May 2013 surgeries

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  • penguin1
    penguin1 Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2013

    Hey Gowiththeflow-

    I was very tired after the surgery, your hubby would probably appreciate the company.  My family saw me after the surgery, then went for lunch as I was so pooped.  Then they stayed with me for about half an hour and went for a walk- I just really wanted to sleep and nothing more.  Your son would be fine there- he'll probably like to see that you are just fine and everything will be okay.  I have 3 kids, left them all home- mainly because the hospital is 2 and a half hours from my home and I didn't want to mess with their daily routine.  Whatever you think, you know your kid best.  I wish you well... you'll be just fine!

    Penguin

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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    I had my bi-lateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants, no TEs) three weeks ago. I only had one drain for each breast (out in 5 days) and one in my lymph node area (7 days.) I my sentinal node was positive, so they took a total of 7 nodes. It was the only one. That area is having the hardest time healing. I still have scabs over my incisions, but the bruising is almost gone and I love my new breasts. I didn't really mind the drains too much, I just safety pinned them inside my shirts. I was happy to be able to lay on my side, though, once those came out.

    Hasn't been bad at all. I know once all the scabs are gone, things will feel pretty normal. Could be a few more weeks.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    Thanks for the info Penguin.  My son and I are quite close, and being an only child, I feel like I am leaving him out if I don't include him in what's going on.  My family is 600 miles away (but one phone call and I know they'd be here).   I just want to get back on my feet a bit before my parents come down again.  I know they want to help, but they are in their 70s, and I feel like it's MY time to be doing for them.  It's hard for me to let them do for me

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    Hi, I had my surgery this past Wednesday. Came home from hospital the next day.  I had it on my right breast, took out some lymphs (not sure how many at this point, although surgeon said he would get as less as possible).  I have two drains. My question is how long does the pain generally last? I've been taking pain meds pretty much as directed and actually, as long as I sit pretty still nothing hurts.  The worst is getting in and out of bed. Especially out.  I can feel like something shifting on the right side side (like from within) and then feels kinda like a bear is clawing out whats left. (sorry about this visual!).  Is this normal?  It has me where I dont want to lie down. I've tried to keep a pretty good attitude but like all of you in previous post..sometimes this just gets to me.  I was crying this morning at 4am, mainly from the frustration of pain to just get up and pee!.  My husband got up, emptied my drains and didnt say much of anything about the crying. --which was good.  I am blessed that he knows when to let it alone.  Anyway, does anyone know how long pain lasts? And is this gravity causing (only way I know how to put it) pain will last and what its coming from?  My surgeon is good but didn't tell me a lot of what to expect.  I am sorry I am rambling as pills kinda kick my butt.

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  • iatigger
    iatigger Member Posts: 447
    edited May 2013

    Ckmoss, sorry you are having so much pain. I actually slept in a recliner the first two weeks and once the drains were out started trying the bed. I think I was in bed full time by week four. I think I was switched myself to Tylenol by day four. If you have the recliner option give it a try.

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    For Cateyz2--I have copied from 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law

    Sec. 713. Required Coverage for Reconstructive Surgery Following Mastectomies.

    (a) In General - A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, that provides medical and surgical benefits with respect to a mastectomy shall provide, in a case of a participant or beneficiary who is receiving benefits in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction in connection with such mastectomy, coverage for:

    • Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed;
    • Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance;

     

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  • Chinneymae
    Chinneymae Member Posts: 339
    edited May 2013

    mshelton: I had my BMX on the 8th and I was able to sit in a shower chair in the tub and use the hand shower to bath and wash my hair two days after I got home. You should be able to move around okay. I was able to go out and eat at the restaurant 4 days after I came home. It's been just over a week now and I went to Sam's Club and walked around the store and yesterday I folded clothes. I'm just a little sore but other than that I'm doing fairly well. I still have three drains in and hopefully they will come out on Thursday when I go back to my PS. My DH has been doing everything else for me and taking care of the house. If your sister can come and stay several days with you, it would probably be a big help for you. Hope all goes well with you.

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  • mshelton
    mshelton Member Posts: 66
    edited May 2013

    Thanks to latigger, penguin1 and chinneymae for your insights, experiences and replies.  It's helps.  Actually, thanks also goes to all the women willing to share their knowledge, experiences, fears, strengths on this site and so willing to reach out to hold a hand.  It has been educational and has helped me make better informed decisions, and preparations;  and to not feel so very alone.  

    Marlene

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I agree.  Hearing from those of you who are a few days out (or telling us what to expect for the first few days) makes my anxiety level lower.  My bag is packed (will finish with toothbrush, cellphone/charger wednesday morning), have already discussed moving the lazy boy into the guess room and laying my jammies/lounging clothes on the sofa for easy access.  Tomorrow I get the dye injection and wednesday is the surgery.  

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  • cheri1859
    cheri1859 Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2013

    Hi everyone.... here are Some more notes/observations from my experience since last Tuesday's BMX w/TE's....



    To those of you having a difficult time of it - I am really sorry! Hang in there, it will get better!



    A). The best advice I received about the drains is to act as if you have no hands. It may not be feasible or realistic for you but the less you move your arms the less drainage you'll have = the quicker you'll get those darn drains out!!!



    B). I find that the less I tossed and turned the more restful night's sleep I get. If you have drains, it's pointless to attempt to roll onto your side for comfort...this will cause you more discomfort in the long run. What I do instead is change my leg position ( small log type pillow under my knees. Add or remove it throughout the night ) or raise or lower my head ( add a pillow or remove a pillow). place a small pillow under one shoulder blade ( all nursing tricks....your brain is telling your body to move to allow blood flow to those areas. These simple movements work...just ask Flo Nightengale 😊) not a fan of Valium however in this instance I take one at bedtime - this also relieves the chest muscle spasms if you have TE's = a restful, albeit drug induced slumber. Rest = healing. Also don't ignore that plastic thingy w/the tube on your bedside table ( inspiratory spirometer). Deep breathing brings in the best medicine the hospital has to offer....oxygen. It also helps with chest wall expansion which can decrease muscle spasms (which hurt like heck)



    C). If you feel as though you need to clean, reach or carry something....really give it a good thought because it may just set you further back.



    I'm praying for all of you to get back to your fantastic selves.

    One observation I've made is that I actually have less pain with my BMX than my lumpectomy. Probably because I have nothing jiggling around the incision site ( what I have left are 2 hard lumps with no feeling at all....the least amount of pain I've had in well over a year).



    Big gentle hugs,

    Cheri

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  • AnnBR
    AnnBR Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2013

    I'm getting ready for my second mastecomy/TE's on May 22. Got the house cleaned, casseroles in the freezer, flowers planted, and bag packed. Just finishing up at work and of course, the day was extra long with last minute requests. It always seems to go that way.

    Gowiththeflow, we will have to compare notes! Hope all goes well for you.

    Ann

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  • Run4Us
    Run4Us Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2013

    Wanted to stop in and let everyone know I finally got those last 2 drains out today!!!! I am so happy. My surgery was May 2nd and had a total of 4 drains.

    Someone mentioned trying not to use your arms much while having the drains... I agree... I think the more you move them the more output you have.    I found sleeping in a recliner the easiest for me because I didn't have to worry about snagging the drains and sleeping at an angle really helped.  I also have TE's in and am trying to navigate that discomfort.... so thanks for the tips Cheri.  I really do see an improvement in my healing everyday. My prayers are with you Ann and Gowiththeflow in your upcoming surgeries... and all the other ladies out there.... You all will do great!!!

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    In reference to not moving your arms much so that there wont be much output..I thought the idea was to get as much out as you can..?.. This book my BS gave me suggested elevated arm at 45 degree angle and clinching fist 15-20 times at the same time, so it would produce and get it out of your body.  Is this wrong?  I am so wanting to get these drains out, but don't want any infection or any reason to prolong this misery, if you know what I mean!

    Ann, I hope your surgery goes great and you are in my prayers!

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  • cheri1859
    cheri1859 Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2013

    ckmoss....the range of motion exercises that the BS's book laid out is all you should be doing. I was given the same book.  My PS said "act like you don't have hands" in order to get me to stop picking things up, tidying the house. I was given a "no lifting anything more than 5 lbs" as I'm sure you were as well.  (My kids walk in the door like 2 little tazmanian devils and its pretty hard to ignore.  Once I remind them that I can't clean up after them they get their act together and help out).  Hopefully you'll be getting your drains out really soon!!!  I'll be saying my prayers for you.

    Cheri

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    Thanks!  and thanks for the clarification!  Its like walking through layers and layers of information..hard to process or know whats right.  Its very hard not to clean or do anything, just sitting here staring at everything, so I see what you mean.  Thee was a part in the book that says.."most women are surprised at how little pain and discomfort they feel after surgery"...I'd love to know who these women are...!  lol..its not been horrible but guess I was expecting like my lumpectomy..which was not  hardly any..plus no drains.  Thanks for the prayers and right back at you!

    Run4us- CONGRATS on drain removal.!  ive heard that you feel much better after that!

    Another question- this book says how to change dressing,etc...but surgeon and BS both say to leave it along unless it gets wet and they will change in a week.  Meanwhile all this gauze stuffed in this "harness" -for lack of better word--keeps slipping and sliding out. I am also not sure how when he gives go ahead and I am going to be able to look at it.  They did skin saving for DIEP I will be having after chemo and I hear its horrible looking.

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  • AnnBR
    AnnBR Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2013

    Thanks CMOS & Run4 Us, I love prayers. Praying for you too.

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  • Run4Us
    Run4Us Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2013

    Sorry wanted to be sure I clarify that in regards to using your arms I meant just what Cheri said... not lifting. I also have 2 children that are used to me picking up backpacks etc.. and my Dr said no lifting... doing dishes etc.  It is important to build up range of motion. I have been doing my wall crawls. :-)

    ckmoss... I'm with you I would love to meet the woman that have no pain....I'm not sure it's possible to have a BMX with TE's and feel good.  :-)

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    Thanks for the well-wishes everyone.  Ann, we will definitely have to compare notes.  My bag is half packed (just last minute things now), need to grocery shop tomorrow after I have the sentinel node injection.  Moving the lazy boy recliner into the guest room for me to sleep in private (then I don't get woken up at 6:30 when the boys get up).  I made a "Measure twice - cut once" button for my surgeon.  :D Good luck Ann and we'll compare notes in a few days.

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  • iatigger
    iatigger Member Posts: 447
    edited May 2013

    Good morning gals . Sounds like some of you are gearing up for your big days. I am one week out from my swap and feel good. The only soreness I have is where the PS did some lipo to adjust some things on my sides from the first surgery. My overall TE experience was good as well because my PS made sure to take the fills slow which I highly recommend. I only had pain once and that was when he filled just a little too much. Good luck to all with your BMX or swaps coming up.

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  • penguin1
    penguin1 Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2013

    BEst of luck to you, AnnBR!  I'll be thinking of you.  I am almost one week out from BMX and feel pretty darn good, I know you will too.  I think the drains are coming out Thursday, that'll be ohsonice.  It really is not as bad as I had thought.  You sound very prepared and mentally ready to go- that's all, nothing more to do but try to rest easy.  Prayers are with you!

    -Penguin1

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited May 2013

    Did anyone have to travel to get back home after surgery? I will be two hours away from home and I was wondering if it was going to be hard to drive all that way when they release me the hospital. My surgeon says I should only have to spend a day in the hospital.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I haven't, my trip is about 45 minutes.  But I was told to bring a pillow to hug to your chest to buffer any bumps or jiggles from the road.

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited May 2013

    Great idea, thanks.

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    My trip was about 45 minutes. My advice is to take about 4 bed pillows.  You are pretty much full of narcotics, however, I felt very fragile and I swear you will feel every bump in the road. I sandwiched myself between bed pillows and felt way more secure.  I, also, sat in the back so I wouldn't have to wear a seatbelt except around my abdom. I remember telling my husband I felt like I was on a wooden rollercoaster going home (we have a 3 year old buick which is generally a pretty cushy ride).  I think most was in my head, but my skin on my chest and stomach have been really sensitive.  Anyway, couldn't hurt.

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited May 2013

    If my kids didnt have end of year tests, I would just stay down there with MIL since I turn around and go back into surgery two weeks later. Such bad timing....bleh! Thanks for the suggestions, Ill bundle up like the michelan man.

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    Lol!  That is very good description!  Yes I was thinking would be great if I could somehow get down to Destin, Fl for recoup time.  We were going there in October for vacation, but now am going to have to use personal/vacation time for chemo most likely.  My sister said bright side of not being at beach for recoup..no sand in drains!  I hope everything goes well for you and may your ride be smooth..all the way!

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  • penguin1
    penguin1 Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2013

    Hi Sweet Pickle,

    I had my BMX last Wednesday, left the hospital Thursday.  I had a 3 hour drive- definitely bring a travel pillow and be sure they give you a painkiller before you go... we had to go through the NYC potholes and I was just fine.  No problem at all... I actually slept most of the way!  Best of luck to you!

    Penguin1

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited May 2013

    Thanks ckmoss & penquin1! :-)



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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    Had my Sentinel Node Injection this afternoon.  Dear God did that sting.  Thankfully it lasted all of 20 seconds (just as someome else had mentioned).  Bring on the morning and Take the Ta Tas!

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    Sending Prayers your way GoWithTheFlow!

    Today makes 6 days from surgery for me. Not too bad pain, just mainly uncomfortable.  Still with the two drains. For some wierd reason, when the bulbs touch my skins it feels like pins pricking me, so my husband has wrapped gauze all around my front..has pinned the the two bubls to this  harness thing they have on me.  I swear if I ripped my shirt open in a crowded room, people would dive for cover thinking I had a bomb strapped on!

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