December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?

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  • rachelvk
    rachelvk Member Posts: 1,411
    edited December 2011

    Hi ladies. I'm just jumping in to say hi. I had a bmx in October and like a few other people said, my recovery went much better than I expected - in part because of the great advice and support from the Sept and Oct groups and other threads here. You all seem to have gotten some great advice already. Feel free to look back on a few previous months to get an idea of what it's like - the good, the bad, and yes, sometimes the really bad, but the more you're prepared, the better off you'll be.

    One huge topic that's come up, and I'm sure a few of the veterans on here will tell you, is that physical therapy is a MUST. I credit my quick recovery to my PT who was able to show me how to move and strengthen my arms so they would start working, rather than just having doctors and nurses who said "Don't life anything more than a gallon of milk" and let me figure the rest out on my own. I found that very few PS actually seem to take it seriously, but if you bring it up and can get the PS on board, you'll be better off.

    Wishing everyone the best!

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited December 2011
    goldlining - a nurse friend of mine told me the same thing going under anesthesia...think about something that makes you feel good. Your children, your kitties, whatever.   She also plays a game with it...she tries to see how long she can stay awake til the drugs put her under.  She has that kind of sense of humor.
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  • Ginger48
    Ginger48 Member Posts: 1,978
    edited December 2011

    Judy- Nice to see you back and congrats on losing the "boobs of steel" It is great to be on the other side of that!

    I second Rachel's advice about PT. I wish I had fought harder for it when I first asked my PS because now I am dealing with lymphedema and it might have been prevented if I got to therapy earlier. I don't think my  PS is  so focused on that piece; more on the incisions and appearance of the breasts. If you start feeling stiff or your shoulders and arms are bothering you get it checked out sooner rather than later.

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  • Hindsfeet
    Hindsfeet Member Posts: 2,456
    edited December 2011

    Make that for me uni- or blmx with reconstruction

    I have a pre-op appointment on Monday. I should know by then if it's a uni or blmx..

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  • Kite
    Kite Member Posts: 265
    edited December 2011

    Hello

    Having a bmx instead of only the left side. Kinda happy kinda not. Feeling the pressure of finals, kids, relatives, friends.....I am learning quick what is important and what isn't. I am having some fears on being staged. But since I have about 17 more days before I find that out I am trying to take one step at a time. 

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  • jenni8675309
    jenni8675309 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    Kite'- I just had BMX on nov 30t. I had DCIS in just the right side, but the fears and the thought of ever having to go through this again was weighing so heavily on my mind that I decided to go ahead with both. I have no regrets. Of course it makes it a little more difficult getting around and up out of bed but my hubby has been helping me get dressed, in and out of bed, brush my teeth and even do my hair. It was hard at first letting go of all these things but as soon as I did I realized I was healing better. Good luck and many prayers for you on your upcoming surgery.

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  • Kite
    Kite Member Posts: 265
    edited December 2011
    Jenni- Thanks for the info! I didn't even think about brushing my teeth and such. My hubby works in WV and I live in MO so Im going to have to rely on my mom and others for my care and my kids care. I am such a stubborn and independent person. Undecided
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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited December 2011

    Is it the PS who would Rx PT??  This is one piece of the puzzle I think I need to really overprepare for as I had horrible shoulder tendontits 3-5 years ago, in both shoulders, and even the biopsy tweeked it a bit (just putting my arm overhead during the procedure), I can't even imagine after surgery and then not being able to move, PLUS I'm not allowed to take my Celebrex 2 weeks before surgery (I'm waiting on final decision on that and which I use intermittently to stave off the first signs) and maybe aftward for awhile, due to bleeding.

    One thing I was wondering, while in the hospital...how do you sleep?? On your back?? On your side?? I assume not on your stomach.Smile  Will I be able to prop up my shoulders from underneath or sleep on my side with my arms hugging a big pillow (the ideal)???  

     I'm so worried about this because it took me years to recover from and I missed about 2 months of work.  Sleeping was just horrendous.  Doing chores- forget bout it. 

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  • beacon800
    beacon800 Member Posts: 922
    edited December 2011

    Want to wish all the December surgery ladies the very best!  I had my BMX two years ago Dec 16.  I am here to tell you it gets better and in fact, it gets great.  Take all things one day at a time - you'll get through.  Good luck and love to all of you!

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  • CharB22
    CharB22 Member Posts: 310
    edited December 2011

    I'm a first time surgery sister (and sorry - but it sucks). I'm in the anger phase right now. I was diagnosed on 12/1 and I'm furious - I don't have time for this!!!

    Anyway - My surgery is:

    Dec 9 - lumpectomy with SNB

    I'll have the pathology report the following week and then a treatment plan. Grrrrr.....

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  • jenni8675309
    jenni8675309 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    Kam..I am just 5 days out and still only able to sleep on my back with tons of pillows. I couldnt get comfortable in the bed so I switched to a recliner which helped a little bit. If you don't have a recliner then just buy more pillows then you would ever think you would need. Good luck and many prayers for you and all the December surgeries.

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  • chrissilini
    chrissilini Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2011

    I'm glad to see all these recent posts. With my surgery in 4 days I've been getting a little freaked out. I've been keeping occupied with getting ready for Christmas, cleaning, whatever I can to keep busy. I'm running out of things to do! For those that have had bmx, how long before you were using your arms normally? I have an appintment with my PS tomorrow and I'll be sure to ask him, but I'm wondering what I can really expect. I'm a side sleeper and know that is out of the question. What have you done for sleeping? I'm figuring I'll be on the couch a few days. One reason being I have a kitty that likes to lay on my chest! Good luck and best wishes to all upcoming surgeries. I'm right there with you.

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited December 2011

    CharB22 - Welcome, and I'm sorry you had to join us. It does suck to be going through this. Know that there are many women here who support you and are here to listen to you vent, yell, scream, and to hold you when you cry. We're all going through this BC treatment in one way or another. Hang in there and let us know if we can answer questions for you too. There's a wealth of knowledge on this board.

    BIG GIANT HUGS to you!!

    -Judy

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited December 2011

    Happy Sunday all.

    Here are this weeks upcoming surgeries (there a LOT of them):

    December 5 - Blessings2011: BMX w/immediate reconstruction

    December 5 - wrennest: BMX w/immediate reconstruction

    December 5 - vivirasselena: replacement w/fat transfer

    December 7 - Ginger (Ginger48): ooph

    December 7 - Tina (CatWhispurrer): LX

    December 8 - Michele (Raines13171): Unilateral MX

    December 8 - tfee: BMX w/tissue expanders

    December 8 - Toni (vamom): NSPBMX w/TE

    December 8 - chrissilini: BMX & SNB w/TE

    December 8 - Laurie (laurie2005): lt. compl. MX, rt. prophyl. MX w/bilateral DIEP reconstruction

    December 8 - Karen3: BMX no recon

    December 8 - noodle6: BMX no recon

    December 8 - Kite: BMX w/recon

    December 9 - mamabearto2: UMX w/TE & implant

    December 9 - AussieKate: Lumpectomy w/SNB & double breast reduction

    December 9 - Janie-bug: BMX w/SNB & expanders

    December 9 - Nicole (Nicole55): Lumpectomy

    December 9 - CharB22: Lumpectomy w/SNB

    We're all thinking about all of you ladies and wishing the best for your surgeries and the outcomes thereof. Hugs to you all.

    -Judy

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  • chrissilini
    chrissilini Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2011

    CharB22....you're right it does suck. There's no denying that. There is a lot of support on this site. It has been a tremendous help to me. My rollercoaster ride has been a short one. I was dx on Nov 10 and less than a month later, will be having surgery. We can get through this. Stay positive. You will get through this.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited December 2011

    Good Morning, December Sisters!

    Well, DH is off to church (I can't go because I'm staying home, germ-free, until after my surgery) and I've managed to get all his Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree! Thank goodness for the Internet....

    Today will be spent with the last few things on my list....just have to keep busy.

    I wish I could say "In 24 hours I'll be done with surgery!" but unfortunately, I'm not scheduled til 1:15 p.m.

    Thinking of wrennest and vivirasselena who are joining me tomorrow....prayers for a successful procedure and good recovery to both of you!!!

    If I have time, I'll probably be here before I have to check in at 9:30 in the morning - don't want to miss anything! Smile

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited December 2011
    blessings2011 - 1:15, wow that sounds late. my surgery w/recon is an all day affair (8-10 hours under anesthesia). I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. BEST wishes to you!!
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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited December 2011

    I have a 6:00 call on my DIEP-day too and expected to be in OR at 8 and recovery about 6, on the step-down unit by 7 or 8 pm. Maybe bmx and recon without microsurgery goes faster. With the uni mx, I was awake in Recovery 90 minutes after my OR time. The taking-off goes faster than the moving and putting back together.

    Less than two weeks away for me and still doesn't seem quite real that the day will be here soon.

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2011

    My surgeon said he only needs an hour and a half for my Mast.... It took a friggen hour for my lumpectomy.... Im so dam scared :-(  BUT If I dont want this back I guess it has o be done right?????  I cry often about all this crap I ( we) are all going through........ So STRESSED..... and Scared shitless

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  • Druanne
    Druanne Member Posts: 295
    edited December 2011

    Best wishes for all of you!! I am thinking I am going to be a December surgery as well.....Tomorrow I go in for prep work, and ultrasound of my right breast (since mammogram didn't show tumor in left breast, we are checking my right too just to be sure) and a biopsy on a lymph node under my left arm :(..........I am so scared too :(

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2011

    I will be thinking about you Druanne, BIG HUGS

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  • sjohn724
    sjohn724 Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2011

    Dec 12.  Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction with tissue expanders

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  • Druanne
    Druanne Member Posts: 295
    edited December 2011

    Terry71: Thank you so much..........well wishes for you sjohn724 <3

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  • Druanne
    Druanne Member Posts: 295
    edited December 2011
    Oh and BIG HUGS back at cha! Smile
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  • mybodymydecision
    mybodymydecision Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2011

    I'm getting so scared for December 27th that I cry each day.  My nurse at my doctors office tells me I will find the strength, I hope she is right.  I can't tell you how much this sight means to me.  The people in my life I love very much (kids, mom, siblings, friends, and boyfriend) but if I cry I feel like I am making it worse on them.  I did try to talk to my boyfriend but the only thing he says is you are going to be alright.  He doesnt want me to be negative.  Some days that is just how I'm feeling it's not all the time but I have bad moments and most of the time they are spent in my room crying and feeling very alone.  This sight makes me feel like I'm not alone.  God bless each and every one of you. 

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  • Ginger48
    Ginger48 Member Posts: 1,978
    edited December 2011

    Kam170- Yes you can ask your PS about PT. It looks like you are having a lumpectomy? I did not have much trouble sleeping after that surgery; it was the BMX that made it impossible to sleep comfortably. For the lumpectomy I only needed pain meds for a day or two and then just tylenol.

    Chrissilini- For me it was about 4 weeks to use my arms more normally (that is when PS said I could raise my elbows higher than my shoulders) but 6 weeks to really start feeling more like myself again.You just tire very easily. The first few days I could not even hold my phone up to my ear. But everyone is different.

    Good luck to all the surgery sisters for this week...I know you will all do great and the fear is way worse than the actual experience. Just keep telling yourself that  you will be okay and before you know it, you will! Let others help you and rest and take care of yourself. Before long you will be running crazy and taking care of everyone else again. Trust me; I have been there!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited December 2011

    I'm stressed (every single muscle in my body is in painful knots) but having done the UMX before, the surgery is the only thing I am NOT stressed or scared about. I am sure I will be a bag of butterflies on the day, but the waiting and the things that fill the time (and the mind) while waiting are much worse than the things that fill the same amount of time after waking up ... except for the drain. That's pretty uncomfortable, but in a way, it's nice to have something specific to hate. The rest is not bad in comparison if you have the luxury to go with the flow and take a rest when you need to.

    Hugs to the scared sisters. We'll be okay!

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  • hawaiik
    hawaiik Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2011

    Please add me to the list Dec 27th! BMX with Immediate reconstruction, Direct to Implant. Thanks :)

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited December 2011

    Wow, we just keep adding and adding, I wish it would end, and maybe one day it will and BC will be history.

    Welcome to  Druanne (let me know when and what you're having done, once you know and I'll add you to the list) and sjohn724 (I've added you already). So sorry you're here, but hopefully this will be just part of the journey to a healthy you.

    I recently keep having people tell me two things: 1. "You look great/good." and 2. "You look healthy." They both feel a bit odd to hear. I look like me still and I'm not sick, we just have to get this cancer out of me.

    Hugs to you all, we WILL get through this together.

    -Judy

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited December 2011
    Welcome hawaiik you posted while I was typing that last reply.
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