February 2012 MX

Hello All,

Glad to hear from farmerlucydaisy. Welcome back.

Milk of Magnesia took care of 5 days of no BM (PS recommended).Yay!

The "hard as a rock"  is the TE not the Alloderm sling

Saw my TE right boob without a nipple today.  My cancer free right breast is BEAUTIFUL!  I've got a significant bump (from previous space of elective implant where TE is now "parked".  The scar is covered with a semi transparent tape.  It isn't bad or grotesque.  My scar is diagonal (not the typical horizonta)l due to 4 o'clock and 11 o'clock IDC and DCIS respectively.

Love my surgical drain belt that was recommended by another BC survivor on this thread! Beats that lousy safety pin and I only have two drains. Definitely worth the $20.  It can hold up to 4 drains and minds the tubes. It takes a week to arrive by mail however.  Plan ahead if interested.

 PS took an alcohol wipe and "stripped the drain tubes.  Unbeleiveable!  The tube became flat as linguinie when he did it.  We don't think we'd be capable of doing that.  Might be best left to a professional??? Unsure.Of note:  a big yucky inch long "T" shaped clot got stripped into thecollection bulb.  Amazingly enough, it got ejected with no problem when I dumped the bulb and squeezed out the blood/fluid as usual. It did NOT clog the exit valve.

PS said I didn't need to restrict my arm motion (as in over my head) if it didn't bother me.  Keep moving it if I feel comfortable- just don't do any lifting etc.  that could lead to the lymphadema.  Caveat- this may be case specific and where my scars/incisions are located.

PS said if desired, I could still use that breathing inhaler device that expands one's lungs if I wanted to.  I said it makes me feel like my chest muscles and lungs don't atrophy.  The device is a two chambered plastic dealie with a blow tube (no electrical anything).  They give it to you in hospitals so fluid doesn't collect in your lungs psot surgeries- not just MX and BMXs.  I took mine home.  It makes me take deep breaths. I wipe it with alcohol wipes.  May or may not be a good idea for others.  

PS said the little "electrical" slightly painful zings I'm occassionally experiencing in my breast are the result of nerves being severed.  No worries.  If it were to become an issue there are things they can do.  Truly, it's not a problem.  Just surprising.

I see BS tomorrow.  Doubt surgical pathology is back yet.  I'll ask why three nodes were taken. 

Very happy today,  I will crash and burn if they find micro-mets in any of the three nodes. 

I try to share details because I found those really helpful when I read other posts as I had no idea what to expect.  Sorry for the lengthy posts.  I'm hoping it is useful to another woman who is inquisitive.

Good luck to elliegk, dragonfly, and Rose_d tomorrow.  

Nel, how are you?  You started this thread.  It must seem like an eternity until Feb. 16th. Thinking of you.

Deborah2012

Lydia, I too have enough paid time off at work to almost cover the entire time of waiting for short-term to kick in.  We've adjusted the dates the pto is used to cover the insurance coverage costs so i won't have to write a check to keep them going.

Turnberry - SO happy for you!  Yay the 6 mo screenings are history! I asked my PS about screenings with the silicon implants and she said the manufacturer suggests an MRI after three years then every two years, however the PS said she that hasn't had any problems with her patients, that the new implants are really sturdy, and she is not recommending the MRI due to cost! Woo hoo!

I went to my BS today for my first post-op - had no lymph nodes removed during BMX - no lymph node involvement - sentinel node benign - has anyone gone for their first post op?  And if so, were you told you may need treatment afterwards or is that just a given???

Hi again. I keep finding good tips when reading here. Thanks girls and thanks, Deborah2012 for the tip on home care. I will be staying with my folks for a bit and have friends lined up to help so I'm only worried about being grumpy with anyone being helpful. haha.

TJP1071, glad I'm not the only one trying to find a silver lining even if its to do with insurance.

farmerlucydaisy, I just picked up my 3 prescriptions today and that was odd for me just to get a prescription but really odd when the pharmacist had to confirm who I was and that I was female - she said the insurance company has me as male. Glad she didn't have me prove it. My work HR teased me about it but was an easy fix. I don't care how they list me so long as my insurance works.

 So I think I'm all set for my surgery next week. Tomorrow I start using Bactroban in my nose to hopefully keep me from getting sick now or at the hospital. 

Glad to see so many positive posts both before and after surgery. Thank you!  I don't see anyone scheduled for the 14th. Was hoping for a Valentine buddy. Take care everyone.

Hi Deborah and ladies

Thank you for thinking of me!

I had a mastectomy on my left breast on 7 February 2012 and...I'm feeling great!

Was given two paracetamol before the op and two yellow pills to stop nausea. They worked! I also had lignocaine, I think.

In fact, the surgery took just an hour an a half and I was out of the recovery room 45 minutes later. I came out with just one drain.

Could not believe how well I felt. Walked, talked and ate that evening and did not need pain killers or any other type of medication.

The next day I felt fine in the morning and went to the cafe in the hospital with a friend who came to visit for two hours.

Then I felt a bit woozy and went to bed at 2pm and dozed on and off until 3am this morning.Took two paracetamol in the morning and two in the evening but that was all. 

Wanted to come out yesterday but the surgeon persuaded me to stay in for an extra night as I had bled a little more than he expected. Stopped bleeding today, came home, had visitors and am feeling as right as rain!

This all happened in an NHS hospital in the UK and all was well.

Ladies, I know everyone is different and may have different medical conditions, but if you are in good health and in good hands, having a mastectomy is a lot less frightening than you may think. After all, the breast is composed of mainly fat and a bit of muscle.The worst thing was waiting for it to take place.

I woke up happy with my decision and do not feel any less of a woman.

In fact, I feel more of a woman than ever because of my badge of courage!

I wish you love, luck and hope.

Alice the Cat

You will do fine...the waiting is the worse part...can't wait for my drains to come out but had one taken out yesterday...it is not at all painful to have the drain removed....don't look when they are doing it...I still cannot understand why my BS wants me to have chemo she said maybe for a year...I had no nodes at all involved...my HER-2 was a lower ratio but my Estrogen R was 97% - I don't understand why I cannot take a pill to block the estrogen...I am anxious to go to the oncologist to discuss with her - my BS said I was cancer free (I know that is a wrong to say) but I was just using her words - the cancer removed was 2.2 cm.  She said if it were under 2 cm. I would not need any treatment....but a year of chemo???????? My husband heard her say it too?????

Hello my beautiful Pink Sisters!!!  I made it!!!

BMX on February 2 (last Thursday).  Went home on Friday....have no real memory of Friday afternoon or Saturday, really good drugs :-)  Sunday was the worst day, general feeling bad, tired of the drains, etc.  Today is the first day I've really felt like myself....I'm on minimal pain meds.  I haven't had any real "pain"...just pressure and discomfort.  Most pressure is due to TE being filled to 30%.  I got my pathology report on the removed tissue, It was a curative procedure.....WOOT!!

Today is the first day my guard dog (husband) would let me on the computer....he wants me to rest and heal....haha.  Obviously he doesn't understand just how healing you girls are to me.

Love & Hugs  ~Karen

Hi everyone. Thank you to those that have posted their status after surgery, it is helping me to feel hopeful for my bmx, scheduled for 2/23.



Has anyone gone to any type of breast cancer support group? It is outside of my comfort zone but I have had several people suggest it.



My bs told me that I need o have sentinel node mapping. I could have sworn she said I wouldn't have to do that, but I guess I was wrong. Does anyone have feedback on how the procedure? I am freaking out a bit because the prep for my lumpectomy (insertion of wires) was so brutal and I keep picturing something like that.

Galsal -  Thinking of you right now and praying that all goes well with your surgery today!! 

LLinAZ - I have thought about going to a support meeting, but never did.  From what I heard, there aren't a lot of "younger" women that attend,  probably because those of us in our 40s are busy running our kids around in the evening and don't have time to attend.  Anyway,  I'm not sure what your age is, but that is what I've heard from other friends??  I could really use a support group right now though.  Glad to have this forum to ask questions and sound off!!  

Hi Ladies,

Thinking of you all and praying for you too!!! 

I just want to reiterate to those who have yet to have surgery, I have been fortunate that I've had minimal pain and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be!!!  I had skin sparing BMX with pedicle tram reconstruct on FEB1.

The most uncomfortable thing was getting in and out of bed, otherwise pain was maybe a 1 when lying still.  I also had the ON-Q pain pump which is like a local novacaine, to the site which lasted about 2 days.

I left the hospital after 3 days, and after 5 days I was able to get up very gingerly by myself.  Now a week and a half later, I can do most everything for myself except lifting and reaching.  My back does begin to hurt telling me when I've done enough, but most of you shouldn't have that problem since you won't be losing muscle with reconstruct.

Lots of details, hope it is of help.  Before my surgery, I was scouring the site looking for info, so I wanted to share if it helped.  As I think I said before, for anyone having ABD reconstruct, the POWER recliner is the best thing ever!!!

LLinAZ,

A word about support groups.  I haven't used any with this Diagnosis, but I had a child with a rare genetic disability and found great comfort, sharing, help and lasting friendships from that support group!!  This forum of course is fantastic, but sometimes it is nice to meet with people face to face.  Support groups are not for all, but what I found was that different people get different things from them.  Sometimes helping someone else with an idea, thought, kind word does more for us than we can imagine.  That said sometimes we click with groups and sometimes we don't.  I would always give it a try and see how it goes.  I met one of my dearest friends from the aforementioned group!!!

It sounds like those of us who have gone through surgery thus far have faired quite well!!!  Let's keep it going:>

I wanted to thank all of you for the kinds words and encouragement you have given me, understanding when others cannot!!

Thank you and God Bless You,

Carolyn    

Good morning ladies,

Foob Burrito Recipe:

Okay.  Anyone else about to rip their TE out of their bodies? 

The blasted thing feels like a cardboard angular box shoved underneath your thin skin with edges rubbing at the worst places i.e. against the bottom (elastic) portion of your compression sports bra and/or your sports bra arm hole (rubbing against your lymph node removal area). 

We have solved the rubbing problem here!  I call it the "foob burrito". 

DH's Recipe for "foob burrito": 

Ingredients: 1/4" small sized (pencil eraser size) bubble wrap used for mailing packages.

2" x 2" gauze pads fully opened up (or equivalent gauze that can be opened up)

alcohol wipes

surgical gloves

Wash hands. Put on surgical gloves. Cut an index card size piece of the small/tiny bubble wrap paper. Fully open up a 2' x 2' piece of gauze pad (so it too is also about the size of an index card fully opened). Wipe clean the bubble wrap with an alcohol pad. Cover the bubble wrap rectangle with the opened gauze blanket or "tortilla". Fold it in half lengthwise. Next, we just placed it under the elastic part of the sports bra (Fruit of the Loom, front opening  @ Wal Mart $8.44) . Did a second one for the armpit edge of the bra. 

I no longer have the edges of the garment cutting into my ribs, rubbing against the bottom of my TE, nor my tender lymph area that has stitches under my arm.  This works with the compression "sports bra" I woke up from MX wearing in the hospital, too.  I wash and trade the bras out because I can't shower yet and hate have a stinky thing on me.

I believe this would be okay with my PS because when I saw him for my first post-op and complained where their bra was rubbing me, he said I could stuff as much gauze padding under those contact edges (armhole and bottom of bra).   The flat gauze pieces he tucked in the bra promptly fell out.  BTW, he was pleased I had the second front closure Fruit of Loom sports bra ready too.

The "foob burrito" will NOT help with any of your tight pain that is inherent with the TE.  It will however, get rid of the points of contact of the garment with tender areas of your body from the surgery or even areas with little or no fat (i.e. the top rib) that may come into contact with the TE and/or bra. Those points of contact hurt me more than the TE!  You may want to check with your own PS before doing anything.  Again, I stress that I only substituted gauze covered bubble wrap for gauze padding at contact points that were rubbing. I am not messing around with the TE or trying to move it in any manner.

BTW, irritated that I am unable to just have extra strength Tylenol for the pain when I go to sleep  at night a week post surgery.  I don't need the pain pill during the day, but when I wake up to urinate after having not moved in my sleep for hours at night time, the Tylenol isn't cutting it for me. OUCH! 

Mary625: Milk of Magnesia worked like a charm for me. I too have been on stool softeners.  Zero production with them.  I supplement them with Milk of Magnesi. Cherry flavor- works great!

Deborah2012

I too can not imagine going into surgery and waking up with the TE on Monday, I am so scared I might have to take a bath...I read in this mths Prevention where it helps you relax...hmmm..any bath ladies out there? I have always been a shower person except at Granny's casa,no indoor plumbing til my mom and the other daughters in laws insisted. Then it was a bath,sitting in the dirty water after picking veggies in the garden. So gotta save this post in case I need the foob burrito...I did some stick on sanitary pads(way back in closet in plastic pkg since menopause) to stop the rubbing after the biopsies cause i always wear these padded underwires..the PS says dont worry I can fill your TE and you'll be the same size when you go home from surg!!Oh thx a lot now I am in the tiny titty club? Should I throw away all the bras? The PS says they bind you up after surg,just get some walmart sports bras after they unbandage. Does that work? Will I have 2 square shaped boobs with the TE? I am worried the TE they showed me in the office looked like little footballs covered in little plastic nubs all over and they are planning to put that inside me? I feel like the candy on the MM commercial that was gonna have a pretzel put in.

Hi LLinAnz

Don't worry about the sentinel node biopsy.

All that happens is a radiologist injects blue dye into the aereola or another part of the breast, a screen comes over - close your eyes if you get claustophobia - and watches where the dye goes on a screen.

As long as you don't look at the needle going in, you will be fine.

Just remember, a breast is nearly all fat!

Best wishes

Alice the Cat

Okay, so I have both TE's in and I do have areas of it that feel very synthetic and I can certainly feel the edges of them especially the area closest to the armpit and underneath the foob.  The foobs are not square but I remember looking at them in the nurses office and thinking the same thing.  I have to say that most of my discomfort is the pressure sensation on the chest.  It is good to remember to take deep breaths.  The other problem I experience is getting sore (in the back area too) and tight from sitting in the same position too long or trying to get up out of the recliner after sleeping.  Sooo, is it better to let the body rest or to get up and keep moving so you don't tighten up??  I am a day and a half without my Oxycodone, which was really rough yesterday but seemed to get better today.  Just taking Tylenol Arthitis now - dont' know why the arthritis but seemed that it was helping alot of people out there.