March 2018 Surgery Group

Linda2119

So happy to hear from you, Colleen! Sorry you were nausous, but other than that, sounds like everything went well! You're on the other side - way to go!

Keep us posted with how you are doing - and any advice you have for me!

Nikki444

I get my last two drains out Monday and it cannot get here soon enough! MO told me that my Oncotype results should be back around 4/4. Anyone else waiting

Anonymous

Nikki, I know what you mean about those drains. I got them out on Day 8 after surgery and couldn't have been happier.

Re Oncotype: I did neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemo because my tumor was aggressive, so no need for an Oncotype.

Mrsmcg

Linda2119,

I am doing a lot better day than I though. I have not taken any oxycodone since since I've been home. I went straight to taking Tylenol as needed. Since I have been home the worst part has been standing up. The incision under my right breast is what is giving me the most discomfort. After I've walked around for a bit if feels okay.

I'm pretty sure that my drain will come out at my follow up appointment on Tues. The drain could probably come out sooner, but There seems to be very fluid in the bulb. I just figured there is no point in the trying to get in to the dr a day early.

Walking laps around our house whenever I get up seems to help.

Linda2119 - I'm sure you will so well next week. When you feel up to it post here to let us know how you are doing.

jsm22

Sounds like everyone is doing well with surgeries. I'm 16 days post op now. Feeling very good. Got the all clear on Friday from PS to start raising my arm over my head again. Such excitement being able to wear non button shirts. I thought I would get my first inflation of TE at my 2 week appt with PS, but he wanted to wait another week before putting pressure on the nipple. I finally got my oncotype results last Thursday. The best news I've had since diagnosis 2 months ago, I don't need chemo! So then, I was able to schedule my flap reconstruction surgery for April 17th. Weekly inflation appts between now and then. It just feels good to have a clear plan finally. This week I go to MO for my first Lupron shot. Time to finally get rid of all those bad hormones that my cancer feeds on

Kaykat

My first post! I've been hanging back reading through different topics and discussions not really sure I would post. I'm 41, never had any surgeries, and except for migraines, in good health until now. I went for a mammogram and ultrasound on 1/31/2018 because I found a lump. Afterward, when the technician brought in the radiologist to explain what was seen on the imaging, I knew that meant bad news. All I remember her saying is “you have a lot of stuff going on in both breasts." I was quickly scheduled for an MRI the next week, biopsy the following week, and appointment with a breast surgeon the week after that. I ended up having four biopsies. Two MRI guided biopsies and one Ultrasound guided biopsy in my right breast and one Ultrasound guided biopsy in my left breast. I got the call on 2/16/2018 with IDC in my right breast. (The lump I found was not the cancer spot.) The diagnosis came as a shock as there is no history of breast cancer in my family. After many appointments and decisions to make I decided on double mastectomy. So far it seems to be stage 1 grade 1.

I've had good days and bad days. I've been so stressed that I've missed two menstrual cycles. Last week I had so much anxiety and was so depressed I stayed in bed for several days, slept my days away and missed work. Stress also brings on the migraines. Today was the first day that I could feel the stress falling away and I felt back to my normal self. I was even able to get back to my exercise routine, which helped a lot. What doesn't help is that I'm single, no boyfriend or partner to share with, help me make decisions, and go with me to appointments. (I had recently started dating after a nearly two decades relationship but I had to put dating on hold. This also added to my stress as I was finally happy with myself again and feeling better than ever.) I have family, they don't live near me but they can't really help with the decisions I need to make for myself. I feel like I'm going through this alone. I've also had thoughts that I'm making the wrong decisions, making decisions too hastily, and second guessing the surgeons I've chosen. It all seems to be happening too fast. I wish I would've pushed surgery out another month at least but then I'd worry about cancer spreading in that time. Anyway, my surgery is scheduled for March 30th. I'm having a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Since this will be my first surgery ever I'm a little nervous about entering a surgery room and a hospital stay. My parents are coming for surgery and to help during my recovery and subsequent surgeries.

I'm hoping no cancer is found in my lymph nodes. The BS does not think I will need radiation and I believe I will decline chemo if it's suggested. I also think I won't have to go on hormone therapy due to my triple negative receptors. My pathology will be repeated after surgery to confirm the initial results.

What I find myself worrying about constantly is how I will look after, with implants. I haven't found any discussions about this or breast size choice. I'm a 32A (105lbs, 5'2) and although I'm small and not losing as much breast tissue as others, I am already mourning the breasts I will lose. This I am having a hard time with. Anyone else?? I have no desire to be bigger and want to stay the same size. When I'm all healed up I want to still fit into my A cup bras. Are the tissue expanders filled a little bit during surgery or are they left in deflated and filled up slowly over time? It would seem there wouldn't be much to fill up on me? I'm still not sure about the decision to get expanders. The PS said using expanders first will ensure I get the best outcome aesthetically. The implants will be placed in a second surgery and fat grafting will be a third surgery. Can anyone tell me more about tissue expanders and your experience with them? What size were you before and what size are you after? Thanks!

Mrsmcg

Hello Kayla,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that you are going through this alone. Just know that we're all here for you.

I to have idc, stage 1. Cancer does run in my family - mom & sister. You might want to take the time to get a second opinion. I did and it made me feel so much better about my decision. I also had genetic testing done, and do not have the BRCA gene. None of the doctors felt it was necessary for me to have a mastectomy. I opted for a lumpectomy with mammopasty, which is basically a breast reduction with a lift which is all done in one surgery. The ps uses your own remaining tissue to reshape your breasts.

I just had my surgery on the 16th,and have been doing well. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Stay strong and know that we're here for you!

Colleen

joy2

Hello I wish to everybody who is having and had surgery good luck and fast recovery. Missmariss ! I wish your surgery goes well and you have a fast recovery. I am a BRCA1 carrier and my doctor recommended prophylactic BMX. He also he recommended me a hysterectomy too. I am getting other consultations now. if you have any other information to share please doo, I am very stressed if i must do this surgery or no. I am 46 years old.

JosieO

hello all,

Had my lumpectomy yesterday March 19th. Just excellent organization and pre-surgery preparation by the hospital staff made for a very smooth surgery. Surgeon told my family that he took more tissue (assume to ensure a good margin) and that I had minimal lymph node involvement. Had a nap, and only one pain pill. Back to Tylenol. My underarm stiffness is the only area I would identify as even noticing. So glad to get the tumor out and thankful for an outstanding surgeon and hospital staff.

Finally, thought and prayers to all who await their surgery date. Trust in your surgical team and all will be well.

And thank you to all who post here. The information and support is incredible

AgathaNYC

Joy2 - I'm sorry that you have joined our club but we're here for you. Have you been on the boards here dedicated to BRCA? I'm sure the women there will be able to share a lot of helpful information. Good luck on your consults!

Josie0 - I'm so glad to hear your surgery went smoothly. Isn't a great feeling to get that stuff out of you? I hope your recovery is gentle and comfortable.

Anonymous

My surgery was 2/28 and today was the first day where I felt like I might actually get used to these implants. I'm surprised that it's taken this long (3 weeks tomorrow), but I suppose it's normal. I also started PT this week, but there not a whole lot I can do aside from stretching until my PS releases me on 4/13. I'll be glad when I can start getting my full range of motion back.

Bauer4

Received surgery date today. Will have lumpectomy with SNB on the 29th. I am ready to get this journey underway and get started back to a more normal routine. Continued prayers to all.

Mrsmcg

Today 3/20 was my first post op appointment. I was able to have my drain removed! Hooray! The Ps said that my one breast gave him a lot of of challenges due to the amount of tissue the BCS removed. He said that he almost had to do a nipple graft, but was he was able to avoid it. He said he had to pull the nipple a little to the left, so it isn't exactly centered, but he said that could be addressed later if it's an issue. He said the blood supply is there, but diminished, so he prescribed me some nitroglycerin cream. This is supposed to help increase the blood flow to that area. He explained that not every pharmacy has it, so I had to use a different pharmacy than the one I normally use. The ps checked the other incisions and said everything looks good. I did develop a couple of blisters around the edge of some of the tape. He explained that this is normal for some people. Oh, my ps also told me that I can wear a front closure bra now, and I don't need to have any additional padding.

My breasts are really bruised, swollen, but the pain level has been very tolerable. I am only taking Tylenol. I have been sleeping in a recliner. A neck pillow has been pretty helpful. The first night I didn't think I would need it and woke up with a bit of a sore neck.

After the appt my friend took me to pick up the prescription, and the place didn't have it ready yet. They said it would be like 45 minutes. I figured we could go back later. I came home, rested a bit, took a real shower, and then I DROVE back to the pharmacy. They said they were out of stock, and wouldn't have it until after 1pm tomorrow. I drove home, and have just been getting some rest after my busy day.

A day of firsts:

1st day without a drain; 1st shower; 1st time driving.

I have my next follow up appointment in a week. At that time I will ask my Ps if he feels I am ready to go back to work, as my job requires a lot of upper body /arm movement, as well as repeative lifting.

Wishing everyone going through surgery the best, and everyone who is healing a speedy recovery!

Colleen

Linda2119

Good morning! I made it through surgery yesterday and slept decently in bed with a wedge pillow. I'm not a back sleeper, but I did ok.

The outcome was not all that I had hoped for. The sentinel node had cancer, so I had an auxiliary node dissection. Not sure how many nodes, but the surgeon said she took out an entire area of nodes. So chemo is necessary. I was hoping to avoid chemo. I came home with a drain - wasn't expecting that. (Colleen - so glad you were able to get your drain out so quickly!) And then there's the nipple - the BS came closer to the nipple than she expected, so I may loose nipple sensitivity on the left. The PS was pretty confident he had retained the sensitivity on the right.

So some disappointments, but the pain isn't what I expected, and at least now I know my treatment. The uncertainty of chemo/no chemo was a source of anxiety.

I walked 10 minutes last night, and am instructed to walk 10 minutes three time today. It was not a struggle at all to walk last night. All in all, I'm doing great.

Thanks, Linda

Anonymous

Good to hear from you, Colleen and Linda. Glad your surgeries went well.

Colleen, it's amazing how awesome it is to get those drains out, isn't it? I read about them ahead of time and thought, "Well, what's the big deal?" It really isn't a big deal, it's just an ever-present irritation.

Linda, sorry that there was cancer in the nodes. Chemo is certainly no fun, but my 19-week regimen was far more tolerable than I anticipated, thanks to great anti-nausea drugs and steroids. Try to meet it with gratitude and the mindset that these drugs are decimating those dastardly cancer cells. I think that you'll find a lot of great support in the March 2018 Chemo thread. It's so nice to be able to commiserate and celebrate with women who are going through the same thing.

Mrsmcg

Linda, I'm sure you're glad that your surgery is finally over. So sorry to hear about your node biopsy and the need for chemo. I haven't even been told anything about my node biopsy, other than the fact that 2 nodes were removed. I hope you will be able to get your drain removed at your follow up appointment.

I finally got the nitroglycerin cream, so I can start to apply that to the left nipple. He said that the blood supply to that area is diminished, but he feels that it will recover.

The T Junction on the right side is giving me the most discomfort. I am not sure if anything can be done to reduce the pain. I just keep hoping that it will improve each day.

My dr told me the best exercise is for me to walk. He didn't say for how long, he just told me to do laps around the house. I have a fitbit, so I am just trying to make sure I get more steps in each day. Today I have been trying to get 250 steps in each hours.

Keeping everyone here in my thoughts and prayers.

Colleen

JosieO

Thank you, Agatha. Yes, still making the mental shift from tumor removal to treatment. Not sure what it will be, but very glad to be moving forward.

Prayers of support to you and all here

Anonymous

Colleen, It normally takes a week or two to get biopsy results back. My BS went over the results with me at my weekly follow-up, though it may be your MO who reviews it with you.

TimesLikeThese

Hi everyone! I had my surgery on 3/20, and I spent the night in the hospital. I woke up kind of bummed that I had tissue expanders. We were planning for direct to implants. However, my BS said my skin was too fragile from chemo to do immediate implants. So my PS put in the TE's and filled them up a bit. That seems to be the thing that hurts the most. Yikes. The sentinel node and breast tissue where the tumors were located all came back negative. Still waiting on final path, but I'm hopeful it will all be clear. I keep chanting my mantra 'pCR, pCR, pCR.' Hahaha! Gotta keep that positive energy flowing.

About the anesthesia and pain meds — I always get sick after anesthesia, so the team took special measures to keep that from happening. They gave me IV Emend ahead of time and also a scopolamine patch behind my ear. They did not use the gas (mask) either - just the IV drugs. Whatever they did worked, because I had no nausea at all. Such a relief. I'm now at home taking Norco, Gabapentin, Valium to manage pain and taking Zofran to manage the nausea caused by the Norco.

I'm not too thrilled that I will have to do another surgery for the exchange because I'm in the process of finding another job (my company is being acquired, and my position is going away). It's going to be a delicate topic that I may eventually have to discuss with an employer if I end up getting an offer. But that worry is for another day. Right now I'm just trying to stay active, do exercises, and walk around the neighborhood at least once a day. I'm really excited that my range of motion in my arms is pretty close to 100%. I didn't even need all the button up shirts.

Blessings and good vibes for speedy healing for everyone

Mrsmcg

• The Cancer surgeon called today with the pathology results. Praise God! The cancer was removed with clear margins, and no node involvement! Now I just need to heal from the surgery so that I can start radiation. I haven't received the actual results, but the BCS said the tumor was 5mm. Recovery is going pretty well. The T junction on the right side is the most irritating and painful. I've only taken Tylenol once today!
• I am surprised that the PS doesn't want me to be doing any strengthening exercises until a few weeks after surgery, but says I can go back to working in light duty at 1/2 my normal hours. I don't know how this will be possible without doing any strengthening. Light duty takes of my job stillness requires a lot of repetitive arm / upper body movement. I guess I will discuss this with the PS at my follow-up appointment next week.
• Colleen

aweate

I am 21 days out and wondering if anyone is having any skin sensitivity feelings? Clothes are irritating to the skin around the incisions. Prophalytic bilateral mastectomy.

ShimmerGal

I'm 2 days out from PBMX with DTI and I really really wish I listened to the "take it easy" advice. Please y'all, ask for help if you need it!! I didn't want to wake my husband at 3am for a bathroom trip and I fell. Don't push too hard too soon! I think the local pain killer that the PS sprayed onto the pecs is wearing off and I didn't expect the sudden jolt of pain from that when it happened.

Otherwise, I'm doing ok I think. I feel a huge sense of relief from the pre-op anxiety. Best wishes to everyone in recovery or about to have their procedures!!

Linda2119

I'm now 3 days out from surgery and am surprised and discouraged about how much pain I am still feeling. The PS took off the dressings yesterday and everything looks good. I woke up this morning with no pain but the minute I get up, the pain sets in.

Anonymous

I'm 3.5 weeks out from surgery and I'm also surprised that I'm still feeling skin tenderness. The incisions have healed nicely, however where the skin is stretched from putting in the new implants is very tender to the touch still. But getting less so every day. Patience is a virtue, I guess.

Grateful_

I found the perfect plus-sized post BMX no recon camisole.

It's the top piece of a tankini swimsuit!

(size 20 W, I used to wear a 42C bra)

I needed a cami that was soft and flowy. It's hard to find a nylon cami anymore (although there is one at Woman Within).

I thought about cutting off a full slip, or shortening a nylon nightgown, and then sewing in bra cups.

So the tankini top is a little heavy (like shape wear would be) and it's a bright floral print, but

1) it's soft 2) it's not clingy 3) it's not too long for me 4) I put my Knitted Knockers inside the cups 5) the shelf bra is not too tight 6) it was $14.99 at Kmart!

This might not work under a form-fitting top but I usually wear looser garments. Maybe this idea will work for you!

Swewing

I have surgery on April 9th and it’s so helpful to hear all of your tips, what to bring to the hospital, how to sleep after surgery - it’s all news to me!

I’m also feeling hopeful after readingthat a few of you get really sick after surgery, and they were able to give you meds so you didn’t get sick. That’s me and I am hoping to not have to go through throwing up after surgery.

ShimmerGal

Swewing -- my anesthesia team gave me an Emend pill and a scopolamine patch behind the ear. I'd say that took care of about 90% of my nausea. The scopolamine kind of messed with my vision though.

Knvb22

Hello,

New to the group. I was diagnosed with NDCIS of the right breast. I had a right mastectomy & sentinel node biopsy on 03/07/18. I had a tissue expander placed & had 2 drains. One drain was removed 1 week post op. I thought the second drain woul come out week 2 but no such luck. I was pretty bummed about it but am taking it all in stride. My pathology reports came back clear with no invasion & my nodes/margins were clean/clear. Hopefully, the remaining drain will come out at the next visit & expansion will begin. I'm grateful but am emotionally all over the place! Argh.........not sure what's wrong with me or what to feel. The tissue expander feels odd & at times painful but I really can't complain. This has been an interesting journey thus far & I'm just getting started. Thanks for reading

Jjewel

Hello All, I've enjoyed reading on this page. I hope it's ok to join in! I was diagnosed last fall, had chemo first and surgery was on Monday, March 19th. I think I'm healing well and I'm thankful. The BS called yesterday and said I couldnt get better pathology report results. 0 Cancer in the lymph nodes (they took Sentinel and 3 others on the right side) and 0 in the breast tissue!

For those going into chemo after surgery, the stuff works! My Oncologist said I had as many complications and severe SE as he's seen and yet I'm so thankful for the result. Be strong, chemo is hard but knowing what I do now, its worth it. I cringe saying it but it's true.

For those who went direct to implant, are yours stiff and flat? I wanted to stay the same size, I was a 34C. They added 300cc silicone implants. They seem about right just a little flattened compared to what (the implant) I held in my hand. Heavier than natural breast. I think I read somewhere they will change and shape up. I lost my nipples but thank God I also have lost Cancer!!! So thankful......

Jenny

Linda2119

Good morning. Well, my pathology report was not at all what I hoped for or even what I expected. 16 out of 25 nodes were positive. That puts me at Stage III. I don't even know how to grasp what this means. I am totally floored. Now I'm looking at a full regiment of AC + T, a probable mastectomy after that, and then radiation. I'm so discouraged and scared.