May 2013 surgeries

Feeling really panicky, kinda like I want to run away but know that I cant. Im grateful for this board because it has helped me to know what to expect. I guess I am having a hard time saying goodbye to my boobs.

I had my SN injection today (4 of them) and holey moley did that hurt. I don't remember it stinging so bad the first time. I asked the nurse to hold my hand and I hummed a little tune as the Dr. shot me up. So glad that's behind me.



My husband is taking me out for a nice supper tonight and then it's early to bed.

I think I'm def going to check on the camisole! I am so bulky hard going out in public..not that I've felt much like it.

Sweetpickle- I know what you mean about wanting to run.  Once the decision was made for mine, my brain kept trying to think of a "loophole" or a way out of the whole thing.  I just kept trying not to think about it and I also called my regular doctor who prescribed me .5 ativan. I told her that I kept getting scared but a hundred things to do in a little bit of time and didnt want anything clouding my mind. So, thats what she ordered.  Worked ok. Also, kept really busy.

Ann... I saw your post and just had to comment.... I swear that when I had my Lumpectomy 7 years ago I don't remember the pain from having the Sn injection....I think it was like child birth - I blocked it out.  Well when I went for my BMX this month I had the same thing done....very early on the day of the surgery. As I was walking down the hall with the nurse.... she said I'm sure you remember the stinging from the shots.... I said HUH??? She looked at me like I was nuts...couldn't believe I didn't remember..she even double checked my chart to make sure I had it done 7 years ago...and I did.  Well yes it was a surprise but the nurse was sweet and held my hand... but thankfully the stinging was for only 20 seconds.  Enjoy your dinner tonight and know my thoughts will be with you tomorrow....you will do GREAT!!!!

Lisa

Prayers to all headed to sx in the next week.  I had my one week follow up yesterday, had my drain removed <yeowch!> and got my pathology report.  I feel great!  I went back to work today and stayed just half a day.  I'm a veterinary technician and have a physically demanding job so was somewhat limited in what I was able to do.  It went well, I am super tired.  I wish everyone could feel as well as I do.  I do notice that, now that the drain is out, I am having a lot more discomfort and pressure.  I have not had to take much in the way of pain meds since I have been home.  I take one tablet at bedtime so I can sleep. The first three nights home, I slept propped up on pillows but I have been lying flat (on my side) since. I'll meet my oncologist next week and get my Chemo plan worked out.  That's the frightening part for me.  I'm nervous about getting a port.

Work, work work! I love what I do and I was going NUTS at home.  Driving was the worst part of my day.  I drive with my left hand.

The radioisotope injections:

They offered me a cream to use a day or two before hand.  I didn't use it and I don't think it would have helped.  My first injection was mildly uncomfortable.  The second was was VERY uncomfortable  but was not painful.  I bit my lip and I really don't think it lasted 20 seconds. 

Prayers and thoughts with SweetPickle and RunWith today!

Oh Happy Day!  First time since surgery (7th day out), I slept through night without waking up!..7 hours of wonderful sleep! Seeing how I feel this morning, I realize that a lot of my misery..and def my lack of good disposition was no sleep.

ladies, how seriously should i take the "pretend you have no arms".  like will i be able to order a pizza and carry it into the kitchen?  just wondering how i should manage food as I will be alone in the weeks after surgery.

i can stock the house with light items i.e. cut cheese/coldcuts, crudite, fruit, toast, cereal etc. or i can order takeout.  I figured reheating things on the stove (i don't have a microwave) will be a bit challenging with the pots etc.  Or i can stock up with 'liquid meal replacements' as an option too.

was surprised to learn that i will be admitted for a night after the surgery (bmx, no recon). i was expecting to come home the same day.

Katiekaboo- I didn't want to spend the night in hospital (have never been admitted in my life)...very glad I did.  Lots of reasons, main one being that is where the morphine was!

I only had my left side done, so not sure how its going to be for you on restrictions, I can't lift more than a lb..although I have to say I did fold clothes today and have done picked up things I probaly shouldnt.  Very hard for me to sit around after a day or two.  Hardest thing for me is bending down, standing up or sitting down...something with the gravity..although nothing there to pull   ???

GoWithTheFlow=I am sooo happy your surgery went well!  Prayers, Hugs and good wishes for your continued recovery!

Go withtheflow- sendingspeedy recovery vibes your way!



Ckmoss- My first surgery is tomorrow......ack! Then depending on pathology they will do the right side and diep on June 7th. Today is my last normal moving day for a while.

Has anyone had 2 or more drains taken out already?  I'm not sure what to do.  I have a tentative appt with surgeon today to take out drain or drains (I have 2) if needed. But, main fup appt from surgery is Tuesday.  One drain is doing 50-70 a day so I know it has to stay.  The other one has never done much but generally has eeked out 35.  The day before yesterday until yesterday afternoon..barely anything, my husband thought might be stopped out so squeezed lines, etc...so then I did do 20 more.  Right now, after emptying both they are about the same.  I think I probaly could still get this one maybe out today..but, not sure if I should.  I don't want to take out too soon..as I'm still impressed by previous post I saw where it came out her belly button! from being done too soon.// if it was earlier in the week I would just keep in,,but Tuesday is a long way off...and then I'm not sure will it even matter having just the one out..still discomfort?  Anyway, any advice would be helpful!

You can't shower until the drains are out...so a week until ?  Before you leave the hospital, ask your nurse if she has anything like extra gauze, bath cloths, shampoo caps that she can give you..my breast adv told me to be sure and ask..my nurse (angel) gave me a huge bag full of tape, all the above, scissors..a lot.  The best thing is the bath cloths..they are in a pack you heat up for like 8 secs in microwave and you wipe down with them,,they have soap or some kind of cleanor..but you don't have to rinse off and you feel clean..not sticky..afterwards.I have my husband do my back and it feels wonderful. As I am all about my baths/showers, this is high recomendation..lol..the shampoo cap..you heat/put on head..have someone massage cap..when you take off your head ringing wet hair..mmm...didn't do so hot for me..top of my hair felt greasy ,,but could just have been me..Ive been having him wash my hair in sink..every 2/3 days..as he is a bit rough..but heart is there.

Katiekabooo-- I had to think hard about the "act as if you do not have arms"  as I will also be alone (after the first week).  There is no way unless I learn to use my feet as arms real quick lols.  I believe that this was the suggestion of a PS to a specific patient that may have been overdoing it.  Wait until you get specific instructions for your particular case from your surgeon.  That's what I'm telling myself.  After all, folks are talking about having exercises to do for their arms after they get home. And I hear about the 5 lb weight restriction so obviously, use of arms is okay.  Just don't go overboard or lift anything over 5 lbs or whatever Your surgeon says.  I will buy small containers of milk, etc to be lighter  and some easy to eat stuff and have delivery; and will ask for help from friends if absolutely needed.  

How come I can't shower???? (read this part with pout)....It seems that every surgeon tells everyone something different, doesn't it?  It seems I got the Nazi surgeon!

Welcome home GoWith..!