February 2012 MX

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  • barbiecorn
    barbiecorn Member Posts: 437
    edited February 2012

    For all your ladies who are post BMX - I have a soreness of course in the breast area (it has only been two weeks) but was wondering if any of you have a soreness in the two ribs right underneath the breast area - they are sore also.  Just wondering if any of you feel this soreness also?  Thanks and (((hugs)))

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  • november
    november Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2012

    Glad to hear that everyone is doing fairly well

    Pelicangirl-I am sorry about your experience at the hospital and for the bad news; hope you are recovering well

    Deborah-Happy for you that you won't need chemo or radiation

    Layla-I too had phantom nipple pain the night of surgery but none since then

    barbiecorn-I have soreness on the back of my L arm form under the armpit to the elbow other  than that i am pain free unless I touch the surgical site

    To everyone waiting- be strong, the wait is the worse part 

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited February 2012

    is it normal to feel like you have numb chicken cutlets under your arms and down your sides? The areas are above where the drains were, but they don't seem especially swollen. Mainly numb. I don't know about you all, but I am sick of the numbness!

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  • DebbieOS
    DebbieOS Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2012
    "numb chicken cutlets?"  You crack me up Mary!  I have 6 days to go before my MX, so I'm frantically reading all of the postings here, but can't give any advice on that....but, Mary, I just get a "visual" with that phrase..."numb chicken cutlets!"  Laughing
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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2012

    Oh poop.  Drains not removed after all today.  More exercises to do and more times daily to reduce swelling.  Not infected but put on abx to prevent that from happening. 

    The final path report was reviewed.  So much for  the second opinion I received who swore that MRIs never missed anything, that there was nothing in the Right side, which I had removed prophylatically, although at least it wasn't yet cancer.  ADH and microcalcifications along with PASH.  Nodes are all clear.  Pending results of Oconotype (?) test to see if chemo will be needed or not.

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited February 2012

    You can have pain under breasts, ribs, arm, armpit, back and shoulder.....I had them all and still do. One can get post mastectomy pain syndrome (be glad for numbness! mine went the other way!) but with some effort, it goes down. DO YOUR EXERCISES! They help. I am a year out and still have some pain under arm & back, sometime chest if I do "too much" of something...I've heard it can take a couple of years for nerves to re-grow, settle down etc. Anti depressants act as pain killers too. Hope everyone is taking care!!! (PS) if you get a sentinel node biopsy (clear) with no aux node surgery, less likely to get pain.

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  • Layla2525
    Layla2525 Member Posts: 827
    edited February 2012

    Suzanne & farmerlucy,I cant tell you what you want to hear. I just had my Q pain pump removed today. Surg was Mon so guessThe QPP lasted a wk. There are different kinds of painpumps. this one come in a little black bag. Guess I have a low pain toler cause I woke up in ICU screamg for pain meds and they quickly added morphine to my IV. Kept taking that so totally constipated. Then also was getting Dilotan (??)dunno what that is but its for pain then I was in so much pain was switched to Tylenol with Codeine,kept having crying spells and hysteria so they put me on Valium also and of course and an antibiotic. Pump is stitched in but no pain when tubing removed. Home health nurse did it today. PS says her patients do it but I am squeamish on such issues. I am allergic to Lortab and such so maybe thats why drs waited to see what pain med they could give me. I am now 5 days out and pain is like a soreness from gym workout as long as I take my meds every 4 hrs. Tryg to reach a psycho or psychia for crying spells. I was wired for sound with 2 drains,pain pump and IV and oxygen up my nose. I scared the student nurses.LOL..Done got rid of the wimps for everyone..only the tough remain.  I was wondering my son is in UPMC and told him I'm ok and he sent via skype the Martina McBride song from 08/2011,"I'm gonna love you through it". Has she ever been honored for that song about breast cancer? Its so beautiful but be prepared to cry. Speedy recovery to all,keep your recliner and side sleeper pillow ready...I used my Wendy from Peter Pan gown til today and now switching to camis and clothes/sweats and button shirts.,what else? yep like the others said need ice chips and throat lozenges,have your milk of mag ready at home and several dinners to warm up in the freezer. Any input from anyone else? Did I leave out something? Warm hugsXOXO and speedy recovery to all you special "angels" out there who soon return to the Barbie factory aka hosp for your new parts.

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  • barbiecorn
    barbiecorn Member Posts: 437
    edited February 2012

    Thanks Bluepearl - I didn't know that this is something that can remain for a while.  I am only two weeks out of BMX so I guess I can't complain right now - but you have had this for over a year...what exercises are good for this...I am going to discuss with my BS at my next visit. 

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2012

    Thanks for the heads up everyone. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all for all the support, encouragement and information!.

     I hoping the no nodes thing for me helps some with the pain. I was a little anemic so they had me start on iron and then I got my period yesterday - 14 days early! What! I know TMI! Hopefully I'll be ok on the iron cause the dr's office is closed 'til Tuesday.

    OK onto a fun topic! DH and I just made a plaster cloth bust of the "real" me. I used the plaster cloth strips from Hobby Lobby. $3.99 for a 4" x 180" roll. That was plenty. You'll need help.  Be sure to use oil or vaseline underneath or you'll be showing up for surgery in a boob cast!! :) I think I'll be glad to have it later on, and if not I can toss it out. It was kind of carthartic for me and kind of a way to say goodbye .  I know, I know, I am one strange bird!

    Thanks again everyone! You save me!

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  • Deborah2012
    Deborah2012 Member Posts: 234
    edited February 2012

    Galsal,

    Yay!  You posted.  Glad to hear from you.  Totally cool that Special K connected with you. I still have one drain and my MX was 2-3-12. Yep.  No real bath or shower since 2-3-12.   I too am awaiting oncotype results. I'll eagerly look for your results when you eventually get them.

    Layla2525 What a drag (yes, I've seen the video of the song as well).  Both you and Pelicangirl have had quite a time of it. 

    Farmerlucydaisy I loved your bust arts project!  How clever! We too did our own version of a commerative send-off.  

    My onc gave me two bar graph handouts regarding my survival and reoccurence statistics based on my final MX pathoolgy report. Do most oncs do this? She said I am a Stage 1a. Here is where I would fall:

    Ten-year time frame:

    Decision: No additional therapy (no chemo, no rads, no hormones- puro nada): I'd fall into the 5 out of 100 women die because of cancer.

    Decision: No additional therapy, I'd fall into the 20 out of 100 women relapse.

    Although I'm thrilled to be Stage 1a, I've read a few posts on the hormone therapy threads.  Icky, yucky, sucky, and for years! 

    Oh boy! It's intermission at the BC circus for me.  I get 10 days to truly be thankful and enjoy my good news.  And I am!  After that- I'll have to gear up for the next saga.  Apparently, it's a long slog.

    barbiecorn, my rib was sore due to the compression (sports bra) edge hitting my rib and the edge of the TE too gauging into my upper rib.  I made a foob burrito (bubble wrap covered with gauze) to cushion that tender area.  But who knows what the heck happened to your ribs during surgery. 

    Deborah2012

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  • barbiecorn
    barbiecorn Member Posts: 437
    edited February 2012

    Deborah - I thought of that - who knows what happened during surgery.  I just was concered about that particular area but what you said makes sense - the compression wrap that they had me in for two weeks was oppressive and maybe that is why that particular soreness.  As the numbness eases, it seems the soreness and overall pain/aching is more dominent.  I have been taking Tylenol but want to go back onto Advil.  I think it is far enough after surgery to start taking Advil which works better for me.  I just hope I don't fall into that permanent after mascectomy pain syndrome.  Oh boy, is there anything else to worry about??????

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2012

    oh, and i forgot the BEST news.  the tumor was 1.8cm.  that is miraculous to me since so many wind up being larger than initially thought to be.  so I am Stage 1 and no nodes involved. 

    is any one else higher progesterone positive than estrogen?  progresterone 90% and estrogen 70% NP was quite surprised at that since she's rarely if ever seen that combination.  when i shared with her that birth control pills had never regulated me, regardless of any combination, and the problems with pregnancies, she wasn't surprised based on this.

    she took the steri-strips off the incisions yesterday as my body really likes them and is trying to fold over on itself.  omg, you'd have thought the surgery was new, based on how much sleep i did NOT get last night.  i'm to sit/sleep far more vertically than have been to promoted gravitational flow for the drains.  the most reclining i'd done was sleeping in the reciliner fully reclined.  my rear end doesn't like sitting mostly up all the time.  so between the chest and the bottom i never got more than two hours of sleep at a time and fitful at that.  and that was WITH a pain pill.  

    i'm curious though as i've not researched it but she seemed most concerned about PASH on the other side than the ADH.  any thoughts?  guess i'll go look it up eventually.

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  • november
    november Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2012

    farmerluckydaisy-I love the idea of a plaster cloth bust; it sounds like something I would have had fun doing; wish I thought of that

    very funny- vaseline or going to surgery with a cast boob-lol

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  • november
    november Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2012

    can anyone tell me what exercises would help with the soreness on my arm post mastectomy

    thanks

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  • Lydia1961
    Lydia1961 Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone and thanks for thinking of me, Deborah2012. Seems like you all are on road to recovery too. I'm so happy to have the surgery over with. My BMX went very well on the 14th. I'm staying at folks so I haven't had internet. The pain ball came out yesterday and I also switched from 2 pills a day of Oxycodine(sp?) to tylenol - I just could not stand the loopy feeling. I have four drains but it looks like at least 2 will come out very soon. The surgery results report negative for any spread of the cancer. Glad for that! Don't know what that means for treatment but will find out out on Wednesday.

     November, the excercises I've been told to do right now are the arm lifts side, forward, and backward but only as high as is comfortable.

    Thanks all and good luck to those still waiting for surgery. So much better emotionally to have that over with!

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2012

    Hi Lydia - So glad things went well! Can I assume the pain ball worked relatively well for you? Take care and fast healing!!

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2012

    Glad it went well Lydia! 

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited February 2012

    Hi All,

    Had surgery on Thursday, home on Friday.  Mophine while in the hospital, percocet when I came home.  Percocet made me nauseous, so stopped that foolishness. Now tylenol, which keeps most of the pain away. I'll tolerate the minimal pain rather than being nauseous. Two drains,one ready to come out, but I am going to wait  for both.  Showered last night,  My surgeon is different than most on this and siad I could shower right away.  I was surprized but relieved.  Just so tired.  Everything I do seems like so much work. 

    So glad to have this piece over.   For me the most difficult piece is the loss and looking at myself. I have managed to avoid that part. I continue to dread . 

    How is everyoneelse doing

    Beell,

    Nel

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  • mcm24
    mcm24 Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2012

    I am two weeks post op. All my drains are out-yippee! I am down to just Tylenol for pain. Most of my pain is the tightness from the TE's and the pain and tightness under my arm from the axillary node dissection. That arm is most of my concern right now. I am supposed to be doing these exercises, but the right arm is so sore and tight. Will this get better? I can only lift it to shoulder height. I was able to shave my other underarm this morning, but that one I can't even do. It is discouraging, especially when the surgeon did not think that my lymph nodes were involved, but after biopsying the sentinal node, she ended up taking 25 nodes. And it is my dominant arm. Does this get better?

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2012

    Gald to hear from you Nel and mcm24!

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  • mma59
    mma59 Member Posts: 43
    edited February 2012

    Lydia and Nel, Glad you both did well.  Had my MX on 2/6 and now having another outpatient surgery on Tuesday, 2/21 to remove more lymph nodes.  I got my last drain out on Friday and was so happy to shower.  Now after Tuesday I'll get the wonderful drains again.  mcm, I guess we just have to keep trying to do the exercises.  Hopefully, it gets better!  Wishing everyone an easy recovery!

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  • DebbieOS
    DebbieOS Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2012

    Hi Nel,

     Glad you're home so quickly and doing better!  I understand your fear of looking at yourself...that's one of my biggest fears after I have my surgery on this upcoming Thursday.  Let us know how you're doing....

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  • Dixiemine30
    Dixiemine30 Member Posts: 163
    edited February 2012

    Prayers for all of you preparing for surgery this week. 

    I continue to "sit" and take it easy.  I did go to church today and it felt SO GOOD to get out of the house for a little while.  Dr. appointment on Tuesday for the 2nd fill and hopefully (fingers crossed) lose this last drain.  I hate drains!!  The other 3 drain sites are still oozing since being removed last Wednesday....so tired of it!!  I am ready to take a shower and wash my hair like a normal person!!  Continuing to get a little better every day and thankful for a clear pathology report.

    Wishing you all wellness and healing....love & hugs!!

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2012

    So glad everyone is doing better day by day! Hugs to all!

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  • janiceg415
    janiceg415 Member Posts: 144
    edited February 2012

    Seeing the PS Monday to go over plan for reconstruction.  I am having a left MX on Thursday, Feb. 23rd, this is it,  I can't believe it's happening. 

    When I heard DCIS , I thought what is the big deal, they tell you it is pre-cancer, stage zero.  Now after biopsy, two separate lumpectomys, drs advise mastectomy.  Plan for reconstruction with implant, any other questions I should be asking of the PS? 

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  • november
    november Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2012

    Nel- So good to hear from you; give yourself time; it is a big loss; take a peak only when you are ready; for me I am getting use to the new look and like you my doctor told me I could shower the day after surgery so I was showering while I had 4 drains. Where was your surgery?

    Lydia- Glad that everything went well for you. I started doing the excercises yesterday and this morning my L arm felt better already; thanks everyone for your help

    Dixieme-I did make it to church today as well; that felt good

    Hugs to all my February sisters; stay strong and may God be with us all 

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  • Deborah2012
    Deborah2012 Member Posts: 234
    edited February 2012

    Hey, Hi all Feb. Mx and BMXers!

    It feels so great to hear people check in. Whew!

    Nel- Yay- glad you're doing so well.  Glad to hear that Tylenol suffices for you. It didn't for me at first. Mostly, just trying to get comfortable in the bed to get sleep and then when I'd wake up to use bathroom was when I had my pain.  The 15 minute pillow re-arranging routine and then naw- that's not it either was not pleasant..

    Dixiemine30& November, glad to see you got out of the house.  The DH & I walked in oak tree preserves for 1.5 hours today.  Gorgeous sushine and fresh air.  Took our 95 lb. yellow lab, too. Life is good- even with a darned ol' drain hidden under my clothes!  My folks and brother traveled 350 miles to visit.  We went to an upscale restaurant.  So... I had the opportunity to put on a skirt, makeup, do the hair, wear a new button-up front ruffled and busy print blouse (Thank you Special K for that advice), heels and a skirt.  I felt womanly again.  I hid my drain in sht small of my back and put on a biz jacket.  The chair had slats (boy was I lucky)!. I almost had a Pelicangirl constricting moment there with the whole outfit.I hd become too accustomedto PJS and sweats. My energy level was definitely subpar.  That surprised me.  I mean puleez, all I had to do was sit there!  I was tuckered out.

    MCM:  Shaving. I purchased an electric shaver for my MX underarm side and use a regular one for my "good side".  

    Lydia1961 Woo hoo!  No surprise cancer lurking.  Diximine30 also- l'm loving those clear path reports! Both of you got the winning scratch off tickets.

    Janiceg415, Similar story with me.  Are you leaning towards any particular recon?  There has been diversity of reconstruction plans undertaken by our Feb. sisters. If we know a bit more perhaps we'd be able to share any "juicy" questions we asked.  I made it a point to ask my BS, PS, and Onc: "Is there anything I should have asked you but haven't"? It was useful because they each paused and thought about it.  They didn't just say "no"I can't think of anything else.  

    Hopeful123 is up tomorrow. We are all rooting for you and will anxiously await your post when you are up to it.  

    Deborah2012

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  • DebbieOS
    DebbieOS Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2012

    Hi Janice-

     We'll be in surgery on the same day...getting the same breast off!   Woohoo!  Geesh....

    I'm having a "hybrid implant" put in on the day of my MX.  That way, I can decide later whether I wish to continue with the saline implant and just have it expanded gradually or have a DIEP surgery later.  I like this option.  That way, I can deal with the cancer NOW, have a "bump" instead of nothing, but have options later, when I get my brain capacity back.  Tongue out Plus, I understand from my PS that this hybrid implant is more comfortable than a TE.

    Hey, keep in touch....I'll email you too, in case you don't read this.

    We're in this fight together!

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  • Layla2525
    Layla2525 Member Posts: 827
    edited February 2012

    I had surg Mon,,got the  pian out Wed,no pain to pull out the tape worm aka the q pain pump tubes.

    I am very pain senstivie and after 2 IV , q pain pump and w2 drain., the drains dont even phase me now, One one left is a little sore. Under sentinal node biopsy having starting have strange sharp pains when I move in a way to drink aut of a glass. Good or bad?    Time for snooze,hitting the recliner,drugged up on Ty co and valilum,hit the massage button,grab my side sleeper for back support. falling asleep at the wheel here aka keyboard. My 2 outtings have been to drugstore and famers mkt. I have been crying off & on,think my emotions are like a shattered mirror pleaded for a referral to a psychiatrist. I called the referral ph# for a psychologist but never heard back. I am so irritable,angry,sarcastic sensitive to smells and my sense tastes changed how

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  • Deborah2012
    Deborah2012 Member Posts: 234
    edited February 2012

    Ms. Layla2525,

    I hope you get this in the morning and are sleeping (your post was 12 minutes ago). I'm on west coast 10:30 p.m.

    First of all, it is good you are seeking some help.  I have a couple of questions because when you originally posted that you went into a coma over pitocin, I thought- man that poor woman may have drug interactions and sensitivities that may be tougher for her than the average bear. 

    I wonder if you are having side effects from the pain meds- you know all of that "contra-indicated" stuff?  Naturally, how about the blasted cancer?  That's what I think is contra-indicated!!! Do you think your emotional state could be exacerbated by the meds.? 

    You just had a BMX.  I can't even wrap my head around how you were at a farmers market with your surgery less than one week ago. For what it's worth. My friend the BC navigator said some people have anesthesia in their systems for a while post the surgery and don't realize that it is still affecting them.   

    Do you think your senses being altered (smell, taste etc.) could be related to drug side effects?  It sounds like your poor body has gotten slammed. We had to open three different bottles of red wine before I could even have a 1/4 of a glass with a meal this weekend that I could swallow.  They didn't taste right to me.  Two tasted like some baby powder floral mess.  Solved that problem by having a glass of champagne! 

    I had one incident a couple of days ago where I got overly irritable for a small thing with my mom (who was kind enought to visit me from a long distance).  I honestly don't know where the heck my irritability had even came from.  It was out of the blue. I had been off the pain meds and I have been genuinely very happy about my prognosis and the MX.  I am still taking anti-biotics.  They make me slightly nauseous and I have been told that I no longer have to take mine on an empty stomach.  I haven't had the difficulties of numerous other Feb. women. I haven't been crying openly nor secretly and yet I too have experienced  a taste change and a spontaneous irritable incident that wasn't warranted.  

    In addition to following through with your efforts to obtain some counseling help, you may want to inquire if your meds have any role or could your anesthesia still be in your system and interacting with your pain meds? All of us Feb. gals get it that the whole BC and MX/BMX show is emotional and it affects all of us in similar and in unique ways, too (case specific).

    Please know that we Feb. women wish you a marked improvement to your lousy, rotten circumstance and some prompt relief. 

    Deborah2012

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