January Mastectomy

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  • iamgiggles1
    iamgiggles1 Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2010

    My surgery date is January 12th also. Bilateral mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction for now. I am feeling all kinds of stuff also. Im glad to see that Im normal as I can be ha ha. I have had 3 months of A/C and now surgery and then 3 more months of chemo and 1 year of Herceptin. This really sucks but I know if you all can do it then I can!! I am a single mom of 4 kids. I have twin 8 year olds that dont understand much but I tell them what they can comprehend for now. We can do this together right? Prayers to all!!!

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    I know that I am going to smile, just reading your name dearest giggles.

    Welcome to January.

    Prayers to all.

    I got my pre-admin-testing scheduled for day-after-tomorrow, looks like this will happen for me

    I am soooooooooo sorry about the run-around, extra testing for you.

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  • CyndiS
    CyndiS Member Posts: 42
    edited January 2010

    Hi ladies! Just joining the club - so much has been posted already, I wanted to respond a dozen times reading them. Please add me to the list - I am scheduled for a UMX, left side on Jan. 27. It is far enough away that I can still distance myself. Then again, I am getting the sense that all this time is really building a quiet anxiety within. I, too, have gained an incredible inner peace through all of this. I really believe it is bringing out the best of me -- although there are moments when I feel completely overwhelmed. Almost anything sentimental makes me cry - any excuse to let it out I suppose. I know this - I could not get through this without all you ladies and this wonderful forum. It is a godsend. I am going for genetic counseling tomorrow, and the PS next week. I am a little excited about getting a new set of girls (the good side gets a lift!) but I realize there is a great loss there, too.

    Anyway, it is amazing how many awesome women are posting on here. Sending prayers for everyone with surgeries this week.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    angicpa and Sherry, how are you ladies doing?  I am thinking about you and look forward to hearing how everything went for you.  Let us know when you are feeling up to it.

    Welcome Lynh, cat60 and iamgiggles1.  Looks like there is getting to be a few of us on the 12th. Lynh, I know what you mean, you want the date here, but at the same time you don't.  Hang in there, and know that we are all here for you. Will be thinking of you these next couple of days before you have your surgery.

    sejnboys I am so sorry this happened to you.  I am really beginning to wonder if these people have a clue?  It is making me so angry. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, one has to prepare themselves mentally for this kind of surgery, and for them to treat it like we are booking a teeth cleaning is absurd.  Hopefully they can get things sorted out and quickly for you and have your surgery rescheduled as soon as possible. Sending you ((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))

    I didn't get much farther in my attempts to get more information today. The first nurse that I called couldn't understand what I needed to know. I explained that I needed to book flights, make child care arrangements, hotel accomodations etc. but needed to know if I have to come down early for preop, how long I am in the hospital, when can I fly home etc.  I think this is pretty basic stuff, I don't think I am asking for alot. She said I will be discharged from hospital by 10am the next day, and if I wanted to fly home that day I could. When I asked about the drains, she said that I should come to the hospital on Thursday and she will show me what to do??? So what do I do in the hotel room from Wednesday at 10am until Thursday???? No answer. She said I need to speak to someone else whether or not I have to come to do preop. After waiting hours for that call that never came, I called her.  By this time I was totally frustrated, and said the same to the assistant. I told her she has no idea how difficult this is and sadly this woman has gone through breast cancer herself.  Which made this even more difficult.  Of anybody you would think she would understand how difficult this is. So as of right now don't know what time surgery is, or what time I need to be at the hospital, she did tell me I don't have to do anything for preop day before, they will do it that day. Sorry just needed to vent again and feel better.

    We can do this and we will do this!

    Cathy

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    I'm scheduled ... this coming Monday January 11.  Wow.  I wanted to get it done, but now that I have the date and it's so close, I'm scared to death.  Glad to know there are many who have gone before.  Bilateral on the left.  I'm not doing immediate DIEP, although I would really love to.  My PS said to wait.  Two reasons:  there is a suspicious area right under the nipple they are concerned could be invasive.  If that's the case, I'm in for chemo.  And I'm trying to find a new job after I was laid off in November.  So with just the one surgery, I can still get out on interviews pretty quickly. 

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  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 713
    edited January 2010

    Hi ladies....there was a Nov mastectomy thread and now a Jan thread....I had a mx in Dec so don't fit in either. I'm glad you all have each other to share info with, and wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery. Crappy way to start the new year, but hoping things get better for you after January! All the best,

    Mich

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    Mich_M -- let's think of this as a great way to start the new year ... getting rid of the cancer.  I read a thread from a woman in her mid-60's who has a t-shirt she loves to wear:  "Yes they are fake.  My real ones tried to kill me."  Just keeping a sense of humor and perspective.  I'm looking forward to the tummy tuck and boob job waiting for me in a new months!

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  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 713
    edited January 2010

    Hi Frosty. The T-shirt logo is a good one! And yes, I'm hoping that a tummy tuck might be the one good thing that comes out of this sh*tty experience.

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    We can do this.

    A.) Because we must.

    B.) Because we have each other.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • sunsnow
    sunsnow Member Posts: 92
    edited January 2010

    Pre-op with PS on Monday went well. He's going to mark me up tomorrow morning. Today I have pre-op with BS. In this midst of this I found out that I'm BRCA2+, so they've added a BSO to my surgery on Friday. Mastectomy and menopause--double whammy!!! Ultrasound yesterday looked ok, so they are treating it as prophylactic for now. It's all too much, between the bc, my father's death and now this news-- all in less than 6 weeks. I've been numb, terrified, angry and now I'm just sad. Sorry to be such a downer, but I just got the kids off to school and I'm tired of seeming fine so I needed a 2 minute break. I'm grateful to have a place to do that. Best to all!

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    Vent away ... I have a 15 year old daughter and I was talking about the pain and recovery period and she was rather quiet.  I realized that I can't just blab away.  YOu have been through a really rough couple of months.  Be sure you find a way to take time for yourself (and not just in the recovery room!).  I know that is easier said than done as a mom, but you need to be able to grieve for your dad and for your breast.  We are all here for you!

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  • CinD
    CinD Member Posts: 163
    edited January 2010

    Hello all, want some more company? 

    My left breast mastectomy with node removal and immediate tissue expander placement is scheduled for tomorrow, January 7.  I had a lympectomy and sentinel node biopsy a little over a month ago, however one margin was not clear and the cancer was just starting to move into the sentinel node.  A second node was clear.  So rather than go back in to take a little more out and hopefully get clear margins, I decided to go to mastectomy.  With luck, I'll be able to avoid radiation, since a much larger area would need it since one node was just starting to get involved.  

    Today I'm cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and ordering some books online to read during recuperation.   Also going to get my little bag packed today.  Here's what I'm taking, so please let me know if you can think of anything else:  lip balm, short robe, slippers, sweat pants, undies, socks, disinfectant wipes, a book I'm sure I won't be able to read but just want to have to pick up just in case, a cheap pair of reading glasses, and pictures of my beautiful puppies and hubby.

    I met Mich on another thread, and I hope your follow-up appointment brings great news! 

    My surgery is after lunchtime tomorrow, so if you can send up some prayers and good thoughts, they will be much appreciated. 

    My best to all!

    Cindy 

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    My thoughts are with you as you prepare for tomorrow!  I'm going to get some really nice comfy jammies that button up the front to wear ...

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  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 713
    edited January 2010

    Hi CinD - sending you lots of positive vibes and a prayer for tomorrow. Did they say how long you'd be in the hospital? I was only in overnight, so didn't need much in the way of supplies but it sounds like you have all the basics covered except maybe a good magazine.

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    This sounds like the perfect time for some guilty pleasure reading and magazines.  I plan to hit the newstand on Sunday.

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  • CinD
    CinD Member Posts: 163
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Frosty and Mich.  They have me down for an overnight stay and will decide after that if I'm good to go.  I'd rather stay a little longer than be rushed out, but that's probably a luxury these days. I'm wondering if maybe having all of the lymph nodes out will require a little more time in hospital. I have two cocker spaniels who will try to be all over me once I get home, so I don't want to be in a real iffy state.  Just thought of two more things to take, toothbrush and paste.

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    It's great to see such support percolating here.

    Sunsnow, that hardly constituted a 'downer' what-so-ever. For goodness sake woman, we wanna hear a real live rant&vent from you. You may certainly have more than two minutes. Just wanted you to know that I officially sanction all reality-based-truth-experience and don't intend to pretend that this is just one big happy diversion.

    I think I'll need to make some sorta list that's portable -- to sort our who is who. Everytime I wanna comment on something I read earlier, I forget who's who.

    I just read the sweetest 'concept' on another thread here that I frequent.

    The poster said, "please rest assured that I pray for each of you as I read your post." Well I may be paraphrasing, as I'm depending on my memory again. LOL.

    In any case, I'm not sure that my existing brain power is sufficient to name each & every one here, but I will certainly promise to hold you up in prayer as I read your post.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • angicpa
    angicpa Member Posts: 67
    edited January 2010

    Hi everyone.  Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.  I'm home now. I had mastectomy on right side, a tissue expander inserted and the SNB preliminary pathology is clear.  I stayed two nights. They could have sent me home yesterday but left it up to me. I'm glad I stayed an extra 24 hours - it made such a difference physically which made such a difference emotionally too.  Such mixed feelings I had....scared although I had complete confidence in my surgeons.  Also felt acceptance (or really strong denial) as Monday morning I just went to the hospital and went through the routine of getting ready for surgery and gave up any idea of control.  I read the injections for the SNB are painful.  They were not bad, maybe just depends on how well one can tolerate needle sticks or else I had very skilled needle sticker people.

    I had such wonderful nurses at MCV. They made the whole experience so much easier or better or tolerable.  No one tried to make me wait for pain medication.  Every medical staff who came in to my room, for any reason, always asked if there was anything I needed. 

    I haven't seen the surgical sight yet. I will tomorrow.  They told me I could shower today, but I'm too tired tonight to deal with the draping of drains, removing and replacing bandages and dealing with the first look.

     So it wasn't a walk in the park, but the drs, nurses and other staff made it better rather than worse. 

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited January 2010

    Angicpa - sounds like you had a good experience.  Thank you for sharing for the rest of us ... I know that is my biggest fear -- the unknown of this whole experience.  Still keeping you in my thoughts as you focus on your recovery!

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  • angicpa
    angicpa Member Posts: 67
    edited January 2010

    I don't want to downplay the fear or pain, but just try to emphasize how much good hospital staff can influence the experience.  I hope everyone here can have a competent supportive staff.

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    So very glad to read your post, angi.

    The 'details' of your sharing are strangely comforting.

    Lest anyone think I'm sort of robot -- just wanted you all to know I just had a wave of hysterical sobbing, prompted by a well meaning email from a well meaning friend.

    It was good to let go of all of that emotion. Sorta volcanic, but good to let it go.

    Hope that everyone has restorative sleep.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2010

    Faith,

    I love that you have words Strength and Courage in your postings. I have some lyrics to a Whitney Houston song I'd like to post here. I heard her sing this song back in Nov. and I cried because it's just how I felt last Jan. I printed the lyrics and read them to remind myself that I made it though the surgery and that I'm fine. Maybe they can help someone else. 

    Lyrics to

     I Didn't Know My Own Strength

    Lost touch with my soul
    I had no where to turn
    I had no where to go
    Lost sight of my dream,
    Thought it would be the end of me
    I thought I'd never make it through
    I had no hope to hold on to,
    I thought I would break

    I didn't know my own strength
    And I crashed down, and I tumbled
    But I did not crumble
    I got through all the pain
    I didn't know my own strength
    Survived my darkest hour
    My faith kept me alive
    I picked myself back up
    Hold my head up high
    I was not built to break
    I didn't know my own strength

    Found hope in my heart,
    I found the light to life
    My way out of the dark
    Found all that I need
    Here inside of me
    I thought I'd never find my way
    I thought I'd never lift that weight
    I thought I would break


    I didn't know my own strength
    And I crashed down, and I tumbled
    But I did not crumble
    I got through all the pain
    I didn't know my own strength
    Survived my darkest hour
    My faith kept me alive
    I picked myself back up
    Hold my head up high
    I was not built to break
    I didn't know my own strength

    There were so many times I
    Wondered how I'd get through the night I
    Thought took all I could take

    I didn't know my own strength
    And I crashed down, and I tumbled
    But I did not crumble
    I got through all the pain
    I didn't know my own strength
    Survived my darkest hour
    My faith kept me alive
    I picked myself back up
    Hold my head up high
    I was not built to break
    I didn't know my own strength

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlRBhw6BHgo&feature=related

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  • Kim09
    Kim09 Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2010

    Just dropping by to wish all of you good luck with your surgeries.  I had a bi-lat mastetomy a little over a month ago, so I know what you are going through..

    CindD - When I had my lymph nodes removed I was only kept overnight.

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  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2010

    Good luck to all the ladies having surgery this week

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    Hi angica, so glad you posted to share your experience.  You must be so relieved to have this done and I am happy for you, that you had such a great team. It is helpful to hear all of the little details. I especially seem interested in the SNB.  I think right now that is making me the most nervous, since I just found out they will be injecting the dye the day before.  Never heard of this. Apparently because I am first to have surgery in the morning.

    Loved the lyrics to the song - Stonebrook108.

    Hope you both can sleep well tonight Lynh and CinD.  I am feeling for you tonight and will think of you both tomorrow, hoping it goes by very quickly.  When you are up to posting let us know how you are and how things went.

    Cathy

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    Sending out early morning prayers for Lyn & Cin...... I sure wish I had a tag-team buddy for the 15th. Know that you are being held up at this very minute.

    Sending the intention of brilliance and compassion to your entire medical teams.

    We will await your experiences, when you are able to share.

    angi & Sherry...... wish you well this morning, also.

    All the rest in the 'approaching' mode, know that I'm standing shoulder-to-shoulder and hand-in-hand on the roller coaster, tilt-o-whirl of this journey.

    It is an inestimable benefit to have you gals, stonie & kim, stopping by and wishing us well.

    Blessings on you for your kindness.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited January 2010

    Sunsnow:  I too am waiting for my surgery tomorrow morning, I don't know if you saw my post earlier in the thread, but we are (were) having the same thing done... Bilat. Mx with TE and SNB...  I am awaiting on the results of my BRCA test, I don't think I'll receive them before my surgery, but I am so sorry to hear your news that you are +.  I can't imagine how I'll react when I get my news.  Can I ask (I should probably know this) but what is a BSO?  My hopes and prayers are with you and all of us.  I go for my Sentinal Node Injection this afternoon at 4:00 and have to be at the hospital at 6:00 am tomorrow morning for my 8:00 am surgery.  I am nervous (obviously) but at this point I just want to get it done and let the healing begin.  My 7 year old daughter has been having a rough week thinking about the surgery and if I'm going to "get hurt" so I am anxious to come out of that recovery room and smile at her and show her that I am okay and I will be okay!  My DH and I have both had a very positive attitude through out this unwanted experince and I'm trying to find some good out of it, hoping to become a stronger person and closer to my 3 children and my 1 granddaughter and my grandson that is due on March 8th!  (Yes, I have young children and grandchildren!  Son Grant 5, daughter Gracelyn 7, son Kevin 21 and his fiance Lynsey 19 and her daughter Mara 1 and they are expecting baby Eli on March 8, will be married on July 21and my PS assured me that I will be complete for the wedding, maybe not tattooed yet, but everything else!)  Anyway, hugs and prayers to all, we will get through this, and I am looking forward to my new girls!

    Bless & Release!
    Paula

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited January 2010

    Bless and Release.

    I love that Paula. Please prompt us with that duo over & over. I am a slow learner.

    Sending prayers for you as I put on my big girl panties for today's hospital run for the pre-admit tests.

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  • KELL414240
    KELL414240 Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2010

    I am having a double mastectomy with TE on Jan 26th. I am also having a SNB. I have to be at the hospital at 8:00 for a 12:30 surgery. They also told me that they would do the SNB injections around 10:00. That is the part that is freaking me out the most. She said they would give me a valium and would also send this numbing cream to apply at my house before I leave that morning. Anybody else had the same thing done? They also recommended a pre-op class. Anybody ever taken one of those? They said they would measure me for camisole, etc. Any info that can be shared would be great. I also will have my 10 yr old Daughter to see me that night as I think she will be ok to just see me and know I am ok. I have prepared her to see IVs, tubes, etc and told her that it could be a little scary to see but that all of that would be there to help me. Any experiences with that?

    Thanks.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Cat60,  and to all the January Mastectomy's

                                         Courage, Faith and Strength!!!

    Know we are with you every step. I just was going to PM you when I read this post of your. 

    Seeing all of you breaks my heart, 

    To each and every one of you from the "November Warriors" you are all in our prayers and we send to you our love and warm thoughts and the best vibes possible!~~~

    We can do this, yes we can: I believe,

                                         InnocentSomeDay,SomeWay-A-C-CUREInnocent

    (((((((((("Healing Hugs"))))))))) 

    angicpa - SherryAF - surgery done~hope you are both doing well, please keep us posted! 

    Lynh - Good Luck today lucky 7 is your day - We will all say a prayer to Sweet Jesus Amen~~

    CinD - Sunsnow - phebow - frosty 1 - formykids love your name - cat60 "November Warrior"

    iamgiggles1 your name is hilarious -  faithandfifty I can relate to your name, a smidge older-

    binga bingo?love it! - NeverSurrender - We can all agree on this one, Never surrender -

    The best to each and everone of our sisters - forgive me if I missed anybody

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