February 2010 Mastectomy

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  • PiscesMoon
    PiscesMoon Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2010

    well i'm developing the beloved fluid under the skin after my drain was pulled thursday.  it's sort of odd.  i'm not skinny so i guessi have some extra skin for the fluid to build up under so it's not tight.  but when i tap my skin under/around my inscision i can see it 'ripple' along.  ok i'm weird i know but i cannot help thinking it's sort of cool.  Tongue out  i just don't know how much is too much fluid.  i suppose i'll have to add my BS to the list of calls i have to make monday.

    i have my treatment class monday morning, then my muga scan, then must call dentist, now must call surgeon, then have appt with GP.  all on my day off work.  someone get me a fiddle and play me a tune cuz i feel a 'moment' coming on.  Cry

    ehhhh... ok i'm done.  Embarassed

    ~M

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  • hbowser
    hbowser Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2010

    Faith - Please, you have no need to apologize about feeling sorry for yourself rant.  Look, I just had one.  Smile Thank you so much for your suggestion.  I have been looking at my legs and it doesn't seem to be swelling, but I will talk with my nurse navigator on Monday.  I had 4 DD A/C and 4 DD Taxol and had my last Taxol  on Dec. 17.  My onc. had to lower the last dose due to neuropathy in hands and feet (but not my legs).  Maybe, it is from that.  I am sorry about your trials with a bra.  I had an uni-mx, but I am small.  My suggestion might be stupid, but from looking at "larger" bras in the lingerie stores, they are not really padded.  What if you put a "shoulder pad" in the cup area and use the "puffes" to fill in the rest?  Maybe the shoulder pad will give it support so that it fills the cup out to make it look normal.  You can tell me if that is the stupidest thing you've ever heard; sorry, but don't have experience with large breasts. 

    Cakeisgreat - Yikes, what a dream, but understandable since your upcoming surgery is on your mind.  You're in my prayers.  Thank you for the hug.

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited February 2010

    Faith- I only had one breast removed and I did the same thing you did. I am generally considered "chesty" and I tried to see what the "puffy cloth" thing would like in my shirt too. I was not impressed with what I saw either. I was thinking the same thing as you. OMG, how do I go out with this unbalanced look. Luckily, I live in a cold area of Canada and I have gone out a couple of times lopsided. I just had heavy clothes on so no one could tell.... Hugs to you having some rough days. I do understand how strange it feels to have one normal breast and the other side is now a scar.

    Thanks Cornellalum for the scar adhesion def'n. information. I hope you are healing well too.

    hbowser- Thanks for getting back to me on pain killers. I am so impressed you are back to work Take it easy  and care of yourself.

    Groundhog. Thanks for the kind words. I hope you are doing well too.

    Chalex 

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  • ReginaR
    ReginaR Member Posts: 287
    edited February 2010

     FAITH,, Please feel free to vent here, That why we are here! Please let us help you , you been here for all of us! Cry & let it out. I felt better after I did, Then I  would find something to redirected me from the boo-hoo's like a good movie or a TV Land & watch Andy Griffrith Show, That Always put a smile on my face, If we all had Aunt Bea to cook for us That would be great! Also Comfort food help me. Sweets did it for me. Hugs !!!

    Thanks all of you, for Info & post.You are a great support group. Reading  has help me alot!

    Who need a support group when I have you all to vent with & share with & talk about comfort food.Speaking of Comfort food, My Cousin who live in WA.  sent me a package from "Georgetown Cup Cakes "& they shipped them to my House in Indiana. These were the best Cup Cakes I ever had  doz of variety, all delicious! You guys need to go to their web site & check them out. 

    My drain is not behaving it self. still 55 today , it been a little over 4 weeks post-op. I am going for a record! Ha I was Hopping to get my tube under 25 cc this week.( I just know it going happen this week) & Was hopping to finally get my 1st fill to the expander & Guess what The Nurse call  me ysterday & gave me appt for March 8th, Because my Surgeon on Vac this week! Bummer! Ugh!

    Been on Taxomifen for 2 weeks now!  Still having a daily headache(for 6 days now )start around 11am & go to afternoon & then eases off . I take My Tamoxifen at 9pm , was wondering if that why I am getting the headaches at that time of the day?? I was thinking if I took the T at night ,I have less SE durning the day? any ideals?

    I Hope you all are having a great weekend!Kiss

    HUGS TO ALL !   Thanks for being a Great  support group!

    Gina

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited February 2010

    PiscesMoon - you asked for it you got it  Kiss  get out the fiddle and rosin up the bow

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmDzF5cSzBM

    Hope this makes y'all feel a little better!  {{hugs}}

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  • PiscesMoon
    PiscesMoon Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2010

    groundhog - ha ha!  that was great, thank you! Laughing

    woke up this morning and it seems to me that the fluid build up is stretching this opening up a little more.  normally i'm not given to even a hint of hysterics but looking at this thing i wanna swoon like a southern belle in gone with the wind.  after i throw a temper tantrum, of course.

    i'm having a feeling that this is how it's gonna be until treatment is done - set backs, delays and complications.  i guess i'd better get used to it!

    ~M

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited February 2010

    Loved that fiddle!

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  • rockermom
    rockermom Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2010

    I just found Laura's post do not now how i missed it earlier--- i only had one night in hospital which is just as well because i got really bad care there.  my surgeon said the nurse would have a list of instructions for me but all she had was ":if you do not get out by 9:30 we will charge your insurance with another copay, now sign here and get dressed (no help offered)!!! WHAT.

    oh well i get much better care at home-- i envey Laura with her shower my bs said i could not shower until drains came out so its sponge baths.  i go back today but i'm sure they will not come out i was at 220 cc yesterday.

    is it normal for my stomach to be really big?  pants that were loose before are now tight.

    well gotta go get ready for Dr. appt. check in later.

    hugs and prayers to all.

    rockermom

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2010

    LauraM: Good to hear about your initial path report. It was the same for me. The quick test of the sentinel node on the left (known cancer side) showed no cancer; the SN was also taken from the right (suspected cancer side) but no quick test was done. I'll get full results when I talk to the surgeon and onco tomorrow.

    rockermom: Wow, 4 drains to deal with. I've got two, but they haven't been too much of a problem. I'm down to about 40cc on each side as of yesterday, so I hope they'll be able to take them out soon. The pooch they make under my camisole makes me feel even chubbier around the middle than I already am, especially with no chest to counterbalance it.

    I can't take a shower until the drains are out, but I got these Comfort Personal Cleansing pads that are for rinse-free "bathing". I need help with the back and underarms, but I can do the rest myself. And I also got shampoo caps from the same makers (both available from drugstore.com). You just stick your hair in this cap and massage it for a couple of minutes. I did that this morning (all by myself!!), and it makes a big difference in how I feel.

    I'm still taking the pain meds. I ran out of what they gave me at the hospital but had some leftover from my biopsy last month. I wonder if I'm supposed to be cold turkey at this point, but I don't think I'm ready. They'll need to give me a refill when I go in tomorrow.

    I didn't get reconstruction at this time because the PS wasn't available. My initial plan was for expanders then implants, but I figured I could do them later, as I wanted to just get started with the mx. At points in the last few days, I have thought I'd hate to go through this again. It's probably too early for any other Feb. gals, but I was wondering if anyone started the process sometime after their initial mx?

    Well, it's back to the couch for me, although I don't know what I'll do for daytime TV watching now that the Olympics are over.

    Karen (caltex_catlady)

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  • dickisonmomma
    dickisonmomma Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2010

    Hey everyone on the other side.  Thank God!!!!!  So far so good except trying to type with vicodin and valium on board.  Embarassed

     Thanks for all the support you guys are great.  Just waiting for paths,  My prayers to everyone.

     Karen

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  • dbdaze
    dbdaze Member Posts: 196
    edited March 2010

    Diagnoised on Jan 11, recommended lumpectomy with 7 weeks of radiation.  Chose unilateral mastectomy instead -- surgery was last Thursday February 25.  Out patient surgery -- in at 7am and home by 2pm.  Visiting nurses check on me daily -- sore, tight, tired and flat but doing fine.  

     After 9 years, I had my second mammogram ever in January 2010 when they discovered DCIS.  I have three kids with special needs and by the time I take care of all their needs, I tend to run out of steam for me.  No more!

     Undecided about reconstruction at this point -- I did ask the doctor to leave as much skin as possible (the shar-pei look) in case I decided to go for it.LOL

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2010

    Hi dbdaze- Welcome to the group. I also had an unilateral mx as well. I was also done as an outpt. surgery similar to you as well. I agree with some of the other ladies that were day surgery that it is nice to be home and be in your own surroundings. Sorry for the bad experience you had rockermom. That's too bad the nurses did not treat you better and give you better instructions on how to care for yourself.

    dickisonmom- Glad you are doing all right.

    Questions- I am 3 weeks post op.

    Does anyone find their stiches are really tight across their chest that it's hard to breath?

    Anyone still leaking similar to a dripping tap and has their drain out? I am and I had the drain removed 1 week ago...

    Diagnosis: Aug 4/09 IDC Stage 3, 5 cm tumour, Grade 3, ER+/PR+ HER+,

    Unilaterl mx- 2/8/10, full lymph node dissection

    Anyone have rib pain? The rib pain would be the lower ribs (closer to my stomach)? Perhaps a pulled muscle b/c it's strange I have pain there....

    I hope everyone is healing and recovery well. Thinking happy thoughts for you all!

    Chalex

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  • rockermom
    rockermom Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2010

    well, just got back from Dr. and my path was great so all your prayers worked. removed 1/2 of stapels and have drains for at least another week but with clear path report i can deal with anything.

    it feels like the back and underside of my arms have been sunburned real bad but i guess thats normal.

    Chalex thanks for the tips about cleansing cloths and hair i would love to have a hot shower and head scrubbing but this will have to do for now.

    prayers and good thoughts to all.

    rockermom

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  • Kayne
    Kayne Member Posts: 103
    edited March 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    Chalex --- Maybe your tightness across your chest with breathing and rib pain is due to fluid build up.  When I went to the PS on Thurs. and told her about some pain I was having she was able to extract quite a bit of fluid from my chest even though I still had 2 drains in.  She removed one drain that day.  Now I feel like I have fluid build up again and am going in tomorrow to see.  My ribs are very sore to the touch.  It is at the bottom of my bra if I was wearing one and around to the back.  It is also diffucult to take a deep breath.  I will let you know what happens tomorrow. 

    Faith -- so sorry you had difficulty dressing.  Just seems like everything is so much work and takes so long. 

    Is anyone starting Chemo soon?  I will be in 2-3 weeks. 

    Hugs to everyone!  Looking forward to some chocolate cake.

    Kayne

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  • Lillies4Laurie
    Lillies4Laurie Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2010

    I got great news today.  My pathology report came back and its clean.  The lymph nodes were clean and the path report said No Malignancy Found.  So they got it all.  Now I can be referred to a plastic surgeon.  Hooray!!!  I went and had a fitting for a prothesis today too.  I won't be able to wear it until a week from today.  I'm sore so its better that I don't wear it yet.  My drains came out last Thursday.  It hurt to have one of them pulled but the other one I had no pain just a strange feeling.  I'm praying for everybody else so hang in there!!!

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  • cornellalum
    cornellalum Member Posts: 191
    edited March 2010

    rockermom - Isn't that weird about the tummy being big?  I look pregnant, and my pants don't fit.  When I went to the doctor, the scale said I gained 10 pounds in one week.  Not possible, especially since I haven't been eating so much.  Retaining water is the only thing I can think of.  Hopefully when I can move around more, it will come off.  Otherwise, I am in deep trouble, since none of my clothes fit.

    chalex - yep.  I have that dripping from where one drain was - and it was taken out a week and a half ago.  Plus, my incision just starting leaking where I have the infection.  The incision leak was more than a drip, however, it was a pour.  Went for about 2 hours, and has finally stopped enough to tape some gauze over it.  I'm going to the dr tomorrow, so I'll see what he says. I also have the tight feeling below my incision - like Kayne says, it is just where the bottom of a bra would hit.  Not really painful, just really tight and sore.  I guess I'll ask the dr about that tomorrow too. 

    It's always something, isn't it?  Yeesh.

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2010

    Lilliesforlaurie and rockermom- AWESOME news, I am so happy for you both. I also rec'd that news last week so I understand the relief and happiness you are both feeling!

    Kayne- Pls let me know about the fluid build up b/c I can see swollen areas above my chest and under my arm. I also have the rib pain in the same spot as you. I will be interested in what the PS. says.  What chemo are you starting next week? I did chemo b/f surgery so I am happy to answer any questions you or the other ladies may have.

    Chalex

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Sorry I havn't been checking in on a regular basis, but I seem to be sleeping lots these days.  I went to my ps today and he took out 2 out of the 4 drains which was very liberating.  It is weird though that they didn't look at how much my drainage was (even though I brought my sheet with us).  My drainage overall has been pretty low on two of my drains and less then 80cc's total on the other two.  I go back to the ps on Thursday and he said he is taking out the other two.  My discomfort overall has been pretty minimal, even though I had the trans flap procedure done for the reconstruction, I am sore but nothing major until this morning.  At about 9 am this morning I started to get sharp burning pain on my right side which is the side with the least amount of drainage.  By 11 when I saw my ps, I was doubled over in crying pain.  I so annoyed because it was the first time I had cried through this whole thing and I had put on makeup to go to the doctor (didn't want to look sick!).  Ended up that when they pulled out my drain on that side it hurt like hell but the pain stopped as soon as the drain was pulled out.  I came home, ate a little and then went down for my 3 hour nap.  I could get use to these.  Still getting lots of dripping around the tubes but just keep thinking only a couple of days.   The one thing I was surprised about today was that my PS said I was not taking enough meds.  I was only taking my my Tylenol 3 as needed and the Valium at night so that I sleep longer.  He said that at this point I am doing myself more harm then good by not taking them both every 4 hours.  He said the Valium helps to relax the muscles so that you can get up and walk a round and stand up straighter and that it will help with the back muscles not hurt as much.  Also told me to not take any Advil/Aleve for another week or too so that bleeding and drainage will be less.  I hate the drugged but figured I will  try it their way for a few days.  I am having a glass of wine at the end of the night the last two night. YEAH.

     I am so glad to hear that everyone is doing pretty well overall.  I am sorry for those of you who are dealing with infections, that must really be a pain and  tough on your spirits. 

    Lilliesforlaurie and rockermom - Great news on your path reports, I am hoping on the same good news tomorrow when I go and see my BC.

    dbdaze - Welcome to the group!  I hope you will find the same wonderful support I have found here.  This is a great bunch of women!

    Well my eyes are now getting cross eyed.. Good look to Cake on your up coming surgery, you will do great!  Many hugs are coming your way from me and lot of prayers too!

    Sweet dreams to all!

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited March 2010

    LauraM--Thanks for the update!  It helps me to focus on what might be coming for recovery.

    I am so frazzled!  I have so much to do...cleaning, packing, lists for the mil and dad (at their request...ugh I wish they could just figure it out themselves, LOL!), etc.!

    Two more days!

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  • dbdaze
    dbdaze Member Posts: 196
    edited March 2010

    Ladies, thanks for the welcome.  LauraM -- it was interesting to read that your dr thinks you should continue pain meds for a while longer.  As a person who seldome pops pills of any sort, I thought it best NOT to take the pain meds any longer than was absolutely necessary but noticed I felt better when I was taking them -- of course tired but felt better when I was alert.  Knowing this, makes me think differently about continuing a bit longer.  So sorry you've had to deal with your recent pain -- hope the pain meds and wine prove helpful!

    I only had one drain put in and am thinking it might be removed at my appt on Thursday -- output is down to 20-30 cc daily.   I just about freaked when I finally got the courage to really investigate my body after the surgery and discovered what looked like a small alien trying to emerge from above my bandages.  Turns out that the doc put the tube up high for whatever reason and so I can see/feel it.  Sure wish he had told me.   

    One thing I'm thankful for is buying an Amoena post mastectomy camisole with front zip closure before surgery. (I just needed to treat myself despite any expense)  Nordstom's was wonderful -- filling out all the insurance forms and giving me a fax number for my dr to send the prescription.  I wore it to the surgery and every since -- very comfy and rather flattering.  With the "poofs", I have no self-consciousness to being seen by neighbors and friends, either.  

    Lillies4Laurie -- great news on the path report!  I hope to get fitted for a prothesis in a few weeks too.  Haven't really done alot of investigating -- are some better than others.  Any great suggestions?

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  • Kayne
    Kayne Member Posts: 103
    edited March 2010

    Chalex- Just returned from my PS.  I had some fluid but not alot.  She told me it is just part of the healing process and that I am not taking enough pain medication.  Seems to be a recurrent theme today.  I only take it at night to sleep.  She said I need to keep taking it until I feel better.  I asked if there was anything I could do to speed (help)the process, exercises, etc.  She said no, just to do the range of motion exercises that she gave me, but time is what is needed.  She said I need to remember I (we) had major surgery and we need time to heal.  I guess I thought I should be moving along quicker than I am.  My husband says I am just stubborn.  But like most of you, I am not a pill popper and thought I should be done with the pain meds.  So since I don't have a medical degree I guess I will listen and go back on the meds.  It just makes me tired. 

    And right now, my after surgery cami is driving me crazy-- so I am going to go change.  You never know what each day will bring!  One day it's comfortable, the next it drives you crazy. 

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  • dangergirl
    dangergirl Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2010

    dbdaze - if you need pain meds, take em!  You are still early in your recovery if your surg was 2/25.  Do not torture yourself.  I agree that weaning yourself from them is a good idea after you're feeling a bit better.  I'm 3 weeks post surgery now and still take one vicodin at night and take as needed following my tissue expander injections (sounds like you're not in that boat though).  Otherwise, I avoid and go over the counter with ibuprofen, but took vicodin around the clock in the beginning.  It's not worth suffering. 

    I was delighted when I got my first CLEAN path report yesterday!!  Two lumpectomies and a mastectomy later, but who's counting??  Congrats to all the other ladies celebrating their path milestone too!!  It's a good feeling . . . 

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2010

    Hi All -  I just got back from my bs and the news for me wasn't so good. ugh.  The nodes are clean but the fatty tissue surrounding the lymph nodes and under my arm pit was found to have invasive cancer.  Not a big piece but seems to be a rare form scattered through out the fatty tissue.  My bs always cuts a tail into that and tests it (not all do she said) and this is how we found it.  I will need to go back in for surgery next Friday and have the entire fatty tissue area along with all my the nodes under my left arm removed.  They don't think that it is in the lymphatic system yet so that is good but they need to get this all out since the  type of cancer I have is High Grade so it grows quickly.   My bs has sent my slides off to Sloane Kettering for a second opinion and I should have that info on this Friday.   I have never been mad this whole time, but now I am really mad and it sucks that I don't have anyone to be mad at. 

    I am trying to stop myself from crying by the time the kids get off the bus so I can keep a a good face until we know more.  I have to call the oncologist tomorrow to make an appt. there. 

    Prayers and hugs to Cake - I pray your surgery goes well and all your path report comes back clean.

     Dangergirl - congrats on the clean results!

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  • dangergirl
    dangergirl Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2010

    LauraM -

    That sucks!  You'll get thru it.  I understand you being mad, surprises like that are not cool.  Way back in Oct I thought I'd be lumpectomy + radiation, all done and long over before now.  Every time things didn't go as expected, I got angrier and more frustrated.  But it will be behind you eventually. It will, really.  Hang in there!!

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2010

    Hi Dangergirl- I am happy for you on your clean results. That's great. Good for you.

    Laura- Hugs to you that you still need more surgery to get clean results. That is good about the nodes being clear.  It also sounds like you have a good surgeon who takes extra precautions to get clean results. Sorry, you have to go through more stuff  and I totally would be mad and think it sucks too... Hang in there, we are there for you.....

    Kayne- Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I agree, I think we all have concerns about the painkillers and not being on them for too long. I also wrestle with that as well. I know my inner voice worries I could get hooked on them even though I need them for pain management. I also think like you I should be furthur along. The main thing we need to keep in mind is that we all heal at different speeds. I guess it's true that we should take one day at a time....

    Chalex

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  • olivia218
    olivia218 Member Posts: 257
    edited March 2010

    LauraM

    So sorry about the result - it does suck!!!  I do understand the anger. I had no clue after having a mastectomy that is was possible to have an unclear margin.  I thought taking the all the breast tissue was the answer and with that all I had to fear was the lymph nodes.  

    Olivia 

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited March 2010

    LauraM--Thanks for the prayers as I really depend on them!  Looks like you have God watching out for you as your surgeon took that extra fat and found something that might have gone undetected (exactly why I'mchopping my puppies off...it's the "undetected" stuff that worries me.  Who knows if my surgeon cut a tail!)  I know about the not wanting to cry in front of the kids...I have four, and sometimes it gets hard!  Hugs to you!!!!

    Two more nights with these cancerous creatures!  I'll miss them tho' :)

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  • chalex
    chalex Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2010

    Hi cakeisgreat,

    Thinking of you on your surgery day. I will think happy thoughts for you. Let us know how you are doing after surgery.

    Take Care,

    Chalex

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  • dbdaze
    dbdaze Member Posts: 196
    edited March 2010

    LauraM 

    Damn that news!  I don't want to sound like Polyanna here but thank god you had a doctor so thorough in her testing that she caught it.  Use that anger to send killer thoughts to those evil cancer cells.  I'll be thinking of you next Friday.

    dangergirl

    Thanks for sharing your pain experience.  It's hard to know just what you should be doing or NOT doing so I really appreciate th sharing.  Congrats on the clean path report.  Great news! 

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  • cornellalum
    cornellalum Member Posts: 191
    edited March 2010

    LauraM and Olivia - I'm so sorry to hear about your latest issues.  Prayers and hugs are going your way.

    I had a little setback today.  My infection has not cleared up, so the bs had to open the incision back up and clean it out.  Not pleasant.  Then he packed it and bandaged it up.  Now I have to have a nurse come to my house to change the packing and dressing every day.  It really doesn't hurt too much because the incision is mostly numb, but it means that my exercises and fake boobs are going to have to wait at least two or three more weeks.  Basically that few inches of the incision is back at square one, like it was the day of the surgery.  He thinks the infection came from one of the drains.

    Not the end of the world, certainly, but disappointing just the same.  Sigh.

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