August 2010 Mastectomy

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  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited August 2010

    Girls, you are so brave, my heart goes out to you all being done this week. I can barely bring myself to think about my turn on 31st..... My panic is also just under the surface....... trying hard to keep steady and resolute, but feel like doing a runner. Am struggling to even post as it's an acknowledgement of where I am......

    Lots of love and hugs to you all

    Robin

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

    I don't know if you gals have spotted this thread but it's a list of packing and shopping for items before and after surgery. It doesn't say sippy cup and/or cup with straw so I have that to add.

    Here's the link: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/699896?page=2#idx_31

    Please add if you can think of something else.

    Good luck everyone

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Good morning all,

    My heart, prayers, and best meditations are with Paula, Poppy, Lovesnature, facing surgery this week.

    "I breath in, I live in the moment, I breath out, what a wonderful moment."  I'm misquoting, but I can't find the exact quote from Thich Nhat Hanh.  I caught myself saying this at times when anxiety was rising pre-surgery.  We are all still alive, still functioning, still working, still loving.  Surgery will be just a blip on the screen over our whole life.  We can breathe through it.  The surgery is just one small step to the rest of our lives.

    Or Paula, I am so with you - dessert and liquor will get us through it.  I haven't had alcohol for 8 days now!  Yesterday was a bad day with the drains.  I am 5 days out, and was hoping all was getting better every day, but it seems that since most of the swelling has really gone down, I can feel every piece of plastic drain in me and sucking my fluids out.  It feels like they are working TOO well.  So, Percocet finally became my friend yesterday, all day.  I'm just over 30 cc's in the last 24 hours, so I'm really hoping I can call in the morning and get them ALL taken out!

    I can't decide if I'll have sauvignon blanc, or a shiraz for my first post-surgery glass of wine ... What did you have Nancy?

    Plus, I think I'm going to auction off my bras.  A mini-fundraiser for me.  My mom, aunt and sister want to go through them!  So, for now, they're out of the Goodwill pile.  And, taking them out of my drawer, I recognized each one for the pain in the ass it was!  Now, my prettier special ones, it only felt bittersweet.  I haven't seen my sexy breast pictures yet that my friend took, but I'll keep those as reminders of how hot my chest used to be!

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Lovesnature, Paula, Celia - I will be thinking of you as you face your surgeries this week.  See you on the other side!

    Smurfie - We are about the same place in our recovery and I was thinking the same as you - I would like to start walking (I did a few very short walks) but since I still have 2 drains I have concerns:  Bouncing puts pressure on the drain site and it is starting to get more painful since it has been in two weeks.  Also, when I saw the PS assistant last week she told me that more excercise causes more drainage and I am still putting out 50cc a day on each drain.  At this rate, I feel like the drains are NEVER going to come out.   They gave me a loose bra to wear post surgery and she also said that the compression also cuts down on drainage and to keep wearing it until I get the drains pulled.  Hope this helps a little.  It is hard to know what to do.  I think we will feel so much better after the drains are gone forever.    I had SNB and one extra node on each side and my arms are very hard to swing w/o pain.  Not sure about this either.  I will ask tomorrow at my BS post op. 

    Tara - I am having the same thoughts as you.  As I recover I seem to be having some "new" pains and some of the "old" pains do not seem to be improving much.  Nothing I can't bear but I am starting to get angry feelings about all the "post mast pain syndrome " threads I have been reading and wondering if I will be one of them and have these pains all my life.   I'm trying not to think about it but it is on my mind constantly.

    Girls, wish me luck tomorrow as I find out my path results.  I am really anxious and will probably take Ativans like candy until the appointment.  

    Nancy 

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Tara -  No alcohol for 8 days?!  Yikes.  I am on my second bottle of Shiraz (the large one) since my surgery!  Maybe that is why I am still putting out so much drainage!  I will be so jealous if you are able to get those drains out this early!

    I am in the middle of the road with the bras - I put the underwire pretty ones in the Goodwill pile before  I even had the surgery.   I still have my "everyday' bras for some reason.  Like I might need them again someday or something.  Intellectually ridiculous.   It is funny how the emotions can work on the mind.

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    I haven't been looking yet, but probably should, what are the post-surgery exercises, physical therapy we should be doing and at what point?  Will that help with our fears of long term pain?  My BS and even the nurses at the hospital said don't worry about that.  Really?

    I need my Percocet again today, and I've got several movies DVRd I want to veg to.  I'll check back in later, probably doped up to no end.

    Pre-surgery packing list:  Take your best ear plugs - hospitals are way too noisy!

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010
    Ear plugs good idea. I wonder if I can find any after this weekend in my hood… might be sold out after the air & water show Tongue out
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  • Carole66
    Carole66 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2010

    I had my bilateral mastectomy Aug 12. I spent 3 days in the hospital since I have a really hight tolerance for pain medecine and even morphine didn't do a thing for me. So finally I am on percocet and muscle relaxers and came home Sunday night. The drains are a pain and can't wait to get them out. I have 2 on the left side and 1 on the right. I have expenders in. The whole thing looks strange. Waiting for pathology report to see if the cancer is all gone. Thinking its time for my first drink today when my friends visit.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Carole - Welcome back!  Sorry you had so much trouble finding pain meds that worked.  Glad you are feeling a little better.  Yeah, the drains are horrible.  I think you need that drink!

     Nancy

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    I leave today for the hosiptol at 11:30. Everything has a sense of unreality. What is real though is the support I feel from you all. Thank you, truly.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Received a call a few minutes ago from the BS.  Path is back and all three nodes were negative.  Tumor only 8mm (smaller than expected) Still Grade 3 and now ER is 20% (was 15) so it is very good news.   At first I was really relieved and then a strange thing happened.  I started crying (the first time since the surgery) and am feeling very depressed and sad.  Not sure what that is all about.  I should be jumping up and down.   Do you think that because I have been so strong all along that I have finally given myself permission to be sad now that it is over?   This cancer thing is a strange animal.   Am I abnormal?   I can't seem to stop crying and I don't even want to call anybody. 

    I know none of you can probably give me an answer but it feels good to just vent and let it all go.  I will be curious to know if any of you have this reaction after the final path comes in for you. If not I guess I'll have to just check into the mental hospital. 

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

    Nbb1032 I was crying and freaked out the first 3 weeks then I was fine… which from what I hear everyone goes through.

    But this weekend I was crying for no reason at all then several hours later I'm fine. I swear I must be going through menopause with these mood swings. My last 2 periods were 4 days early and much heavier than the past year. Who knows.

    It may not be the same in your case. It really is best to talk it out with someone. Even if you just chat it up here. At least that helps me. I also find that exercise really helps me a lot… of course after surgery they won't let you do that for a while. Keep that in mind when the lift restrictions. 

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  • CheriD
    CheriD Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2010

    CheriD August 9th MX w/TE and Alloderm  Hi everyone. I just registered after weeks of just reading everything you wonderful ladies share with all of us. Since this was my first post, I thought I was just adding my name and details to the list of August surgeries, not sure how I did that wrong lol. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

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  • Hope777
    Hope777 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2010

    Aug 4 - It felt like 5 mins, doc used stitches inside and medical superglue outside, WHAT! this is weird!  oh yah! and the tubes (2) what in the world, I gained two new friends, that go everywhere! agh!  take them out of me!  Anyways,,,I found a great so comfy bra at Target for about 10.00 where I slipped my fake boob in on one side. (well until I get my implant that is, near future)

    You just slip it on from bottom up and its stretchable cool material Bandau Bra use large for extra comfort too.

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    ear plugs- walgreens always has boxes of them.  The little beige spongy ones are best, they don't hurt your ears quite so much as the harder rubber ones. 

    Nancy  - I'm so like you.  I didn't cry after surgery until I got my path report news, too.  If you're abnormal, than I am, too.  You said you can't seem to stop crying and don't even want to call anybody.  I was alone when I got the call, and just sats and let the tears just roll down, for, well, like an hour.  My DH (is that short for hubby?) was running errands and I called him and he came straight home.  However, except for my sis and mom, I've only told others through my personal blog.  I haven't returned phone calls yet.  When I talked with my mom later in the day after my report, she said she was surprised I was so relaxed about it. 

    I think everyone has expectations of us as "cancer patients" that we don't have to meet.  We need to do our journey and everyone else can worry about their own journey.  Of course we're all wonderful strong courageous women, whether we had cancer or not.  Everyone thinking we need to be that same cancer survivor from any movie on the Hallmark channel is ridiculous.  We need to be who we are.  I haven't read one person's post here that didn't sound normal, pharmaceutical assistance, psychiatric visits and all!

    RobinLM from Scotland - you visit whenever you need to - we'll all be here when you have your surgery on 8/31 and you're going to breeze through it just like us, with similar little hangups that are only small bumps in the road.  HANG IN THERE!  Just a couple more weeks.  Breath, girlfriend, breath.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010
    RobinLM:
    Remember I'll be doing this the same day as you! Granted you are 6 hours ahead and my surgery is in the afternoon… but what's a few hours. I consider us partners in crime.
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  • LindaNZ
    LindaNZ Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2010

    Well I am back. Reading all the posts since the 12th is bringing me both tears and chuckles. You're all just amazing.

    I was in hospital for 4 days. One drain removed yesterday, the other stays in for TWO weeks!! My god. Not much is draining out of it. I thought it was going to be a smallish thing I had to drain myself - instead it's a 500ml bottle on the end of a long plastic tube.

    Nancy I've yet to get my path report - but I know I've got a lot of emotion stored up and it is just going to pour out sometime soon. Quite possibly when I have all the results - like you.

    Gottta go - visitor

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  • ChattaChick
    ChattaChick Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2010

    [BMX on Thursday, August 12]   I came home the day after my surgery with 4 drains that drive me nuts, so I finally understand what all the fussing was about. One nice thing: the Breast Center affliliated with my hospital gave me a going-home gift of a camisole with pockets for all the drain bulbs and for two light-weight breast forms, and it's both comfortable and very useful.  I'm getting about 40-50 ccs per day in each bulb still, but I won't really feel like I'm on the real road to recovery until I get these things out. They really pull funny and hurt at odd times. How is everyone else doing with their drains, muscle spasms, etc.?

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  • LindaNZ
    LindaNZ Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2010

    Taranebraska The hospital physio gave me some exercises/stretches to get my arm movement back. The importance of doing them was stressed by the BS too, so am surprised you've not been given any?

    Hunter15 what did you decide? I think I am similar situation to you - but taking the second one as well was not suggested at all. I would have found that just too much. My only risk factor is no kids. I'm too skinny for a flap, B cup so have had an implant reconstruction. Am worried about the match with the other - time will tell I guess. Still swollen so too early to know yet. The other breast is clear on the MRI. I'm ok about the checks/scans that I will need to do.

    Back to Nancy: I think it is quite common for the emotional side to catch up with you afterwards - and it's hard to celebrate good news when you're probably still grieving for the woman you were not that long ago - who didn't know she had cancer. I think that is how it is working for me anyhow.

    I can't work out the pain thing. Seems absolutely fine at times and no need for drugs and then that @$# drain gets me. I'm not sure if it is particular movements, or being upright for too long or what???

    I really agree with some earlier comments about telling friends how they can help. My girlfriends have rallied around with a roster to cook/entertain me this week (I live alone) which is just so supportive - physically and emotionally. Makes a big difference.

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  • lovesnature
    lovesnature Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    This is Lovesnature's husband. I wanted to let you all know that she is done with surgery. It went well. We're beat but got through it. The SNB came back with 3 nodes all negative. We obviously have to wait for the final pathology report to confirm that and any other indications.

    There is still more to do and more waiting for results but it's a start.

    I personally want to thank everyone for your support. It was really hard getting to this point but there was no way around it. Thank you all.

     Lovesnature's other half

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  • poppy12
    poppy12 Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2010

    I am so pleased to hear that all went well, sending all best wishes for the results and hope that all goes ok,

    Celia.x

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

    Paula1231… Good luck!

    Poppy12… just in case you aren't on the boards tomorrow I wish you good luck as well.

    Lovesnature's other half… Thanks for letting us know. Glad things went so well.

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  • ChattaChick
    ChattaChick Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2010

    CheriD - How are you doing?  You're 3 days ahead of me in recovery.  How are you doing with the drains, etc.?   Have you gotten your pathology results yet? Hope you're feeling better every day!

    ~ Amy  "ChattaChick"

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010
    LindaNZ - I specifically asked for exercises and/or stretches, and they said no, just a 15 pound lifting restriction.  I am not happy with my follow-up care, so i'm relying on this dicussion board!  Can you describe the exercises you're doing?  I think I've googled it, but haven't found anything, I will try again.
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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited August 2010

    Just found a good post I'm reading through: 

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/26/topic/702839

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2010

    Hello ladies,

    Wishing everyone peace and encouragement as you face your upcoming surgery.

    Going to my first oncology appt this afternoon. She has the final path report but I have not yet seen it. So, I am praying there are no surprises. I do know that I am ER-/PR- and I really don't quite know if that is good or bad. Surgeon says my tumor was 7mm. Wish me luck! I just pray she's not going to recommend chemo.

    Nancy - I am going to the PS tomorrow. He said he will remove drains after two weeks regardless. I am still puting out about 40ccs. But so ready to get rid of it. I think I overdid it yesterday grocery shopping and no nap. Went to bed really really tired last nite. My left side seems swollen today. I gotta slow down.

    ~Smurfie 

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Thank you so much all of you for your support.  I talked to my sister who went through this last year and she said it happened to her too and is perfectly normal.  I feel so much better hearing you all say the same thing.  Had the post op appt today and she told me if I want to get my drains out this Friday I need to stop TYPING.  Yes, typing increases the drain flow!  SO,  I am only doing this for a few short sentences to let you know how much I care about you all and will sign off for now.

    Hugs and Love 

    Nancy

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010
    BTW I have a better name for drains (even though I'm won't have mine for 2 weeks). I think we should rename them myPods. (Do I need to copyright that Wink)
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  • Marly
    Marly Member Posts: 70
    edited August 2010

    I'm going back to work tomorrow.

    Typing increases drainage?  I've stopped draining and the little spigot has healed over.

    But if I spring a leak tomorrow I can say, "Whoops! Too much typing! Gotta go home!" Wink

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  • Pawprint
    Pawprint Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2010
    hi all. Had BMX w /TE Fri aug13. out of hospital Saturday night. Home with 4 drains and pain pump. Got pain pump and 2 drains out today. !@#$%^&*() >>>>>>hate the drains. Very tired> some days better than others. Taking vicoden pain med a lot. Lots of ice too. Walking every 2 hrs 20 mins. Arms moving a little better. Muscle spasms wake me up. SNB showed no lympth nodes affected but will get final path report tomorrow when i see BS. Need to rest again. Take care all. Each day baby steps. Best most helpful items: pain meds, ice packs, pillows, Straws that bend, long handled back brush, oil of olay face wipes, electric tooth brush, miralax, stool softeners, and tons of patience. Sending hugs to all of you out there.
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