Surgery in 2 days - after effects?

Juniper81

I am having BMX with immediate reconstruction under the muscle. Its been a long for weeks waiting. I know everyone says the waiting is the worst and I am hoping on that. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. Yesterday was the first nice day outside and besides cleaning the house and such to get ready. I was able to enjoy the day outside with my kids(1, 5 and 12)

But now its Monday and surgery is Wednesday and I am a nervous wreck. Besides what the pathology may say, if its more than I already know. I am scared of not waking up (I had surgeries before no problem- actual second cancer) but how much pain I am going to be in and how long will it take to get back to "Normal".

I know its going to take time, especially with most likely radiation need at least on one side but just trying to get through the next couple of days and get myself there. And stay strong for my husband who has been so strong but I know is having a hard time.

Jennifer522

I had BMX with tissue expanders (and 300cc's placed), 13 days ago. I tell you the days before were much worse for me that the day off and after surgery. I was crying to my husband how scared I was. But the actual day I was pretty calm.

This was my first surgery under general anesthesia. I have had twilight anesthesia with dental work and I didn't do great on them (nausea/takes me a while to come out). My BS gave a prescription for Emend to take 3 hrs before surgery and I never got nausea but still took me a while to come out.

It honestly has not been that bad. Day 3/4 (got discharged day 2), I did take my pain meds around the clock and slept a lot. But each day has gotten better. I think dealing with the drains and taking all the antibiotics has been the worst part of it. Each day I feel better and better. The last few days I felt like I could drive if I didn't have these drains in. I am still careful not to do repetitive actions like unloading the dishwasher or doing laundry. Or lift my arms above my head.

I have a 5 year old and I have her go to my husband or my mom for help. That's been the hardest part when you use to doing everything even through chemo.

Juniper81

Thanks Jennifer! This message community as really helped me a lot and the ladies like you who really get it. Sending you healing vibes and will be thinking of you. Love the Just keep swimming! Its these messages that are going to help me through the next 2 days.

MBPooch

Juniper81 - You're going to do great! I had a BMX with direct to implant under the muscle the last week of November and recovery was not bad at all. The anticipation leading up to it is far worse. Stay on top of the medication and stay in bed the first couple of days, don't overdo it. The drains are definitely a huge pain but you get use to them, kind of. I did do the exercises religiously and got back into yoga as soon as I could. Began practicing at home and it made a huge difference in my range of motion. One month out from surgery I hosted Xmas Eve and traveled 5 hours for a snowmobiling trip over NYE. I'm doing everything now that I was doing pre-diagnosis. Best of luck to you on Wed and keep us posted!

SpecialK

juniper - I have not personally used guided imagery but I have read a lot of posts from others who have said it has helped calm them prior to surgery. Here is a link to the thread on this site with some info on this:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topics/770760?page=1#post_2468949

If you are inclined you can also request a hospital chaplain to visit you in pre-op and pray with you before you go to the OR - I have done this more often in military hospitals, but I have found it comforting. Others have also asked for an affirmation from their surgical team with a positive message just before going to sleep and found this helped relax them.

I have had a BMX with immediate tissue expander placement and had a paravertebral block anesthetic in addition to GA - this was helpful because I was not in a lot of pain when I woke up. It is like a chest epidural. Some docs use Botox or Exparel, which both work on the pectoral muscle - long and short term pain remediation - during surgery that also can help with pain from the expansion - the pressure is what most people notice more than sharp pain. I found that not laying flat was helpful - I used a lot of pillows behind me, but I was off narcotics within a week, fine with Tylenol. I came home on a Wednesday and my husband went back to work - so I was on my own - on the following Monday. Try not to reach for things or pick up anything heavier than a small jug of milk or juice. You need to take it easy even if you are feeling good. Remember - just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Good luck!