June 2010 Mastectomy

Wow! Lots of action in this thread!!

Welcome, Circe. I'm glad you found your way here for support and information. We try our best to hold each other up and cheer each other on.

Melissa & Laurie: I had SNB with my initial lumpectomy on 3/26. The doctor who injected the dye told me he couldn't use lidocaine since he had found that it sometimes affected the ability of the  dye to spread as it needed to. I think we have another instance of different strokes for different doctors. Honestly, even without the lidocaine, I felt nothing past a small burning sensation as the liquid went in, much like you can get with a vaccination. The burning lasted less than 10 seconds and we were done.

Gettingpastthis: It's great to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear you had some painful days in there. What wonderful news about the success of your chemo treatments!!!

Marm!!!!  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  NED!!!!  My education of terminology and acronyms continues. These letters, at least, are a joy to learn and to see.

Melissa: Step 1 for you ... done!!!  Ice and tylenol will be your friends for a couple of days. Thanks for the advice about the steristrips.  I think I'll keep them on (if they stay stuck) and give the nurse the pleasure of stripping them off on Monday. 

Wifemomx2 & StaceyA: Sending strength & courage to you both.

Laurie: I slept in my bed, too, from day 1. I bought one of those body pillows on sale at Target for $9.99 and placed it in the middle of the bed to keep my husband from accidentally bumping up against me in his sleep and also to offer support to my right side. It was nice to curl my legs against it and not feel like I was sleeping straight on my back all the time. It was also nice to have my right arm cushioned against my side. I used 3 pillows under my head, so that I was practically sitting up anyway, but like you, I'm not a chair sleeper.

MistyJ: Having mom & grandma there will give you so much peace!

Jeanne: I hope your drain and your wrap come out today! I didn't have any bandages at all, except for the steristrips. 

jbicsw10:  Patience and living in the moment are definitely two talents I've improved in the past four months. Two positive things to take away from this. I'm sorry you're having to experience all this again.

I took an Aleve last night because I'd had a pretty hectic day and was feeling some pain and discomfort.  I wanted to see if the muscle relaxant in the Aleve would work better than the Tylenol.  It did!!!  I have been completely pain and discomfort free since.  I got the best night's sleep I've had since I don't even know when and haven't even felt a twinge of anything this morning. Let's hope it holds out ...

Happy day to everyone! 

Getty.

Chellebelle, welcome, wishing your mom a speedy recovery!

Circe - welcome! 

Laurie and Getty - I am not a recliner type either. I am going to do what I did last time and get 2 body pillows and put one on each side of me and a little behind me to prop me up.  I remember sleeping in a position that was sort of laying down but propped up at a 45 degree angle, basically half way up.  I don't think I moved at all during the night and woke up in the same position.  You have to tuck yourself in tight to the pillows and you won't move at all in your sleep.  Yes, helps hubby not elbow you in the night as well

Wow- there is getting to be alot of us! 

To those of you who have had the surgery- should I get 2 body pillows because I am having both sides done?  I already have one that helped me sleep through my pregnancy, or is it more for protection?

jsmiley60 - if you still have questions - call your doc back and get answers.  don't wait the 2 weeks - you will drive yourself crazy.  i am not sure - but the end grade status sounds like a good thing - meaning the chemo did work.  but call them back if you are having doubt of what it means.  you deserve to be at peace.

thank you to all of you that have been posting here.  your stories and experiences have given me the strength to face my surgery a week from today.  this is an amazing group of ladies!

I've been sleeping in a recliner since I got home. I tried one night in bed and I usually sleep on my right side, but can't due to the right side being the boob-less one right now. I slept on my left side and woke up a few times; also had trouble getting comfortable due to the fill on Tuesday. I am back in the recliner and sleep through the night there.

Any time I am in the car, I have a pillow to hold on my right side. I can't imagine having to drive right now. I am doing exercises with my right arm that my surgeon recommended, but it is still pretty weak.

I'm still suffering from pressure due to the fill. The PS said to take Vicodin or Tylenol for the first few days. The pressure is not as bad as the first day and is getting better. But I am tempted to call his office tomorrow to see if anything else would help.

Its been two days since I last checked in, and see more people have joined our group - welcome!

I had SNB done at time of port placement and tumor recheck back in Jan. The injection of blue dye did sting a bit. Laying flat for the numerous pictures to locate the Sentinels was not fun, but wasn't painful. Mine were removed from left breast side - about 5 o'clock position - so near the arm pit about where the side of a bra cup would sit. So between that, the tumor spot and the port there was pain - but I was given some good stuff for that. After 4 days was allowed to remove the top layer of bandages and take my first shower. After 10 days the steri strips fell or were helped off by me. It took about 1 1/2 to 2 months for the area to not be sore to the touch. Should also mention that I started Chemo 6 days after this, and that does slow down the healing process, so that may have had a effect as well. Everyone is different, but that is my story.

Looks like Stacey is due up next - good luck.

Me on Monday 6/21. Yikes, it is approaching fast! Glad I have this thread to help along in this process!

Hope everyone who is done continues to heal well! 

Im up for my 2nd Mast 29th June, unless someone more urgent than me comes in. I really hope it is not put off because Im stopping Tamox tomorrow for 2 weeks to minimize the risk of clots. Im allowing about 10 days pre Surgery and 3 or 4 post.

Hi jillyG,

...it wasnt recommended to me no, but as one of the SE of Tamox is clotting, (its only a small chance) and I've seen it mentioned on BC.org about people stopping it temporarily,  I then put it to my BS and he certainly didnt discourage me. Another lady who is part of my onc team also didnt discourage me either, in fact they gave me the idea that they thought it was a reasonable action to take. I guess its each individual persons choice as to how "proactive" they want to be and of course measuring that up with the liklihood of risk for your situation. For me, theres  no way do I want to get a clot. I also base my decision on the premise that some people are more at risk of getting clots than others, like if you have varicose veins for example. 

My understanding (which is far from complete on this) is that Tamox stays in your system for 2 weeks and so its also minimal risk stopping it briefly. This info is all pretty new to me and its only been recently that Ive been able to actually able to face getting  in and doing some research. 

All the best for your surgery on Wednesday.

Stacey, sending all the good vibes for you on your surgery! Hope all went well!

Chellebelle, hope your mom is doing good in her recovery, keep bringing her all your love and support!

And just like you mentioned stlcardsfan, time is passing by so fast! The day of our surgeries is approaching so fast. Mine in a week time! I just can't believe how much my life has changed since that day I discovered the "tiny lump" on my left breast.

Yesterday I didn't have an awesome day, it has been like that since the first surgery I had (lumpectomy) about a month ago. I have good and bad days, not related to the recovery itself but more my mind that sometimes go crazy and makes me think silly things. For instance the idea of me staying at home all day, it's summer here and there's tons of ppl out there enjoying the sunny weather, girls out there in summer dresses, bikinis and tank tops. For some reason I just can't stop looking at their breasts! (weirdo! I know) but my mind is not ready yet (if ever) to lose a part of my body. I just feel sad, wondering if I will be able to do the same again.... hard to put on words how the whole situation makes me feel

Yes, the ultrasound I had early this week was one of the most amazing moments in my life, I'm pregnant and is such a miracle for me and my husband. But the fact that good and bad news came our way at the same time, sometimes feels like too much.

Anyways, I really wish a good recovery and fast healing to all the ones who had the surgery already. I keep reading each one fo the stories here and I see warriors tales. Thansk to all for sharing.

Great news, Jeanne!

stlcardsfan: I'll be thinking of you on Monday! Enjoy the ball game tonight!!

StaceyA: I hope everything went well for you today.

Hi ladies. Just wanted to let you all know that I was released today and now I'm at home resting and doing well. I'm still a little loopy so I will try to feel you in on my surgery real soon. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers and I would like to extend mine to the ladies who are due to have surgery this month. It hasn't been the easiest thing to go through but it's completely doable and I'm sure you ladies will come through with flying colors. May God Bless you all.

Peace and Love,

wifemomx2

Stacey!  - I have been thinking about you all day.  Can't wait to hear from you/ see your post.  I hope you are in your room, sleeping soundly, and well medicated from pain.

Jeanne- YAY!!!  So happy for you that you got your drain out!  It was so nice to read your upbeat post, you can tell that your spirits are better today and I am so glad for you.

wifemomx2-Thanks so much for taking a minute to let us know that you made it through and everything went well.  I hope you get some good rest tonight in your own bed.

Stcardsfan- I hope you have fun at the game tonight.  Just hearing about the humidity coming your way made me want to turn up my ac and I'm in NH!  I also think it's funny that your surgeons called to remind you about the surgery....hello?  Have they ever had someone forget before?

joystars- I am sure most if not all of us can relate to how you are feeling.  I am in NH where we get three months of summer.  We have an in ground swimming pool and usually have lots of cook outs and get together through out the summer- I usually live in my bathing suit.  This whole cancer thing is screwing that up pretty bad.  Every time we get invited to go somewhere I get pissed off (pardon my mouth) but we have friends say " oh we rented a place on the ocean the second week of July, bring the kids and stay the night."  My answers are always the same- I have to see how I feel....blah blah blah.  In my mind I am also thinking I have to see how I look, see what I can mentally and emotionally handle.  

Musical- welcome to our wonderful group of women!  The last club you want to join- with the best members around.

Jilly- So jealous I took your lead- I booked a mani/pedi for the Friday before my surgery.  I haven't had a manicure since I have had children since it would get ruined so fast.  I figure where I won't be able to do much at lest my hands can look good.  I'm also thinking I am going to get my butt in for a massage next week too.  I hope you enjoyed yours!

 I hope all of you ladies are feeling well.  I am getting more nervous for the "aftermath" as I have begun to call it.  What I will look like, the feelings I will have about not being able to care for my children, relinquishing my control of everything and depending on others for everything.  I am very independent, it's always me and my boys and now it's going to be me and my boys and someone else- 24/7 for 6 weeks.....augh.

wifemomx2: I'm so glad you are on the post-surgery side now. Thanks for posting and letting us know that you're home and recovering.

Laurie: Check your pre-op instructions. Mine said no nail polish on fingers or toes on surgery day.

Asking for help with everything from getting a glass of water to getting dinner started and cleaned up was definitely humbling and frustrating for me. I'm really independent, too, and used to doing everything for myself and my family. It isn't easy doing nothing.

We have a full slate of surgeries for the June group this coming week. I hope everyone has a happy and peaceful weekend.

Getty.