November 2009 Mastectomy

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  • Chevyboy
    Chevyboy Member Posts: 10,786
    edited November 2009

    Hi Margee!  I hope to hear from you soon here!  We'll all be thinking about you today!  I WONDERED about these Husbands & their thoughts, & what the h--- goes on with them!   I think it's all a shock to them too, & they don't know what to say or do!  Don't worry, we are all here for you!  BEST wishes for you today!  Hang in there kiddo!  Jeannette

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  • mattscot
    mattscot Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2009

     I just had right mastecotomy --  and immediate recon with tissue expander on Monday Nov 2nd.  I had the left done last October when I had my diagnosis.  I found out I was Braca 2 after the surgery.  It took me a while to make the decision to do the right side on a prophylactic basis.  I still have the tissue expander on the left side -- so I am really looking forward to pump up and do the exchange on both sides. I am feeIing well ... this is of course much easier than last year when trying to sort out what was the extent of the cancer and treatment . My thoughts are with you all.  

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Welcome to all who recently posted! I'm sorry you need to be here, but glad you found us!

    Sorry about the insurance, Rebecca! Just be persistant - sometimes they deny, then reconsider, or just take their time. The waiting is hard, but you can find positives also. You have more time to ask questions and put food in the freezer if you want etc.

    Thinking of you today, Margee_J. The cancer will be gone by the time you read this and that is a huge positive! I told  my husband after my last mastectomy - "I am going to choose to be glad the cancer is gone instead of being sad that my breast is gone!" It's not always that easy for everyone, but a choice I made and I'm glad I did. Now that I'm having the second, I now feel the same way. At first it was hard to think that I needed a second surgery the same year. Now - I'm choosing, with God's help, to look at the fact that....I now get to choose the size I want to be! And most important - the cancer and the risk is gone!

    MsMarilyn - One day at a time! You can ask and share anything here and someone will try to help! There's a great list of things to take with you for surgery - in the same forum as this. Not all suggestions apply to everyone, and it takes awhile to read through everyone else's additions.... but it really helps. I'll try to get a list of other helpful areas to read also.

    Off to Scrapbooking day #2! It's a great respite before my big week. Thinking of all of you!

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies!

    Just got back from my pre-op workup for surgery next Tuesday. All went well. Got lots of information on what to expect after the surgery, drains, etc. They even told me I would have a nice camisole ready and waiting for me after surgery. It comes complete with breast forms so I won't look flat and comes with four nifty drain holders inside. Pretty cool. I was wondering what I would have to be doing with all those drains just hanging there.

    I just cannot keep emotions in check. Some days I am so on top of things that people at work cannot believe I am facing surgery and have cancer. Today the nurse asked me about eight questions from a sheet that is part of the pre-op. All was fine until she asked me if I was under stress, anxious or depressed. I told her that I was really stressed out from all of this madness and just started crying. Talk about feeling like a total loser! Cry I hate it when that happens! 

    Now the wait...

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      Leslie1962  you are not a loser you are a winner because you are doing everything the kick cancers a@* and for that you are courageous and strong. I know about the waiting I was scheduled for Monday but got the confirmation call last night to cancel because I did not get the insurance pre. authorization that is a requirement. Iw onder if there is a board of people thinking how can we really stress out this women who is at the breaking point already. Well I am washing my bed linen and will clean clean and clean to pass the time and keep my mind off of things.

    Sorry for just going on and on.....

    Rebecca

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  • yogamommy
    yogamommy Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2009

    Thank you all for the good wishes!! I had the bilateral mx on Wed with TEs put in. I was home on Thursday. I truly don't mean to make anyone worried but this is, for me, the absolute worst pain I have ever experienced. My chest feels like 10 trucks ran into it and 10 more trucks are sitting on it. It has gotten a tiny bit better since Thursday but it is awful. And I find it so depressing to be unable to do much of anything. Knowing what I know now, I might have delayed reconstruction. Actually, yes, I would have delayed it This is just MY experience and I pray everyone has lots less pain. I am on lots of painkillers and valium at night.



    Good luck to upcoming surgeries. I have to go back and check the list.

    Thinking of all of you

    Vickie

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

    Vick614 so sorry to hear about your experience I hope the pain med help I will keep you in my prayers.

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Vick614,

    You are in my prayers hun!   I'm getting ready to go through the same surgery you just went through, I'm also getting all my lymph nodes removed as well.  The more I read on here the more I rethink getting the expanders. 

    I've already had to have my back caged and fused twice and that still causes me a lot of pain, not sure I can handle much more at the moment.  PLEASE keep us updated on your progress and remember you're not alone, you have a bunch of "sisters" on here pulling, praying and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    EXTRA Gentle Hugs

    Marilyn

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    vick614 - so sorry about the pain. keep up with the pain pills and watch for infection. It should get better and you should be able to resume activities s-l-o-w-l-y. If not, please let your surgeon know!

    MsMarilyn - how are you doing? It's so much new information to absorb, isn't it?

    Had a great time scrapbooking again yesterday, then church today, now last minute errands and details tomorrow! Whew - it's going fast now!

    mirbelle and Margee_J - let us know how you're doing. Hope the recovery is going well.

    alaun - we'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Take a deep breath and focus on a smooth recovery.

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  • cellardoor
    cellardoor Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2009

    Hello there!

    I just had my bilat mx w/ TE on the 3rd.

    Was wondering if anyone has felt a lump in either of their armpits after the surgery? I just noticed it today while sponge bathing and it's bringing back terrible memories.

    GL with everyone elses upcoming surgeries!

    love,

    katsy 

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  • dmorgan2
    dmorgan2 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    Hi everyone,

    It's good to be able to read your stories. I'm in the same boat as you all.

    My left mx is scheduled for Nov.18.....9 more days to go and I, too, am geting more nervous the closer the date.

    I have made the decision to have this done. It's (BC) not in my family, but the standard treatment of rads really scared me. So to be sure and not have rad., I've decided to have the mx, which has been a HUGE decision for me. I had a lumpectomy 6 weeks ago now and have been in agony trying to decide what to do. At one point, I thought about doing nothing--to just keep a careful watch on it to see if it comes back. (I had DCIS and clear margins.) But I don't think that's wise.

    I don't know what it'll be like to look at myself for the first time after the mx.

    I am also scheduled for TE at the same time,but this weekend, have decided to cancel that part. I can only handle one thing at  a time. I've been told that you really need to be committed to reconstruction. I'm not right now. I can always have it done later. I may be just fine with a fake boob and I want to see about that.

     I would love anyone's thoughts/input. I keep questioning myself and my decision--is this really necessary for me? I have, at this point, a 30% chance of recurrence..that's not that bad. Right? It's such a final thing to have a mx. (It's late at night right now and I get more sad, moody, etc. at night.)

    Sorry I've rambled.....Please share your thoughts. Thanks! (Don't tell me it's MY decision. I already know that and I am so tired of doctors telling me that!) But be gentle with me...I'm emotional right now. :-)

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  • Grakenmom
    Grakenmom Member Posts: 169
    edited November 2009

    Hello all - I just found this thread, and am so happy to meet you all here (sorry it's for the same reasons).  Best wishes for uncomplicated speedy recoveries to everyone who's had surgeries over the past few weeks.  And certainly best wishes to all those with upcoming procedures.

    I'll be having a bilat mast with tissue expanders on 11/11. All preop testing done, and ins is notified, so I think everything is in place. Have put up a bed in our den, close to the bathroom (and away from the kids' bathroom upstairs) for recovery.  As far as I can tell, I'm good with my decisions, the worst part will be not being able to hug my family!! 

    Sending good thoughts and prayers to each of you, E

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  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2009

    Hi DMorgan2..

    I had a keft-sided mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction in August of 2007.  For me, personally, the surgery and subsequent TE fills were easily tolerated.  When I woke up from surgery, with the tissue expander in place, it was a little comfort to see that I still had a breast shape there (although smaller).  The actual exchange of the tissue expander for my implant was in December, and that surgery was by far the easiest one.  I still have not completed the nipple, and I am still tyring to decide if I will do it.

    Good luck to you in your decision-making.  You are the only one that knows what is right for you.

    Laurie

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  • kreativek
    kreativek Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2009

    Best wishes to all the ladies having surgery in November.  I had my surgery 18 months ago.  The worst time is the week right before.  Once you get to the hospital it is over before you know it.  I wish you all a speedy and uneventful recovery!

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited November 2009

    Last minute check in-

    ktsy - Could you have a swollen lymph node from the surgery? Did you have sentinal node bx or any node dissection? Is the area red or warm also? At this point, I'd keep an eye on it and let your doctor know if it's also red or warm. Let us know, OK?

    welcome to Grakenmom and dMorgan2 - I'll add you to the top.

    A mastectomy is "do-able" dMorgan2 - as I had my first in February. Yes, there's some recovery, but peace of mind is important too. If you are a list person, it might help to write the positives and negatives for a mastectomy in two columns, then decide which side has the more "weight". You could have fewer on the one list, but still have more importance to you on that side. In my case, the tumor board recommended the second mastectomy, and I was really glad for the clear answer. Of course, I could have still decided to NOT follow their recommendation, but that wasn't a consideration FOR ME! May God be with you as you make your final decision.

    Well, most last minute things are done. We're going out to supper, then tomorrow is the day. God has promised to be with us, and I'm leaning on His Promises. His Peace is wonderful! One step at a time - forward! I'll be staying overnight, so plan to be home on Wednesday. I'll check in when I can and in the meantime, know that I'm thinking of you all and praying God will provide you with the Peace He's given me!

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  • yogamommy
    yogamommy Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2009

    HI everyone.

    Rebecca, Marilyn, and 2Hands, thank you so much for the good wishes.  This is just ridiculously painful, unfortunately.  Each day gets a little better __ meaning, it is just "awful" and not "unbearanble" with painkillers.   :(  I accidentally pulled a drain out - brilliant, I know.  But I have quite a few in there.  I have NO regrets about the mx at all,  but the TEs......that's another story.

    I pray you're all doing well.

    Vickie

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  • jaroncam
    jaroncam Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2009

    Can I be added to the list please, my double mastectomy is scheduled for 11-19-09

    Please pray for my family, as they are more upset than I am. I am at peace with my decision,I just hope they make it through the surgery :)

    Thank you, have a nice evening

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    2Hands4me,

    I have more information that I really wanted.. lol   I'm a bundle of raw nerves today and a complete emotional mess...

    My daughter, Samantha, asked me a simple question today and it about broke me heart but I did my best to answer her, not only to give her comfort but me as well.

    Samantha, "Mommy, where can I lay my head when I get scared or I'm sick after the doctors take you boobies?"

    Me "Samantha, you can lay your head the same place you have since the day you were born, on my heart... the only difference is now you'll be even closer".

    She was happy with my answer, but after she went off to play again I went to the bathroom and broke down for about 10 mins.  It hadn't even crossed my mind that she would "miss" them as a form of comfort until she asked me that.  Now more than ever I feel like I'm losing even a bigger part of myself.

    vick614  I'm sorry your hurting but I'm glad your doing well, other than pulling out a drain tube.  But seriously, it's good to see you online and posting.

    **Extra Gentle Hugs**

    Jaroncam...  Welcome!!  Sorry to see that your here but I'm glad you found your way here .  The ladies here are a wonderful group of people that can offer support, give answer and will understand when you just need to vent. And I will pray for you and your family for peace and strength. 

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  • yogamommy
    yogamommy Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2009

    Good luck tomorrow 2Hands and Leslie!! I am right about that, right!?



    We will be thinking of you.

    vickie

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

    Well since I did not get my surgery today I will post my new day as soon as I get it.

    2Hands and Leslie I am so happy you will over  step one and on to the healing. MsMarilyn that is so cute with your daughter. I hope everyone is at peace with your decision and found a supportive family here with our BC sisters.

    Till tomorrow good night and gentle hugs to all,

    Rebecca

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited November 2009

    MsMarilyn, your post about your DD touched me, I have two DDs aged 10 and 12 and I know how confusing this is for everyone.

    Ladies, I just wanted to lend my support, I had my mastectomy in October. Have lots of pillows on hand and don't be afraid to ask for help. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2009

    Hi everyone.  Sorry I've been MIA.  Surgery went as well as could be expected on Thursday morning - all initial lymph nodes tested negative so far YAY!  The pain hasn't been all that bad really, although I had a bad evening yesterday as I think I tried to do a little too much.  I just can't stand not being with and interacting with my babies!  They have started to understand how they can hug me without touching the drains or the surgical site though - the drains are a source of endless fascination for 2 toddlers (go figure!).

    The drains themselves are driving me nuts, and I've developed a rash around my arms from who knows what.  Otherwise, the area is fairly numb, which kind of freaks me out to be honest ...  The hardest part now is waiting on the path report and not being too active/getting enough rest.  It sounds nice in theory (especially for a mom!) but in practice, not so much!

    I hope everyone else is doing well, and good luck to all of you still waiting for surgery!

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  • dmorgan2
    dmorgan2 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    11-10-09 

    2Hands4Me,

    Today's your big day and I wanted you to know that I am praying for you right now.

    When you can, let us know how you're doing.

    I appreciate your comments to me and my cold feet a couple of days before your surgery. First time through is scarry!

    **He's our Refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.**

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  • Peggio
    Peggio Member Posts: 274
    edited November 2009

    November Ladies ~

    I had my bilateral masectomy last November 18.  Just reading through this thread has brought back a lot of memories.  IT GETS SO MUCH BETTER!  I had tissue expanders put in and then silicone implants last May.  I'm not in pain, my range of motion is back and I'm doing what I did before - the busy life of a mom with kids (11 & 14).  So, don't give up hope.  I'll be thinking of you all.  If you want to PM (private message) me with any questions - please do.

    Peg

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Tomorrow is "surgery day"... and I'm doing my best to keep busy so I don't just sit here and over think things and get myself even more nervous.

    I think I'm more nervous about dealing with the pain than actually losing my breasts tomorrow.  I already live with a lot of pain due to my back and all the surgeries I've had there.  (Twice caged and fused in my lower lumber)...  I'm just praying that it wont be as bad as I'm thinking.

    Marilyn

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  • dmorgan2
    dmorgan2 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    MsMarilyn,

    I am SO thinking of you today! I will be praying for you tomorrow--what time is your surgery?

     Mine is in 7 days--this time next week. I think one of the worst things is the waiting!!!

    Even today, I've been thinking "this time next week...."

    When you're back home and up to it, be sure and let us know how you're doing. I'll be anxious to hear!!!!  Are you in the hospital for one night?

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

       MsMarilyn I will be praying for you and thinking about you. I still don't have my new surgery date. I am just here to offer support but cant wait to get my day. I am so ready for the next step. I am going away for the weekend to get my mind off all this.

       I will post when I get the date. I did get all of the authorizations I need so that is a big step. Now to schedule around the doctors

    Rebecca

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  • KittyGirl
    KittyGirl Member Posts: 48
    edited November 2009

    Best wishes to everyone who is having/has had surgery this month; best wishes for good news medical reports afterwards; and best wishes to all of you for good recoveries.    

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

       Well I got my dayn I guess I don't belong to this thread anymore though since I got December the first as my day well I will still post here and pretend I belong. Hope everyone is doing ok and feeling no pain.

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers...  my surgery is at 12 (noon) but I have to be at the hospital at 8:30 in the morning.  I'll only be there over-night if all goes well (fingers are crossed).  And as soon as I'm up to it I'll be back and let you all know how I'm doing... Right now I'm REALLY hoping that the pain and discomfort isn't as bad as I have in my head.  Yeah.. I had time to over think things again ..  lol

    Rebetata... you belong here, but I wish none of us did!!   Wink

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