Any surgeries scheduled for October?

BAMR

Nomorekindaccups, congrats! I agree, those drugs are really good. Hope you are home soon.

ChaClarey

Hello October’s,

I was in September group as I had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on September 18. They did not find any nodes in my specimen, so now I have to do another snb on October 23rd. I’m feeling down about it as I will have to start from scratch rehabilitated my arm with exercises, more waiting to get final results, more time off work, more pain . I’m not sleeping well and am feeling overwhelmed as I type this. Putting this out in the universe in hopes it makes me feel a little better.

Eigna

oh no. How did they manage that not to find any nodes ? I understand how you feel. It’s not fun waiting for all this. Hang in there. What can I say. We must be patient through out this journey ... sigh 😔 vent and post as much as you want. We are here to support each other.

StAuggie

I have my BMX and immediate reconstruction next week; my PS says I will need front closure sports bras. I thought I remembered reading elsewhere that someone suggested buying larger sizes due to swelling. Can anyone offer insight on this? Should I order regular size, one size larger, or two sizes larger? I have no idea.

Eigna

Hi StAuggie wishing good luck for your upcoming surgery. I bought front closure bras but the same size and it was fine. However I had a lumpectomy not a mastectomy.

BAMR, Teslafied, naalehunet-how are you guys doing with your recoveries? Gretchyhow was your surgery

Teslafied

Eigna: I'm still ok. I've been so busy this week with other appts and getting things done before Monday's surgery. The only issues I've had have been with my mouth. First, the tip of my tongue had been numb since the first surgery, but it didn't bother me much until last Saturday when it started to hurt. My PCP gave me an Rx last Monday which did finally clear that up. In addition, I have a small crack in one of my teeth that has also now gotten worse. Got in to see my dentist this past Friday, and now have a root canal scheduled for 2 weeks after my next surgery. In the meantime, I just have to keep globbing on the Oragel - tooth and gum pain can be the worst! I guess the trade off for not having any breast pain is another kind of pain. In fact, that's why I'm awake at 2:30 in the morning typing this. Ok, I'll stop whining now...

ChaClary: I'm sorry you have to endure another surgery. I'm right there with you, believe me. I'm not looking forward to having another surgery either. I hope everything goes well for you. Don't you just wish you could flip a switch and just turn your brain off so you can sleep? I have several of those nights myself. I'm curious, what types of arm exercises did you have to do? My BS did not say anything to me about those. The only exercise I've been doing is walking.

ChaClarey

Hello Telsafied,

I was given a booklet from oncology nurse that had range of motion exercises to do, I was instructed to start day after surgery. The first three days were shoulder lifts shoulder rolls, squeezing shoulders together, clasping hands in front and raising over head. All 5-10 times. On the 5th day after surgery exercises added where you lay on floor and use broom handle, cane etc to reach over your head first hands shoulder width apart, then hips apart. This followed by clasping hand behind head and trying to touch your arms to floor while laying down. Also spider walking arms up wall as far as you can reach and lastly snow angels on the floor. I am to these every day for at least six weeks.This is probably more information than you wanted. Lol

Eigna

Hi Teslafied: I had a root canal in August just when I was diagnosed with BC. I can't lie it was painful until they take out the root after that you don't feel anything. Wishing you good luck with your surgery and with your root canal.

ChaClarey: I have the same exercises as you. I try to do them everyday but sometimes I forget. I must Say that I have pretty much full motion of my arm so maybe that's why I forget to do them.

The only thing that I feel right now is a hard lump next to my incision. I read somewhere that it could be normal and will be like that for a few months. I find sleeping with my bra is more comfortable than without it.

As for problems not being able to sleep I had those before surgery and what helped me was melatonin. It helped me to relax and sleep.

BgRose

Hi all,

I had my BMX with TE on 10/17. First two days were really rough but is getting better now. I am off any pain meds, only taking Cephalexin x4 day until my drains are out. Having a little bit of swelling in my cancer side ( BS took only one node -negative YAY) and some numbness but that is to be expected. Yesterday took a shower for the first time and saw my new boobs- I can honestly say that they look very good. PS filled them with air, I am estimating size B at present.

StAuggie, I am using my pre-surgical VS sports bra, I love them, they are double layered with good compression support. Good luck at you upcoming surgery, you will do fine!

BAMR

I'm recovering nicely, too, 9 days out. I still have the bad taste left over from chemo. I'm a little worried that it's lasted so long. Just read something yesterday about a deficiency in B12 could cause that. I have an appt with MO on Friday and will be talking to her about it.

I was given some of the same exercises, but they seem so light weight and I do have full range of motion. I still need to do them, though. I'll start today.

The pathologist is redoing the Her2 test that they did in the first biopsy months ago. That makes me a little nervous because the results are not back yet. I would hate to find out I am Her2 positive after finishing all my chemo and getting the port taken out. Did any of your drs redo that test? Of course, BS says not to worry. Easier said than done.

NoMoreKindaCCups

Oh my gosh, feeling sympathy pains for those of you with extra surgery - and worse, needing a root canal. I have this theory that the closer the pain/injury is to your brain, the worse it hurts. Not a scientific experiment, but boy, when you have a toothache and it radiates pain... worse than breaking my arm. And waiting for tests, I feel you. I'll know later this week about the lymph nodes.

I got home yesterday. Hubby has mastered stripping the 4 drains and emptying them (first time was 30 minutes), though it took until a friend stopped by who could find the tiny markings on the cups to write down the measurements. (hint - use a flashlight!) Trying to just rest, sleep in the recliner, and drink lots of fluids. I managed to brush my hair and get it in a ponytail. That was my big goal for today.

I hope everybody is feeling okay!

Teslafied

ChaClarey:  thanks for the exercise info.  And, no it was not too much info.  I haven’t met with an oncologist yet, that should come after my next Post-op appt.

I can’t believe how much energy I’ve had this whole week. I haven’t been overdoing it or anything, I know my limits. But I do plan on taking it very easy next week.  Tomorrow is the big day-have to be there at 10:45am. Wish it was earlier, but oh well. As long as everything goes as well as it did 3 weeks ago, I’ll be happy.  At least now I know what to expect. 

Eigna:  I did some reading about root canals.  I had a broken tooth extracted a few years ago, and I remember only a slight pinch when he numbed the area, then no pain after that. Even when I got home and the days after, nothing, just like my lumpectomy.  I don’t have a high tolerance for pain, believe me.  I can get some nasty headaches, and I just want to crawl under the covers.

NoMoreKinda:  glad to hear you’re doing well so far.  You will keep getting stronger every day.

naalehunet

Aloha all -

While doing great overall, I picked up a urinary tract infection (UTI) that has me feeling a bit blah.

But my two drains are out - hurray - and it was no big deal. Just a quick pull did the job.

Also - the very best of news is Staging of IA and clear margins.

Teslafied - we are all hoping everything went great!!

Mouse57

Surgery (lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy) on Thursday - tomorrow morning I fly to Seattle to Virginia Mason then in the afternoon go to "Nuclear Medicane" to be injected (inspected, detected, but hopefully not neglected) then go back 8 am to check in for surgery. My Mom is flying up separately and we are staying at the hotel right next to the hospital through Monday.

Of the 7 bras I ordered from Amazon I kept 2 - one is similar to the one BAMR recommended (Leading Lady Plus-Size Cotton Front Closure Leisure Bra instead of Fruit of the Loom because it comes in larger cup sizes) which I think will be good for radiation therapy and one is a full-on Sports Bra with front zipper and lots of support but not as breathable - but its got enough room in the cups for bandages or gauze or ice-packs as needed. Couldn't find the Hibiclens soap that was recommended but bought Dial Anti-bacterial which was the alternate choice for pre-surgery showering. I have to go to the hospital pharmacy tomorrow anyway so maybe they have it (was out of stock here). Since I just returned from my vacation in Hawai'i I am supplied with several loose-fitting (very colorful) cotton shirts that button in the front! I have a travel pillow to put under my arm when flying back.

Today just laundry to do and one last grocery shopping to buy more frozen dinners and a big bag of dog food - drop the dog off at the kennel and wash the sheets etc. He spent the night last night in his crate with only one episode of whining since he's not going to be allowed on the bed for a while after I get back.

Hopefully the surgery itself is not too bad. I did fracture my rib a few years ago which required sleeping in a recliner for a couple of weeks and using mostly one arm for a while but no actual wound to take care of. It did get me a recent bone scan which I passed with flying colors so that's helpful. (The report said "low impact bone fracture after age 50" as a risk factor but even though "tripped in the bathroom" sounds low impact it was the largest bruise I've ever seen so not so low impact).

Anyway - here's hoping the lymph nodes are clear and the (potential) Oncotype comes in good. And good luck to everyone else.

StAuggie

I'm glad to hear everyone is healing well. It's nice for me to see the other side of surgery...the closer I get the more nervous I am. It has moved from the future, to the present now for me...7 more days, and I should be out of surgery and on the recovery side.

I was concerned about sleeping in my bed, and being able to get out of it, so my husband and I purchased a used but nice power recliner, along with a twin size memory foam pad. I am relieved to be able to spend recovery not having to hurt just getting in and out of the chair. I'm a side sleeper, so I think just getting sleep for the next several months is going to be interesting, to say the least.

Mouse57--I found Hibiclens at Walmart, if you still wanted to get it.

palmetto

I'll be having my nipple sparing BMx with immediate DIEP reconstruction next Monday. Yikes! I can't believe the time has come. I had my hospital pre-op last week and received all my prep goodies- some Hibiclens, ClearFast, and an appointment for Sunday night (!) to get my injections and sentinel node "reading." I wasn't quite sure what that meant. I picked up my post-op prescriptions, ordered a drain belt (dry and shower) but still have to get the undershirts they recommended.

I have an adjustable bed at home, so hopefully that will help me with sleeping. I also received a mastectomy pillow. I'm not exactly sure how to use it, though. Lol

I'm glad to hear those of you who have already had surgery are recovering well. And good luck to those of you who like me, are still waiting. We got this!

naalehunet

As I expected, each post-surgery day gets better. Today I got my UTI med, so that will be cleared up in a couple of days. No big deal, just urgency in urinating and feeling the need to void after I was actually done.

My chest still feels tight where there were drains, but no pain anymore.

Thoughts are with you facing surgery - may all go great and heal fast.

Teslafied

Checking in since my second surgery on Monday.  Everything went well, BS said 2 margins were clear, and other 2 were sent in for testing.  I have my post-op appt on the 29th.  Getting anxious to find out my oncotype score. Fingers crossed that it’s low.  Again, I am in no pain, I’ve just been feeling kinda blah this whole week (my monthly ‘friend” came to visit, that’s probably another reason, lol).  Hoping to get out of the house and go for a walk today.

Best wishes to everyone with their upcoming surgeries and to those still recovering.  Each day will get better.

Eigna

Hey Teslafied. I'm happy your second surgery went well. I'm doing ok too. Went back to work this week. TGIF 😊. My post op appt is Nov 8. Me too I'm anxious to get my Oncotype score. And yes it's been blah for me too this we. I got my monthly friend too. It seems we are in the same boat. Have a nice weekend. Keep in touch.

NoMoreKindaCCups

Teslafied and Eigna, Sorry you're both feeling blah and you've been gifted with your "friend".

My brother (who'd had colon cancer 6 yrs ago) recommended being put on an antidepressant and maybe a therapist as soon as I had my diagnosis. I did both. Therapy is helpful. Meds take a while to kick in - still not sure it's doing anything - but I can only imagine that when I finally really see my mangled chest (I've been avoiding looking until drains are out), I'm going to really sink further into depression. I gather that's fairly normal for cancer patients, but I don't really notice anyone talking about this. Is anyone else feeling this?

A gift from my BFF had a powerful message - Cancer, You picked the wrong Bitch!

MITTD

Scheduled for partial mastectomy left breast and oncoplasty both breasts on 10/31/19. It seemed to take so long to get to this point and now it seems like it's coming too fast.

naalehunet

MITTD: We will be thinking of you Thursday and hoping all goes well for you!

Other Octobers - Hope all are healing well. I have seroma and may need aspiration next week. It has 50/50 chance of going away on its own. Otherwise, all is well. While I am flat, I don't feel mangled or anything but happy and cancer-free. Maybe being old helps with dealing with all this - for one thing, I don't have to have my life complicated with having my period.

The most annoying recent stuff is super-long waits at doctors' offices. Last three weeks of surgeon visits were each delayed 1 plus hours and my onc last Friday had a diabetic crash at the chemo next door and I had to wait 2 1/2 hours to be seen. By the time I got out, our car would not start (at first) because my husband had run the battery down listening to the radio. I feel most sorry for my husband who has to drive me because double vision has made me stop driving (thyroid disease, a side-problem). He is stuck waiting all the time now it seems.

Teslafied

Had my Post-op today from the second surgery.  Unfortunately, the inferior and anterior margins came back positive again ☹️.  BS is going to re-excise one more time to remove more tissue.  It is scheduled for Halloween-just 2 days from now.  I’m surprised she could do it so soon.  If it’s positive again after this, then I’m afraid it’s the dreaded “M” word.  I’ve really been hoping to avoid that, but I may have no other choice.  I’ve been preparing myself if that’s what has to happen.  Still don’t have my oncotype score yet.

Eigna, I’m glad you were able to go back to work.  My BS said I should still be able to go back on Nov 11th since I have healed so well these past two times.  She also said it’s ok for me to have the root canal done on the 4th, just 4 days after my third surgery.  Can’t wait to get this tooth fixed. 

NoMoreKinda, I wish I knew what to say.  Depression affects people in different ways. My husband has been on meds for almost 2 years now.  I know his is not the same as what you’re going through, but he did have to have his meds adjusted a few times before he finally got to a better place.  Hopefully these feelings will be temporary and get better as your body heals.  I’ve really tried just staying positive even through all of the setbacks I’ve had.  I just keep saying, “there are people out there who have it worse than me”.  I feel lucky to have supportive family and friends and that’s what keeps me going.  I know there’s always someone I can rely on, cry to or just hang out with. 

MITTD, I’ll be thinking of you on the 31st - I’m scheduled on the same day.  Best of luck to you - we’ll both make it through just fine!

naalehunet, hope your seroma goes away.  I’ve had cyst aspirations done before, but I’m not sure if they are done the same way. Glad to hear that you’re in good spirits.  I feel the same way about being older.  I think I would have been a lot more nervous and scared if this had happened to me, say 10 years ago.  I feel bad sometimes too when I’m not able to drive and there are long wait times for whoever takes me for my appts.  They always tell me not to worry about it.

Wow, I think this is the longest post I’ve written so far.  To everyone else in this thread, try to keep your spirits high and we can all get through this, I know we can.

Eigna

MITTD and Teslafied: wishing good luck with your surgeries!

Teslafied: I hope this is the last surgery. I hope they get it all out this time. Does this mean your tumour is bigger than they thought? And how come they can’t see that there’s more to take out? I don’t understand. Good luck with your root canal as well. Keep us posted.

NoMoreKindaCCups

OMG, Teslafied, I'll be sending you so much positive energy and light tomorrow! Fingers crossed that this is the last surgery you'll need for this. Apparently, lobular cancer tends to have more spread than ductal - that was what changed my surgery plan from a lumpectomy as soon as the breast MRI came back with 'areas of concern' all over the place. And if it comes to it, we'll be here to help you through the 'M' word.

MITTD - Good luck tomorrow as well!

I had the last of my drains removed the other day as well as getting my first fill, and today I was allowed to have my first real shower in 2 weeks - that felt so good!

Teslafied

Eigna, the tumor size did not change, there are just more cancer cells in the area that unfortunately do not show on the MRI and my BS can’t see them either.  My breast tissue is extremely dense, and who knows what’s hiding in there. As I’ve said, I am preparing for what comes next. My BS gave me a referral to meet with a plastic surgeon later if necessary. If I do need to, then I’m swaying toward having a double MX with the DIEP flap reconstruction. Right now, nothing shows up on the right one, but I don’t want to go through this again if something does happen later on.  But, I just have to take it one step at a time.

NoMoreKinda, thank you for the kind thoughts and encouragement.  I’m ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.  Great news about getting your drains out.  Showers are wonderful, aren’t they?

StAuggie

Well, I'm finally on the other side of this. I had my BMX then tissue expanders placed on Tuesday. I was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and have home health nurses coming until my follow-up appointments.

My pain level has been very manageable; just sitting, laying, or walking doesn't hurt. It hurts when I move wrong, or twist my body, or reach for something because I've forgotten that I shouldn't. Using the bathroom is difficult...its hard to reach or twist to wipe. Sorry if that is TMI...but it is something you all may have to deal with also. I had gotten a little bidet for our bathroom, and I'm so very thankful for it. We bought a used power recliner with lift, and I am so glad for it. I don't think I could use a regular recliner at this time.

They biopsied both sentinel nodes and initial pathology shows no cancer there; my surgeon says those early results are about 90% accurate. Hoping that the full pathology shows no node involvement, and that chemo had completely killed the tumors.

Best wishes to anyone who still has surgery coming up!

Mouse57

Hi StAuggie

I have only had a lumpectomy on one side so the toilet issue hasn't arisen but I did fracture my ribs on (the opposite) side a few years ago and couldn't twist or bend. Look up "toilet buddy" or "bottom buddy" on amazon - its basically a babywipe holder with a plastic handle. I didn't buy one but improvised out of something else plastic I could wrap the babywipe around. Needless to say I tossed it when no longer needed but it was definitely crucial. Also one of those reacher/grabber things was handy for around the house - I'm short so I already had one.

- M

Mouse57

Hello

It is one week out from my lumpectomy/sentinel lymph biopsy. There is a lot I don't understand in the pathology report but the margins were clear and the single sentinel lymph node had 3 microscopic cancers - all under 2 mm. So no more surgery and they are sending out for the Oncotype and I figured there was not too much point in dwelling on the pathology report until that comes back and we can discuss the complete picture. I have a feeling I am in for chemo but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. In any case since the sentinel lymph node had microscopic stuff in it I'm guessing I will have some radiation for the lymph nodes in addition to the breast. The nurse told me to ask questions in their portal but I although I am writing them all down I figure I might as well wait for the Oncotype to get a bigger picture and not worry too much about specific things in the pathology report til then.

I went to nuclear medicine a week ago Wed to locate the sentinel lymph node(s) but only one lit up which they marked with a sharpie - then I checked in for surgery the next morning and that went well - my last memory is when they started to wheel me to the operating room then I woke up around noon and felt great and was able to drink some water and eat a banana (which I had asked my Mom to bring along in her bag). We were staying at the hotel which is basically on the grounds of Virginia Mason hospital so they wheel-chaired me all the way to the hotel elevator. I felt fine all day - we walked about 2 blocks to get some takeout and I ate dinner. I should have taken it easier though because later that evening while we were watching TV I suddenly felt very dizzy and broke out in a sweat and basically fainted for about 10 seconds (while sitting on the couch that was in our hotel room). My mom was about to call 911 but it passed as quickly if not quicker than it had come on and I felt fine. We stayed up til midnight (the Ken Burns Country Western documentary was on TV) because it was kind of scary. The next day the doctor said she wasn't worried since I felt better but if it happened again to go the emergency room (which was right next to the hotel) but I felt only really minor dizziness a time or two the next day.

So anyway - I learned that even if you feel great that general anesthesia is no joke and there's a reason they don't let you be alone right after. We stayed in Seattle through the weekend and I took it easy but went for short walks and we were kind of glad to be right next to the hospital just in case.

Doing well now and getting more mobility in my shoulder/arm doing the shoulder shrugs etc. suggested. Tomorrow is one week past surgery and I'll start one the exercises from the booklet they gave me.

- M

Teslafied

I made it through surgery today just fine. It was pretty much the same as last week.  I spent more time waiting than what the actual surgery time was!  Got there at 7:15 and was home by 12:30.  No pain again, which I’m so thankful for, but I was a lot more tired when I got home.  Also, it seemed to take longer for the anesthesia to kick in this time.  First surgery, I was out like a light before they even wheeled me into the operating room.  Second time, I remember being wheeled in, but then was out after a couple of minutes.  This time, I was awake when they wheeled me in, I scooted myself onto the table from my bed, then they placed the mask lightly over my nose and mouth.  Then it was only a couple of minutes and then I remember waking up more groggier than the other times. But, I was not nauseous and couldn’t wait to finally eat.  Had lunch when I got home and had my hubby pick up Shawarma for dinner again on his way home-one of my favorites.  Next Post-op visit is on the 8th-fingers are still crossed.

StAuggie, glad to hear you’re managing pain well.  My lymph nodes were clear also, and pathology report confirmed it.

Mouse57, I feel the same way you do about not dwelling on it until you can talk it over with the Dr.  I’m still waiting to find out my oncotype score.  Sorry you had the dizziness episode, I’m glad you’re ok.  Just take it easy.  It’s funny you mentioned the Ken Burns show - I have been watching that also and was watching it this afternoon when I got home. I’m not a country music fan, but I enjoy watching his documentaries on PBS.  My Mom always had the country music station playing back in the 70’s - I like the older music much better than all this new stuff out right now, but that’s just me.

Take care everyone!