June 2012 Mastectomy

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  • loriio
    loriio Member Posts: 247
    edited June 2012
    June Bugs or Team Wallenda (whichever you prefer)Here is an updated list of June surgeries.  If I missed anyone, PM me and I'll edit this post. 6/1-7of9 6/4 - ldianel 6/5-rosetx, jenlee 6/6-Jacki2005, curveball, 3kidsmom 6/7-bevg49 6/8-Lynn27, KimKay, rhymeblue 6/11-hannah318, tellie_savalis, my3sunz42, kirwin524 (lumpectomy,Lymphoscintigraphy), Ami1026. honeypotpie6/12- Sandpiper1 (SNB-UMXw/Diep on 7/11) 6/14-faithhopenluv 6/15-LastMango, planetbananas6/18-Lisa143, 25weeks, NanG, JenH13 6/19-LAstar , tellie_savalis6/20 beata44, Grateful33, emerald42, laurab696/22-Ligrtt, Taismommy 6/26-loriio, tlangston07, kane744, love mysamoyeds6/27 MMTOMH, kirwin5246/28-GeorgiaRai , Phylmont6/29-tbc1222 7/10-annievan7/11-sandpiper1I know some dates changed so let me know if I missed one.Best of luck to all!Lori  
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  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2012

    Okay, so I was inpatient and decided to put together an updated list my self.  So here goes:

    Today: NanG, JenH13, Lisa143 and Spakysbrat

    06/19: LAstar

    06/20: grateful33, beata44, emerald424, laurab69

    06/22: taismommy, Llgrtt

    06/25: annievan

    06/26: loriio, tlangston07, kane744, lovemysamoyeds

    06/27: MMTOMH

    06/28: GeorgiaRai, Phylmont

    06/29: tbc1222

    By my count this is 44 women that are undergoing surgery so far this month!  Wow.  Continued prayers for peace, comfort, healing, clean nodes and path reports and so much more!

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  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2012

    Whoops, loriio, didn't see that post when I posted mine! sorry--but good to have the dates again...I'm praying for everyone each day and like to call them by "name."

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  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2012

    Hope everyone is doing well.  Nervous about tomorrow, but feel so much better for having been in this group and knowing I am not alone and a bit of what to expect. Hope everyone from today did well!  I probably won't check again tonight, trying to keep my mind off of surgery so I can sleep. 

    Wish me luck, I'm going in!

    Corky 

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited June 2012

    I had my BMX in Feb 2012, my Right side was effected but did both.  The soreness has not gone away around the breast bone and my right side tricep/underarm has been numb but tingling/burning pain sensation because they took out about 17 nodes to test.  I feel as though the pain is more sensative lately in that arm and not sure if this is something to worry about or is normal?? Anyone else??

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  • 3kidsmom
    3kidsmom Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2012

    I hope everyone who had surgery today is resting comfortably tonight.  Good luck to LAstar and Tellie tomorrow!  I'll be praying for you and thinking good thoughts for you guys. 

    Karen

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited June 2012

    Love the Team Wallenda reference.

    GO Corky and Tellie! Positive vibes and thoughts coming your way.

    Hoping Lisa, Nan, Jen & 25W are resting comfortably tonight.

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    @B123, have you been checked for lymphedema? From the number of nodes removed I would guess you had a full axial node dissection rather than a sentinel node biopsy. You might also ask your question on the Pain forum for a reply from someone who knows a lot more about LE than I do.

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    My name is Jonathan and I am the husband of Nan G. Her surgery (2xmastectomy) went perfectly, it was 2 hrs long and she is now recovering at the hospital. I just talked to her and we think she is coming home today, June 19th 2012.

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  • my3sunz42
    my3sunz42 Member Posts: 148
    edited June 2012

    NanG - congrats & welcome to the other side :-) Enjoy all the pampering and get some much needed rest!

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  • OM12
    OM12 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    NanG - (via Jonathan) thanks for posting, we've all been praying it would go smoothly - glad to hear it did.

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  • 25weeks
    25weeks Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2012

    Hiello everyone. Upate: it started with me developing red mans syndrome (severe itching & developing hives) from the vancomycin drip as a precaution for MRSA which I had 12 years ago for which they gave me pepcid & benadryl intravenously. My surgery started about 10:30am yesterday and I went to recovery about 4pm for another 2 hours. I had a rocky recovery as I woke up having a panic attack beacause I couldn't take a deep breath due to pain. I remember crying and asking for my husband. I think they had to give me Valium. I've been taking quite shallow breaths due to pain, so they gave me a little device to practice building strength.



    My IV hand is very puffy. They've been giving me extra fluids for excessive blood loss during surgery. But my IV hand is miserable. I slept with the leg cuffs & bp cuff going off constantly, like every 3 minutes. My bp has been hovering around 90/50. I made it out of bed once to walk the hall, but that was pretty hellish!



    Man, I wish I had something positive to say. Preliminarily, 0/3 nodes, so that's good, and the doc was able to save my nipples. I've found that my hubby is not the best nurse, so I sure hope I feel better soon.



    The pain was overwhelming for me and for some reason I was extremely warm and even requested a fan for my room, which I kept blowing on me all night long. This from someone who keeps the AC on 77.



    I hope my June 18th buddies fared better than I. I was hoping to go home today, but just done see how that's possible. The IV morphine is the only thing keeping me going right now. :(



    You all are in my thoughts.

    Tricia

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    Tricia - I'm so sorry, that really is a story of what else can get added on top. Hopefully every day gets a little bit better.



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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    prayers today for LAstar that both flaps will thrive and for tellie_savalis that your recovery will be rapid and reconstruction later this year will be a "go". For 25weeks, I pray that your pain will be relieved and the allergic reaction will subside.

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited June 2012

    25weeks, I don't know if you are online much, but maybe someone will check the board and read this to you. I'm sorry to hear what a miserable time you are having. Many years ago I was hospitalized for a severe infection and had an IV for antibiotics. At one point the needle either came out of the vein or poked through to the other side, and since the fluids were going straight into the tissue instead of my bloodstream, I ended up with a hugely swollen hand. Has the nurse been checking that your IV is still in the right place? As I remember, the swelling started to go down as soon as the IV problem was corrected.

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  • 25weeks
    25weeks Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2012

    Curveball- I had them remove the port in my hand since they had started another in my arm during surgery. That was about 2 hours ago and I don't see any difference in swelling. In fact it may be worse. The nurse said it could take a few days, but I'm suspicious something else is going on. It's also still quite cold to the touch.



    I also lost a lot of blood during surgery, so they increased IV fluids accordingly. My face is still pretty puffy too.



    What kind of pain levels were you all having the day after surgery? The doctor said I could go home if I wanted to, but I'm not sure I'm ready. Did anyone else have headache & nausea with standing the day after? I almost puked walking down the hall here at the hospital. They have me on Norco & Valium. I don't know if I should stay another night or head home. When you went home, did you feel at least somewhat in control?



    Tricia

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  • Lynn27
    Lynn27 Member Posts: 110
    edited June 2012

    25 weeks  Your nausea and headache could be the result of your meds and/or your very low blood pressure.  Make sure your doc knows your concerns and is responsive to them.  There are alternatives to norco.  Make sure the nursing staff is communicating with your doc and not just whatever resident is on call.  You shouldn't be in that much pain.  While going home is enticing (your own bed and surroundings), you will be losing 24-hour trained nursing support.  (I think you said your husband wasn't the best nurse.)  If your IV did infiltrate, it can take a while for the fluid to be reabsorbed, especially in a hand.

    LAStar Tellie Best wishes and success to you.

    Thank you for keeping the log of names.  I agree, it's nice to know people's names.  June has been busy. hasn't it?

    I'm guessing that having immediate flap/free tissue reconstruction saves time in the long run, but in the short run, you folks who get to go home so quickly and get to be/can be active again so quickly are making me a bit jealous.  Running races, walking miles, and what-all in the same amount of time it takes me to get clear-headed from all the anesthesia.  So, here's my celebration today:  four drains out!!  If that nurse spends all her time pulling out surgical drains she'll never lack for friends.  Only two left.  Maybe maybe I'll get them out at my first post-op visit on Thu.

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  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 514
    edited June 2012
    Hi Ladies~  I am new to your thread here and preparing for a BMX with reconstruction (TEs) on July 5th.  I am trying to prepare in advance (I'm a planner) and wondering if you can give me any gems of advice.   So far I have ordered the pink G-sleeve so they don't do any blood draws, BP's etc., on my Left (affected) side.  I have also ordered drain holders from Pink Pockets (they look comfy).  I am looking for some comfy tops to wear and I know I want them to be front open/closure but I don't much care for button down tops in general so I don't want to spend alot of money on something that will be used in the short term.  I'm thinking I can step into some of my tank tops while the weather is hot (currently in the 90's here in Chicagoland but who knows what will happen by July).  Does anyone have any other suggestions for tops or anything else that you have found helpful after mastectomy?  Thanks for sharing!  Smile
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  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2012

    Hey guys I made it to the other side. Surgery went well. Started a little late but otherwise can't complain. Hope everyone is doing well. Will catch up with posts later.



    Corky

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    So...here I am. I made it. Man...seriously like the most physically tough thing ever. I didn't really do well on morphine. So I Had a hard time managing pain till today. I got switched to Tylenol 3. I feel generally okay. Super stiff...like I did a million pushups and have a wicked sunburn...

    Last night was rough! I got up to pee...and the pain hit me so hard I fainted. I never want to feel that again. But I had awesome nurses who helped a lot! Things i packed that have helped me so far...slippers, throat lozenges for after the breathing tube, Chapstick, lanyard for holding drains, hair ties, toothbrush, listerine, a pretty old lady zipper jammy from Walmart . Things I packed that have just sat there....all my underwear, bras n pads. Even on your period, they make u use a bedpan....I no longer have any dignity! Lol. A notepad n pen, didn't write anything down...all my other cute pjs, seriously spilled drains on my cutest one! Don't bother... And, hmm...oh yeah my cane. An old foldable cane, someone recommended that to me, pointless, have no chest strength to use it anyways. Most priceless thing I brought? My IPAD because before now I was going nuts from boredom! My roommate is an old man asleep all the time. He's nice n quiet though, but doesn't speak any English.

    I'm still very nervous because I didn't get any pathology...and my oncologist said before the surgery that I wouldn't see her till three weeks from now! I was like, what?! Three weeks?! She said "there's a lot to go through in there" but secretly I think she's going on vacation!!! But with 8cm of dcis...I guess it is a lot to "go through". Another weird thing....she only did snb on one side. I thought she said on the phone two sides? But I just guessed she knew what she was doing! So, pray for me fellows. I tried to get in with the nurses to see my operation notes...I'm bribing them with Netflix on my iPad!!, lol! Just kidding. Honestly though, Lots of pain, got nauseous n begged for gravol and begged for muscle relaxers because after TE went in it felt like my muscles were in constant spasm. Still haven't laid down flat but am about to try it now.

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  • grateful33
    grateful33 Member Posts: 58
    edited June 2012

    Hello all

    I have been following all the posts closely and have been sending positive thoughts to all those that have undergone surgery. Thank you for all the posts. It is reassuring to hear from you all when you get to the other side!

    My BMx is tomorrow am and I am feeling quite anxious. Reading these posts makes me feel less alone

    Good wishes to all those with upcoming surgery and healing thoughts to all the Junebugs.

    xo

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  • kirwin524
    kirwin524 Member Posts: 47
    edited June 2012

    Good to hear from our most recent post-op'ers :)



    I cannot believe that I am going to be a 2x June comrade but I am. Go back in next weds as I didn't get clear margins and though full path not in yet I also had 6 of 13 nodes not clear. Today has probably been my toughest day with more tears since this started but I am lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who love me. I will wake up tomorrow in a better frame of mind!



    Continued hugs positive vibes and prayers to all of you!

    Kristi

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  • loriio
    loriio Member Posts: 247
    edited June 2012

    Good luck to beata, emerald and grateful tomorrow.  I pray that all goes smoothly.

     Kirwin, so sorry you have to go back in.  I will edit my post on this page to include your next surgery date.  I hope you have some measure of peace leading up to the next surgery and healing from both surgeries.

    It was good to hear from you NanG and Tellie.  I hope you have quick healing.  

    LAstar, hope your surgery went well.

    Continued prayers for healing for all off those who had their surgeries, and prayers for calm and peace for those still waiting.

    Rock on JuneBugs!  or Team Wallenda Rocks!  

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  • wendy49
    wendy49 Member Posts: 45
    edited June 2012

    Hi all Junebugs --

    I am thinking about each one of you ladies either getting ready for surgery or recovering from post-op.  Sending positive and healing thoughts to all. 

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    Sorry kirwin - we all have bad days, I know I have had my share. For me a good angry cry helps from time to time.



    25weeks - I was very swollen all over for several days. I couldnt see my veins or tendons in my hands and feet at all. It is almost back to normal but my stomach is still swollen. Is it just one hand or all over?



    NanG - sorry you are having so much pain. Fainting is the worst feeling!



    Lynn - yay on the drains, I'm sure I have my 2 til Monday. One was logged and luckily I had a follow up apt soon after. If you haven't been told about 'milking' you should ask. It keeps the thicker tissue from clogging the fluid. My nurse showed me with putting lotion on a tissue, holding it tight so it doesn't pull and with the other hand squeezing and pulling to work thru the yuck.



    C - squared - I don't really like button downs either. I have 4 from my lumpectomy. I hate them, but they really are most comfortable in this situation. I tried to wear a tank top and what I thought was loose top over it on Monday. I ended up cutting them off, I could have got it off w effort to slide down my hips, but i was too frustrated to work w it. The larger button downs also cover the drains better. What I wish I had gotten was a couple light weight men's short sleeved button downs. At this point I'm sticking it out w my four hated shirts. When all this is over I'll toss them.



    Hope lastar is doing well. Thinking of grateful33, beata44, emerald424 and laura69 - wishing you successful surgeries, clear nodes and margins and quick recoveries.

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    Wallenda's Junebugs!

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  • laurab69
    laurab69 Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2012

    Thank you for all the well wishes. I am super scared but feel as though this is the next step in my journry of life.  i will pray for all of you as well . Thank you for this sisterhood.

    Laura

    ps on the brightside i get my port out too. 

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  • NanG
    NanG Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2012

    Man I'm bored. I was watching xena warrior princess on Netflix and then I had to stop for an I.v. Of antibiotics. Bummer.

    I wish I brought the following: my word search book, a coloring book and crayons, some popcorn, makeup, my credit card so I could've got online here yesterday n updated u guys, and a team Walenda tshirt....or Junebugs shirt! I'm gonna make one!

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  • loriio
    loriio Member Posts: 247
    edited June 2012

    Laurab69- I am so sorry I missed you on the list.  You are added now, and best of luck tomorrow!  You are in my prayers.

    NanG-Wallenda's Junebugs!  I love it.  I wish there is a way we could contact and let him know he is our mascot.

    Lori 

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  • faithhopenluv
    faithhopenluv Member Posts: 323
    edited June 2012

    Laurab - the first words I croaked (couldn't even speak yet) was 'is the port gone?' the happy answer is yes, the puzzle is I have no idea how. As far as I can tell it's only the original scar

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