February 2010 Mastectomy

Chalex - the hole from one of my drains is continuing to leak, and my incision also leaked at one spot. It was yellowish fluid tinged with blood, much like what was in the drains.  I also had a lot of redness and swelling.  My bs said it was an infection, opened the incision more to continue to drain it, and now I have nurses coming to my house every day to change the packing and dressing.  The incision has continued to leak (a lot) for the last three days.  It's pretty yucky.  Are you on antibiotics? Is there any other redness or swelling or pain?  What does your doctor say about it?

(the fun continues, huh?)

Kayne: That's so true about the instructions on lifting things. Thanks to someone on these boards I knew to have bendy straws available, because it really is true (I didn't quite believe it) that you can't even lift a glass. Or open the fridge--that one I hadn't thought about. There's a lot of suction or something on a fridge door.

The biggest challenge has been being unable to use my arms to get in or out of bed or adjust myself easily when sitting. I've been using a BedLounge on the sofa, which has been great as a way to have some support when sleeping, but I do crave being able to lie down and get up on my own. I hate having to get help unless I really need it.

Thank goodness for pajamas and robes. I ordered another couple of pairs of pj bottoms in a larger size since I'll be getting more surgery for additional nodes next week. I'd like to have more in my laundry rotation. With both arms out of commission, it's been a challenge, but at least I can handle my own clothing, such as it is. Getting dressed well enough to go out in public is another matter. At home I can just wear a loose robe over my cami, but putting on a real shirt is harder. Getting one or even two sizes bigger than normal seems to be the trick.

I go in tomorrow for a bone scan. My biggest worry about that is getting on and off the table and dealing with my drains. I should remember to time my pain meds for the outing. I didn't do that for my surgeon follow-up on Tuesday and I was totally wiped after that.

Thank goodness I don't have to drive myself. Good luck with that, Debbie. I'm definitely not up for that yet, but I did have a bilateral.

If I remember, I'll try to remember to have my dh take a picture of me with my chocolate cake and post it on my profile. Anybody else up for that?

Karen (caltex_catlady)

olivia218

You were right -- I should have waited a bit longer before driving.  Just getting the frickin seatbelt on was something -- I should have stopped there but the sun was shining and freedom was beckoning!  It didn't hurt too badly while driving but walking around in public was interesting -- all I wanted to do was hold my arm up close to my body, in a sling position, but I was self-conscious about looking strange.  The one person I ran into who knew I had had a mastectomy stared at my breasts the entire time we spoke!  (Now that might have been because I packed those little babies full before venturing out and normally I don't have much to speak of -- I might have over done it.  LOL)   Anyway, I'm glad to be back home.  I may just re-neg and have my hubby drive me to my doctors appt tomorrow morning.  I had just kinda wanted to be alone at that first visit.  Guess I'll see how I feel.

 Sending positive thoughts to everyone!  ~ Debbie 

Hi Ladies,

I am not able to drive at this point. Too much pain still. Good for those of you who are driving or have tried.

dbdaze- I agree about people giving you a look over when they know you have had a mx. Luckily where I live it is cold out and I need to put on an extra layer of clothes. I am lopsided and badly b/c I was bigger breasted. No one can really tell b/c of the extra clothes.....I have not gone yet to get the protheses. I can't do any reconstruction for a year b/c I had rads b/f surgery....

Question: How is everyone's ROM with their arms? I have to go to physio now b/c I can't get my arm over my head or behind my back. I also have pain down my arm, anyone else?

Chalex

Chalex - the packing gets changed once a day by the nurse.  I can't do it myself because the packing material has to be pushed down into the 4 cm hole under my incision, and I can't see it to do it.  They have been putting a huge bandage on it that is soaked through by the next day.  Lovely vision, huh?

My ROM has been ok.  I can get my hands over my head, but not straight up yet.  I think the node surgery had more effect on ROM than the mx. I have been pretty good about doing the stretches they gave me, but I had to stop the stretches on the left side b/c of the infection.  I have noticed that my ROM on the right side has been better from the beginning.  I assume that's because I am right-handed, and so I have just naturally been using that arm more.  Maybe you have been favoring your mx side too much.  Perhaps making yourself use that arm for more stuff, even just grabbing a glass of water or brushing your teeth, will help.

Thanks Laura and cornellalum for your info.

Laura, I am with you on visiting people. My limit is about an hour and then I find myself dragging myself to talk and normally I am a yakker too. I agree also about feeling like we need to entertain other people. I am happy to see them but stressed at entertaining them..... I also tire of answering the same questions too. I know our friends mean well but it's exhausting saying the same thing over and over....

I have done chemo and I am happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding it. Sorry you have to go through more treatment.

Cornellalum- I agree about the node surgery makes the difference. I have trouble straightening my arm and I am not sure it's tightness from the rads or the node dissection. Either way I have to know go to physio.... I can use my wrist and hand well.

When your incision was infected, did you feel alot of pain? My drain opening is killing and all the way down my side.

I hope Cake is doing well. Thinking of her and sending her happy vibes.

Chalex

cornellalum- Did your Dr do a swab on the drain incision? I was swabbed and then they will culture the drainage on it. Not sure how that will take. The drainage incision looks like a blister and has increased in size since last week. Do you know the name of the infection at your drain site? I totally appreciate you giving me your feedback and experience with this.... I also hope you get over this nasty infection soon too...

I have been doing the stretches when I think of them. I admit I need to push myself more. The pain tends to hinder my progress. Good point about the stretching your chest incision you feel when you don't sit up straight.

Thanks for all you help,

Chalex

Hi Ladies,

I have also done chemo and rads too. I am happy to answer any questions as well.

I was on FEC and then taxatere. I am doing Herceptin until Nov, 2010

Kayne- I was also in a clinical study and the good thing is that they really check you over and get lots of follow up.

cornellalum- I sent you a PM.

Chalex 

BTW, what's ROM? 

Hey ladies - hope everyone is doing better than yesterday.

Cakeisgreat - thinking of you, and hoping that everything went well.

Chalex - sent you a PM

Everyone - so here's a question: what is it with people wanting to see my incision???? They never asked to see my breasts, so why do they think it's ok to ask to see the incision?  Is it like the traffic on the opposite side of the road slowing down to look at the accident?  WTH?

Add me - BMx on Feb 18th after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.  My oncologist says I had a pathologic complete response to the chemo.  I'm now weighing whether to have radiation.  No reconstructive at this time, possibly in the future.

Hi MNLinda,

Welcome to the group. I am glad for your news of having a complete response to chemo. That's awesome! Could you get a consult to talk to a radiation Dr. I would try to get input from them so that you can make an informed decision.

dbdaze- I am glad you got your drains out and I am glad you got more painkillers. I hope you don't end up in too much pain with tightness across your chest.

When it comes to people asking about about the incision, I have not had anyone ask to see it but I have offered to show it to a couple of my close friends. I guess I have not had anyone ask..... yet....

Chalex

hey everyone!!! have i told you all how much i love reading and getting a better understanding of our situration!!!

its been nine days now! and I can actually move around quite well... i went for a short walk around the block yesterday,,, and had a bird bath,, in the TUB!! omg! that felt like heaven! I am off the Oxycodone now, just taking tylenol for pain,,, BUT mobiity is still pretty limited with my arms... I can hold a coffee cup and food bowls now though!!!! YAH for me!!!!

OH!!!! i meant to mention ,, how i carry my little bottles around!!!!!!! I got one of my fanny packs!!! and they all stored in there nicely,,, without any pulling or anything!!!! i think other woman have written that here before,, but thought i might say it again!!!!!

Again, god bless all of you,, and thank you!!!!!

deb