Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

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  • GmaNiki
    GmaNiki Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2012

    Good morning ladies, I have been out for several days, guess I overdid it, popped a couple stitches in the abdominal insision and develped a big old infection. Have been running a fever since Saturday, on an antiobiotice since Sunday, fever broke sometime last night and I feel almost conscious this morning. Will be seeng the ps this afternon. Sort of feel like I am 4 days out from surgery instead of almost 4 weeks. But the set back is my own fault I guess. Had my elderly parents coming for the weekend and tried to clean the bathroom and did some sweeping and ran the vacuum cleaner. DH has been doing alll the housework for the past 6 weeks, but well you know.....

    Now I know why they tell you not to do much. Fever is notnfun and the drainage is so much I am using the biggest bladder protection pad I  could find to contain the drainage for more than an hour. I am sure the PS will be surprised to see how much it is draining now.  Well wewill see.

    I now need to go back and read all the posts since I left on Fri. But best wishes to everyone and hope you are recoverin well and to those of you waiting, remember to really     rest well during recovery,'

    Love

  • kimmygal
    kimmygal Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2012

    Keonghi,

    Sorry to hear about the bad news, and yes cancer really sucks.  Glad that you decided to do both sides things work out the way they  for a reason. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, stay strong.

    Welcome back Longislandmom so glad things went well, Now just concentrate on healing!

  • keonghi
    keonghi Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2012

    Welcome to the other side longislandmom! Like gmaniki said, now take it easy. Gmaniki, I hope you mend well.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    sorry for your infection Gmaniki.

    Just came back from Bs-pathology shows only LCIS, nothing else!  Yay!

    And saw PS, all 4 drains out!!!! Had first fill, did not feel anything.  Feel like I am on my way.

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Yea Plymouth! Great on path report! Keonghi...sorry your journey got a bit tougher...but I know u r a strong woman and u will get through this and kick some cancer ass! As for me... I am tired and feel like I went 10 rounds....but it is manageable. I saw my breasts fill view today and am ok with it. Ugly..but hopefully heathy! Too much talking today has made my already sore that hurt. But I am grateful to be on the post-op side. Good luck to all the upcoming gals and I promise it is not too bad. Btw...my ps only put in 2 drains!! Ok warrior women....thanks for all. So grateful to have found this site. Btw...on a funny note...rtnyc and I were texting the hole morning of our surgeries. We were both in NYC at different hospitals and were exchanging notes on nuke med shots. She had deep so is prob still in icu. But it has been comforting to chat!! Xxo to all

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    glad to hear from you again longisland, now rest.

    I way over did yesterday, walking 1.5 miles, to prove what, oh, yeh, that I am invincible, and had to spend the rest of the day in bed.  Rest, rest, rest

  • valerie0118
    valerie0118 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2012

    Hi All, I had my surgery on 4/19 (Thursday) and was home by Saturday.  The surgeon only took two nodes and both were negative.  I'm now waiting patiently for the path report to further clear me.  So right now, no right girl and a lumpectomy on the lefty.  I agree....the drains are so far the worst part of this whole ordeal.  I apparently am allergic to the tape they used and was having some pretty intense itching.  The PA removed the tape yesterday and it seems to be a bit better but still is the place that hurts the most. 

     Everyone facing their surgery is in my prayers.  I thank you all for putting me in yours.  

    I did get nausea even after warning them.  They put me on a morphine pump and when I got up to go to the restroom I got sick and then when I ate I got sick.  Once they removed the pump and put me on tramadol, I've been fine.  I tried to stretch the time between pain pills today and ended up taking one at 6 hours....the drainage exit spots hurt pretty bad.  Otherwise, I'm a bit tired but not doing too bad and seem to be eating and drinking ok.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    welcome to the other side Valerie!  Sorry for your vomiting,  Those drains are the worst!

    Rest.

    Here you go Vegan, City fi, night nurse and Gma10.  Meet you on the other side.

  • Zarasbaba
    Zarasbaba Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2012

    Longisland welcome to the other side!!

    I don't get it they let you have your IPad in the OR while you were having surgery ?

    Lucky you lol, glad your not in too much pain!!!



    Because I know I was in a hell of a lot of pain, and only now it's getting better



    They only removed two lymph nodes?



    Gentle warm hugs!!! You made it to the other side

  • Zarasbaba
    Zarasbaba Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2012

    Longisland......welcome to the other side !! Warm hugs

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Gabsbaba .. Just had sentinal nodes.....2 on BC side and one on prophy side. 3 total. Justbprayingnmy DCIS and LCIS biopsy finding will bear out with no new surprises. I've been dosing all evening. Can't sleep for much more than an hour or two....which is why I keep popping up here;). Just took another vicodan ...so I'm trying hard to stay on top of pain. They let me take iPod...not iPad into OR. Someone else I knew was allowed to and so I asked and they said yes. Highly recommend it to ladies in waiting. It was most useful during the wait before surgery and suring my nuke mapping. They put u under quick in or so prob only listenedfor a few minutes then. Good luck to all the tomorrow girls. Xxooo

  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited April 2012

    Good morning, ladies. I am crashing your party.   I found out yesterday that I am having a mastectomy this morning! Vegangal, I am jealous of your send-off.  I just had a quiet good-bye to the breast with hubby last night - tried not to get too emotional, since the b%$#c is trying to kill me.  I'm still hurting from the re-excision.

     I feel unprepared because I tried not to get too far ahead of myself. I hope they have a surgical bra for me, because I haven't even been shopping for one yet.  I barely have anything in my overnight bag.  Knowing me, I'll be too groggy to read or care about how I look.  I just want to begin my healing.

    Vegan, Gma, Cityfi, Nightnurse...I am with you, girls!

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

    vballmom- sorry to hear about the margins. It's a big shock.  The same thing happened to me. Had the lumpectomy and not one clean margin. Went back 2 weeks ago today and did the bmx. I hope you had time to think what you wanted or didn't want as far as reconstruction goes. I didn't even get a clean margin with the bmx. I am so sorry for you. Prayers and hugs.

    Good luck to everyone today and may your healing be quick.

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

    Lisamarie- hope to hear from you today and that you are on the mend.

  • BelaT
    BelaT Member Posts: 217
    edited April 2012

    Had a UMX last wedenesday with implants. doing ok. feels different. Onde side feels so so heavy. Still have drainage tubes. I am still sad for loosinf my breast. I didn't think I would feel this way. My two kids have very important day today.I can't be there

    I HATE THIS BC 

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

    BelaT- I hope you get your drain tubes out soon. You will feel much better once they are gone. I didn't want to go anywhere until mine came out.

    On the bright side- I am thinking of the fact that after I have all the dam treatments and fills I will be able to wear strapless dresses and shirts and look great. The other good news is you have the cacer out of your body. I hope you feel better soon.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Welcome to a party you never wanted to be invited to vball and belat.  I have added you to our list so you are official.

    Lets get this damn month over with so we can all be on the other side together!

    Good luck tomorrow Karina!

    Lisamarie?

    rtnyc?

    Doula?

    Mamabee?

    Yo?

  • mamabee
    mamabee Member Posts: 546
    edited April 2012

    I came home yesterday after my left UMX with tissue expander. All was going well until I woke up in the middle of the night with the chills. I've been running a fever today but it never goes over the magic 101 number they told me to call at. It got to 100.6 this afternoon so I called and they say it's not uncommon and probably just a reaction to the anesthesia. I'm on antibiotics so I can't imagine it's an infection. Other than that my husband and I are enjoying our bonding time while he strips and empties my drains....

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Glad you are back mamabee!  Welcome to the other side!

    Stripping for you husband takes on a whole new meaning...

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

    Welcome back mamabee, glady you are on the other side.

    Plymouthpeople-I like your stripping comment. Very funny.

    My PS called in some Valium for the muscle spasm I have been getting at night. I feel like someone is tugging on my chest.

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Dianarose, the valium will help you so much.  I had a fill yesterday and I feel the "iron bra" 5 mg of Valium and relief.

    Also had a shower!!!

  • Karina51
    Karina51 Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2012

    Thank you, Plymouthpeople...I am so ready to get these bad girls GONE! Bag is packed, using all the good advice I have gleaned from the gals who have gone before me, scripts are picked up, house is prepared, etc., so looking forward to coming home to finally begin healing. Although I have not been an active poster due to a hard recovery from chemo, I have certainly benefited by all the positive and encouraging messages to others..confidence building to face tomorrow. Thank you, all!

  • carol50
    carol50 Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2012

    So Im about two weeks post UMX with an implant but Im wanting for the pain to be less. When I had the drains in I attributed all the pain to the tubes/drains somehow and thought my chest wasnt in pain. Now that they are gone Im getting tired of the pain. Im just on tylenol now but anxious for this to get better soon! Am I just being too impatient? 

    Saw PS a week ago and he wasnt sure if the nipple was going to make it. I guess that was the only negative thing he saw.  Going back tomorrow to ask about the pain and see if everything looks right to him.

    Thanks for letting me vent.

    Carol 

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    I am having a lot of pain today too, fill yesterday hurts today, but the worst part is mental.  I guess I have a one week tolerance for not feeling normal, and it is used up now.  I am ancy (sp?) irritated, bored, restless, agitated, unfocused, unproductive, just yucky.

    Thanks for the vent.  I will man up now, so-to-speak (funny expression, have you ever seen a sick man, OMG, what babies)

  • aussie12
    aussie12 Member Posts: 462
    edited April 2012

    Hi all

    I had my drain out Monday and my pain has been worse since then. I have also felt  a lot more tired the last few days. I feel like it will take longer to get better than I thought.

    How is everyone else feeling after your op? Have you had a bit of a relapse?

  • keonghi
    keonghi Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2012

    Hi all! I am at 2 1/2 weeks and still waking up feeling like a mack truck ran over my chest! Still have one drain in but that should be gone on Monday. I definitely agree the waiting is worse than anything cuz now I am waiting to see what the MO says. I thank God for this site and for all of you! I hope our Wed girls are resting peacefully!

  • valerie0118
    valerie0118 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2012

    I have my first week follow-up appointment with the surgeon today. I had left side lumpectomy (atypical cells) and right side mastectomy (IDC near nipple).   He was hoping to have the pathology report by now and mentioned calling me if it came in earlier.....he hasn't called so it is either back and he doesn't want to give me bad news on the phone or not back yet.....I'm hoping for the latter! 

    I'm feeling pretty good.  Much better than I expected.  The itching in the drain area stopped once they removed the tape but that site is still the sorest I have.  I have an occasional twinge around the incision site when I move a certain way but my range of motion is improving.  I do get tired easily but I'm trying to increase my activity level.  It is amazing how deep I sleep when I take a nap or even at night.  I lie down and I'm instantly out and don't wake up until something or someone disturbs me.  My kitties think it is great that I'm stretched out in the recliner and providing them with a great lap area to sleep on!  They are going to be so spoiled after this!

    I really don't have much pain.  I'm wondering if I should increase my spacing with the tramadol.  I make it through the night on one dose (supposed to take one every 4 hours).  I take one in the morning when I get up and then about 8 hours later notice a mild pain beginning and take another one.  I probably could get by without it but don't want to see swelling happen.  They said at the hospital to take it regardless so that the pain doesn't begin.  What were your experiences with pain medication?  Is it also preventing swelling?

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Keo, sorry your situation keeps you in the waiting mode.  I hoped you would have the post surgery relief, but I pray that will come, but later for you.

    Pain meds dont prevent swelling,  I cut down after three or so days when I noticed little pain when next pill was due.  I still take one at night along with valium to reduce discomfort so I can sleep.  And now I know the day after a fill hurts, so I will take them then too.

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    hi, ladies. i'm on day 3 post surgery and am doing well. very stiff and sore, but not in too much pain. i have a mountain of pillows that looks like a sculpture in my bed and am managing to sleep and nap in 1-3 hour clips. the vicodan knocks me out. my PS put quite a fair amount of saline in my expanders during my initial surgery and i am not really flat. the incisions are big-- but not to angry looking. mostly, i am very very tired still. and soo stressed about getting the pathology report. i am staying in city for the week-- which is a treat. i get to sleep on my own schedule and not have to worry about freaking my young kids out. DH went home today to be with them and will bring them to see me this weekend. i can't wait. so sorry so many of you are still in pain. i'm hope and pray it gets better for you soon. the weird feeling for me is not being able to figure out what is bothering me..i.e. there are so many new sensations around my chest area....i.e. drains, TE, incisions, tight camisole...never really sure what it is that is bothering me of the group of things. oh, well. trying to take it one step at a time. grateful for al of you and looking forward to cheering you all on to health. xxo

  • valerie0118
    valerie0118 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2012

    Well just got done with my surgeon appointment and while the news was not all good....it could have been worse.  The pathology appointment was back.  They found very small areas of DCIS in the left side which previously had only shown atypical cells.  He said one of the margins was not far enough away from the site so now I'm scheduled for re-excision on May 11 and they will insert the catheter for radiation at that time too.  Now we know I will have radiation on that side and will also have to take tamoxafin for 5 years because I was positive for both estrogen and progesterone.  I am HER2 negative.  Guess I might as well get my signature ready now.  Just have to figure out the pathology report.  The pathology report states that the right breast showed no discrete mass lesion just irregularly dense tissue with areas of IDC.  Surgeon said since he did mastectomy there, I wouldn't need radiation for that area.  Both have now been scored as IA.  He said primary grade 1.  No cancer detected in right side sentinal lymph nodes.

    I have to admit I'm a little bummed right now and at the same time know I'm lucky.  I was hoping for the best but was prepared for the worse and since he hadn't called me with results, was kind of expecting some complications.  I keep telling myself I could have been worse and that I'm lucky they caught it early.  I'm now back in the questioning mode of how did I get this and how do I keep from getting more.  I'm almost tempted to just take the left one off too and get it over with.  The surgeon assured me my prognosis is great....just a little extra work has to be done.   Thought I would share with you all.  I guess we should probably get that May Surgery list started.....

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