November 2009 Mastectomy

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Oh I'm still numb from surgery and getting more feeling back by the day which really surprises me. But every now and then either one or both of my now none existent nipples with itch or feel like they are being pinched.  It's the strangest feeling and I was just wondering if anyone experienced this as well.

    Glad to see your doing well Ann!  Smile

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

    My "DCIS" was also microinvasion - changing the dx to IDC. SNB was negative - but I'm so glad to have done a mastectomy and KNOW the cancer is gone. No risk of unclear margins, no rads. Now "prophylactic" left for ? areas - neg path - no chemo - it's nice to be "even" - I'm NOT sorry to have done bilat. mastec.!

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  • steeny107
    steeny107 Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2009

    msmarilyn

    I have the same feeling, I had a double mx on October 28th and from the start when I get cold it feels like my nipples (which I no longer have) are getting hard you know that sensation.  I am still having it.

    I was also feeling great the few days after the surgery then at week 2 I started to get really tired so taking it easier again. Enjoying being taken care of lol

    Glad your doing well

    quick question did you have any nodes removed?

    I had all the nodes under my right arm removed 14 out of 22 were positive.  I still have restricted movement in that arm.

    I go today for my consultation for rads.

    Michelle

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited November 2009

    Bonnie,

     I had my surgery back in Jan. of this year. I had LCIS and thankfully nothing else. My path. report was fine.

     Thanks

    Ann  

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Hi Michelle,

    I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who still has "nipple" feeling without having the nipples. lol  They only removed 2 nodes from each side... and I'm still waiting on the path report, should get it in later today (fingers crossed).  I have my first follow appt with both my BS and my PS on Monday (the 23rd).  Sorry to hear they so many tested positive.  Please keep me (us) updated on how your consultation goes today.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,

    Marilyn

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  • Brit2001
    Brit2001 Member Posts: 28
    edited November 2009

    I was just looking for the same.  I get my surgery on December 11.

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      Good luck today MsMarilyn hope your path comes out clear. Keep us updated Welcome to you Brit2001I am on December the 1st. Best wishes and lots of prayers for chele and dMorgan2 hope everything comes out OK.

    Rebecca

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

    MsMarilyn - In February, I had some phantom "zingy" pains in my non-existant right breast. They didn't last long - but briefly caused a gasp of surprise. Also had some itching. I think it's the same as phantom leg pain after an amputation - your brain doesn't know yet that the breast is gone and sends a nerve impulse clear to the end! I haven't really had any breast pains this time, but some crawly feelings under my arm and clear down to the elbow on the underside of my left arm. I think the nerves are swollen from the surgery and haven't learned how to behave!UndecidedMy idea is that it is a "good", even though strange, sign. At least these aren't cut nerves - they are just trying to wake up and get back to normal! I did quite a bit of lotion massage last time, and my husband would rub my back shoulder blade most nights. I feel it helped the nerves to be taught normal sensation, and maybe decreased the chance of adhesions making the scar too tight? Most of the numbness under my right arm has resolved - I've heard some ladies report that some areas stay numb, but others will return to normal.

    Thinking of all of you - please keep us posted and let us know if you have questions!

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    Hello everyone. Just wondering for those who have had their surgeries already...

    I have a lot of swelling on the side of the axillary node dissection just under the arm pit area. Is anyone else experiencing the same? I am putting ice packs on the affected area hoping it will help. I have been up most of the day today doing one thing or another. Maybe I am doing too much. Surgery was eight days ago.

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  • steeny107
    steeny107 Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2009

    I had my consultation today for radiation, but because I can not get my arm above my head it maybe delayed.  I am trying to see a Lymph Physical therapist asap.  I am 3 weeks since my double mx and auxilary node dissection with 22 nodes removed.  

    Under my arm is very hard and has a few lumps, the radiologist wants to do a sonogram of the area just to make sure it is not more cancer (great).

    I was wondering if anyone else was given exercises to do right away.  Noone told me to do anything and this is 3 weeks.  I worry that because I have not been exercising that everything is now frozen?

    Anyone have any answers please?????

    Michelle 

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    Steeny107 - Yes, I was given exercises to do from day one. I was told that your chance of "frozen shoulder" would be pretty high and would have to be followed by intense physical therapy if you did not exercise. If you want me to list the exercises just let me know. They are all simple and since I still have my drains, I was told to not lift the arms up over shoulder level - period!

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

    Leslie - I only had SNB last time and no nodes this time, but both times, my underarm has been swollen and sore to touch. Someone suggested roll-on deoderant - what a relief that was since I have used dry solids for some time! The numbness should improve and the swelling and tenderness decrease. But, don't do too much! And avoid lifting. I think we should rest at least 30 minutes 3 times a day even this second week! One hour in the sun provides great vitamin D too. You can have fluid build-up under the skin (a seroma) but that shouldn't be a problem if you still have drains.The swollen area should be soft though.

    steeny107 - Sorry to hear that you have more tests and a hard area. It could be other things, like just a seroma, so I'm not sure why the radiologist felt he needed to mention more cancer! If they took out 22 nodes - ouch! They would have taken out all they could find and certainly any that were questionable! Exercise wise - my surgeon only told me about arm exercises because I asked! Aren't these guys great sometimes???? And I didn't have reconstruc. so my instructions may be different than someones with reconstruc. He told me to lift my arm straight out in front and go as high as I could, carefully. Then straight out to the side and as high as I could - for a total of 50 times a day. So I do 10 straight out front, then 10 straight out to the side - and repeat 3 times a day. Yes, I know the math doesn't compute.......but more is usually better for me! I can't go as high this time - but he used a different dressing. My suggestion - ask, or insist if you have to, for a PT consult to help you get things loosened up - carefully and safely! Even a frozen shoulder can be worked out, but you don't need to lose any more time. I fell several years ago, and long story short, my chiropractor had the best advice ---- crawl your arm up the wall until it is uncomfortable, then rest. Respect the pain, but don't avoid it completely. Let us know how things go!

    TOB and jaroncam - Thinking of you both tomorrow. The waiting is almost over! Recovery is daily progress!

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  • WordDoctor
    WordDoctor Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2009

    I'm still waiting to hear the final pathology report on the SNB I had done Nov. 4. I did get the final report from the breast tissue taken in the lumpectomy. The additional spots are DCIS, and the surgeon is glad that I decided on the mastectomy, rather than more excision, hunting for clear margins. My husband's military, so my surgergies are taking place at an Army hospital with Army surgeons. I went in yesterday to find out about the pathology report, but as I said, one part of it wasn't back yet from the Mayo Clinic. My doctor wanted me to come in anyway so we could talk. He found out Friday he's being deployed overseas, so he won't be available to do my mastectomy. He introduced me to the head of the department, who was in the OR for my lumpectomy, and who will be doing my mastectomy. We can't schedule the date until the path. report on the lymph node comes back, just in case he has to go in for more lymph nodes while he's doing the mastectomy. I really like my surgeon who's leaving. He's been concerned about my case and told me, "I bet I thought about you more this weekend than your husband did." I overdid the activities this weekend and yesterday. Today both my incisions have hurt more than they have lately and the armpit incision has been swollen.  Also the burning/raw sensation on the inside of my upper arm is driving me crazy. Are there any suggestions for a cream or ointment I could use? The doctor says the nerve probably got a shock from the electric surgical tool used to cut and cauterize the area. I still expect to have surgery next week, but I won't know until that path. report comes in. . . .

    Linda

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      Linda I know how you feel waiting althoough for a differant reason I am still waiting. I now have my date 12/1 but even then now I feel I still have to much time on my brain. If I can do anything tho help please let me know many prayers.

    Rebecca

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  • MsMarilyn
    MsMarilyn Member Posts: 125
    edited November 2009

    Hello Ladies...

    I got a call from my BS's office today with my path report and was told that ALL of the cancer has been removed and my lymph nodes where clear.  I had to have her repeat the news to me a couple of times because I was in shock.  When I asked about any of treatment I was told that we would be discussing that on my follow up visit on Monday.  As happy as I am right now I'm still going to ask for a PET scan w/contrast.

    Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and I'm keeping you all in mine.  God is good!!

    Marilyn

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  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2009

    Hi Marilyn,

    I actually had to call my surgeon's office a few hours after they originally told me that my lymph nodes were clear --- I actually wanted to make sure that I had heard the words correctly.  It is SO overwhelming the roller coaster ride of the diagnosis and surgery ...

    You are in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

     Laurie

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

    Back from ONC visit - all negative. See him in 3 months to set up "screening" schedule! Until then, one step at a time and much thankfulness!

    WordDoctor - I use a cocoa butter cream from Wal-Mart the has vitamin E also. I tried to choose something for healing and incision minimizing!

    MsMarilyn - glad to hear your good report! So much to be thankful for! 

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

    Your turn - cammy. When we were little, we always wanted our turn.....sigh! Now, at least the waiting is almost over! We'll be thinking of you tommorrow - so much! May the surgery and recovery go so well!

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  • steeny107
    steeny107 Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2009

    Thanks ladies for your advice, I am a bit upset that they didnt tell me about any exercising.  Maybe i would not be in so much pain if I was doing something all along.

    Yeah I was emotionally exhuasted when i got home from her saying the lump could be cancer.  She seems very nice but yeah why say that to me.

    Best wishes to you all

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  • chele
    chele Member Posts: 1,465
    edited November 2009

    My surgery went well and I felt great when I came out of recovery.  I really don't have any pain but I do have quite a bit of swelling where my left breast used to be.  It looks like I still have a breast!  My right one is nice and flat and looks like he did a good job.  I'm not sure if they found 4 or 5 cancerous nodes so I'll get to start chemo in a few weeks. 

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  • Leslie1962
    Leslie1962 Member Posts: 233
    edited November 2009

    I hope you continue to feel well. I underwent bilat mastectomy on November 10. Days 2-4 were my most painful days. Take it easy.

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  • rebetata
    rebetata Member Posts: 539
    edited November 2009

      cammy2 hope all goes well today and you recover quickly.

     Rebecca

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  • dmorgan2
    dmorgan2 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies- I am back home--one night in the hospital-pain not bad at all!  ...only on Advil..My SNB was clear--thank the Lord!..only one node taken.

    I have a question--did any one of have a temperature? Right now, I have a 99.5 or was it 100???--that's with 2 Advil in me. I know dr. said to contact if 100.5+.  I'm on an antibiotic. I know it's normal for our bodies to have a fever after surgery as it's fighting,e tc. But how long would that last, etc.? 

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  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 184
    edited November 2009

    I had a low grade fever after BMX. It was 100.4 on about the 3 day post-op.  I had chills and called PS.  Was told fever is normal ( I knew it was just wanted reassurance) and to call if it reached 101.  My fever only lasted about a day and I took Tylenol.  Watch for bleeding on Advil, can you take Tylenol?

    Janet

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

    dmorgan - so glad to hear back from you and how well you're doing! I didn't have any fevers either time......and wasn't on antibiotics other than one IV dose in surgery. Make sure the drains are draining, and check the incision for redness, swelling, drainage. Increase the deep breaths - 10 every couple hours would be great. And drink, drink, drink! No cough, right? If all this is fine, keep an eye on the temp, but the antibiotic should be fine. It could just be your body fighting the inflammation and trauma. The next time you check, it could be down from these "treatments".

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  • riverview817
    riverview817 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2009

    It's been one week since my mastectomy and reconstruction.  I am 38 yrs. old, married, working mother of two.  I feel great and probably over do it most days, but I actually feel good!  I had a lat flap reconstruction--total reconstruction.  I already new nipples and areola's....tissue expanders.  My scars are so small, it's amazing.  Just one vertically down from the areola and then the two on my back.

    For anyone that hasn't gone it yet, hopefully you have done your homework and gotten a fantastic surgeons.  The care I rec'd was great in surgery and with the hospital staff.  I just had two drainage tubes removed yesterday at my first post op and now just have two left on my back.

     I sleep in a borrowed lazyboy recliner style chair, it's the most comfortable for my back still.  I've worked part-time from home all week.  My boss said I'm "crazy"!  But I've also gotton almost all of my Christmas shopping done online this year too!

    My mom came to help for a few weeks.  Lots of friends, neighbors and coworkers have brought over meals...so helpful!  My mom tires out trying to keep up with my kids schedule and the laundry (hahaa).  I hired a housekeeper for a few months.  So, she comes once a week and does all the floors, dusting, bathrooms.  So worth it!

    Anyway, my surgery took 9 hours.  I was so nervous, but I really can't believe how good I feel and look.

     Any questions, please feel free to email me!  All my best, Meagan

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  • chele
    chele Member Posts: 1,465
    edited November 2009

    I'm so glad for you dmorgan2!  My surgeon told me to call if my fever was 101.5; so far the highest I've gotten is 99.6.  I'm not on any anti-biotics and haven't needed pain meds since I was released.  I've taken some sinus stuff though since I still can't seem to kick this sinus headache and drainage.  bleh. 

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    I am planning my double mast, dissection and ooph in December and can't decide how to plan my furniture. My bedroom is on the second floor and i will be alone during working hours for a few days.  I would like to recover in my room but am open to borrowing a recliner for downstairs or renting a hospital bed. I am coming to the conclusion that getting up out of bed is the hardest part. I think i have food, meds, and bathroom under control.  What are your thoughts about furniture for sleeping???

    Thank you all in advance,

    Amy

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  • YoYo44
    YoYo44 Member Posts: 203
    edited November 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Too tired to read or write much right now but just wanted to check in and let you know how I was doing and thank you all for your words of support.

    I just got home from the BMX and TE placement operation yesterday afternoon.  It was Tuesday and I was only supposed to be overnight but had some complications.  I ended up with a hematoma that needed to be opened up again and fixed so it delayed things.  Then my hemoglobin was so low they wouldn't release me until I was transfused with 2 units of red cells.  But I am happy to be home, got some sleep finally and don't feel too bad relatively speaking.  The pain is manageable with the medication and I just need to keep stretching.  No shower until after the 4 drains are removed Tuesday though.  Ugh!!

    I know this sounds ugly for anyone waiting but really it is not bad.  I actually feel less tearful and stressed than before.  I am happy with my decisions.  The doctors were great and supportive and I got all good reports after surgery,  The waiting until Dec 17 for path results will be hard.  I am in some pain, but really more sore and irritated by the 4 drains.  I am actually shocked at how manageable it all is.  If it wasn't for the hematoma I would probabaly have been up and at 'em way earlier.  Getting out of the hospital was good.  The nurses were great but it is not a good place to rest so last night I finally slept.

    Off to wash my hair.  Eeek!!  I was happy to have kept it through chemo but I knew there were some advantages to being bald...

    Thanks again and good luck to those of you just recovering or going for surgery soon.  Will write better next week.

    Hugs!  Yo

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  • dmorgan2
    dmorgan2 Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    Hi everyone-

    I think my "fever's" ok--I had my husband go out and buy a new thermometer last night (to be sure) and it registered 97-98 orally. So I think I'm ok. 2Hands, I do keep a close eye on the drain, for any swelling, redness, etc. Everything looks ok.

    For ones who are about to have surgery....the worst part is "the before!"...all the anxiety, etc.  I am so glad it's over and I know I made the right/wisest decision for me. Now I'm just dealing with getting stronger and adjusting. I have shed a tear or two..but think some of that is in part from the surgery and being weak, etc.  Sometimes I think that I can't believe I had it done, but I do know it's the best choice for me.

    I need to ask all of you to please pray for MsMarilyn. (cute young lady who had Bi-MX about a week or so ago) She wrote me and said that she was on the way to the ER--one of her "no-longer-boobs" was red and swollen...that one side was putting out 15cc and the swollen one-100cc. Her dr. told her to go to ER. That was 17 hours ago (IT's now 5:30pm EST-Sat.) So PLEASE let's all pray for her!!!!!

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