February 2010 Mastectomy

hbowser · February 2010

Lillies4Laurie, I can't believe you are on tonight! Thank you for popping in to let us know your surgery went well. Take care and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thibaultm, ReginaR, Olivia - Welcome to our group.

Olivia, I am sorry to hear about your margins. What are your options?

Toni67, May I ask why your doctor said no tamoxifen since you are ER+? I am wondering since I was told I would need to take it since I am ER+. Just want to gather all the information I can. Thanks.

Today was my second day of being back at work and doing okay; the arm and chest area feels more achy, but the shooting pains have diminished, for which I am so glad. I am more tired in the evening than before, but it feels good to be out with other people. I hope everyone is doing well and feeling better everyday.

Take care, everyone.

CyndiS · February 2010

thibaultm - so sorry you are going through this. I can tell you I've had my ups and downs - I am also taking an antidepression medication, and just started a low-dose valium to keep from completely unraveling. For me, the best thing has been to allow myself to cry, cry, cry when needed, then I need to research... Search through this site, find others going through similar diagnosis, here what they're doing, read informational websites and books, and try to understand and come to terms with all the treatment options... Just next steps. Because there are so many surprises and unexpected turns on this journey it's not worth the energy to project too far out. And don't hestitate to reach out - here with all these other brave ladies - and with the doctors. They can help. Ask about getting one on one therapy with your doctor. My cancer institute offers help specific to cancer patients free of charge. You never know until you start asking. But you need to know you are not going through this alone. Lots of other women are going through it too.

We share the same surgery day, along with BlackCat. I am selfishly comforted to have others in our group sharing the date with me. I don't know why. Anyway, I will keep you in my prayers.

My genetics results came in. You know, there just never seems to be anything definitive about this journey. It came back that 3 out of the 4 tests came back "No Mutation Detected", and 1 came back with a variance of "uncertain significance". What? K - I understand what they're saying but you know, can I just get a good result with no strings attached? Just once please? Anyway, at least it's not bad news, and that result should keep me solidly in the "unilateral" surgery (no bilat, or BCO). Okay, on to the next hurdle... Surgery in a week. Ugh. Enough already.

Shannon12 · February 2010

Hello All! I am so glad to have found this site. I tend to stay home and get out for treatments and Dr appointments only. I had my Dbl Ms Jan 21st. Had drain problems now I am getting a fill every Wed. Since I just had my " Stuck " drain removed yesterday I am sore and swollen, then I have a fill tommorow, sometimes don't you all wonder " how much can I take, really?" This willl be my third fill. The PS said I will have my silicone surgury 4 months after the last surgery. Even if we get all the fills done in 3 months, surgery will still happen after 4 months, I guess for healing purposes. I never seem to get all my questions out at the appointments, even if I write them down there is always something I forgot to ask.

I think all of us have that FEAR of the unknown. You can't really put it in words, ti's like you are scared stiff. They took out 9 nodes from the right side and all of them turned up clear, so I don't have to get radiation. My left breast was completely clear, I had decided to do them both brcause I didn't ever want to have to go through this again.

When everybody says they are waiting for the path results, what does that mean? I found out that my nodes were clean and the size of the cancer they took out the same day as my surgery. Is there something else I should ask for? Sorry if this sounds ignorant....

Faith316 · February 2010

Shannon - sometimes the pathology is not ready as soon as surgery is done. Sometimes it takes a few days or even a few weeks. Plus, the pathology report will give more specific info like whether you are ER/PR positive or negative and whether or not you are HER/2 positive or negative.

Olivia - I am sorry you are having to go through this anxiety about the margins and what is coming next. What about the DIEP flap that has already been done. How does this affect that? Please keep us posted on how it is going.

Lillies4Laura - Glad the surgery went well. Hope you get some sleep tonight. We will look forward to hearing from you when you are up to it.

Cyndi - I know what you mean about why can't there just be simple answers to things!! I'm glad you got your gene testing results and they seem to be ok. I had that testing done also and mine were also negative.

Holly and groundhog - I still can't believe you girls are back to work so soon. Take it easy and don't overdo it!

Hope everybody is well tonight and staying warm. You think this winter is ever gonna end???

chalex · February 2010

Hi Ladies,

Welcome to the new ladies. It's nice to connect with more people who are going through the same stuff.

Lillies4Laura- Glad you are doing well and your surgery went well.

As for the path reports, I did a biopsy at the beginning to give me my diagnosis. I was also given the info about my receptors and HER status. I now am waiting for the path done on the breast removed and my lymphs after my unilateral mx I had all of my lymphs removed. I did not have a biopsy earlier on my lymphs b/c the ultrasound did not show any signs of cancer cells.

To the ladies back at work. I totally applaude you for being back at work after your surgery. Pls take one step at a time.

Olivia, pls keep us informed about your margins. We are thinking of you going through that worry and anxiety.

Today, I called my surgeon to tell them I was regressing with the pain. I was checked out at the cancer centre and they told me that the drain line could have been stiched on a nerve and also b/c I had rads first with chemo ( I am in a research study for LABC) and they said due to the rads my chest internally is inflammed and recommended Advil for a "breakthrough" drug to get the inflammation down. Still popping the painkillers..... Can't wait for the drains to come out...

Chalex

olivia218 · February 2010

Thank you for the welcome!

I am worried and anxious about the margins. I really have not said it to anyone yet but I am disappointed. I know it is still there and so now I decide to either wait or elect some other type of treatment.

The plastic surgeon was concerned about the margins since I have had the DIEP at the time of the mastectomy.. He and I discussed it today. He said he was with me all the way whatever we had to do he was on board and would not let me down. I am so happy he is so compassionate and understanding. His mom is a breast cancer survivor and he promised her he would take care of all those breast cancer patients that came to his practice. He must have a great Mom.

Thank you to all -- )

Olivia

Lillies4Laurie · February 2010

Hi Everyone,

I've asked this before but how long after surgery can you get your foobs. Are they heavy? Do they make pretty bras for mastectomies?

LauraM · February 2010

Olivia218 - Welcome to the group! I am so sorry to hear about your not clean margins. I am scheduled for a bmx on Monday and had not thought that you could have a mx and still have the cancer. We will start saying lots of prayers for you an you go through this next part of your journey.

Lillies4Laurie - I am so glad to hear from you! Get some rest and we look forward to hearing from you again soon.

funsizejen · February 2010

Lillies4laurie, I can't believe you're posting already!! I'm glad you're feeling well!

I was doing great till yesterday....I started running a low grade fever and have zero energy. I'm back on antibiotics and going to the surgeon tomorrow.

Hope you aren't too nervous DeeCee, and good luck Thursday!

badger · February 2010

Good morning all, just popping in for a sec to say hi before heading off to work. I am fortunate to have a great job: I like the work, it's a desk job so no heavy lifting, have a very supportive supervisor, wonderful co-workers, and great benefits. Only problem is it's an hour away! But worth it. Usually I ride in on a shared ride/van pool but the road is bumpy and I knew that would NOT be comfy so for the rest of the month I'm driving in myself, with a heart-shaped pillow across my chest underneath my seatbelt. BTW, these pillows are great and you can get one free by sending a PM to Choca1711.

Will post more, including a great story about finding a fellow BC survivor at work (stage 3 NED 10 yrs), when I get home tonight. DH has Mon & Tues off work, so when I came home last night, he had supper all ready, we ate and I promptly fell asleep on the couch while we were watching the Olympics.

Hope everyone has a good day today! {{hugs}}

cornellalum · February 2010

Hey all - hope everyone is doing well today. I have a quick question - has anyone else had any issues with infections around the drains? The skin around one of my drains is red and swollen and very sore. I put some antibiotic ointment on it and covered it with gauze. I called the nurse this morning because I have an appointment tomorrow, and I'm not sure if I should do anything else before then. She said that it was probably OK to wait until tomorrow as long as I don't have a fever (which I don't). The doctor could see me later today, but it is a 2 hour drive, and my dh would have to get off work to take me, and it would be a big pain. I'm not sure whether to get in to my doctor today, or not. Has anyone else had this issue with their drains?

Faith316 · February 2010

Both times I have had surgery with drains, after awhile the skin around the drain gets irritated and red and sore. This seemed to be more true when I had my lumpectomy a year and a half ago than with this mastectomy, although I am a little sore and red there now. You are probably ok to wait until tomorrow.

Lillies4Laura --- I have no experience with foobs yet but I am pretty sure I remember most people saying wait 6-8 weeks until you are totally healed before you get fitted for one. As far as whether or not they are heavy, I think you can get different weights. You might call someplace that sells them and ask them these questions -- like a medical supply store. They typically have someone there who measures you and helps you determine what is the best type to get. They could probably answer your questions. Did you ask this question on the "prosthesis" section of the forum? Those ladies there are the ones who have experience with foobs.

cornellalum · February 2010

Faith316 - thanks for your quick reply. The other three drains look fine, that's why I was concerned about this one. I appreciate knowing that you had a similar issue with the redness and swelling.

Faith316 · February 2010

You're welcome. Of course, I'm not a doctor. I saw your post on the January forum, too, and yes, Keflex is an antibiotic. The antibiotic ointment is a good idea. If you really are worried about it, go on in today. Hope you feel better.

Faith316 · February 2010

Went to see my surgeon today and she removed the staples and covered it with steri-strips. The drain has to stay for awhile longer, however. Frown Oh well, better to have the aggravation of the drain for a little longer than have seromas develop that have to be aspirated!

How is everybody else today?

ReginaR · February 2010

Good evening Feb Buddies.

Faith, I am 18 day post -op today & still have both drains too . They driving me crazy, But still haveing 55 cc in one today. I can't figuire it out. The surgeon wont take my out til under 25cc & he wont start filling expander until both drains out.

Are any of my TE friends having Rib pain. The expander is causing sharp paind in my ribs. Sleeping on my Back doesn't help I am trying pillow for sl releif.

I do hope you all are getting stronger every day!

Hugs to all

Gina

Ken3 · February 2010

Hey Cakeisgreat

I'm scheduled for a BMX w/recon on March 4 too...so don't feel alone....im 37 and got diagnosed in January, this has been such an emotional roller coaster. But I have to do what I have to do to live..I have 2 girls, one 8, one 15.....so thats it and thats all.

badger · February 2010

Hi all, home from my loooong commute. Driving is OK just have to be extra careful and drive defensively, not go too fast or use my arms too much, and watch for bumps in the road.

Yesterday flew by. I got through all the voice mail and e-mail messages and started on the mountain of paperwork on my desk. Before I knew it, it was time to head home. I think I was just so glad to get out of the house and have something constructive to do!

Today went a little more slowly and I felt more tired. I'm cutting back on caffeine so that may have had something to do with it. That and it's hard to get back in the swing of things when you've been sedentary for 2 weeks. Holly, how's it going for you?

I'm pretty private so have told only a handful of people about having BC/bi-lat mast. At work I told my supervisor, the woman I share an office with, and two friends. Everyone else knew I was going out on a medical leave but no details. A woman I'm friendly with but hadn't told, came to me yesterday, said she was worried about me and asked - in a caring way not a nosy way - if I was OK. So I told her what's going on. She stuck out her hand and said welcome to the club!

Turns out she's a stage 3 sister diagnosed 12 years ago when she was 50, same age I am now. She had a uni mast and chemo, she's been NED all this time. We traded phone numbers and I got a hug and a new friend at work.

OK I need to stop now and grab a bite before I crash. Best wishes to all my sisters, I hope you get to feeling better and stronger every day! (and get those doggone drains out soon!!)

DeeCee - good luck tomorrow, I will be praying for you and your docs!! {{hugs}}

MiachelJ2009 · February 2010

Hi everyone Laughing . Just had my BMX, left SNB & Lat Flaps w/TEs done Friday, Feb 12th. We went & spent the night at the hospital the night before because of the weather, at the hospital hotel. I checked in at 7:25 & got my SNB injections around 8 a.m. No pain at all. One to the admitting. We finished up my pre-op paperwork & I got my "gown in a bag". Because of the weather, some surgeries had been cancelled so my cheering section & I had the waiting room for preop party time . They had told me they'd be in to get me around 9:30. At 9:25, I was called back. We all stood in a circle holding hands & a prayer was said. I gave everybody hugs & me, my husband & my son headed to the holding area. I got in my gown & compression stockings, got my IV & started meeting nurses. We made pictures & had a blast (I still wasn't the least bit nervous). The anesthesiologist came in & spoke w/me, then the plastic surgeons resident & the the breast surgeon. It was time to go. I was given a small push in my IV & I was out.

I woke up slightly in recovery about 4.5 hours later (exactly the time they'd given me). But then I started having some problems. I was having sleep apnea from the anesthesia meds. I would breath 3 breaths per minute. Also, no pain meds would work. I would drift off & they'd wake me up, they didn't want me sleeping and I'd been on so many meds....the recovery nurses couldn't believe all of the different ones. The recovery supervisor asked that I be kept in recovery until I was stable. I finally went to a room at 6 a.m. the next morning. The next little problem was that I seemed to have an allergy to the sheets & gowns. When I finally thought to change into some of my own clothes, the itching went away. Now just pain meds. I usually have a very high tolerance to pain, but none of the meds seemed to work that well. I have small dressings where my drains are but tha'ts the only ones. My foobies are open for the world to see...and I'm willing to show them, LOL! They look really good. The lat flaps have given me support & the PS put a small amount of saline in the TEs. I don't have a lot of poof at the top, but I seem to be well shaped & my aeroles look like volcanos (back skin glued on). Where the new skin is glued on is the only openings made on my foobies. I then have the incision for my SNB that is glued & the incisions on each side of my back where the lat flap was done were also glued. The only stitches are at my drain sites. The drain sites itch because of the tape. Other than that, no itching. The back of my arms really hurt. No work done around them?!?! The PS said that it was probably to nerves being stretched that go to that area of my arms. I have some pain after I'm up for a while. It's so hard to find a comfortable spot for long. I slept in the recliner the first night but after that, I've been in the bed. Staying stretched out has made everything else feel better....my back, neck, legs. It's day five after surgery & I do feel a little better. Not wonderful but better. My arms are stiff & I'm slow getting around.....but I see light at the end of the tunnel. And, I am really proud of my foobies so far!! Can't wait to start "pumping them up". OK....it's about bed time & typing wears me out. My eyelids are getting heavy. I hope I haven't talked in circles & hope this made some sense. My mind is a little of a jumble. God Bless you all & prayers & hugs to you that have upcoming surgeries. It's not great fun, but I'm at peace with my decissions & hope you will be too!!

hbowser · February 2010

Good evening everyone. I hope today was better than yesterday.

Ken3 - Welcome to our group.

Groundhog - It's not too bad, thanks for asking; I am sorry to hear about your long commute. I hope you have some great CDs or books on tape. I go in later than usual and since I am in accounting, it does not require physical activity. I am very fortunate that my work has been super, super supportive. I am like you, pretty private, so initially only told my immediate supervisor and upper management. Once I realized chemo was kicking my butt and would have to be out several days during treatments, I told the rest of my department. They have been nothing but supportive and helpful. They got together and donated few weeks of their PTO (personal time off) to me and provided me with some wonderful things to help me get through treatment. They also brought a recliner into my office so that I can take rest breaks and even provided me a place to lay down!!

Lillies4Laurie - I am not sure of the timeframe, but I have heard 6 to 8 weeks.

Shannon - I think Faith answered you re: final pathology report, but it is my understanding that at the time of surgery, they can take small samples, but the final pathology is more extensive; they take several samples from different areas. It might also depend on your hospital/location. I just know that I did not receive my final report until almost two weeks from my surgery (but that may have been due to the weather).

Chalex - I hope you are feeling better today. Is the Advil helping you any?

Faith - Sorry your drain wasn't removed today, but you're right, better safe than suffer later. Hope the removal of your staples wasn't painful. How long does your steri-strip have to stay on?

DeeCee - I will be praying that your surgery goes well tomorrow and that you have a speedy recovery.

Have a great evening. I am going to make some hot tea and have some leftover Valentine's Day chocolates. Laughing

olivia218 · February 2010

tomorrow is two weeks since I had surgery and it was my worst day yet - pain, irritable and sad. Anyone else have that happen?

Olivia

chalex · February 2010

Hi Ladies,

Checking in late tonight.

hbowser, The advil are helping me out and I am still on the percs. I has low grade fever last night but that's gone away.

I am in a research study for "locally advanced BC". The protocol I have had is very aggressive and cutting edge. So, I am wondering if anyone was knows about any research or resources I could refer to get info on rads being done b/f mx and all lymphs removed. I was the first person in my city and for my surgeon. I actually had chemo and rads at the same time and 5 weeks for "rest" and then surgery last week. My ribs feel broken and my underarm is a numb and paniful feeling.... I was told by the surgeon it's b/c of the rads inflamming the skin internally.....

Still in the "drain are still in" club with a few you other ladies that are post op. I agree they are such a pain.

Olivia- I am with you on the rash of emotions. I have cabin fever and want to get outside and take a walk or do something besides in my house.

Groundhog- Glad you made a new friend and take it easy of the drive to work.

DeeCee- Thinking of you tomorrow for your surgery. Giving you happy thoughts

Chalex

funsizejen · February 2010

Oh, Olivia! I had the exact same day yesterday! I felt awful and cried (for the first time since this happened) off and on all day. I think the reality and permanence of the situation has set in, plus I'm just tired of being tired and uncomfortable. Maybe it's just a part of the healing process.

Here's to a better day! Hugs!

Anonymous · February 2010

Hi ladies,

I had a lumpectomy w/ SNB on Feb 5^th. Got the path report back yesterday. There was no clear margin and both nodes were positive. So I have been scheduled for a modified radical mastectomy on Feb23th. The tumor they removed was 12 x 6 cm. The PS will not do an immediate recon. They are going to keep me in the hospital for 3-4 days.

I was not bothered much by the thought of a lumpectomy, but I am really dreading the thought of a mastectomy.

Lee

LauraM · February 2010

Hi Lee - Welcome to the group. I felt the same as you when I had my lumpectomy and it came back with no clear margins. It was such a tough transition in my mind to make the leap to the mastectomy, but when I finally embraced it I felt the world lift off my shoulders. I felt like only then could I start planning the next steps and working on my recovery. I am scheduled for dmx on Monday and I am looking forward to getting this "beast" out of me! I hope you find peace with your treatment.

groundhog - I am glad your day back at work has brought you a new friend, it is amazing how finding someone to talk to can make all the differences. Please take it easy so that you can keep on healing!

funsizejen and Oliva - I hope that when you both wake up today that your pain and discomfort are so much better than yesterday! I am sure it is very frustrating.

Miachelj2009 - Thank you for the detailed writeup of you surgery day, I am hoping that my day goes as smoothly! It really made me feel calmer as I read it. So thanks again!

ReginaR - I hope you get the drains out quickly, just think how much the wait will be worth once they are out!

To the rest of the February Fantastic Ladies who had surgery this month - the prayers are still coming your way for a speedy recovery in both your bodies and mind!

DeeCee - My thoughts and prayers are out to you today.

Faith316 · February 2010

Lee, sorry to here you have to have a mx. Are you doing just unilateral or bilateral? Would you like me to add your name to our group list at the beginning of this thread?

toni67 · February 2010

hbowser-

I have an appoint. with my BS next week. I will be sure to ask her about Tamoxifen. I've have to schedule an appoint with my GYN because I may be having issues down there. I've been a nervous ninnie (ph).

cornellalum · February 2010

Hey everyone! I'm back from the bs. Good news for me. The nodes were clear. Also, no invasive was found on the other side, although they did find a lot of ALH. So I'm glad that I got the bilateral. I have got to double check with the med onc, but I believe that I am done. They also took out 3 of 4 drains, so I have just one left in for at least another week.

I know what you all mean about the pain. Last night was my worst night yet. Everything hurt, and I couldn't sleep. Very frustrating, and I just cried when I got up this morning. With that one drain out that was so irritating, however, I hope that the pain gets better for tonight. It's just so hard trying to sleep in one position, and my whole body feels like it's in a cramp.

My dh decided to take me by the mastectomy boutique after the doctor's appointment. I didn't think it was a good idea, but I changed my mind. He is a genius. The ladies in the shop were wonderful. They showed me all the pretty bras and camisoles I am going to be getting once I heal, and they showed me all the different foobs. Those things feel real. They were teasing my dh, and we were all laughing. They take care of the prescription and the insurance for everything. All I have to do is make an appointment and show up. I felt SO MUCH BETTER after I went there. For those of you not reconstructing (or not right away), I highly recommend a trip to your local boutique, even if you're not ready to buy anything.

Then, to finish the pampering, he took me to a nice lunch in a small Italian place. It was the middle of the afternoon, so I didn't have to worry about seeing anyone with my funky short hair, and my dh's flannel shirt, and the bulge in my shirt from the remaining drain grenade. It was perfect. It was the first time I went out since my surgery, and I felt alive again.

I think that getting out as soon as possible after surgery, even just for a walk or a quick stop at a store, does wonders for your state of mind. I recommend it. Smile Just remember to take your pain meds with you so you don't miss a dose.

cakeisgreat · February 2010

Hi, all! Checking in...

Ken3---Sorry you have to get an mx but glad I wont be alone on March 4! I am doing it totally for my kids...I want to live till I'm 87...50 more years! I have 4 kids...13, 12, 9, and 7. We're in this together...all of us! What kind of recon are you doing?

Groundhog...I have a friend at work who was dx'd 2 months before me w/same diagnosis. I dont work right now cuz I wanted to take time off when I got dx'd, but we still chat because it is at my kids' school. We are exact opposites in how we handle BC...I chop everything off and begged for chemo (which they didnt give me), and she wont even take Tamoxifen, let alone a mx, LOL! I had to nudge her to get radiation after her lumpectomy because she wasnt going to. I love her...we became friends through BC...wish it didnt have to be because of that, but glad to have someone there.

Chalex--I had rads and finished up October 1. Two breast surgeons and the ps said the standard healing for getting mx after rads is 3-6 months depending on how your skin heals. I'm not sure about the nodes part of it tho. Does that help?

Hugs to DeeCee for today's surgery...hope you're resting right now!

Hugs to Olivia...so sorry you're in pain. Hope you're feeling better now!!! I have been sad lately too. I posted on the stage 1 site about my crying at work (I dont work anymore, but was chatting with the ladies I worked with) and how stupid I felt...8 months later and still weeping. I feel pretty useless compared to the "change the world" feeling I used to have just 8 months ago. I know I am not useless (and I cant change the world either, LOL!), but I FEEL that way. I guess once the surgery is over, and I'm healed up maybe I'll feel better. I am jealous of my friends and people around me who are my age (38 now) and oblivious to sickness and death (FIL just died and MIL is battling mets from colon cancer). Anyway...I'm babbling. But I know how you feel sista!

LauraM, rockermom, LeeinVegas, CyndiS, thibaultm, black-cat, sejnboys, and Ken3...praying for your upcoming surgeries! For the DIEP ladies...keep me posted on how it is when you're able!

Welcome LeeinVegas! Sorry they did not get clear margins and positive nodes...an extra big hug to you. I know how you feel after getting the lumpectomy and now having to get a masectomy. Not fun.

YEY, Cornellalum on clear nodes!!!

ReginaR · February 2010

Hi Gals, Thanks for the post.I feel so Blessed to find this site,I appreciate what everyone says & have learn alot from all of you.I haven't posted much lately due to crying spells.

I went to Surgeon today, I did get one drain out but still have one that still drainge is 50ish in 24 hrs, So He won't do 1st filler until both drains are gone. I go back next week. I been very boo-hoo today some may be cause of being 3 week post-op & still haivng gotten my 1st filler & I am still having bad rib pain from expander & sleeping on my back is hard. I am just not recovery as fast as I want. Have to get back to work soon my vac is running out. Plus I am now on Tamoxifen 1 week now.( for 5 years) so it may be making me moody.

I hope all of you are doing well, feeling stronger every day!

Prayers & Many Thanks .Gina

February 2010 Mastectomy

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