August 2010 Mastectomy

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Anne and Tara - Sending good thoughts and prayers for your surgeries tomorrow!  Check in with us when you are up to it!

    Nancy

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Hello ladies,

    Just posting an update. This is my fifth day post-surgery. Still taking pain meds which make me feel very sleepy and lightheaded.  My newest problem - my left leg is killng me (likely from sleeping on my back - I am NOT a back sleeper) and hemrroids. Sorry if too much info!

    Nancy - are your drains still pretty full? My left drain is practically empty but the right is still rather full - although there is a daily decrease in fluid. My chest is still sore but I think it is due to the TEs. Other than that, just the drain entry points are sore. I am scheduled to see my PS on Wed. and praying he will remove at least the left one!

    Good luck to all our sisters who are going in this week!

    Smurfie 

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  • Carlatap
    Carlatap Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2010

    Anne and Tara, I'm also thinking and praying for you and your families tomorrow. Hope all goes well. and that you can feel confident going in. I am trying to prepare for Wednesday. Tomorrow I go in for an appt where the PS draws all over the front of me, so he can have a map of what he and the general surgeon will be working with. My sister said it was a strangest appt she had every experienced. I also can only drink pure liquids tomorrow-no food. So.....I guess this is really happening.

    Nancy and Smurfie, I am so happy to see you are home and doing reasonably well. What I learned from my sister is patience is the key word. Don't try to be super women when you feel a little better-take it slow. I am amazed how my sister improves every week.

    Welcome to all of you who are new and having surgeries this month. I just can't get over how many of us are fighting this disease and having to take this type of drastic measure to strive to stay alive and well. 

    "Be strong and courageous"

    Carla

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  • Anne068
    Anne068 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies! Thanks for all the warm wishes and positive thoughts!

    I leave tomorrow at 7am, hospital at 8am, and surgery at 9am. The SNB (dye) is being done while I'm *out* so I don't have to worry about that, Thank Goodness!

    Tara, are you ready for this? I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be! Husband and I did a photoshoot last night, so I got tons of pics of my girls.  Good luck! I'll be thinking of you! I'll see you on the other side!

    Carlatap, Carole66, Chattachick, LindaNZ and Brokendreams~ If I don't get back on this week, Know I'll be thinking of y'all!

     Keeping fingers crossed for "NO node involvement!!"

    Hugs to all.. Anne

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  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited August 2010
    Jesus Nancy, that's awful.  can they not give you a local anaethetic cream or spray?
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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    First of all - Hoping that Anne and Tara are doing well.  And best of luck to Carla - You will be in the hospital for awhile with a tram flap so take it easy and check in with us when you can.

    I went to the PS today and they were able to take 2 of the 4 drains out.  The "evil" drain had to stay in.  She said about one in fifty have the problem I am having.  There is nothing to do - it is just close to a nerve - the pain is inside so no amount of topical cream would help.  I asked for the report and they took out over 1100 grams on each side!   The TE's are a size 550.  (with 300cc filled already).  Very interesting.

    Marly - Glad your drains are not too full.  Do you think it is worse because I had TE's put in leaving more space, or because I had a big bust that left a big space?   I need to get down to 30CC a day for 48 hrs for the drain to come out.

    I actually went to the grocery store and to a farmer's market today with my sister.  It was the first time I have been out other than to take short walks.   I should have felt people staring at me but actually I felt pretty comfortable.   I even put some makeup on today!

    Nancy

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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010

    Thinking of Anne and Tara today sending them hugs....

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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010

    Carla, Carole, Chatta., Linda, wishing you all the very best as you prepare for this weeks surgery.

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  • Marly
    Marly Member Posts: 70
    edited August 2010

    Hi Nancy....boy, I sure don't know why you're having such trouble. I know the pain you're talking about but it doesn't last anywhere near that long for me, and it isn't every time I empty the bulb, either. Mostly, it's when I move from a certain position to another. It feels like a hot electric wire buzzing in there, but it's gone in less than fifteen seconds. If I had to feel it for as long as you do, I'd be desperate.

    I fiddle with this drain constantly, though. It's like my new hobby. I watch the bubbles move around... Laughing  Every now and then the vacuum gets just right and it all goes zoop! into the bulb. I wish I could figure out how to make it do that more often. I would play that game for a while... 

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    hi all. i'm on the other side! Snb was nothin' for me. 3 trys to get the i.v. in was worse. morphine made me too naseus was the big issue. yesterday. percocet once last and just now. am enjoying my hot tea and the pre-dawn hours. not too much pain. may be able to go home today! luv to all

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  • LindaNZ
    LindaNZ Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2010

    Thanks Marly. Good advice - you're right about friends wanting and being pleased to help.

    I head into the hospital in 12 hours time. Still got lots of jobs to do but am very pleased I took a day off work yesterday to go skiing and escape this whole business for a day. Good luck Chattachick and Carole - and BrokenDreams the following day.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010

    Good luck Linda, Carole, Carla and BrokenDreams! KissKissKiss We'll see you here soon.

    Tara glad to hear Snb was nothing. I'm having one just before they put me out for the BMX. Just found out the other day I will be awake for this (from this forum). Glad to hear it was nothin' for you. Sorry about the vein issue.

    I'm leaving for my CT & bone scan at 8am. After this I think they have officially run out of tests they can give me prior to surgery . Tongue out

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Tara - Glad you are with us on the other side and happy everything went well.  I had an IV problem too - they finally blew the vein in my hand and had to put it in my arm.

    A lot of surgeries this week.  Love and prayers to: Carole, Chatta, Linda and Brokendreams.  Check in with us when you are able.

    Marly - I'm glad you are having fun with your drains.  Me, not so much.  That hot wire sensation is the residual pain I have maybe the 2nd hour after the drain.  Yes, imagine that on a constant basis for about 40 minutes.  

    I have friends coming from Lancaster to bring me lunch today so that should be fun - the days really do seem to go fast.  I am a week post op today!

    Nancy

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    My thoughts are with all you ladies. So strong and brave. Hugs to all...

    My surgery will be BMX. I really struggled with the decision. I hope I made the right choice.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Lovesnature - I know, it is so very hard to make a decision but now that it is made you will feel better.  Being on the other side now, I can't imagine having one foob and one boob.  I'm glad I did both.  Less worry and I  think more reconstruction options.   You will do fine and I don't think you will regret your decision.

    Marly, Smurfie, Robin: Yesterday I had two drains out - one on each side.  Today when I drained the "evil" one it was less pain than before - I think that 2nd drain must have been causing the "evil" one to be more painful.  I really don't know but I am very glad that the pain is down to about a four.  

    Smurfie - can't believe you are almost down to one drain!  Lucky you. 

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone!  I was released from the hospital yesterday, only the day after surgery!  My BS till provides lots of situational comedy.  He walked in around 1 pm.  When I told/asked him that I'd be going home today, he said, "I don't know, that's up to your plastic surgeons."  My husband and I were dumbfounded and I think my mouth even fell open, "But Dr. Edney, I didn't have plastic surgery." 

    I'm not in much pain.  The drain stripping takes some practice, and I do feel one drain must be the pain Nancy's getting, but mine only lasts a few seconds - but it's the worst!  Much worse than the SNB sting!  Gees, Nancy, you must be really good at breathing through it.  Sucks, sucks, sucks.

    So - I'm covered in tape over my drains, and according to my nurse yesterday, I should be showering and removing all the tape, but not the suture band-aid type stuff.  Anyone else have to do this on their own?  I'm regretting getting out of the hospital so early now.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Tara - Congrats on coming home!  I never had any tape over my drains - they just hung there naked for all the world to see!   I don't think the tape serves much purpose other than keeping the pressure off the entry point and maybe from getting an infection in the hospital setting.  How many drains do you have?  Sorry you have one "evil" one.  Mine is actually so much better since it's twin on that side was pulled.  And, this morning I would say the pain was down to a 2 and didn't last nearly as long. Thank God because it has been replaced by some pain from the TE.  I swear he put in one that was too big.   

    Take care and get a lot of rest.

    Nancy 

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    I'm out of my tape and feeling better.  I have 4 drains.  I hope Anne, Carla, Carole, Linda, and chattachick are doing all right.

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  • Marly
    Marly Member Posts: 70
    edited August 2010

    Okay. The thrill is gone with this drain. I'm glad I don't have more than one to babysit. And I'm VERY glad that it will be removed tomorrow.  It's trying to remove itself and I'm ready for it to go.  

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010

    Nice to see you guys back. I think it will be a few days before our Aug 12 crew appears. I hope they are doing OK.

    taranebraska… I'm going to have 4 drains too. It sounds like a scene from the first Matrix movie.
    http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/images/matrix36.jpg

    Good luck brokendreams

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone,

     I am one week and one day post op. My PS removed my left drain (the CA/SNB side) yesterday but my right drain is still in - I named them the Franken-drains. I hate that right drain - it still hurts and I can't wait to get rid of it!!! The last two days have been pretty good. I can feel my body healing and have had to take less and less pain meds each day (I stopped taking Percocet after 4 days, I was way too loopy and sleepy - switched to Vicodin). My hubby and I walked for about an hour yesterday while killing time before my PS appt.  I felt "normal" even with the Franken-drains.  Now waiting for my final pathology report which should be forthcoming Friday or Monday. The TEs are not too bad for me yet. They hurt occassionally...haven't had a "fill" yet. something to look forward to next week (not!)

     I have a consult with the medical oncologist on Tuesday. I just want to tell you that as much as it sucks to have (had) cancer, I feel better emotionally than I have since I was diagnosed in early June. I am proud of the courage that each and everyone of you shows...corny as it sounds, this is an experience that makes is "sisters" even though we may never meet. All the best to our girls who had their surgery today and in the weeks to come. We are amazingly brave and strong women!!!

     Smurfie 

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  • poppy12
    poppy12 Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2010

    Hello everyone I am new here please can I join your August mastectomy thread I am having mine on Wed 18th, I live in the UK I was diognosed on the 2ndAug so have not had long to wait must say I am feeling a bit nervous, am sure it will help me get through this if I can talk to others going through this at the same time,

    Celia.x

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Welcome Poppy12 - Sorry we all have to meet you like this but you will find that it really is comforting to be able to talk to our little support group.  Will you be having a bilateral? And any reconstruction?  Where in the UK are you from?   I can add this info to your little bio at the top of the thread. 

    And while I am on the subject, if any of you sees that I have incorrectly posted the type of surgery and recon you are having please let me know so I can edit. Thanks. 

    Anne, where are you?  Are you ok?  Idon't think we have heard from you since your surgery.

    Lovesnature - hugs and good wishes for your surgery on Monday! 

    Nancy

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    Welcome Poppy, sorry you're going through this. This is a warm and welcoming place.

    Ladies you are awesome to let us upcoming girls know what is possible to expect, thank you so much. I have to say I am getting extremely anxious waiting for Monday. Hard to imagine I will be able to get in the car and actually walk into the hospitol. Sleeping right now is tough, my mind is not my friend right now.  I wish I were on the other side of this.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Lovesnature - I felt exactly the same way - the last few days were really tough filled with all kinds of emotions.  Even though I am now facing a long road ahead and a lot of decisions - I feel a certain type of peace - just taking that first major step.  It truly is emotionally better "on the other side".  I only have you down for a BMX - were you not doing any recon? 

    Try not to worry about Monday - it will be over before you know it. 

    Nancy

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  • poppy12
    poppy12 Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2010

    Thanks for the warm welcome ladies I have ILC  about 2cm and am having just the right breast of no rec and a sentinal node biopsy,I am from Huddersfield West Yorkshire, Celia.x

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    Yes Nancy I will be doing T/E reconstruction.

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Good morning ladies.  The waiting for surgery was the toughest emotional/mental part.  Keep yourself busy, get the things done that you need done before surgery, even some things that seem frivolous.  Keep moving.  I spent my last few minutes before going to bed the night before surgery cleaning my bathroom sink.  So glad I did! 

    I was out of surgery on Tuesday.  I hopefully took my last Percocet yesterday and just do regular tylenol/advil from now on.  Think I tried too hard to stay awake yesterday.  Am feeling much better this morning, able to feel my whole body now and it doesn't feel bad.  The drains are what's bothering me mostly.  Now that the tape is off, I've got a strange uniboob, a pooch of about an inch that I hope will go away.  (No recon, supposed to be beautifully flat).

     Went on a short walk this morning, and hope to go on a longer one in a little while, then finally a full shower after that, then just movies today. 

    It's great that my visitors are organizing themselves with my husband so I get mostly rest and visitiors later afternoon.  One set of flowers are absolutely the sweetest smelling roses ever.

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Totally agree with Tara - keep yourself busy before your surgery. There really are lots of thing to take care of beforehand. I too cleaned my bathroom (which I do as least as possible), cleaned the house, bought my kids school supplies and uniforms, all the stuff I felt like I wanted to do but might not be able to take care of after surgery.  Also, while I personally found it very difficult to tell friends about the cancer and surgery, my husband and close friend did this for me. As a result, we have had meals brought to us every day for the last week and always someone to come over and get the kids out of the house for a few hours. My point is, reach out and take all the support you can get...you deserve it.

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Just got my pathology report.  Left breast is fine.  No lymph nodes involved.  Right breast 2 IDC separate tumors, which I take it is still stage 1.  I have an appointment with the oncologist Aug. 19, which I need to confirm.

    Cussing.  Lot's of cussing goin' on here.

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