'll need to use those when you drain. Keeps everything sanitary.

Also, my BMX hospital (MD Anderson) recommended Hibiclens (available on Amazon and Google for instructions to use -- something will certainly pop up), however, my Exchange hospital did not. I did it anyway with Exchange, because I had a post-op infection the first time around. It's just strong liquid soap that you wash area to be operated on for 3 days prior to surgery. Another step to reduce chance of infection. Some docs recommend, some don't. But it cannot hurt. (Cannot be used on certain areas and face.)

DodgersGirl

eastcoastts- I was given Hibiclens by my BS and will shower tonight with it and then again in the morning. Sleeping on fresh clean sheets and pillowcase. Try to ward off infections, for sure.

AngelaJL

I was also told to use Hibiclens Tuesday night before bed and Wednesday morning (surgery day) before heading to the hospital.

utjoy

Hey all...I had a left mastectomy on the 1st and a right lumpectomy with the wire guide. It was all in the same facility so I was taken the 'back' way for privacy...the procedure wasn't bad at all. I had an ultrasound with a clip placement the week before that was not so great, it hurt but the wire placement wasn't too bad. It's all 'doable' because it must be done...dang it.

I haven't had time to be 'down' as my DH had cervical spine surgery on the 23rd and ended up with complications and 2 trips to the ER...the last one the night before my surgery, he thankfully was put on a different floor than me (snark). He just got home (to our daughters) yesterday (9th) and is still not very independent. I've been traveling 45 min. each way to visit him at least every other day along with having to do what shopping I needed after my surgery due to his issues...(hence the snark!), I swear, men can be big babies, he tends to forget that I had surgery, too, & I must remind him that I can't 'help' him much...lol...I do love him, but, dang!

I have some pain on the mx side...mostly, the one drain is annoying, incision on r breast is a bit infected...drainage is 30 to 35 cc's a day still. My rom is good, nurse told me to do the t-rex and ps said do not do the t-rex...I can reach out really good, up is tougher. Stripping the drains IS a bit hard, especially with taxol fingers. Still doable.

I kept my scarf (beanie) on in the or cuz it was cold and was surprised that is was still on when I woke up! They were careful with my neck and I had no throat issues.

All in all it is easier than chemo...I didn't really have time to mourn, don't know that I would have anyhow? I opted for TE w/alloderm sling, post pec (no choice, ps isn't sold on pre-pec at this point)...was able to save a lot of the skin, filled 100cc's during mx.

Hang in there! One more hurdle cleared...this damn hill that turned into a gigantic mountain will be climbed & conquered by each of us...alone and yet quite a group of warriors who never knew we had it in us. I'm forever grateful for this forum and all who share their stories, pains, fears & triumphs.

God bless.

DodgersGirl

utjoy- thank you for the update. I have wondered how you and DH were doing.

I sure hope my hospital has a "back way" between buildings!!

You are so right that this journey shows us all how strong we are..... and I agree with you that these forms are soooo helpful

Wish you a speedy recovery ... and hope DH heals quickly, too

Flygirl12

hey dodgersgirl,


I had my BMX on the 1st and with the nerve blocker and pain meds, I felt great and had full appetite when I got home. Wish I hadn't indulged so much though because 4 days out I was very blocked up and it was the worst part of the whole surgery experience. Make sure you have stool softer, and honestly, would take it easy with food just in case you run into the same problem as me. The long surgery and pain meds did a real number, but Im happy to say that 9 days out, I'm feeling great. Try and have your helpers pack small meals and put them in the front of your fridge so you can get to them easily. Also, use a water bottle instead of cups, makes drinking water easy.

Good luck!

DodgersGirl

flygirl12- thanks for the info!

My BS does not do the pain ball. She told me she isn't convinced it does anything. I told her that so many other people said it was very helpful...Toni avail.

raven4mi

Late in posting but sending good luck vibes to DodgersGirl on her surgery today.

littlebee72, great news on the clear margins and no node involvement!

AndraLee , GrandmaV, CindyVS23 and DazzlingEagle, sorry you're having to join us here but welcome.

I've also been given an anti-bacterial soap to shower with for a week before surgery but it's not the same name; used it before my last surgery as well.

utjoy, thanks for the update! Glad things are going relatively well. Sorry about all the issues with your DH as well! Wow! You've got a lot on your plate but you sound like a strong, capable woman. I'm glad you're doing OK!

DodgersGirl, I know I'm late to the game on this and you're already on your way to surgery, but I also had no problems with appetite after my initial BMX or any of the subsequent surgeries for that matter (six in total.) I'm lucky, though, that I am able to tolerate the anesthesia with no side effects – a lot of people experience nausea from that. I also never had a problem with constipation from the pain meds, but I was pretty much off them after only three days so I think that helps.

I am shocked by all this talk of having to be moved between buildings for procedures! I hope that they take your modesty and concerns into consideration. It drives me nuts how they don't seem to have any problems just flaunting you around. I remember nine years ago when I was having radiation treatments, like all the other rads patients there I would go in and put on a gown and then sit in a little waiting room which was basically just some chairs sitting in a hallway. One morning, they were having a reception in the radiation center for all of the artists who had worked on a mural that was painted on one wall of the rads room, so all these "lay people" were just roaming around the hallways while those of us there for treatment are sitting there in our hospital gowns waiting for treatment. I was LIVID and refused to come out of the dressing room, then let them know in no uncertain terms how completely insensitive it was of them to assume we didn't care that all these people would be able to ogle us. I mean, it's bad enough that the hospital personnel are traipsing past you constantly, but at least they're there for a reason. My RO was extremely apologetic about it and said it would never happen again. Hopefully, it hasn't.

DodgersGirl

Home from surgery.

Got to hospital at 830 am. By 1030 am was wheeled over to the other building for the wire placement wearing a hospital gown. Nurse at pre-surgery check in was concerned about modesty so she put another gown on backwards to hide my bare butt ( which I appreciated). Taken to ultra sound room, given lidocaine and then wire U/S guided wire inserted. I was sore after that procedure.

Wheeled back to hospital and waited about 2 1/2 to be taken to surgery.

DH wasn't able to wait thru my surgery. He felt sick ( had open heart surgery 4 weeks ago) so DD had to take him to my elderly parents to wait out my surgery)

Surgery went well. Pathology won't be back for 7-10 days.

I was taken for surgery around 130 pm and was taken to my room around 730 pm. (Surgery around 3 hours. Then recovery. Then wait for a room)

Was told I could order whatever fir dinner. No diet restrictions. Wasn't really hungry but was very thirsty and mouth dry so got ice asap. For dinner I ordered 2 jello cups as I learned my pain meds were PRN and if I asked for them, I should have them with food. Jello cups were put in the refrigerator for later.

Oh- ursine was blue from the node dye that was done during surgery.

Went to bed around 11 pm. IV of saline. Cuffs on my legs to help prevent blood clots.

Up around 550 am this morning. Sitting in a chair, watching tv. BS visited around 7 am and a resident doctor who was in my surgery, visited around 645 am.

Was told I could go home after being shown what to do with my drain

No pain at all so far. Did not take any pain meds after surgery, not even via IV. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. I feel amazing. I have good range of motion even reaching up to my head.

I have pain meds on hand should I need them. But even after the ride home, I still gave NO pain.

Think I will sleep in the recliner tonight as I slept in the bed last night with my head up like being in a recliner.

Thanks for all the well wishes !!

GrandmaV

Dodgers Girl

So glad your surgery went  so well and thank you for the step by step of your surgery.  Helps to know what to expect.

DizzyGirl

Great New DodgersGirl! I'm glad you are doing so very well.

raven4mi

DodgersGirl, glad to hear you're feeling so good after surgery! Remind me again what kind of procedure you had?

Also popping in with good luck wishes to AngelaJL who has surgery tomorrow.

DodgersGirl

Question- will there be an increase in pain in the days to come or is it possible surgery really is easier than chemo ??

Thanks GramdmaV and DizzyGirl for your comments

raven4mi

DodgersGirl, I had very minimal pain after my BMX. I had more pain from the incision and the drains than anything else and after only a day or two I was using only Tylenol for those. As I've said, it's remarkably easy to have your breasts cut off, shockingly.

DodgersGirl

raven4mi -- thanks! It just totally surprises me the lack of pain so far. Am sure once the area starts to heal and pull I will grab my Tylenol.

My BS doesn't believe in using that pain ball that others have mentioned so I had worried about the initial pain.

AndreaLee

Great news DogersGirl ! So happy to hear it went so well ! Sending more well wishes your way!!

Kiwifluff

Hello everyone. This is my first post but I've been reading since my diagnosis back in January. I'm on day two post surgery and feeling rather down in the dumps, which is not surprising. I'm super pleased that my lumpectomy went well but really quite disheartened that having been told my cancer hadn't gone to my lymphs, that in fact, my surgeon found it had travelled. I won't know any more until my post op meeting with her which is two weeks away. I'm worried that the histology report will show that between my PET scan and starting chemo that the cancer travelled and I didn't move on treatment quick enough.

I'm an idiot - I felt my lump back in August 2016 but didn't get it checked until December by my GP, and I pushed out a mammogram another few weeks so i could get on with christmas and new year with my family. January rolls round and all systems were go, i had my pathology report and started x4 AC and then x12 taxol. I'm petrified that in those weeks that I delayed things that my cancer snuck through and made itself comfortable elsewhere in my body.

I just feel so stupid and emotional. sorry for blurting it all out.