Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Bummer Lisamarie, can you have chamomile tea?  That helps me too.  Geez, no smoking and no xanax, that is inhumane.

    Welcome FL!  TE for me.

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  • sony22
    sony22 Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2012

    Hi Lisa, yeah i'm not too excited too  to do cold turkey. But let's just say woo hoo...and keep on trucking.  Judy, sorry for the delay in your surgery but congrats to quitting smoking. Plymouthpeople ,I  wish I could have xanax,  I never asked for it, and yes my fear and anxiety drive me crazy. FLislander I'm having TE and immediate reconstruction on April 12th. Tomorrow I go to have an echocardiogram. My PS ordered it because of the chemo I had in 2009. One step closer........Now breath, Thankful for you all and this site.......

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  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited March 2012

    FLislander , I am getting TE's .. my ps said he couldnt do immediate implants .. I guess because I am so small . plus he says the risk for infection is greater . 

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Off to cardiologist Monday, last pre op work up found an EKG abnormality and I need to get clearance on that before this surgery.  Another darn dr apptFrown.  Then next week infectious disease specialist because I had MRSA in Dec and need clearance on that too.  PIA

     Didnt know mx and recon is a 5-6 hour surgery.  Did any one else here that?

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  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited March 2012

    Plymouth , yes thats what they told me as well the surgery is 5-6 hours makes me scared to be under that long .. Anyway sorry about the set backs with medical clearance I had to have that last time .. wishing the best 4 you and sending u a big HUG {{{}}}}}

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  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited March 2012

    Sony, almost forgot to tell u .. that I got inspired from u . and well today is my day 2 off patch and still going .. thanks ... 

    Plymouth .. I know no xanax and no cigs ... can anyone say CRAZY ... haha .. actually I am doing okay today anyway :)

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Lisamarie, thanks for hug and encouragement!  And congrats on not smoking!  You and Sony are troopers, all this boob stuff and that too!

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  • annabelle64
    annabelle64 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2012

    I'm scheduled for a BMX on APril 6 -meeting with my PS on Monday to decide what reconstruction route to take. I'm leaning towards a DIEP.  So scared about the whole damned thing.  I had a lumpectomy in October and now I have DCIS in the "good" breast after 4 sessions of chemo...

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  • Dixiemine30
    Dixiemine30 Member Posts: 163
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies-in-waiting :-)  Sorry, waiting really stinks...really, really, really stinks!! 

    My BMX with immediate reconstruction (TEs) was 2.2.12.  Waiting was torture!!  I quit smoking a week before...cold turkey.  I am 7 weeks smoke free....if I can do it, each of you trying can do it.  Promise.  I'm lucky there weren't dead bodies laying around that first week...geesh!  I was an emotional roller coaster...I honestly thought I'd lose my mind...thinking about it ALL the time

    I went in to surgery around 1:00 and was in my room around 6:30....I think the surgery was 4.5 hours, give or take.  I had a pain pump when I woke up...it was great...I hit the button and went back to sleep.  I was released from the hospital around 1:30 the next afternoon.  I stayed on the prescription schedule for the first 3 or 4 days.  Don't let yourself start hurting...you have the drugs for a reason.  Use them!  I honestly couldn't tell you how painful the first 3 or 4 days were because I never let myself get to where I hurt.  After those first few days, I slacked off and things were manageable.  I slept A LOT and took something when I was uncomfortable.  I was way more sore than in pain. 

    I had 4 drains....they were the absolute worst part.  They didn't hurt, it wasn't painful....but it was a huge pain in the butt dealing with them!!...and I couldn't shower while i had them.  I got 3 of them out at 2 week and the last one out the next week.  You just have to get through it...you can do anything for a couple of weeks, right?  YES, you can.

    Let's see....what next....ah, TEs.  At first they felt like I was wearing an underwire bra that was 2 sizes too small.  Tight and uncomfortable.  Now...6 weeks out....just feels like I'm wearing a bra all the time :-).  I've had 5 fills now...the fills aren't so bad.  Doable!  It's all Doable...do ya like it?...Heck no....but you get through it and it doesn't seem all that bad when your on the other side.  I even managed to flip my right expander upside down, now the port is on the bottom, but that's another story for another day :-)

    Things you need?  My must have list.  1)  A recliner...I slept in mine for 28 nights, just could not get comfortable in the bed.  2) Milk of Magnesia, Mirolax, stool softener...whatever works for you.  Constipation WILL happen with all the pain meds...plan for it. 3)  A back scratcher...nothing worse than an itch you can't reach. Seriously.  4) Button-up pajamas, you won't be able to get anything over your head.  I wore these for weeks.  5)  Chapstick  6) Flushable wipes...nice to have a clean bottom.  7) Mini-pads...what for you ask? To put around/under that pesky surgical bra when it's rubbing a drain or scratching you like steel wool. We are a resourceful group :-)  8) Small, rectangle pillows.  You can use one to put between you and the seatbelt anytime you must be mobile...and when I was sitting around, I propped my arms up on them, kinda keep my arms from rubbing sides....and thoses damned drains...ugh!

    Let's see...what else?  I didn't/couldn't drive for about 3 weeks...I just didn't have the range of motion in my arms.  I still don't have 100% range of motion...it gets a little better every day.

    If you have questions...ASK!!  Always someone lurking around here who has been through what your getting ready to go through.  You will get understanding and empathy here...always!!  I was reading the January boards like crazy before my big day :-)

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  • elsbeth3017
    elsbeth3017 Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2012

    April Ladies,

     I am joining the group awaiting surgery on 4/4/12.  I was diagnosed 2/2/12 with IDC in both breasts; the left is 6 cm w/ skin involvement, the right has 2 malignancies, one 2cm, at the chest wall, and one 5cm, found just last week through breast MRI, spread over the chest wall.  All are ER/PR+, HER2-.  Left breast is Grade 1, right is grade 2.  The Lt and Rt cancers are being treated as 2 different "cases" because they have been able to determine that they grew independently of each other.  (One of the clinical trials I am participating in is actually listing them separately as if they belong to 2 different people.)  No staging yet; waiting for pathology post-surgery because presentation is so wierd, they have a lot of unanswered questions.  Suggestion so far is Stage 2 Lt breast, Stage 3 Rt breast.

     Having BMX w/ SNB, and TE placement in anticipation of DIEP after chemo and radiation.  LOVE my BS and PS.  Feel in really good hands.  Thanks for all the good prep-for-surgery advice.  I am flying solo, too, as my DP, Tom, is over teaching in Portugal (I was supposed to be there, too, before this happened) and family is in Chicago. Won't have anyone here until surgery.  So, this community is enormously valuable to me.

     Good thoughts to all.

    I know God won't give me anything I can't handle.  I just wish he didn't trust me so much.

    - Mother Teresa  

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  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited March 2012

    Elsbth

    We will be on same day, as of now I'm scheduled for single mx but not confirmed, they want to postpone other side til reconstruction either way I have panic attack when I think about it over a minute. Glad to b part of this group, my chemo group was a blessing and pulled me through every day.

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  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited March 2012

    Tlcdirect.org is cancer society catalog with mastectomy products I'm ordering this week some camisoles they also have a belt for drain tubes. TLCdirect.org didn't look right first time iPad has it's own mind

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  • elsbeth3017
    elsbeth3017 Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2012

    FLislander,
     
    You and I are very much in the same place; I had my pre-operative appointment with my surgeon on Friday and they sent me off afterwards with prescriptions, one of which was for two camisoles. They gave me a couple of options of places to go.  I was able to work with a salesperson who did a fitting with me.  Here is the advice she gave me, which helped me choose the ones I bought - 1) don't choose the ones that are super "busy" inside (could be uncomfortable while you're healing), and don't have adjustable bulb pockets; I ended up getting 2 identical in different colors that had no extra seams, darts, etc, and bulb pockets that attach to the camisole by velcro so they can be placed anywhere along the velcro strip which runs under the breast line.  Also comes with two "puffs" that are fabric pockets filled with cotton which are for filling out your breast area while you are growing the TE's.  You can take cotton out to adjust the size as you get bigger.  2) Think about getting the camisoles in a slicker fabric, as your outer clothes will be less likely to cling.  I tried on camis in cotton and a silky polyester, and ended up picking the silky.  Totally got the idea.  3) When I tried on the camisole I ultimately chose, it seemed a little loose and I asked the salesperson if that was okay.  She said that it's actually preferable that it not be too tight to start out as swelling post-surgery and accomodating compression wrap, bulb tubing, etc, has to be considered.  Anyway, hope this helps.
     
    I know what you mean about thinking too much about this.  I have moments of clarity amidst all the business of having breast cancer, when I realize what is happening in April and it seems surreal.  A part of me hopes I'll wake up some day and discover it's all been a bad dream . . . 
     
    Good luck to you, and all best wishes on the 4th. 
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  • GmaNiki
    GmaNiki Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2012

    I will be seeing the PS this week and starting to get curious about what I will need in the way of recovery garments. Right now it looks like I will be have a mx left side, and I am hoping for immediate reconstruction TRAM if possible. I had some sugery on my lymph nodes under my left arm whenI was in my early 20s and now 59 but I remember was told I would need all button up tops for 3 weeks and actually found pull over soft tee shirts better. I am definitely a tee shirt person.

    Just anxious to get answers and to be past all this.

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Welcome anabelle, elsbeth and FLislander!  We now have a respectable group.  Thank you so very much Dixiemine for taking the time and caring to write to instruct and support us!  I love the maxi pad idea!  Tubing can really hurt skin.  I am a nurse practitioner (I do adult psychotherapy), but I remember being a nurse in the hospital and seeing the skin damage oxygen tubing could do to those who needed to wear it for long periods of time.  I guess drainage tubes would do the same.

    Waiting is so weird for me.  Some days I barely think  of it, other days I am in disbelief, and others, the most dreaded, are the anxious ones.  I try to stop the what-ifs, they only work me up, but they are sooo seductive!

    In a strange way, and this is probably really sick, I am looking forward to a month off from my real life.  Now this is only one of many feelings, and a minor one, but it surprises me.  Too strange?  Please don't throw me off the threadWink!  Anyone else feel this?  Of course, there's the idea of pain, body image change, loss etc to balance that, but just thought I'd share.

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    I'd like to make a list of surgery dates so we have them all, in order, so we can cheer on the next to go.

    I am 4/28.

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  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited March 2012

    4/13 for me.

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  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited March 2012

    4/24 for me 

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  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited March 2012

    4/4 FLislander

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  • elsbeth3017
    elsbeth3017 Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2012

    4/4 for me
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  • elsbeth3017
    elsbeth3017 Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2012

    plymouthpeople,
     
    Not only are you not strange, but the longer I read posts on these boards the more I realize that this is the only place we can truly speak frankly about our feelings. 
     
    I also vacillate between a sense of anxiety about the surgery and joy about other things round it.  My DP is flying back from Portugal arriving 4/2 to be with me for the surgery, and most of the time that's what I'm really thinking about!  Not only am I counting on those couple of days ahead of time for our last bit of "normal" time for awhile, but also, if he's here I'll be able to get through it. 
     
    We're all going through a lot right now.  I, for one, am in a place of total information and preparation overload.  We need to talk.  I love that there's a group of us who are getting ready together for this big step coming in April.  Thank you for getting us all organized :-)   So, no worries - there's no way you're kicked off the post.
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  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited March 2012
    • I just wanted to say Thank you to Dixiemine for giving information , I spoke to my mom about a recliner , she said that makes perfect sence . I am not having a pre op appt this time . because I just had surgery on Feb 7th for my excisional biopsy . I do want to get cami that holds drains . I have bunches of pillows as i always have loved pillows ... the more time goes on the more anxious I get and I have been reading everything and watching you tube...in regards to mastectomy.... anyway , I just got a new apartment and I move in April 1st ...so I hope my anxiety isnt that bad as I will be busy unpacking and getting stuff ready....oh jeeze here I am babbling away .. and not to mention I am not smoking going on like day 20 , but day 4 without a patch .. wow .. I guess I am being a trooper ... :0 today is hard I do feel like smoking but I wont ..I guess I will shut up... I am all over the place emotionally ... {{{{HUGS}}}}} to everyone 
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  • keonghi
    keonghi Member Posts: 111
    edited March 2012
    Hi all, add me to group...BMX on 4/9/12.  Sucks to have to join the group but if I have to do something that sucks than at least I can do it with a bunch of wonderful ladies in the same boat.  We will get through this!! Laughing
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  • sony22
    sony22 Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2012

     4/12 for me

     OK i just got severe anxiety when I wrote that. Deep breath in deep breath out. whew. First Dixiemine, thanks so much for the info. I knew about the recliner, got that one already.  The smoking been tough but well WORTH it. Lisamarie, YEAH FOR YOU....I'm right there with you. It seems my cravings are more intense when I think about the upcoming surgury. So I try to keep busy...ha, I bought a new book. Anyway, Elsbeth, keonghi, plymouth, flislander and   mardibra, gmaniki  , we are in this together. I love that we can say what is on our minds.......No Judgement Here.....Oh quick question, you get a prescription fora  post surgery bra ?    Oh  Elsbeth I love that saying God will never give us more than we can handle......We will all get through this...

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  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2012

    4/23 for me. Glad to meet everyone. April is so far away isn't it!!   bi lat mx w/diep reconstruction. Have not been told about special clothing but I guess it makes sense? Although with this procedure breast drains might come out before I leave the hospital but stomach ones might be in...special pants?  Ugg, the drains sound so glamorous!!!! my husband was like its just a little tube; my response you have tube hanging out of your penis!!!!  lol

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Ok, I am going to try to compile the LIST, but first, thank you to els for the kind words! And you go no smoking girls!

    Here it is, Ladies in Waiting April:

    4/4 Elsbeth

    4/4 FLIslander

    4/6 Anabelle

    4/9  Kkeonghi

    4/12 Sony

     4/13 Mardibra

    4/18 Plymouth

    4/23 rtnyc

    4/24 Lisamarie

    Did I miss anyone?  Is it right?  We are sending off Elsbeth and FLlander the same day, it is good there are two to go together first. 

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    oh, and I just saw a youtube video, cant find link info, that showed how to wrap 2 6 inch ace bandages around your waist to hold drains. Under clothes:  wrap them one on top of the other and secure each (the woman used the ones w Velcro) and tuck drain grenade ends in between folds to hold securely.  Then tuck tubing in also. I think I will do that. 

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  • GmaNiki
    GmaNiki Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2012

    I fo und out my surgery date today....April 16!!

    My DH thinks that is waiting too long and I am putting it off. Cannot make him understand I dont get to pick a date and tell 2 excellent surgeons to clear their calendar for me. I have been the healthy one in our marriage taking care of him after open heart surgery and several strokes and kidney stones. He gets very agitated when he cannot control things and he has lost control of many facets in his life. Right now i just cannot cope with his stress on me and i just dont know what to do. So glad  to  have a place i can just vent.

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Sorry for your additional stress Gma, it is hard when the care giver gets sick.  I am going to try to update our list.

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  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2012

    Any one know how to cut and paste on this site?  I am not having luck.  I'll re enter list so it is more complete, for now: 

     April Ladies in Waiting:

    4/4 elsbeth

    4/4 flislander

    4/6 anabelle

    4/9 keonghi

    4/12 sony

    4/13 mardibra

    4/16 gmaniki

    4/18 plymouth

    4/23 rtnyc

    4/24 lisamarie 

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