June 2010 Mastectomy

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  • stacey2275
    stacey2275 Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2010

    oh my god i go tomorrow! left mastectomy w/ te - i'm just getting really nervous now... aaahh

    stacey

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  • jsmiley60
    jsmiley60 Member Posts: 204
    edited June 2010

    Thanks Jilly for doing the list!! I put it at the top of this thread. I kept forgetting or did not have time to do that. I've decided I need to quit reading the May masectomy thread - it is making me more nervous!!

    Praying for everyone - Stacey I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I'm so grateful for this forum! 

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  • sespebadger
    sespebadger Member Posts: 249
    edited June 2010

    Gettingpastthis:

    I am haveing a BiMX with no reconstruction July 12. Yours was the first post at this discussion from someone not having reconstruction, so, I'd like to hear more from you. I'm also Stage 3, and like you had chemo before this surgery and will have radiation after. (I also had surgery in Dec. of last year - lumpectomy and lymphectomy.) The radiation ahead is what makes me not want to chance the reconstruction with implants even though my radiologist said he had seen it work. Also I really am tired of being a patient and want to feel better as soon as possible so I can be more active. I am thinking I might do reconstruction with tissue in a few years when my daughter goes to college, or I may find I can live breast free, as they say. How about you and your decision? I see your surgery is just a few days away. I can't imagine how that feels, of course, but I'd guess it is scary. I wish you luck and hope that all goes well.   

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  • vmudrow
    vmudrow Member Posts: 846
    edited June 2010

    Good luck to everyone having surgery in June.

    MistyJ - I had prophylactic masectomies on May 6, 2010 for atypical lobular hyperplasia (precancer) and I haven't regretted it.  I think it is the right decision. You will do great.

    Laurie08 - they have a two pack of camis at Costco that are really stretchy that you can step in to - they are really soft.

    Surgery is not too bad - I am 4 weeks out tomorrow and have TEs in - going for a "fill" later today.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    Stacey I will be thinking of you too- good luck!

    I met with the nurse at the PS office today and we chatted for about 1 1/2 hours with me asking lots of questions.  She was very nice and I definitely left feeling positive about everything.  I did ask for some thing to take the night before and morning of the surgery to help calm my nerves.  I also have to make a call and get fitted for camisoles and sports bras for after the surgery and was really excited that I will be getting 2 camisoles that have the pouches to hold the drains!  Funny these are the things that excite me now, lol!  The nurse also said that I shouldn't have to wear button up shirts for more than maybe 48 hours, that I will be "more than capable of putting on a t shirt."  Did your Dr's say the same?  

    I hope everyone has had a good day and that our ladies who had surgery today are out and relaxing now that they have gotten through the first part.

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  • MRDRN
    MRDRN Member Posts: 537
    edited June 2010

    I had a wonderful pre op visit today with the Nurse Educator who couldn't be more professional.  I took home two cami's with pockets for drains which are covered by my insurance, and two pillows for the car ride home to protect under the seatbelts.  I met with the PT and have a very clear rehab plan....the preop testing was done and faxed by my PMD....guess I am ready! 

    I wish the best for all of you as well.  The summer could have been better, but at least we are one step closer to getting through to the other side.  I am grateful for being  almost 3 months post TAH.

    Please God keep my nodes clear...my left arm feels like something is wrong....I hope it is in my imagination.     I opted out of Lump with Radiation for this due to BRCA1 so I hope I am done after this but have not met with an oncologist yet. 

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    This is my first post. I have a likely permanent yet currently tentative surgery date set for June 21: BMX, SNB x2, TEs. My DX is L. Breast: DCIS Multicentric,  R. Breast: ADH, DCIS, LCIS, Tubular C. Pathology is all good, that is, as good as you would want it to be. ER, PR + BRCA 1 & 2, Neg.

    Have already had Mammo & Ultra, bi-lat core needle biopsies, R. surgical excision biopsy, MRI. Now the surgeon I'm choosing wants to do an outpatient surgery before MX: a subareolar disc resection to determine whether the nipples can be saved or not before surgery. Has anyone ever heard of this? I will meet the PS she works with a lot and recommended on Monday. My brother died by suicide 6 wks. before my DX. He was my last relative, so it was a very difficult few weeks of meltdowns, sleepless nights. I'm feeling more positive and ready to move forward. Not sure who will be there to help me, but I do have friends. The hardest part for me is asking/accepting help as I am usually the one helping others. Deep gratitude for this website and to all of you who are posting here. I don't feel so alone  knowing we are all in this together.  Sending blessings and prayers to you all.

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  • MistyJ
    MistyJ Member Posts: 113
    edited June 2010

    Orchidgal,  goodness!  I am so sorry to hear about your brother!  And as if that was not enough to get a diagnosis so close to that is unthinkable.  But you are right that you are in a good place on this website!  Tons of good thoughts and strength to you~!  You are one day ahead of me, so we will be healing together!

    Reneemac , almagetty , lucylou , Reneew53 prayers to you today!  Hopefully this post will find you feeling reasonably comfortable

    Stacey2275-strength waves and peace to you before your surgery tomorrow!

    Jilly, thanks for updating the list :)  Can you add TE's to mine?  I don't know how to do it.

    So my day consisted of

    1) talking and helping my 13 year old daughter to understand and be less afraid of my surgery because today for some reason she came home from school upset and worried about it.

    2) then deciding that her friend from NY could come down with my Mother and Grandmother when they come for my surgery

    3) then holding my daughter while she cried her eyes out because when she called her friend to tell her the good news that I said it was okay for her to come despite my surgery.....her friend's mother (who has been screened high risk for a while due to LCIS) was diagnosed today with BC.  

    Ack. 

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  • MistyJ
    MistyJ Member Posts: 113
    edited June 2010

    Valerie,  Hope your fill went well todaySmile

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  • wifemomx2
    wifemomx2 Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2010

    I felt like it was time to stop lurking and join you guys. I am scheduled for BMX with immediate TE's on the 17th of June. This discussion board has helped me with deal with my April 9th 2010 diagnosis tremendously. By the way, I am a 3rd generation BC survivor and I call myself a survivor because I refuse to let this dreaded disease claim my life.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    welcome wifemomx2, thanks for joining us!

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  • MRDRN
    MRDRN Member Posts: 537
    edited June 2010


    orchigal

    Welcome and so sorry to hear about your brother!  Wow, when it rains it pours!  I am also surprised at the BRCA 1 and 2 !  I never knew anyone before who had both.  In answer to your question, no I haven't heard of that nipple sparing with DCIS but I am glad that you are willing to share as someone else may have some insight.  Best of luck on the 21st.  It sounds like you are really doing everything you can possibly do to beat this beast.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    orchidgal, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and for all you are going through.  I hope we can be of some support for you.  I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    ok, I feel like I am not supposed to complain most of the time, but what a long day.  Please skip this if you are not in the mood for a rant.

    Kids were up at 5am, and they weren't particularly happy about it so you would think they would have kept sleeping?  I know I could have, especially since I had only gotten about 3 hours at that point.  Got to love this insomnia.  So now we are all up and cranky and it is raining and 80 degrees out, beautiful day and we have no where to go and nothing to do.  The last words my husband says as he leaves at 5 :45 is "don't forget I have a meeting tonight and won't be home until late."  Grrreeeaaaat...

    I will admit I made the best of everything, I think the baby is teething but my older was great and rolled with everything all day and even took his nap.  Picture me laying in between two children praying they both go to sleep so I may too.  I can be easily picked out of the line up as I am the only one not fidgeting, or talking- at all.  I am playing dead in hopes that they will sniff me and move on to other things.

    Yet 16 hours of no adult contact, except the nurse to discuss my prescription for anti anxiety meds for the surgery, oh and I called to get my appointment for the camisole fitting to hold the drains...my brain melted around 5pm. Between please don't step on your brother and if you can't not make a mess you will have to eat at the table.

    I am blessed to have my boys, they are good boys, and I love them with my whole heart.  Yet I heard my name at least 300 times before 8 this morning.  My husband got home just in time to prolong bed time with " Daddy's home!"  and I did something unusual for me since my diagnosis.  I poured a glass of wine and walked out of my house. ( I made some BS vow to get healthy and quit drinking, how stupid?) I sat in the back yard and stared at the woods and drank my wine for about a half hour before coming in and declaring bed.  It felt good to listen to the birds getting ready for bed and not much else.  It felt good to hear myself think, or in this case- not think. 

    I am scared, I am hopeful, I am Mom- I am me.

    Thanks for letting me rant.  Almost time to read :)

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    Thanks MistyJ. We'll all get through this holding each other's virtual hands! Will keep you posted as to the final date set. meeting the PS Monday, so then they will all try to find the date the hospital can take us. Hope it is the 21st - sooner the better now that I am determined to go through with it. Keep thefaith!

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    Laurie08: Rant on sister. If not here, where? We understand. It is a roller coaster of the heart and soul. Can't imagine having/caring for children through this process/journey. I'm glad you had some wine and communed with nature. You are so lucky to have the woods in your backyard! Tomorrow's another day!

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    MistyJ: That scene with your daughter almost had me crying. I hope she understands you are going to be 100% healthy after surgery. It is a lot to ask a thriteen year old to go through this, yet your example will inpsire her no doubt. Hang in there.

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    Vmudrow: thanks so much for dropping in to give us some love. I, too, will have DMX w/ TEs, most likely June 21, and am scared of the after surgery experience, yet determined to go through with it. It makes me feel good to hear your experience wasn't a nightmare as some I've read. It can turn out well, too! This is good to hear and know.

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  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited June 2010

    Hi ladies!  Welcome to all who have joined our motley crew in the last couple of days. I hope everyone who went in for their surgeries this week is resting comfortably and getting on with the business of recovering.

    I had my RMX with TE on Wednesday. I'm feeling better than I ever dared to hope I would. The pain is manageable with the Vicodin that the BS prescribed. I'm actually pretty mobile.  So far, the hardest thing by far has been getting comfortable in bed. I finally settled on four pillows stacked one on top of the other, so that I'm basically sitting up.  I have a full body pillow that I placed on my right side, which allows me to curl me legs and rest them on the pillow.  This keeps my right arm nice and tight against my body, which is surprisingly comfortable.  I also have a little pillow for the small of my back.

    The PS had to use alloderm to create a sling for the TE because of the way my pectoral muscle sits on my chest. The pec cuts across really high. Because of the alloderm, he was able to fill to 300 cc.'s, which means I only need about 150-200 cc's more for my exchange. Yay! Good news for me. Three or four fills should do it. My first fill is tentatively scheduled for the 23rd, with subsequent fills happening every two weeks after that.

    I have one drain with a ridiculously long tube. It doesn't hurt, I'm not even aware of it most of the time. It's just a bit awkward looking. Hopefully, they will take it out at my post-op visit with the PS on Wednesday.

    I spent one night in the hospital as planned. I can't say enough wonderful things about the staff at the hospital. Everyone was so kind and helpful. There was no lag time between any request I made and getting that request fulfilled.

    The anticipation of the surgery and the fear of what it would be like was definitely worse than the actuality of it all.

    Hang in there everyone! I've found that taking things one moment at a time helps tremendously.

    Laurie, don't beat yourself up about needing that alone time in your backyard. I think you are doing a terrific job holding everything together. 

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    Yay Getty!!!  I have been checking this damn site over and over looking for an update!  I am SO happy everything went well and you are feeling good. Amazed they were able to give you such a great initial fill, you must be so pleased! I will break down and ask a question though- what is alloderm?  I have heard other people mention it but don't know what it is? 

    Thank you so much for your kind words to me- I appreciate it especially since you are fresh from surgery.

    HUGS!

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  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited June 2010

    Alloderm is "a collagen matrix that is acellular in nature. That is to say, it is cadaver skin that has had all the cells taken out of it, and just leaves the collagen behind. It is like having a shell of a building there, without all the walls, furniture, and people living inside. This makes it easy for your own body to incorporate your own blood vessels and tissue into the alloderm."

    I found this definition by a PS (Daniel Mills) online. Like he said, the graft will eventually be incorporated as part of my body. My own blood vessels and tissues will grow in it, on it and around it.

    It sounds kind of gross, I suppose, but it is really helpful with a lot of different issues relating to breast reconstruction, including helping to get rid of those ripples that can form over some implants. It's also used a lot with the one step, direct to implant reconstruction.  

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  • MistyJ
    MistyJ Member Posts: 113
    edited June 2010

    Happy Friday ladies. 

    Thoughts and strength waves to ihatescreenames today!

    Orchidgal-I have your Mond. appt in my calendar...will be thinking of you!  Hope you get the 21st too!  Get it behind you!!

    Laurie, I must tell you that I read everyones posts and read several of the forums, and you always stick out to me.  One, because your pic seems so young...Two, because you have young children, Three, because you always seem so strong and positive in your posts.  All Moms have days like that, even when they are not facing the other trials and tribulations you are.  So you are especially allowed to have your moment outside with wine getting away from it all!!!  It helps you deal better with it after the mental time out I think!  I feel like it helps to release here in posts too!  Obviously we are all good listeners :) so vent as needed!!!!

    almagetty, thanks for taking the time to post so quickly.  It helps me be reassured that you are able to get on the computer so soon after.  I am glad you are feeling comfortable enough!  Prayers for a speedy healing process!  I am getting alloderm too.  My PS is using it almost every time he says it allows for more cushion between the implant and the skin, while also giving more support.  People do look at me funny when I tell them it is cadaver skin though!!!

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  • reneemac
    reneemac Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2010

    Surgery went well on Wednesday and I am home and resting well. I had a RMX with TE and it was pretty funny the way the day went; I wouldn't have had time to be worried. I spent the first 3 hours in Radiology with the dye being put into my breast (just a stinging for a few minutes) and of course, the dye took the scenic route to my lymph nodes - LOL. I was scheduled for surgery at Noon and got to the outpatient pavillion around 11:45am. After the nurse got me to change into the gown, the anthestesiologist was ready and waiting for me. Unfortunately, he had to wait a while. I met with the PS and the surgeon, who brought along another doctor to observe and help. When they thought I was just about ready, one of the nurses asked me when my last menstural period was; I told her in January, since I am in pre-menopause. Thinking I might be pregnant (with my tubes tied - sure!) they had to do a pregnancy test before the surgery could start. Of course, it was negative and the last thing I remember is looking at the lights in the OR. About 5 hours later, I woke up in recovery and was moved to a room about an hour later.

    I spent 1 night in the hospital and was anxious to go home so I could get some rest! Preliminary results show no cancer in the lymph nodes. I follow up with the surgeon on Tuesday.

    I am so thankful to all of you and to those who came before us with all of the advice and good thoughts! The throat losengers were a life saver; having my I-pod with me helped tune out the hospital sounds; the pain is really minimal. It's just more uncomfortable than painful. The drains are a pain but not unbearable. My wonderful husband set up a recliner in our bedroom and I am camped out in it today with television, the computer and a cell phone nearby. My wonderful friend and hairdresser has meals coming to the house every other day for the next MONTH. I am just blown away by how generous people have been and how supportive everyone has been.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited June 2010

    Thanks for posting reneemac!  Congratulations on getting through this!  I'm sorry but I laughed a little about your pregnancy test- at least it was a distraction for you right?  Of course I looked at my calendar this morning as I started my period.  I should be getting it again the day before my surgery :0)  So glad you are feeling well and that your friends and husband are rallying to take care of you.  Did they give you lidacain (sp?) for the SNB first?  I need to call my surgeon to see if she is going to use it- I heard it makes it much easier.  A big HUG to you and a YAY!!!!

    ihatescreennames- good luck to you!

    Getty- thanks for the info, I had no idea!  But then I went an googled it and found out it is used quite often and that it gets great results so I'm glad you got it too :)

    Misty you are very kind to say the nice things you did.  I just turned 35 last week, I'll take the young looking comment till the cows come home!  As for my positive attitude, I owe that to my Mom.  My Mom got beat to death (literally) by this disease and she had a smile and something great to say everyday, including the day she passed away.  She hiked the Grand Canyon wearing a wig and in her off week of chemo.  She made the best of everyday and I intend to take her lead.  I figure it won't do me much good to sit down and cry, but it might do me some good to sing a song with my son and take a walk.  Don't get me wrong, I am sure I will lose my Sh#t completely when the day of surgery comes, I'm really not that tough, lol!   I feel so lucky that I have found all of you and that I can talk about everything and anything and that I can try to support all of you in the same way I know you will support me.  The posts today by Getty and Reneemac lift my spirits and makes me believe- I CAN DO THIS.

    Thank you ladies.

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  • stacey2275
    stacey2275 Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2010

    thx for all the thoughts. m and hubby are driving home now fro sloan kettering in nyc and i have to tell u all it was not as bad as i expected. the worst waas the iv in the hand! its hard getting out of bed and the potholes on the highway arent great but keep positive! my snb biopsy wasnegative yay. doc gave me percocets and it really feels similar to the aftermath of childbirth except higher up. i also had alloderm and i dont know how many cc's the ps got in but i do have a similar size mound to my other a size cup. mom is here to help me with my 2 boys ages 4 and 9. the staff were wonderful also. my ps told me 2 weeks off till i go back to my 6 hour a day desk job but the bs said 4 weeks. what have you all heard for recovery with te's?

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  • Bexter3
    Bexter3 Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2010

    WOW Stacy!  Good for you!  Here's praying you continue to do well!

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  • Bexter3
    Bexter3 Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2010

    Reneemac - good for you!  thanks for the lengthy post and glad you are feeling good enough to do it... I know it helps me feel a little less anxious knowing that so many of you June ladies are doing so well!!!!

     I am freaking a little bit, so instead of wallowing... I went for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday and by no means a record breaking distance, it was beautiful and distracting.  Thanks to my hubby and our son I was able to not think about surgery most of the day!!!

     Any of you had or having a lymph node dissection?  I am and that is what worries me the most... I have two tumors comprised of matted lymph nodes so having the whole group taken out.  Hear it's actually worse than the mx...

    Thanks to everyone for just being on this board.  It really helps to know we are not alone!!

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  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited June 2010

    Happy Saturday everyone! 

    I was able to sleep soundly and comfortably through the night. I slept for 12 hours! I only woke up for my antibiotics at 1 and at 7. I've also cut down to one pain pill every 6 hours. I'm really pretty pain free. Maybe tomorrow I'll switch to regular Tylenol. The fluid in my drain is also cutting down to about 25% less than yesterday. I might take a short walk outside later (to the end of my street ... who am I kidding? ... )

    We CAN do this! Heck, we ARE doing it!!!

    Hoping to hear some good reports from the other early June girls.  Praying for strength and courage for all! 

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  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2010

    Hi all - haven't been on for almost 1 week, and was sorry to see so many more names on the list. Man, this BC crap sucks! 

    For those who have completed surgery - congratulations!

    For those due up this week - good luck!!

    I do my pre-op surgery stuff this Friday, along with getting a ultrasound of the ovaries. Also have my 8th Herceptin this Wednesday 6/9. Since I had Chemo first, I am hoping that I will at least have some hair on my head before surgery on 6/21 as I don't think I can wear my pink ball cap into the surgery room! Currently  5 1/2 weeks PFC, and definitely rocking the 5 o'clock shadow! Now if only the eyebrows would catch up!

    I am sure one of the tests on Friday will be a pregnancy test. Have been in Chemo-pause since January - hot flashes and all. Told the gynecology oncologist that when he asked me when my last cycle was. I can't believe he has never heard the term Chemo-pause, must be a BC forum thing. Anyway, he said they would probably do the test anyway just to be sure!

    Only a few things left to do before surgery date, and then I should be ready. At this point, I try not to think about was is to come. I have done enough reading on the other Mastectomy threads to get a general idea of what is to come. I am kind of just ready to get it over with!!! 

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  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2010

    getty-gal, way to go! So happy to hear you had the best possible experience and are now on the orad to wellness. This give s us all good feelings about what to expect and to know that the aniticipation is far worse than the actual process.

    Laurie08: yes these posts by our wonderful sisters here lift us up. My mom died of cancer, too, in '92 when I was 37, and I did hopsice alone with her, so having said this, we are lucky we have a better chance and more options here. Our moms are out there somewhere smiling their love on us as we go through this, sending us strength, so  we can share their courage and strength with a bridge between their hearts and ours. Cry when you feel it, laugh and let it all out. So good to hear you are rolling with it.

    MmistyJ: Thanks you so much for remembering me. I will give a post on how that meeting with the PS went. I am scheduoled for out patient surgery - subareolar disk resection on the 15th, to see if the nips can be saved, so am thinking at least the BS (and I can give her a test run - ha ha) will have less to take in the big surgery, and I'll find out ont he 19th about the nipp. Less stress, I guess.  You are a dear one to mark me in your calendar - thank you xo

    renneemac: happy time now that you are post surgery. sounds like a funny time, and great results, and a very nice set up for after care. many blessings to you. keep us posted and thanks for the list of lifesafers in the hospital.

    Stacey2275: good you are on the road to recovery now. sounds like it is moving along nicely and I'm sure you will find out the best timing on returning to work as you continue to heal and are monitered by your docs.

    Gettingpasthis: we are not alone - thank heavens - and I'm glad to hear you got out in nature. I, too went to stay overnight at my friend's house at the beach. She and her roomates, guests and helpers all proved a delightful distraction, as well as lots of good vibes and hugs, plus the ocean waves crashing through the night and the salty air got me back from a bit of a glum place. Like Tina Turner sang, big wheels keep on moving, proud mary keeps on moving" we're moving and rolling on that river. Focusing on being as flexible as yielding as possible through this. Loving this June thread, it's keeping me sane.

    stlcardsfan: you have the same date as I (tentatively) have, so let's do it together. I'll meet with the prospective PS Monday, then the BS and PS can see if their schedules coincide with the hospital. Will keep you posted. You've been through so much already, once this is behind you it will be a new day in so many ways.

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