Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

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  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    HI, Ladies. Back from NYC and pre-op.  After several weeks of very pleasant denial, i will say that today hit me very hard.  it's all real now and i have my nerves revved up again big time.  on top of it-- while i am feeling better and my cold is subsiding-- i just got a note home from school about a whooping cough case in my son's class.  i am a wreck about it.  i heard there was a case in the middle school-- so i took my kids in for boosters two weeks ago.  i just PRAY the shot has taken effect and my kids (AND I) won't get anything.  can you imagine whooping cough with a mastectomy.  i am truly insane right now about this-- particularly because i have a mild cough folloiwng my cold.    I think i need a good cry tonight...and then maybe some drugs.  i've given up all alcohol (two weeks ago) and have been fine w/out anxiety meds.  but i am so sad tonight.  I need to go back into denial for the next week!!!

    Questions-  has anyone else with DCIS/LCIS been told they need to do a double SNB? 

    RTNYC -- Sorry not to call today.  doctors appointments went from 1- almost 4pm...jumped in the car to head home after that.  i'll call again. 

    SOOOO good to hear how well you post-op girls are doing.  xxoo

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    Plymouth, thanks for the massage suggestion, I think I will schedule one for friday, my last day of work...

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    also-- two other questions....how long did your docs tell you it should be before you can lift anything?  and how long before you can drive?  trying to make plans with friends....thanks!

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited April 2012

    Hi lisamarie!  I never did ask about tattoos but I wouldn't be surprised if they tell you no, because they probably wouldn't want you to do anything that could lead to infection.  I've never been inked but after my dx, I had seriously thought about getting a tattoo that means something to me - a subtle one on the back of my neck that I could hide if I wanted to.  But DH freaked a little bit (he was still reeling from my deciding to do a BMX), so I figured, I'll table it for now - and do it after all my treatment's done.  I haven't even bothered to ask now that I'm about to start chemo if it's OK - since they aren't even keen on getting mani/pedis at a salon.

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    longislandmom:the pre op kicked me into reality too, I was kind of hoping they would tell me I'm not fit for surgery!!!  Take a deep breath I guess and then drugs are good too!!  double SNB? You mean both sides.  They are doing that on me...ugg two needles. 

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

    they told me i could drive as soon as i was off the narcotics (never needed them so i guess i can drive whenever).  Told me not to lift anything over ten pounds and they would reevaluate that on my follow up which is scheduled for 5/7.

  • kimmygal
    kimmygal Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2012

     Thank you all for all the well wishes, I can't believe we the  Wednesday gals only have to get through tomorrow finally!  I have to be at the hospital for 5:30 am on Wednesday, early is good since I wont get much sleep anyway!   Plymouth and Jayme Have you both in my thoughts and prayers as the date gets so close.

    Thinking of Aussie1 and Jennyrjd, That surgery went well and you are resting comfortable .

    Ndroby and Keonghi Drains removed that's great sure glad to hear it didn't hurt , Ndroby 2 miles that's awesome and encouraging, I am a runner and run about 30 miles a week and wonder how long it will take before I am out and running.  

     Keonghi sorry you had to go through that today, but that sure is  a true statement  that  you are saving your life Smile

    Longislanddmom,  Hope everything was smooth your pre-op.

    To everyone who all ready had your surgery and those of us that are still waiting thank you for all of your posts offering such strength, courage and a great deal of support, you are a great group of women!

  • colombiana
    colombiana Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2012

    Hi

    I'm having bilateral mastectomy on April 30th.

    I have DCIS in my left breast. I'm starting to feel really anxious and scare. I have an apt with my surgeon tomorrow to go over the surgery.

    I really feel save and relax when I read all the post. Thanks for all the info my sisters.

    I am not from America and it is really hard been far away from your family.

    I have my husband and children with me but I really miss my family in this difficult times.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Ndroby, thanks for kind words.

    Thanks to all for warm wishes.

    Longisland, yes, I hated it when denial broke down.  But, what you are feeling now will pass too.

    Kimmygal, we are same day surgery sisters.  I'll be leaving for hosp at 5:30 also.

    Make sure doc orders Valium or other muscle relaxant from the start to prevent muscle spasms.  I also want to make sure there is PCA for pain.  I am taking Emend night before surgery to prevent post op nausea.  Just finished weaning off caffiene to prevent post op headache.  As you can tell, I am in hyper control mode!

  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited April 2012

    Not that I would ever wish BC on anyone, but you are SO not alone! Knowing that continues to give me strength too. I'm naturally a loner and I have felt better just for opening up here.



    I will be one month from surgery this coming Wed. It hasn't all been easy - each day has been different - but the time has gone by much more quickly than I would have thought.



    We are all here for you!

  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited April 2012

    mardibra - I'm with you, never needed pain meds. Was on the pump in the hospital, but used it mostly when they said I should. Have now had 5 surgeries and haven't taken any pain meds after leaving the hospital. The 1st 3 surgeries I took one Vicodin when leaving the hospital just to get me home, but didn't with this last time and was OK. We're all different and having different procedures. I had UMX with DIEP.

    A few times since my diagnosis I've wished for a close girlfriend, but I just don't have one, I mostly hang out with the boys. BCO has been a lifesaver for me.

    Hugs to all of you recovering or getting ready to jump in. You are in my thoughts, each and every day.

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

    They had the pump all set up for me in the hospital but never needed it. This is surgery #3 for me and didn't need pain meds with the other two either. It's nice not being the only freak! Now if I could only get this freaking drain out. My follow up isn't until 5/7 so it looks like I'm stuck with it until then.

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

    I have to have a double SNB too .. had anxiety about that appointment ad going alone but my boss is coming with me . so happy I wont be alone :) .. anyway I wish u all well .. columbian , this is a great group of ladies .. sorry u have to be alone and here , as am I . But the girls here are wonderful support ... hugs 

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    columbiana -  sorry to welcome you to this board. but welcome!  I have left breast DCIS, too. 

    Today is one of our few weekday "off" from a scheduled weekday mastectomy in april.  hard to believe that all of us random ladies have found eachother this way-- and for every one of us there are scores more.  Good luck to the April 18th girls -- Plymouth, kimmygal, and jayme.  wishing you a speedy and minimally painful journey to the other side of this.  xxoo

  • Judy6
    Judy6 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2012

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sweet-Nothings-Lace-Trim-Shaping-Bodysuit-Style-87348/14004119?findingMethod=rr

    Ok ladies I am not much for supporting products but my PS told me about this because I was having much difficulty with a bra of any sort.  So I went to walmart last night and it was so comfortable that I wanted to wear it home, lol!   I was wearing a oversized sports bra prior to this that I had to cut because it was digging into my SNB area.  It also would ride under my breasts which wasn't good for my left side where PS put in the implant and would dig in.  So this was a great find at a great price, and super comfy. I think this would also be a great product for the ladies having DIEP.  It is sort of like a loose girdle so it wll hold the incsion area snug. Price for this wonder garment is only $15.68.  :)

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    lisamarie68 - So glad to hear that you are not going alone to be alone  You know I'd be there taking you if I wasn't in Texas!!!!!  I'm sending you a giant bucketful of calmness and peace to take with you !!!! HUGS!!!
  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited April 2012

    Thanks Melrose ... My boss is  my best friend and like a mother to me, I love her lots .. she is going to Vermont on Surgery day so I will miss her , but she thought since my real mom will be here to care for me she could go ... I thank god everyday for the speacial people in my life .. Melrose u are one of them {{HUGS}}

  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited April 2012

    Lisamarie- is nipple sparing not an option for you? I could have done it, but was too afraid to keep them being how I was multifocal and my cancer could not even be seen on the MRI. The 3-D tattoo's for nipples look so real.

  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited April 2012

    Mardibra- if your drainage is down, I would call to get the dam drains out. Waiting until 5/7 is a long time. The only pain med I have taken is tylenol. So I am a freak too. I got my period the day after surgery and I have headaches with them so tylenol was needed. It did take the edge off the drain sites too.

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

    DianaRose , yes she told me I could do nipple sparing but I choose not too because mine is also multifocal and bs says there is an 85% chance its in my lfet as well , so I chose to do away with nipples because its a greater chance for reoccurance as well as necrosis .. meaning they could die .. either way , I chose what I chose to keep my risk as low as possible  knowing I did all I could, do . I have 28 tattoos so the nipple tattoos are no biggie 4 me :) 

    Good luck with the drains today :) I hope u get them out . I am going shopping for a recliner today :) 

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    lisamarie68- Thanks for the kind words.  We just need to keep supporting one another  throughout our journeys--- no matter that one of us has completed that part of treatment that the other one is just starting that part.  Believe it or not, you are helping the others here  because you have said what maybe they are thinking and you make a true effort to keep moving forward and get through your fears.  That is a great accomplishment for anyone.  Have a great day.  Keep that chin up girl!!! 
  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited April 2012
    Doing the happy dance. Drain tubes are coming out at 3:30 today !!!!! Laughing
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    YAHOO DIANAROSE!!!!  Hope to hear from you once you get back from the doctor.  Happy Dance--- YAY!!!!
  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited April 2012

    I hope everyone is recovering well!  It's great to hear that some of you are doing so well with the pain...or lack there of!

    Best wishes and good thoughts for those going tomorrow.  

  • bellamarie
    bellamarie Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2012

    i am scheduled for 5-4.. way to much time to think

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Welcome Bellamarie and Columbiana, I've added you both to the list.

    Last few hours of waiting for me.  Have had a tension headache for a week.

    They moved my surgery from 8:30 to 11:30.  

    What else to say, want to be done.

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    You are almost done plymouthpeople!  Good luck!  and thanks for starting and keeping up this thread!

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    plymouthpeople:  I have the same headache!!!!   So close yet so far but the good news your almost to the other side and will be on your way to recovery real soon...best of luck thinking of you.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Thank you longisland and rtnyc, I am having a really hard day and your words help.  I dont even know the name of the feeling I am having, but I dont like it!

    FYI rtnyc: Using a thermacare heat thing, meant for the back, on my neck  to help with the headache, seems to help, maybe would help you

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

    plymouth < i think we are all feeling that feeling now . I have tomorrow and saturday left to work . and my anxiety builds by the day .. I have headaches daily . i just wanna smoke and take a good drink , but I know that will not solve a damm thing ,I went out and got my recliner today actually bought a love seat recliner and spent way more than i should so now I lay here in bed .. depressed and feeling freaky ... anyway I am in ur pocket tomorrow ... if that helps any 

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