Surgery complete - Unilateral Mastectomy + reconstruction

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paddington97
paddington97 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Well I made it through my surgery.  Here is a little background:

I found a lump about 4 weeks ago, well he did.  My husband insisted that I have it checked out right away. Long story short, two masses behind my left nipple, DCIS, stage O.  Due the size of my breasts 36AA and the location of the lumps I had a skin sparing mastectomy, with reconstruction (expander) plus augmentation (275cc+ saline) of the good side.  I turn 35 in January.  I never thought I would be in this situation at this age.  Still in shock.

It is 11:30 pm, my second night at the hospital, my husband is spending the night to keep me company. Laughing It was a very long night last night, couldn't sleep at all. I should be going home tomorrow sometime.  The surgery was a complete success.  Both surgeons said that everything went exactly as planned and looked great according to the PS.   The morphine drip that I had the 1st day helped with the pain but gave me a pounding headache until late this morning.  It was a long day with many friends visiting me.  I have been pretty good pain wise except for the site where the some of the lymph nodes were taken. My chest muscles and back started to hurt tonight but some additional pain medication has helped.  I now have some sleeping medicine.Hopefully I can now get some rest. Day two complete.

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  • jane1254
    jane1254 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2009

    Paddington97

    I also had a unilateral Mast. 12/7 with immed. recon.  I stayed in the hospital 2 nights.  Please don't expect too much from yourself.  I am doing really well now, but still moving a little slower than usual.  I just started driving yesterday.  It was fine, but my chest felt sore.  It is a slow process, don't try to rush it.  Take care of yourself and rest alot.  I found sleeping in a sitting position the most comfortable.  I used a foam wedge with pillows on top of it and a pillow under my knees to keep me from sliding down.  Most people like a recliner, but I wanted to be in my bed. I had a reduction and lift on my good breast to make it easier to match when doing the final "foob".  Good luck its behind you now.  Most people warn about constipation from pain medication.  You don't need that in addition so ask for medication to use at home if needed. Rest, Rest. Rest.

    Jane 

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited January 2010

    Both of you ladies are wished a safe, non-complicated recovery from your mastectomy. I recall mine well, and am glad now that reconstruction is offered more commonly and immediately.

    Lot's of rest, increase calories for healing with protein emphasis, some vitamin c for healing if not receiving radiation therapy, and attention to avoid constipation from any narcotic in the pain medicine should help you recover.

    I'm touched by how wonderful a husband can be: urging you forward in diagnosis and staying as a guardian in the hospital, just warding off those bugs or introduction of them.

    Happy new year to you both,

    Tender

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  • paddington97
    paddington97 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2010

    Another update:  I have received my pathology report on the tissue that was removed.  The DCIS/cancer had started to become invasive.  Another note is that I need a small amount of tissue removed to get better margins.   The surgery is scheduled for the 21st.  I am determined to beat this.  The hardest part is the mental recovery not the pysical.  the doctors say that I am doing great.  I just want to be cleared by the doctors so that I can get back to my normal training/workout routine.

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  • aces
    aces Member Posts: 38
    edited January 2010

    paddington97- I am having bilateral mastectomy for DCIS as soon as my surgeon and plastic surgeon can get their schedule worked out.  Just curious-do you have any idea how ofton the find an invasive component with the final pathology?  I hope you are recovering well.

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  • EllenRanchoMirage
    EllenRanchoMirage Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2010
    Hello All--Well I have come a long way since my November biopsy--had left mx skin sparing with immed recon Diep Flap--Dec. 29 with Sentinel Node Biopsy--I gotta say that I felt like I was walking the plank--my first surgery ever--9 hours and they were going to remove a breast!!  But strangely enough, I don't even miss it!!  Went to City of Hope which was spectacular! The place is like a village of compassion, care and skill--Nodes were clean as of surgery--Path meeting on Tuesday.  Having some swelling on lateral side of breast that seems to be accelerating in last 2 days.  Wonder if drains came out too soon--- but I am going back Tues so I will wait it out--2 drains taken out in that area but have one on either side of abs. that will hopefully come out Tuesday.  No real pain and I am pleasantly surprised--As for nutrition and vitamins, etc.--is that something to be taken up with the oncologist after my pathology is determined? I Any thoughts are appreciated! All the best to everyone!
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  • paddington97
    paddington97 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2010

    I am not sure how frequently with DCIS they find an invasive component with the final pathology report.  I am recovering well. Thanks!

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  • hliu_2001
    hliu_2001 Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2010

    Paddington97,

    I am sorry that you have to go through the 2nd surgery, but also do not quite understand how could this happen, since you already had the skin sparing MX which is suppose to remove all the breast tissue with only skin left? Is this because the surgery itself was not completely successeful, or something else? I was also diagnosed with DCIS and have the left MX and DIEP scheduled on 2/8/09, a little worried...

    Hope everything goes well with your second surgery! 

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