March 2013 Surgeries

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  • Butterflylady2012
    Butterflylady2012 Member Posts: 187
    edited February 2013

    Congrats to you on finishing Chemo!  Foreverchanged, I call it a "grabbing stick" too!  I bought one for myself for my first surgery.  I didn't use it as much as I thought I would...funny I use it more now.  With my next surgery in March, I'm sure I will use it again.  When I was diagnosed and had surgery last April/May, I went to a medical supply store and bought a sleeping wedge and also a wedge for my legs.  The pillow wedge I used for several weeks, the leg wedge only for the first few nights.  BUT I will use them again shortly for my preventative procedure.  I know it can be so overwhelminging not only with BC, but all the extra things like what to get for after surgery and just everything else.  I think there is an AFTER SURGERY list that was put together somewhere on this site. 

    BIg HUG and healing thoughts to you now!

  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2013

    Congratulations on finishing chemo! I started chemo after Labor Day and am finishing on Tuesday. Yay!!! As with some of the lafies here, the plan is to continue the Herceptin for a year. I hope we all tolerate any post-chemo drugs well.



    I also bought a pillow wedge and a leg wedge. I figure they will be helpful after my mastectomy on the 6th, and then again in the future when I have reconstruction. My breast surgeon has been talking up a plastic surgeon who does what I believe is called DIEP. She is fairly sure that I'll need radiation so they want to wait on reconstruction.



    I will look for the post surgery list on this board. Helpful ideas from women who have been here and done this are so valuable.



    I send good thoughts up to the heavens for all of us before I go to sleep each night. I can tell that surgery is getting near for me because of my suddenly busier calendar of tests, doctor visits, lymphedema specialist consult, post-mastectomy garment appointment etc. Won't it be a gift when our time isn't taken up in waiting rooms and tests and medical consults?!?!?



    Warm and healing thoughts to all,

    Linda



  • Foreverchanged72612
    Foreverchanged72612 Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2013

    I have seen some women posting about sleeping in a recliner post surgery...don't have one but I do have a nice glider with ottoman we got when I had my third child (20 months now). Thinking about putting that in my bedroom.

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Hello Everyone! Just thought I would list out the March 2013 surgeries I've seen on this thread and see if we've misssed anyone...please make corrections and additions...hugs and prayers for everyone facing surgery in March:) Maureen

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th - ? procedure - Shari

  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2013

    Tomorrow I meet with my plastic surgeon to discuss my direct to implant surgery. I'm starting to feel really anxious. As surgery date approaches, I feel less in control of my emotions. I'm sure this is normal, but thought I'd share. Anyone else stressing out?

    Karrie

  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited February 2013

    Maureen I am in for March. I am having a right mastectomy and axillary dissection with immediate reconstruction T/E.

    Thanks!

    Marian

  • Shari0707
    Shari0707 Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2013

    Will keep u posted... Procedure still in limbo.. Waiting for imaging after chemo which is done march 1

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Welcome to the group Marian - the first week of March is going to be busy with 4 of us going to surgery! We'll have to keep in touch especially as our surgery dates approach next week...YES, Karrie, I am stressing out more and more as the day gets closer...it's getting harder to focus during the day and I'm waking up more at night, I just don't know what to expect, what will I feel like after the surgery? Will they find anything else in the pathology - oh please...no more surprises...but I've already been blindsided several times already by this disease...  Hang in there Shari - you'll be done with chemo soon and hopefully will know "what's next":) Hugs to everyone...take care, Maureen

    Here's the updated list:

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th? - finishing chemo March1st then imaging to find out surgical procedure - Shari

  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited February 2013

    Hi, I am also March 6th. I will be having a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with TE. I am anxious but extremely nervous as the days approach. I am finishing up work and also trying to get organized. I am wondering though does anyone know if they are definitely having chemo yet? It looks like a good possibility for me as I am BRCA2 +. I know this is such a small issue in terms of how huge this surgery will be but what are people doing about their hair? I was told I should get a haircut but my haircut place is expensive!! Does it really make sense to get a haircut if it is going to come out from chemo? Also I am thinking about going shopping for a wig before surgery just in case i need chemo and dont feel up to it after my surgery. Is anyone thinking anything similar?





    Thanks!

    jrose

  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited February 2013

    jsrose, probably a good idea to get on a chemo thread. I kind of follow a couple as my chemo started in Oct. and ended 3 weeks ago. I had a lumpectomy and SNB in Sept. which sadly showed a whole lot of aggressive stuff thus no time for more surgery then; straight to chemo. You have lots of time to read the threads of those of us who have gone before but most of us I would say, did a buzz cut about two weeks after the first chemo. I got a wig but wish I had not bothered as I have only worn it 4 times. This is so personal but I just don't feel comfortable in mine . Just suggesting not to rush out and buy one!

  • Foreverchanged72612
    Foreverchanged72612 Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2013

    Jsrose, I echo what Mariane has said. The chemo threads are great. I started chemo in September and just finished but mostly all the women who started in Sept and joined that September thread are still posting there...we have become the september sisters sharing the experience step by step. It has been so nice. I cut my hair short before chemo. I had long hair and wanted to cut it short to gradually ease it to my young kids that my hair might not be sticking around. My chemo started with weekly Taxol and Herceptin treatments which aren't that bad and my hair stuck around (it thinned considerably but stuck around). It was my next round 12 weeks later that took all my hair. I shaved it at home and it was actually a relief. I had been really careful about taking showers for 12 weeks so as not to mess my hair too much because I didn't want to disturb the hair follicles. Blah. After I shaved my head I spent a glorious 10 minutes in the shower letting the water pour over my head. Will never forget that moment! I have two wigs (you can see from my avatar) one brunette that was expensive and very close to my natural color and one blonde that was free from my hospital. It's my fun wig. I wear it mostly under hats because it isn't the greatest fit. Whew! I really didn't mean to be so wordy!!

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Welcome (((jrose)))...I'll add you to the list - you and Linda will be "surgery sisters" on March 6th:) Wow, there are 5 of us having surgery that first week!

    In response to the chemo questions...my hair salon is expensive as well and I decided to put the money toward a nice wig that looked very much like my usual style and color instead of a cut and color. I got the wig during the first week of chemo because my oncologist said I would definitely lose my hair in the first 2 weeks with dose dense chemo (every 2 weeks I had Adriamycin and Cytoxan) and like clock work it started falling out just after my second dose. I am glad I got it before the hair started falling out so they could match my style and color. When it started falling out I went back to the wig shop and they buzzed it off for me and fitted my wig - my husband is such a sentimental guy - he saved the long hair and kept it in a small plastic bag to remind me of the color and length:) (If you get a wig, think about getting a "wig liner" it is soft cotton and is great to keep the wig from itching your sensitive scalp)  My hair started coming back in while I was on the Taxol but the eyelashes and eyebrowns fell out - they did not like Taxol! It came in white? and baby soft, now I'm 6 weeks post the last chemo and the eyelashes/eyebrows are back and the hair on my head is turning dark brown and is about 1/2 inch long all over my head but still not enough to go out without my wig. I work and am just more comfortable in the wig at work - most people didn't know I had lost my hair because it looked so much like my original hair style and color so they thought I just got it cut:)

    Wearing a wig is tough and there are some moments that you just have to accept and laugh at - like the day I walked out of the hospital after work to meet my daughter at her car and a gust of snowy Michigan wind blew my wig off - YIKES - I had to run down the street in front of the hospital chasing this $200 wig until I could catch it by jumping on it with both feet! I snatched it out of the street and plopped it back on my head...oh well...Made for a great laugh for both of us:) Hang in there...we're with you:) (((Hugs))) Maureen

    Here's the updated list:

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th? - finishing chemo March1st then imaging to find out surgical procedure - Shari

  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2013

    Thank you Maureen for posting the calendar! I was accessing this site from my phone and putting the dates into my phone calendar, but it is getting overrun with dates so now I will print it out hard copy and add more if necessary.

    I also feel an increased level of stress. For me, my suddenly full calendar of additional medical appts and tests is a constant reminder of what is to come in early March. The bright spot on my calendar is my weekly Reiki appointment. :)

    I wish there was a button that we could turn off when we get really anxious. I guess that is what Ativan is for, but I am going to ask the surgeon for a prescription sleep aid when I see her next week. The time released melatonin dosen't cut it lately. And while people around me are celebrating my completion of 6 months of chemo, I feel like I have a whole new set of possibilities to stress over. Arghhh!!! Also I don't feel like chemo is really over since I'll be back at infusion next week for a triple dose of Herceptin, and my nurse says I may get flu-like side effects from that. It is what it is. :/ I am very glad for Herceptin, though--I had a dream where one of my heart tests came out poorly so I couldn't take Herceptin as planned this year and I woke up crying. Emotions are definitely on edge!

    jrose-- You and I will both be in surgery on the 6th, huh? I just got a call telling me to be at the hospital at 6am! I guess I am the first surgery of the day. I hope you don't need chemo, but if it will help with your outcome then it is well worth doing. I had my hair cut a bit shorter before I began AC chemo. Two weeks after chemo started it came out by the handful so I shaved it short myself. Drugs are different from one another in their effects on the hair so it depends on what you may be taking. Someone told me not to shave my hair to the scalp, so I left some stubble that has come and gone over the months, and now I have fine downy white fuzz. People tell me that is usually the first step in getting hair back. I have a wig that I wear when I want to blend in someplace, and I wear pretty scarves to the cancer center. The nurses and doctors always comment favorably on my colorful head coverings, and it really makes me feel better to have something pretty on my head, especially since my eyebrows, lashes etc. are sparce and my face gets a bit puffy from chemo. If you end up doing chemo, Headcovers.com has some very nice options for scarves etc.

    I now have to head to the center for a post-surgical garment. This is getting close.

    Sending good thoughts up for all of us,

    Linda

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    FYI - Here's a link to the American Cancer Society site with post mastectomy supplies, head covers, wigs, etc. The prices are very reasonable and they ship quickly. I just purchased a post mastectomy camisole that is velcro in the front, under a pretty piece of flowered ribbon so it opens up and you don't have to pull it over your head. There are pockets for the drains and the fit is very comfortable...http://www.tlcdirect.org/Post-Surgery-Mastectomy-Camisole-Bra-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct?did=65

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Hello Everyone, please welcome Keke to our March 2013 surgery group.

    Here's the updated list:

    March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th? - finishing chemo March1st then imaging to find out surgical procedure - Shari

  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2013

    When I started this board, I felt so alone in all this. Although I am so sorry you are all going through this, I feel so blessed to have you all here with me. Welcome to all the newcomers. My plastic surgeon told me I would be out of work 6-8 weeks,but would be able to do most routine things by 4 weeks. I've done everything I can think of to prepare for recovery. Hope I haven't forgotten anything. Thinking of all of you.

    Karrie

  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited February 2013

    Wow what a list of people having surgery in March!  I was on the Feb surgery list for my lumpectomy but now need bmx. I just saw the bs and ps this week and will be scheduled soon but probably mid March?  Will let you all know the date as soon as I know.  Plan to have bmx with immediate recon with lateral dorsi flap and silicone implants. Can't wait to get a date and get all this behind me.  Once surgery is done I should not need any chemo or rads, so hope my surgery goes well and I can move on with life.  The waiting for surgery will be the worst part as usual.  I get to go back to work next week, which will help keep me busy and I need to get out of the house.  Will be keeping track of all the surgeries to come and how everyone is doing.  Feb thread did really well and are still doing well as each surgery date arrives.  Hugs to all!

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Hi (((mamasixtaz))) welcome to the March 2013 surgery group...YES, the waiting is the worst part...how wonderful that you will likely not need chemo or rads!!! Please let us know when you surgery date is so we can add you to the list and keep you in our thoughts and prayers...(((hugs))) Maureen

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Yes (((Karrie))) it is a blessing to have "sisters" around us and their support when we are facing surgery...thanks for being here! Maureen

  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2013

    I saw the message about the post surgery mastectomy camisole. I just returned from my cancer center with two of those camisoles. They are just as Maureen described them. :) Soft and comfortable!

    My center also gave me a heart-shaped pillow for tucking under my arm after the mastectomy and I can see how that soft pillow might be really comfortable as well. Insurance covered most of the cost of the camisoles for me so you might want to check with your insurance company or ask the seller if they provide an insurance receipt or whatever.

    One day at a time... we will get beyond this!

  • Butterflylady2012
    Butterflylady2012 Member Posts: 187
    edited February 2013

    With my first surgery last May the waiting was terrible, because at the time the cancer was in me and I just wanted it out!  This time around the surgery is preventative so the fear is not intense and overwhelming - but the stress is still there a little of not wanting to be put under, going through the initial recovery and discomfort.  The closer I get I know I'll be more stressed.  I know what to expect though this time around.  I feel good about my surgeons and the hospital. 

    Thoughts and prayers to all the March ladies!!  

  • Cuetang
    Cuetang Member Posts: 575
    edited February 2013

    Hi ladies!  Joining this thread...I will be having a bilateral MX with immediate DIEP reconstruction on March 8.  I was diagnosed in early January, but it took a while to get through all the doctor visits, dealing with insurance, and getting on both the BS and PS's calendar.  Am a bit nervous because like butterflylady2012, I just want the darn cancer out of me!  No treatment plan yet until after the surgery.  I'll start shopping for supplies this weekend....planning for the recovery period has begun!   

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Hello Everyone, please welcome Cuetang to our March 2013 surgery group...(Karrie, looks like you have a "surgery sister" with you on March 8th) It is sad to see the list grow but as Karrie mentioned, we are blessed to have each other's support as we prepare for surgery and when we are recovering. Hang in there everyone, we'll get thru this:)

    Here's the updated list:

    March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th? - finishing chemo March1st then imaging to find out surgical procedure - Shari

  • 2girls-2spaniels
    2girls-2spaniels Member Posts: 10
    edited February 2013

    I am new to the discussion boards also.  I was just diagnosed with invasive ductual carcinoma and invasive lubula carcinoma at the end of January.  Scheduled for a left side mastectomy on March 5. Immediate reconstruction to follow with possible TE.   Little naive that I can be but I was looking at the list of things to purchase or gather for after surgery.  I don't understand the pillow wedge for under the legs?  Can someone please shed some light on that for me and is there anything else I should be aware of ?  

  • Lin43
    Lin43 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2013

    2 girls-2 Spaniels --

    The pillow wedge under the legs is to make you more comfortable, especially your back, when you are sleeping in a semi-upright position. It is used with a wedge or pillows that you lean against to sleep in bed. Or you could use a recliner for sleep. Also, I like your name. :) I could be called two Corgis.



    Maureen- - Thank you for giving me a much needed laugh with your wig story. I also did the dose dense AC and just finished Taxol, and I have the white thin hair going with the very sparse eyebrows and eyelashes. Not a look I want to keep indefinitely. Ha! I actually shaved the back of my neck today because I'm looking too much like a bald man with a hairy neck. Weird how it grows back in. Thanks for helping me to look ahead 6 weeks or so to some colored hair and eyelashes/eyebrows! It has been over 5 months now and I really miss my hair!



    Thinking of everyone as we head into the last week of February. We can do this!





  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Hello 2girls-2spaniels:) Welcome to the March 2013 Surgery group...sorry you are facing this disease and surgery but there are quite a few of us who are having surgery the first week of March so you are not alone, we're here to support each other...I'll add you to the list. Not sure about the wedge pillow under the legs except that it would take the tension off the muscles in the back. Here's a link to the forum with the list of what you need to prepare for surgery:  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/699896?page=21#idx_601  (((Hugs))) Maureen

    March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 5th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 28th? - finishing chemo March1st then imaging to find out surgical procedure - Shari

  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited February 2013

    2girls2spaniels, you and I share March 5th as a surgery date. A woman I know who had same surgery/same PS as me in Sept. sent me an email this week in answer to some questions I had. I asked her about the pillows/recliners and she said not to worry about that as she said I would probably have extra pillows that can be used for propping up. I have used a pillow under my legs for years and it works fine. She also said not to worry about buying bras etc. as each doctor has their own protocol for dressings and recommendations after surgery. She suggested sweatpants or similar as easy to pull on for going home and button up pj top too. 

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited February 2013

    Marian - thanks for the "common sense" advice...I'm a planner, as surgery gets closer I stress myself out with all the "what if's" and last minute things I "might" need. I don't have a recliner and I don't have "post surgery" bras but I do have extra pillows around the house and lots of comfy sweat pants so maybe I should just try to relax:)

    2girls-2spaniels...The one thing I did get for my first surgery was a cotton camisole with pockets for the drains - it opened in the front so it was easy to put on and it was supportive, very easy to wear so I did buy another one of those.  I got them from the American Cancer Society website, if you want to see them, here's the link: 

    http://www.tlcdirect.org/Post-Surgery-Mastectomy-Camisole-Bra-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct?did=65

  • TLR
    TLR Member Posts: 55
    edited February 2013

    I would like to introduce myself. I was diagnosed Januarary 25th and will be having bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction on March 5th. The left mastectomy is elective. I still go back and forth on my decision to remove "the healthy breast" but also fear if I don't, I might regret it later. My core biopsy showed invasive ductal and the MRI is measuring 2.7cm. They will do sentinel node biopsy the day of surgery.

    Wishing all the March surgeries a speedy recovery.

    Tracey

  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2013

    Tracey, welcome. I'm sure you will find support here. I know I have.



    Cuetang- looks like we are surgery sisters. Hopefully our surgeries will go smoothly, as i hope everyone's will.



    I hope everyone is well and as relaxed as possible as we move into March this week. I will be thinking of everyone as surgery dates approach.

    Karrie

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