December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?
Comments
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faithhopenluv - so sorry to hear there was more to your final path report than previously suspected....it's a lot to take in.
But I know you will do well. You, too, will have your positives to post as others have here, they just may be a bit different.
One day at a time, Sister. Big prayers for you, and big hugs as well.
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For all you that had BMX with TE, did you have to have a catheter?? How long does the surgery actually take?
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Had my follow ups today with PS (2nd) and BS (1st). They both think the recon looks great. I think it's fine, but I'm so differently shaped that I have to get used to it. I'll get a lift and reduction on the other side and probably a bit of a reduction on the recon side, it's a big D or maybe DD, and I wanted either a big C or small D, he left room just in case I was going to get radiation, which I don't need.
I'm to see the PS again in 2 months and the BS in 6 months.
They're not 100% sure that I'm allergic to the clyndamycin(sp?) because I had it for all 4 surgeries, but only had the reaction with surgery #4. Since I have more surgery coming up, I'll probably get allergy testing done to see if we can figure out what it is. FUN! (NOT!)
I got back my driving privileges and am now allowed chocolate (but was cautioned to not overdo it - as if there is such a thing with chocolate! HA!). I also can have full use of my arm back as well. I guess everything looked good today.
BS agreed with MO that I should have mammo and MRI, yearly, 6 months apart. So in June I'll have a mammo, and then the following December the MRI and so on.
They took off the last of the steristrips at the BS/PS today, the DIEP skin is a different color from the surrounding breast skin. The incisions are all healing nicely. The PS removed the leftover staple - not sure why it was there, but it was. And then he wants me to keep the drain holes moist and use neosporin on them until they fully close, there's also one other area on the ab incision that nees a bit more healing too. So I left the office with 3 band aids and that's it.
I suspect that if I asked about going back on Monday, he'd let me, but I think I'd rather wait until I'm feeling closer to 100% before I do. I'm definitely still healing up.
This has gotten long so I'll end here.
-Judy
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Kam-I had bmx but with immed. recon. I did not have catheter after surgery and surgery was just a bit over 7 hours.
Cookie-encouraging news, you deserve a big piece of chocolate
Kelly
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I have my first PS follow-up tomorrow. I have such a laundry list of questions. I want to transfer my MO consultation to this hospital and never go back to the other one again. I hope my path report on the prophy mx has not found anything that needs monitoring and I'm just a just-in-case monitoring with DCIS - BMX + good margins + no nodes = low risk.
I tripped crossing the street on Friday and when I landed, my arm was forced beyond its current range of motion and I can't even lift the elbow now. I have totally wrecked it. I need a prescription for physio, both for that and the hips that are taking a beating from walking all bent over for 3 1/2 weeks and hardly using the extensors. Between the shoulder and a toothache, man, this surgery is not even on page 1 of my list of complaints.
I'm curious how my progress compares with his expectation in terms of healing, unswelling, and straightening up, and I want to find out the scope of "touch ups" I might need both for evening out the two sides and fixing if there is anything that didn't take right. I have some firm places (not rock hard but like your nose or something) especially around the cleavage, and there and between feels like the skin has severe sunburn. Quite uncomfortable. Plus my belly button is off centre. It cracks me up every time I look at it. My scars have really faded though. Kind of a shame to have to reopen any of them.
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Kam170 - I had my BMX with TEs, and I didn't HAVE to have a catheter, but I was thrilled when my PS told me I'd get one. He said he didn't want to make it any harder for me to get in and out of bed to use the restroom after surgery. I was a happy camper. They took it out the next morning, before I was discharged.
As for how long the surgery took, we'd been told maybe four hours, five hours tops, but DH told me it was just 3-1/2 hours.
CookieMonster - I got Clindamycin for a tooth infection, and by the next day I was covered in horribly red, itchy bumps and welts that took forever to go away. And when they did, my skin peeled so bad it looked like I was wearing a lace shirt!!!
It sounds like you got really good news at the docs today - may you continue to heal well. (And enjoy that chocolate!!!!)
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goldlining - Oh, my gosh!!! Of all the things to happen - sooo sorry to hear about your fall!!! (And your tooth) I guess you're right, though, kind of takes your mind off the surgery...
Big gentle hugs to you.....may you heal quickly!
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goldlining - I don't recommend additional injuries to take you mind off of the surgery healing. How about something FUN to do it next time?
Hope you heal quickly and that the PT helps! I have one spot on my DIEP breast that's kind of hard, the PS said it should soften up. PS also said that he doesn't discuss stage 2 until closer to it, probably to give things time to settle and for healing to be complete. There are definitely some areas along the ab scar that need revision right now, but that may change 2 months down the road, we'll see.blessings2011 - my reaction wasn't nearly that bad, but now, a week and a half later, I still have evidence of the rash on my legs. I guess we should try to figure out if it is that or something else I'm allergic to, but I'm not looking forward to that testing.
Rest assured all that chocolate has been consumed (just a bit now- I'm really looking forward to that cup of cocoa tonight - I don't do coffee, but the cocoa sounds delightful!).
And on a funny note, when I was sitting in the PS/BS office in the hospital gown, I started telling and showing DH where I had sensation and where I didn't in the DIEP breast. He started testing it a little bit too and then declared that he would need multiple hours with the breast to fully map out the feeling and not feeling areas. HA!! Any excuse he can come up with to get to play with the boobs - even the fake one.
(is it really "fake" if it's all my tissue?)Have a lovely evening everyone. DH is off taking DS to the dentist and I get to stay home and wait for our dinner to arrive (courtesy of someone from school).
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My biggest fear has been a fall down my steps and bust a stich! Sorry to hear about a fall
So, I went out yesterday with DH... out for lunch, a nice walk, a movie in the evening and today I have not gotten out of my PJ's! I am am 17 days post op - not even 3 weeks and I think I can do everything, then my body says "slow down, girl".
My left arm is still not working well. The sore underarm and the lack of ability to straigten arm are the most bothersome. I am walking better and my overall engery is up. I still hang on to all guard rails and walk slowly as to not trip.
My breast is a bit swollen today - drains came out last week and I think my body is trying to figure out what to do with the draining inside. My breast actually looks bigger... just swollen. I see PS in two days.
Still thinking about Tamoxifin - I have the prescription, but need my Oncotype score back before I take. We have to rule in or rule out Chemo first. I am taking one day at a time.
Working from home only... I have a sales gig that will allow that - but, I do need to get back into the office soon. Taking a shower and getting dressed are still difficult.
Welcome Bogie and your loving, by your side companion
Blessings, CookieMonster, Eveberry, Chrissilini, Goldlining and to all you other December Surgery Babes - I love this group and everything you post. Support messages, requests for information, sharing your MO meetings and your recovery timelines. What a gift.
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Hi, On Dec 8, I had a BMX with TE's. They found a tumor on the side I had removed prophelacticly, and apparently psychicly! LOL. Still waiting on Genetic testing. Tissue testing came back ER,PR and Hr2 +. Oncotype not done yet. Meeting with the Onc on the 12th to find out when my port will be inserted and then on to chemo. Never wanted to be in the sisterhood, but apparently I am. So, I am doing what I can to learn all I can and hopefully, a MUCH better outcome than my mom and her sibs.
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Kam -I had a UMX and did have a catheter; it was out the next day. However, there was a 'threat' to out it back in unless I could produce, so must have downed a gallon of water and walked up and down that hallway countless times!
Tomorrow is the day! The final drain comes out. Yes, on day 41 post op I will finally be drainless. Wow--- this has been a slow down on the road to recovery. Teresa
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Kam- I had BMX and had a catheter for the first night then they removed it in the morning. It was good to not have to try and get up to use the bathroom that first night.
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Thanks Kaara, blessings and everyone with me on this journey. I'm really not all that down and am feeling better each day. I am thrilled that all the other nodes were clear, but worry about all the future complications from losing so many. One day at a time!
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Thank you everyone for replying. Spunky - 7 hours versus Blessings 3 1/2? Aren't you both BMX/TE??? Did one of you get Alloderm? That's a huge difference!!
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I am suppose to get my drain out tomorrow, but tonight the drain is 35cc so I doubt again it will be taken out. The worse part about the drain is I can't drive. I feel house bound...and not allowed to do anything but watch television, boring, or my laptop port hole to the world. Trying to write on pain meds is a challenge. I also have a brain scan tomorrow, plastic surgeron appointment and therapist. My big day out. I' would like to get back to normal sooner than later, but it seems as it's going to take longer
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Eve, your post about staging is really interesting. I agree with you that staging is imperfect - to say the least! I've been thinking about your post and have a lot to say (I know - that's not unusual!
) so rather than derail the discussion going on here, I'm going to move my answer over to your own thread in the Alternate forum. Talk to you there! -
Hi Everyone!
I had surgery Dec. 28th...Cancer was only found in left Breast...went w/ a BMX Subcutaneous (nipple/aerola sparing) w/ immediate Reconstruction...I thought I was going to have two drains...ended up with three...No biggie!...One drain was removed last week...yesterday other two removed...I feel somewhat FREE again! This was the first time EVER being admitted to the hopital and first EVER surgery...All went VERY well!
Catheter was put in after I was already in Surgery Room and removed next day...I was worried about this whole process...no complaints
I asked for a motion sickness patch before surgery during prep...I read about asking for this in a book...I did NOT want to get sick...All went well with this too...No sickness
I came out with a Morphine drip which I barely used...it was taken away the next day...I can't say I had pain... just some minor discomfort and to me it wasn't enough to use the drugs...I dread taking ANY medications...I also didn't need my pain meds. at home
First post-surgery appt. with Surgeon found out tested positive for one lymph node and there was lymphovascular invasion
VERY surprised...went in thinking lypmh nodes were clear...PET Scan didn't pick it up...too small .47mm Waiting on the OncoType Dx result...One Oncologist is suggesting Chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxan 1X Every 3 Weeks for 4 Doses) & Tamoxifen...I was upset and then thought don't worry about it just yet as it's NOT defintie...See other Oncologist on Monday
For those who haven't had surgery yet - Believe it or not, I asked my Surgeon if they video tape and/or take pictures. He said video taping is not usually done. However, he could take some pictures. So, I do have pictures from Surgery...
So, back to the waitng process again...
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I had bmx with tissue expanders. had a catheter placed once I was out before surgery and taken out before I woke up. My ps wanted me up and moving that night after surgery and I was glad to not have to be dragging a foley around. My surgery I think was 4-5 hours, I had Alloderm used.
Second day back to work and I'm doing well. Yesterday, when I got home I was exhausted. Had a wicked headache too but the hospital where I work is so dry I think that's what it was. I did take it easy and my co-workers have been great, letting me take it easy. I'll be on a different shift for 2 weeks then back to my normal which is 3rd, by myself. I'm hoping I'll be completely back in the swing of things by then. I really think I will. I sure slept like a log last night until one of my crazy kitties started raising heck. Little buggers.
Hope everyone is doing well. Prayers to all.
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Kam-i had immediate recon w/ Alloderm.
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Kam170 - I had immediate reconstruction without Alloderm.
CarolAnn - glad you are getting out and doing things! And remembering to rest....
Chrissilini - back to work? Oh.....you brave woman, you....
Welcome, Moonflwr912 and A_FIGHTER!
Congrats to all the ladies who are scheduled for drain removal this week.....WOOT!
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I am continuing to do well without much pain these days. Ohmygosh, that feels so good, considering where I was not very long ago. I am just waiting for clearance to be able to take a jacuzzi bath again. Have one stupid drain incision that doesn't want to heal.
I just realized how dumb I must have sounded to my PS when I kept asking him if I needed to massage my MX incisions, or use scar cream....uh, he's going to cut through them again during my exchange surgery! Duh!
Have a great evening, everyone!
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So possibly the difference in time is the Alloderm? 4 hours more for Alloderm (Spunky versus Blessings). Wonder why some PS use Alloderm and some don't?? Wow, 7 hours....that's a hellava long time. Yikes. (I'm getting Alloderm also).
Chrissilni - congrats on being able to go back to work. And kitties??!! I'm trying to figure out what to do the first time my 8 lb cat decides to jump on my chest in the morning! (My 15 lb cat has more sense, thank god.)
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Moonflwr912 and A_FIGHTER - Let me know if you'd like me to add you to the list of surgeries for December. I'll happily do so. Welcome - you've found a great group of ladies here to share info with.
-Judy
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kam... I have one kitty that is a chunk, Gilbert weighs probably 15-16 pounds. Yes, he needs to go on a diet just like his momma. But, luckily he doesn't really jump on me. My peanut, Sadie weighs about 8 or 9 pounds. Since day one, she's always crawled up on my chest, laid down and then licks my neck and kneads my head. I never had the willpower to stop her,it's so darn cute. It's our mommy and me time! Anyway, I was really concerned about it post op and for the first week or so I wouldn't let her do it. I sleep with a pillow on my chest to act as a buffer. It really has helped. She has figured out how to do it without hurting me. I did talk to my ps about it. I was afraid that she could do something to the expanders. His concern was me getting scratched. He said any kind of infection cold be disastrous so I'm very careful.
Great news on all the drain removals! Hope all are healing well. Prayers.
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I had a good day out although it was 3 dr appts and breakfast with my husband. I had a ct brain scan, therapist appt and plastic surgeon. I am still putting out about 35-40 ccs a day so the drains stay in. I learned that 6 to 8 weeks maybe I'll get the implants. I also learned that once the drain is out, because it wraps around the breast, the pain will lessen a lot. I'm looking forward to the drain is gone
Hopefully it's Friday morning. -
I saw the surgeon's fellow today and am all on track. Flaps are warm, hard-ish spots are no concern, agrees the bellybutton is off centre, come back in 6 weeks. He said I was okay to do anything but ab exercises. Can run when it's comfortable as long as I stop when it's not, and in three weeks I can ride a roller coaster. (I bet they've never been asked that "when can I...?" before.)
I got prescriptions for physio and massage and I will get on with making appointments tomorrow.
After the hospital, I stopped by work to vote on collective agreement, did some work email, and then walked to the mall to buy a couple of wireless bras in my new size. I think I will probably nap all day tomorrow again...
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Hi everyone,
today is my 3week post op date and I'm finally not taking anything for pain, my allergic reaction to who knows what is clearing. BS thinks its from the benzoin (sp) cleaning stuff they put on before surgery. I took a 20 min walk around the block with my dog and husband, boy did that feel good. Not every day you get 57 degree weather in Chicago in January.
I did not have a catheter, so if you are having a bilateral mastectomy with nodes taken out prepare to see bright blue pee the first day in the hospital. No one warned me and I freaked out... What the??? It's from the dye they inject for surgeon to find lymph nodes.
HER2 test came back today negative, now two week wait for oncotype. Appointment with PS in the a.m. Hoping to get last drain out. My chest doesn't look good, its not healing great from the allergic reaction and the incision split a little on one side when at the hospital. He may have to re do it again.
Back to work in 3 weeks, wish I could get all the testing done and some treatments out of the way first, all the tests take sooooo long.
I'm enjoying being home from work with my dog bogie by my side, my yellow lab is like Velcro he won't leave my side, so cute!
Has anyone tried sleeping on their side after Bilateral mastectomy? Hate sleeping on my back elevated...grrrr -
Hi All,
So, I have not done much today or yesterday...just working from home and tending to my two boys - ages12 and 14. They have been given chore lists and are now doing all laundry, dishes and vacuming... whoo hoo... I should have done this long time ago. How things change with one Dr.'s visit...
My left arm is still a bit numb, weak and not able to streach. I am only 2 1/2 weeks post op, so will give it more time.
My Oncotype score is not back yet.. hmmm, what will it be.. ugh!
Last thought before I sign off - I am grateful for my stage of this disease, but I just do not want to take 5yrs of HT. I am pre-menopausal and do not want to take HT as I am scared of the SE's. Am I crazy? I am very much estrogen + and I only did a left UNI. To make matters more confusing - I "probably" have LCIS in my remaining right healthy breast. They found LCIS only after I had the left breast removed. I went in knowing I had DCIS and IDC in left breast - Dr's did not know I had LCIS also until pathology report came out. LCIS does not show up on Mammo's. So, I "probably", as stated by MO, have pre-cancer LCIS in my "supposedly" healthy right breast. In three months I will be back getting a Mammo. Do I just wait for LCIS to turn into something? Do I preventively have surgery. I can't regret my previous decison as none of us knew about Lobular, but I sure am second guessing.
My family and DH tell me I should be happy. No node involvement, should see low Oncotype score, no need for radiation.. I should be happy. Why am I looking at my right healthy breast with a suspious eye.
Please take my messy thoughts, actually you already have.
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CarolAnn, have you thought about a lumpectomy on the LCIS? That might give you peace of mind?
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Good Morning
Blessing2011 Thank you for the welcome
CookieMonster please add me to the list of December Surgeries. Thank you for asking.
goldlining thanks for sharing what the Dr. said about running...I'm seeing the Dr. today (Cancer Surgeon) and I will mention the response you received as this wasn't what I was told...I was told 6 weeks...I will also ask Reconstruction surgeon as well...I'm sure this is who I actually need to ask...I'm VERY active - prior to surgery I was running 6 days aweek, boot camp 5 days a week, TRX/Kettlebells 2 days a week, Kangoo jumps 2 days a week, and Restorative Yoga 2 days a week...
Bogie I am NOT a back sleeper either! I am now somehwhat on my side and more comfortable now...It's been 2 weeks since surgery.
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Carolann- You may want to think about some careful arm streatching for the numbness and tight feeling. I had that on the side lymph nodes were removed and I'm paranoid about lymphadema., I think moving them exercising them like wall climb etc. keeps things circulating. Have them show you or look at your discharge pamphlets for examples. I am trying to set up an appointment before I go back to work with a certified lymphadema specialist at the hospital for a baseline consult.
Fighter- I'm glad you can sleep on your side, hoping get drain out today and join the non back sleeping sorority.
Has anyone gone for a second opinion after surgery pathology report but before oncology treatment begins to ensure its the right treatment plan? considering it, but would need to pay out of pocket most likely since I have bcbs HMO.
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