March 2018 Surgery Group

Jjewel

Hi Linda2119, So sorry to hear your news. I did want to encourage you that the chemo is very effective. I was terrified about doing it, it was not easy but it does kill Cancer. I do think the best advice given to me was to stay positive, they have made such progress in breast cancer treatment, take one day at a time and get through what's right in front of you. Every time I looked ahead at all the things I could go through, I got really fearful. I finally came to the place of knowing all I could do is be as strong at the moment as I could muster. That being said I've had lots of meltdowns and that's ok. After you get going on chemo and better understand the routine, you'll adjust. Try not to think too far ahead. The plan is an outline and my doctors tweaked it as needed all along the way. This is a hard situation so love yourself and trust you'll do the best to improve today's prognosis. I'm rooting for you.....praying and wishing you good Progress as you proceed.

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Linda2119

Thank you, cupcake. It is so easy to be overwhelmed. One day at a time.

AgathaNYC

Linda2119 - I am sorry that your pathology showed node involvement. I know that the prospect of chemo can be incredibly daunting but it is a very powerful force in fighting BC.

All bodies are different, but I can tell you that I went through AC+T, too. I never had one minute of feeling nauseated, but certainly had a long list of other side effects. It was worth every one of them. My original tumor was over 7cm. That chemo regimen wiped out my enormous tumor and I got a pCR when I had my lumpectomy.

Chemo sucks but it's totally doable. I suggest you join one of the "Chemo Starting in ____" threads. The support, information, and camaraderie in those threads is priceless.

Good luck as you start your next phase of treatment.

Anonymous

Linda, chin up, my friend. As Agatha said, chemo is daunting, but it's still a very proven method of fighting cancer. I also went through AC + T and while it was no fun, it was certainly doable. No nausea for me, either. Good luck to you. I know that you can do it.

Here is a mantra I adopted for my treatment and recovery. I repeated it over and over again during my guided meditations, which I'd never done before, but found very comforting: "Hope is the source of my strength." Lately, I've changed it to: "There is no room for fear." You can find these guided meditations on YouTube. I just searched for Deepak Chopra.

Simbobby

I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy, axillary node dissection and tissue expanders placement this Thursday.

I live alone and will be going from the hospital to my Sister's house.

For those of you that have had your surgery, when would guess I can return home alone?

Anonymous

Simbobby, I had my surgery on a Wednesday. My mother came to help me out the following Monday and left on Tuesday because I was doing fine on my own. I think that if you're really organized and prepare ahead of time, you'll be fine on your own by Monday or Tuesday. This means moving essential things (plates, cups, medicines, etc) down to a reachable level and also buying groceries and making meals in advance. Also, make sure that you have plenty of pillows and/or a recliner so that you can sleep. I'm still fairly uncomfortable sleeping because I still have discomfort when I put too much pressure on my chest.

I'm finding that recovery is slower than I expected (I'm still sore a month out), but nothing overwhelmed me.

You might also invest in one of those grabbers, although I still use kitchen tongs to grab things up high.

Of course, if you have friends who live close by, it'd be nice if they could come by every now and then to assist with groceries and laundry, etc.

Jjewel

simbobby, I had my surgery last Monday and I feel like I could manage on my own now. I'm tired and sore but I was up cooking a little. They took 2 of my 4 drains out this morning. I'm moving around easier & lighter! I'd just make sure you have easy access to everything. It's hard to reach up in the cabinets with either arm. Everything is harder on the x-cancer side. They took out the sentinel and 3 other lymph nodes. I did direct to implant. The expanders may be more tender, I'm not sure.

I hope all goes well. I'm relieved my surgery was not as hard as I imagined. You'll be happy this time next week to have it behind you!

Simbobby

Thanks for your responses.

Sounds like I should be able to manage by one week out. Does that include driving?

Lisa: I did buy a grabber gizmo based on your earlier suggestion. It works great.

Mrsmcg

Hello KayKat,

I also have IDC stage 1. I also have a family history of breast cancer in my family (mom in her 60s, and my sister in her 50s). I had a lumpectomy for ADH in the left breast last year, and 6 months later they discovered 5mm of IDC during my regular 6 month follow up MRI mammogram. I had 2 consultations with breast cancer surgeons, and both felt that mastectomy was not necessary. I opted to have a lumpectomy with oncoplastic (mammoplasty), which is a breast reduction with lift. I had my surgery on March 16th. I am very happy with my decision. My recovery has been going pretty well. I did have a SNB as well, and no cancer was found. I also need to have radiation. I will discuss this with my BCS tomorrow at my post op appt.

I had my 2nd post op appt with my PS today, 3/27/18. It looks like I will be off for another week. Return to work will be reevaluated on 4/5. The dr. asked how I was doing, and I said fine, but that my desk work is a lot of repetitive upper arm movements. He said to give it another week. He removed all of the remaining surgical tape and said that the left side is still pretty bruised. He said he had to work all sorts of magic on the left side. He explained to me that he had to removed bit of the areola, in order to save the nipple. I hadn't known about that. He said that the color was looking good, so I could stop using the Nitro-Bid. The PS said that it is going to take extra time to heal. The PS said to not be surprised if the left side remains swollen and hard for while. I have noticed that thr right side has be softening up a bit. He mentioned that I could start putting vitamin E cream on the scars. He wants to see me weekly until I start radiation.

Just know that you are not alone. We're here for you. Feel free to send me a PM anytime. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

It area I am having the most trouble with is still on the right side, at the T junction. If I move in a certain way, or try to reach down to pick something up it hurts. I don't know if it is pulling on the incision or what. There is currently a small hole there, which is less noticeable on the left side. The PS says that this is normal.

I am still sleeping on the reclining couch or in a recliner. I forgot to ask the PS when it would be okay for me to try to sleep in my regular bed. Last night I tried to sleep on the couch lying flat, but ended up twisting partially onto my side, and wound up with a sore back because of my sleeping position.

I have been doing a little bit of driving. Today I drove to my post op appt, which is about 17 miles one way. I am also working on increasing my step count by a bit more each day. Yesterday I got on our treadmill twice, but only for 10 minutes each time. I had not be using it at all before my surgery. lol

I am currently still wearing my normal size bra 38D, so it is hard to say what size I will be once the swelling has subsided. I have noticed the same thing about the amount of swelling being more by the end of the day.

Mrsmcg

I wonder why I wasn't given an Emend pill. I have heard several people mention this. I have severe reactions to anesthesia. I was given the patch ahead of time and as instructed, I put it on the night before surgery. The anesthesiologist said that she would give me two doses of anti-nausea meds during surgery. I felt kind of okay post surgery, but as soon as I attempted to get up to pee I couldn't stop throwing up. The nurses gave me Zofran at least a couple of times, which did nothing. The nurse eventually called my dr. late in the evening, and said I was still sick. He told them to keep overnight, even though my surgery was supposed to be an outpatient procedure. I hope that I never have to have another surgery, but if I do, I don't know what to tell an anesthesiologist, as nothing seems to work for me.

Mrsmcg

I drove 4 days post surgery, but I wasn't taking any of the narcotic pain meds once I left the hospital. Once I got home I went straight to Tylenol. Today was my 2nd post op appointment (11 days post surgery) and I drove myself. My PS is 17 miles one way from my house. I found this return to indepence very encouraging!

AgathaNYC

Hi, Simbobby - I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I hope your surgery goes perfectly smoothly.

I had a different procedure than you are having but I live by myself and it wasn't a problem at all for me. The key was to move everyday items to waist height in kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. I set up a card table in my kitchen since I don't have a lot of counter space. A friend suggested I get one of those big containers of bottled water that has the little tap and leave it on the table's edge. That was a great idea for me since heavy pitchers and jugs were a little rough in the beginning. You're going to be fine!

Bauer4

As I attempt to wind down for bed on this surgery eve, I find my mind wandering to all outcomes. May the hands of God be upon all of us on our individual journey.

JosieO

Bauer4,

Prayers for you tonight and tomorrow for a successful surgery and a complete recovery

Jjewel

Yes, prayers for all having surgery, all will go smoothly. Also for all of us recovering, I'm having a sleepless night as I struggle to get comfortable. I had 2 of my 4 drains taken out Monday. Hopefully the other 2 next Tuesday. It's been 10 days and my chest feels very tight and stiff. I had direct to implant after BMX. My Oncologist told me to stop taking all meds except antibiotic because my labs on Tuesday showed liver enzymes high from all the medications during and after surgery. Since about3 days after surgery I was taking Tylenol and a muscle relaxer for pain and tightness. Now I'm just trying to ignore it, it's not working, lol.

AgathaNYC

Thinking of you today Simbobby and Bauer4! We're all with you in spirit :-)

Almost 4 weeks out from my lumpectomy/SNB and everything is healing well. The top scar from the SNB is healed over enough that I have the go ahead to start massaging it and applying scar cream. The surgical RN said the bottom scar needs another week or so. I'm also going to use silicone gel strips on the scars to help them fade. (A couple of years ago I tripped on the sidewalk and and got 12 stitches on my forehead right between my eyes and Mederma and silicone really helped the scar fade substantially.)

However I am developing what feels like thickened, hardened veins inside my breast. At first it was on the top of my breast, running down to my nipple. Now I've noticed a couple on the underside of my breast, running down over my inside ribs. They are tender to the touch - area right under my breast feels a little bruised. The RO said is was nothing to be concerned about, that they will resolve themselves. She suggested massaging them. She didn't name them but from poking around on the internet they are called Mondor's Cords. During surgery some veins and arteries are cut and cauterized and blood clots in the dead-end vein. I've had a really high level of platelets since my diagnosis so maybe that contributed? Anyway, everything I've read and been told says they are not dangerous and will go away over coming months. Just wanted to tell you guys in case you feel something similar in your own breasts - don't be too alarmed.

Next week I have my simulation for radiation so in my head I'll check off the surgery box as "done". I've been dealing with one treatment at a time so it's less daunting for me. It will be nice to have surgery in the rear view mirror just like chemo!

Mrsmcg

At my cancer surgeon post op yesterday 3/28, the dr went over my pathology report, and answered my questions. She said she would refer me to an oncologist. My BCS raised my left arm over my head. Ouch! She said I needed to stretch that area, as I am getting what she calls cobwebs - scar tissue that needs to be stretched. I told her that the PS was not wanting me to do this type of stretching yet. She said that she would defer to him. I asked about PT. She didn't think it was needed, but said she would defer my PS, as she didn't want to get in trouble with him. I asked the PS about these questions in a follow up email, and he said that he would defer to my BCS! Well, this is confusing! I'm not sure what to do, as I have been trying to gently stretch my left arm over my head, and it's feels tight, and painful. When I lower my arm, my whole arm feels tired, all the way up to my shoulder. This is discouraging. I am scheduled to have the massage with my usual massage therapist on April 19th, but now I am not sure if I should cancel the appointment. Will I be able to lie flat on on my chest by then? Will it be too painful? These are just a a few of the things that are going through my head. I guess I just need to stop over thinking everything. Lol!

I have another follow-up appointment with my PS next Thursday and my radiology CT simulation scheduled for next Friday. So everything is moving forward. I have still not returned to work. My return to work will be reevaluate next week by my PS.

I hope and pray that all March surgeries went well. I also hope that everyone is recovering quickly and are finding ways of staying comfortable.

Nikki444

hello everyone! I'm three weeks and three days post op and have painful lumps at the end of my incisions under my arms. The right one is softer, the left one feels like a golf ball in size and texture. I've been able to get my arms above my head and have done my excercises a few times a day, also when I feel like I'm swelling or getting stiff. My armpits feel deformed and swollen. This is really uncomfortable... I see my BS Monday, but just wondering if anyone else had/has this problem.

Anonymous

Nikki, I'm 4+ weeks from surgery. I have similar painful lumps all down my right side, though mine are more like small marbles. None are as big as a golf ball. I went to my MO on Wednesday and I've been going to PT and mentioned it to both of them. They think it's muscular and encouraged more stretching. For any lump the size of a golf ball, I'd call and see if they want to see you.

Mrsmcg, I'd call the masseuse and see if he/she is trained in oncology massage. I'm getting one in a week. I'm not supposed to lay flat on my reconstructed chest until I'm released from my PS, which at a minimum is 6 weeks post surgery.

Wilbprz

hello all

I am new to this group. I am 38 and was just recently diagnosed with DCIS 3 months after my son was born. I just had DIEP flap surgery 2.5 weeks ago. It was a unilateral mastectomy. I just wanted to see if anyone has had the same thing done because although the doctor says I’m healing great I want to see if others are feeling the way I do. I had excellent doctors and everything went well. The pathology report came back as still DCIS with 2 small areas of micro invasion but nodes were clear and so were the margins. They say I don’t need radiaction but have to talk to the oncologist to see What they want to do. I’m hoping nothing more. Has anyone gone through the same thing

Moderators

Hi Wilbprz-

Welcome to BCO! We're sorry you find yourself here, but we hope you find this community to be a source of support. We have a Reconstruction forum that you might find helpful in regards to your DIEP recovery: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44. And we also have a very active DCIS forum, so you can connect with other member with the same diagnosis: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68.

The Mods

mkn86

dropping in to say a quickhappy easter weekend everyone! 🙂

NWisbest

I had SGAP in NOLA beginning of March. I’m on day 22 of misery with one drain remaining. Any tips to decrease my body producing fluids? I am already back to work and found just laying around helps a bit but I’m also growing nervous for being on antibiotics this long and still having my cc’s so high in output from this drain. I welcome any Tips.

Simbobby

My breast surgeon just called with my pathology report from my Mar 29 bilateral mastectomy.

Results were not what we'd hoped for. Axillary node disection - took 26 nodes, 24 tested positive for cancer.

Breast surgeon and Oncologist to get together to come up with a new plan

AgathaNYC

Hi, Simbobby. I'm really sorry to hear about the node involvement. That's disappointing. I hope you got clear margins in the tissue that was removed and comfortable after surgery.

Let us know what your next steps are. We'll be here for you here and in the Oct Chemo group.

Bauer4

Simbobby, so sorry for your node results. Stay strong. Keep us posted and continued prayers.

Anonymous

Simbobby, I know that's not what you were hoping for. I know that there are targeted hormone-based treatments available for you that are quite effective in your type of cancer. Keep your chin up and keep the faith.

Jjewel

Simbobby, so sorry to hear about your path report. My husband and I stoped and prayed for you when I read that. We used to live in MN so I hope you're close to one of the amazing healthcare facilities MN has. As many have said before, they have made great strides in this area, try to stay positive. This battle can be so traumatizing in my opinion. You're on my heart, praying your doctors reassure you with their new plan.

I'm 2 weeks out from surgery and finally feel much better. The last 2 of 4 drains were taken out yesterday, that really helped. I hadn't slept very well since the surgery. I couldn't even take Tylenol because my liver enzymes were up so I'm glad the pain and tightness seems to be fading.

Hope to all going through this trying season, wehave to take it day by day......☺️

Bauer4

Just wondering if anyone had extreme breast itching post-op? Today is day 6 post-op for me, and I have had extreme breast itching on the surgical side today. Is this normal? I remember learning that healing causes itching. Hoping this is what it is.

ShimmerGal

I don't know that I'd call what I felt an "itch" but I've had little stabby tingle feelings. Might be nerve regeneration??? I read somewhere that if you look in a mirror while you pat the area gently that it will help your brain figure out what's going on better.