March 2014 Surgery

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    Everyone,

    Melisden and faerywings are the first of our group to have surgery tomorrow, March 3rd. I'm putting out a call for a virtual Pink Bus to go with them and offer support. Who wants to get on the bus with us? What will you bring? We need food, drink, decorations, entertainment, etc.

    When we get to the hospital, we're jumping in their pockets to be with them in case they get scared. You'll have to leave the decorations, etc. in the bus because we need to be quiet in the OR and not distract the doctors and nurses. No sleeping in the pocket! We're going to keep our eyes open to make sure our girls are getting the best care in the OR and all during their hospital experience.

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited March 2014

    I was wondering about the toenail polish thing.  I won't have it on just in case.  I am getting a hair trim before surgery to make it easier to brush.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    image

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    Julie, no polish on fingers or toes.

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    Stfne,

    You and I are riding the same wave and scheduled on the same date! Friday was my last day at work too.  Yesterday we had a cleaning day, top to bottom, including closets!   Lots of music with tears and laughter in between.  I'm getting my pedi tomorrow and massage on Tuesday. My dear husband positioned a borrowed electric recliner in front of the big screen and the kids added their special touches all around.  Emotions have been up and down as the date gets closer.  I like the idea of having a "happy" play list.  I'm going to add that on my list of things to do. 

    Thinking of all of you on this snowy and freezing day in KC.  Sending Faery wings and Melis den positive thoughts as you prepare for tom


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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    I'd like to jump on this virtual pink bus and offer up some entertainment.  The link below is my daughter singing a cover of "Brave". I'll be in your pockets humming this tune. Sending you courage and strength as you take this next step along this tough journey. 

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJf9qk8dS6k&sns=em

    (((HUGS))) 


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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2014

    I have not had finger or toenail polish restrictions for any of the many surgeries I have had - and they have been in a number of different hospitals - they usually just ask you not to use dark polish - something light or maybe a French is acceptable unless you have been instructed not to wear any.

    I know this may be weird but my daughter took pictures of me on the morning of my BMX - it was a beautiful sunny day, so I sat outside at the edge of the pool, and on a bench by the front door and she took some nice relaxed portrait shots.  I was casually dressed in white capris and a nice top, with a white lace camisole.  I did my hair and makeup, and wore a diamond heart pendant that my husband had given me for my birthday.  My surgery was not until the afternoon, so for some with morning surgeries you could do this a day or two before.  I just wanted some nice photos before I started on the path of treatment.  There were three great shots that we framed and my husband has them in his office at work.  Just a thought.

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  • Blueberry4
    Blueberry4 Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Melisden and faerywings and everyone having surgery this week, please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you the very best.  I'll be on the "pink bus" supporting you!  Good luck for a speedy recovery!

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited March 2014

    I will be joining the bus trip.  I will bring blankets to keep everyone warm.  Being a Texas girl I definitely will require one :). 

    Seriously, praying for each one next week that their doctors are on the top of their game.  Quick healing and no pain.  Just remember the days after surgery are for you, the family will adjust fine with just your presence.  

    Get lots of rest and lots of water and protein.

    For those discussing bras, I came out of surgery with a compression bra.  Wore it until the drains came out then got a mastectomy bra (actually two that insurance paid for).  It comes with breast forms that fit in the bra pocket.  they can be made with poly fill that can be removed a little at a time  after each fill takes place.  With these breast forms you to can fill out a bra to your desire size so it allows you to wear your clothes and look the same as prior mastectomy.  I know, I did not get any fills after my path came back showing I needed rads but I was prepared.  I just kept all the fill in and wore my bra daily to feel normal. 

    Have a great week everyone.  

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  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 173
    edited March 2014

    [Melisden and faerywings are the first of our group to
    have surgery tomorrow, March 3rd. I'm putting out a call for a virtual
    Pink Bus to go with them and offer support. Who wants to get on the bus
    with us? What will you bring? We need food, drink, decorations,
    entertainment, etc.]

    I got the WINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Oh, am I allowed to bring the vino to my own surgery party? Shhhh, don't tell the OR nurses, please!)

    My hospital didn't say anything about nail polish (not wine, for that matter LOL) and my 15 yo dd wanted to get our nails done together on Friday so we did. If they need to take it off ,  that's fine. I never have my nails polished any more. I clean houses for a job so its like what's the point?

    SpecialK- so sweet of the photos! Hubby and I took some time to say "good-bye" to the old boob while we had the house to ourselves yesterday.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2014

    faery - if they didn't tell you not to wear polish you are probably fine.  The reasoning behind any prohibition is that they need to see your fingertips to see if you are becoming cyanotic due to poor oxygenation.  Excellent on the "boob" farewell!  I'm just thinking that wine might be frowned upon though, lol!  Have some after you stop taking pain meds!

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  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited March 2014

    Well, I was going to do really dark polish for my pedi tomorrow -- fifth sx, and I've never had a problem with pedis -- but now I am worried they will take it off!  Special K!  Tell me it's not true. You are a badas$, taking those pictures.

    Thinking of melis and faery.  I will be on the bus.  I am bringing beer.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2014

    bobo - if your surgery is in the same hospital and they have never made an issue of it - don't sweat it. Not sure how badas$ I am, it was a challenge not to look like a deer in the headlights!

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2014

    Iwannaseeyoubebrave - Your daughter is so talented! What a beautiful voice. You must be so proud of her.  I find it comforting knowing that we will be having surgery on the same day.

    I'll be on the bus! I think I will bring some chocolate brownies and milk. It just sounds comforting right now. I'll bring a batch with nuts and one without.

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  • Tarot
    Tarot Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2014

    Blueberry and Julie, We are all on the same day. i will be thinking of you both as I go in. I bought two zip-up hoodies and yoga pants. Satin pajamas. and two sports bras but I'm not too sure about those.

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  • Tarot
    Tarot Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2014

    I am bringing decorations and bouquets of fresh flowers for the bus! I will be in the pockets too. I promise I won't fall asleep, though I am known for being to fall asleep anywhere...(chanting) pinkbuspinkbuspinkbuspinkbuspinkbuspinkbus

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited March 2014

    There are 6 of us on the 10th!  I am really looking forward to getting this surgery over with.  I'll be working late everyday this week to get everything done and lined up for others to take my duties.  This is good because i won't have a lot of down time to worry :-)

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  • Sandrac3
    Sandrac3 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2014

    I'll be on the bus!! I'll bring fruit, cheese and dark chocolate for the wine!!  I'll also have soothing white noise on the iPod to keep everyone calmHeadphones

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    I've never had an operation where polish WASN'T a no-no. Before you get that pre-admin mani-pedi, better call your hospital to see what their rules are. Some hospitals will even have you soak off a fake nail. Even if you have a French mani on gel nails, you could run into trouble with a Nurse Ratchet who follows rules 100%. Better to call and find out what your particular hospital allows.  

    The hospital will put a pulse-ox (sp) device on one of your fingers. Sometimes it is just kind of clipped on like a loose clothes pin but usually it is taped on so it doesn't come off in surgery. The nail has to be clear so the machine can measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. (Yes, it can tell by looking through the nail.) The anesthesiologist will use that info during your surgery. I've always been sent to a monitored floor after surgery where they keep an eye on that oxygen number, heart rate, etc. for a couple of days so the pulse-ox stays on. Yours may or may not be there after surgery. One time they put the pulse-ox on my toe (and ruined a perfectly good pedicure.) I hadn't taken the polish off my toes, thinking no one would see it. Wrong. The nurse took it off of one toe. One toe! Drove me crazy! 

    Depending on your type of surgery and your doctor's preferred post-op procedure, medical personnel may check the color of your toenails and look for any swelling in your ankles or feet. You may also have Velcro wraps on your lower legs that inflate and deflate every few minutes to provide stimulation to your legs so you don't develop blood clots. I had them for the BMX, even after the catheter was out and I could walk to the bathroom. When I got back into bed, the wraps went back on. You may not have this, but at least you'll be prepared if you wake up and see them

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    I'm going in Tuesday!!!  I'm ready!!!  Let's get this going, I'm ready to be done!!!  

    In prep, I cut my hair. When I say cut....I should say chopped it off!!!  It was half way down my back...now it is razor cut, similar to Jennifer Lawrence!!!  The girls at the salon (Station 710) think it was about 12"!!!  I have totally forgotten what it is like getting ready with short hair!!!  It was really a preemptive strike. I don't want to have a lot to deal with after surgery.  Also, if I do lose my hair from chemo...it won't be the long stuff. Hopefully, it won't be such a shock. 

    Tomorrow is pedi day...I typically go for the VERY dark...I will restrain myself.  It just has to be done!!!

    I still have a few things to get done.  I have cruise tags for my 6&8 year olds diff bags(swim team, gymnastics, school backpacks). We will get some scrap book paper to make them girly and put a list on each bag so everyone will know what should be in them.  

    Has anyone had to go to PS the day before for markings?  My surgery is scheduled to start @7am with arrival at 5am. I'm just afraid it will all wash off when I gave to use the "special washclothes" the PS is having me use. 

    Sorry...random babble , I am just trying to remember everything!  

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  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 173
    edited March 2014

    Getting ready to board the pink bus and all I can think is how much I would kill for for a cup of coffee!!

    Love and luck to all of you. Thnak you all so very very much for your support. You all have been through somuch more than I have and I am grateful for your experience and comapsiion!

    Huge Hugs!!

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited March 2014

    Hi sandra - The IDC in my left breast is triple positive - the IDC in my right breast is ER+PR+ HER2-   I also learned that I have DCIS in the right breast also.  So I believe that this is what my BS means.  She is saying that the cancers are not related to each other - they are separate occurrences.   Will be seeing my PS on Wednesday of this week and will know about my surgery then.  All of this is just overwhelming to me right  now.  

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  • lovemytwinz
    lovemytwinz Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2014

    Sending many prayers to all the ladies having their surgery today!!! I don't know about the rest of you, but I will be glad when this month is over!  I have my LAST chemo on the 12th and surgery is the end of the month. The anxiety of everything is starting to take over!!!!!



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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited March 2014

    Ladies,

    I went through my BMX and Tissue Expanders in December and would like to offer you some tips:

    My PS was over-the-top strict with sterility but it was completely worth it with for beautiful healing without complications.  Especially if you have drains, these are open ports to your body and will leave your suseptible to infection.

    Wash your chest and upper body with Hibeclense for 3 days before surgery

    Install a new shower head (mega bacteria living in your current one), replace the shower curtain liner and bleach the crap out of the shower before your first shower.  If possible, consider that bathroom "yours" and an off limit area for others.  If's thats not possible, keep some Clorox wipes in the bathroom and wipe down EVERYTHING after anyone uses the bathroom. Keep this as your little clinic for dressing changes and emptying your drains.

    If you have drains, buy a new lanyard to hold them while you shower

    When you get out of the shower, pat your chest and incision area cry with a clean towel FIRST, before you touch the rest of your body. Do not touch that area after.   Use a clean towel every day.

    Wear a clean bra and pajamas every day, change any linens daily.  My doc had me sleep in a recliner for a few weeks and it was really helpful. 

    I promise you, 3 difficult days and then it gets better!

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    jbokland../So glad to read this...I didn't even think about the shower stuff, but totally makes sense.  

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  • fayth
    fayth Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2014

    I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed in January with DCIS and scheduled for a left Mastectomy on March 14 with planned tissue expander. Looking forward to getting this all behind me, however the pathology that will come after is what scares me. My breast is very tender, and I occasionally ache under my arm, so my mind goes to the worst case scenario. Trying really hard to remain positive. 

    Fayth

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    Pink Bus Needed Tomorrow

    It's Lakegirl's turn. Let's all jump aboard. I'm bringing balloons along with good wishes.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    Welcome Fayth,

    Sorry we have to meet you under these circumstances, but we are glad you found us. No matter what our diagnosis is, what stage of this journey we are in, or what kind of surgery is coming up, we are here to support each other.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited March 2014

    Linda505, you said it right...this is so overwhelming especially at the beginning when your brain is so full of questions that you don't know which one to ask first. Then when you get an answer, you have to figure out what it means. One thing leads to another and you WILL be able to think straight again, just not right away.  

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2014

    linda - what your BS means is that cancer does not spread from one breast to the other - bi-lateral breast cancer is treated as two separate primary tumors. Your treatment will be tailored for the most aggressive aspects of either tumor - if one mass is Her2+ you usually get chemo/Herceptin since it is necessary for that tumor, and hormonal therapy would be appropriate since you are ER+ in both tumors.  For anyone wondering, a tumor found in the contralateral breast after treatment is not considered a recurrence, but rather, a new primary.

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