March 2014 Surgery

Yes, sometimes you will have drains with exchange if you need a lot of pocket work done, but it is not very common.

Sandra - glad you are doing well!

lake - sorry you had obstacles!

Anyone not feeling well in advance of surgery, call your surgeon's office and ask what the plan is.  Read iwanna's cautionary tale.

fayth - try Miralax.  My BIL is a gastroenterologist and that is his recommendation.

It is so helpful to read all your tips and stories.  I'm becoming a little addicted to this site as my surgery approaches.  Blessings to all of you!  

vin mama   My PS has you in a surgical bra and tummy compression for several weeks so I can't help you.  It does seem odd to me that some want you strapped in and others don't even use those.

Vinmama...do exactly as your PS says!!! From my perspective, it gives him the best chance In the long run to have the best possible outcome!!  I would call your PS office and confirm with them. 

Julie...I didn't get antibiotic when I went home the 1st time, my stomach was a WRECK from the gen anesthesia issues!!!

Vinmama, I would call Monday morning to get it clarified. The PS nurse should be able to tell you and if you have any more questions make sure to write them down so you dont forget. It never hurts to call...thats what we are paying these people for is good care. To me, it sound like you can take it off after 48 hours, but thats me just guessing. Best of luck to you!

good luck Kitty and MakeLemonade   My thought and prayers are with you.  Maybe you'll be doing well enough to tell me what to expect for my Thursday surgery.  I get the really nervous thing.  Mine seems to increase daily.

Welcome back sandra4611! In happy to hear you are back home and that all seems to be going well. 

Hopping on the pink bus for our lovely ladies Kitty 62 and MakeLemonade! Have a relaxing day/ni

Blueberry/Special K - Glad to hear that drains are not commonly needed after the exchange surgery.  I was wondering that same thing.  Thanks!

It's not so much the drain I mind as much as the no showering!  Its such a long process to feel clean: soak in tub up to waist to wash lower body, baby wipes to clean upper body, wash face and hair in the sink.  I've already warned my husband that I'm going to stand under the hot running water for 30+ mins with that first shower!!!  Can also feel that my R shoulder is tight and weak.  Was told not to lift arm above should height until drain comes out.  Tried to drive couple of miles to pick my son up a few days ago and it was uncomfortable and difficult.  Looking forward to being able to do some shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises once drain is removed.

hi all. Here it is Sunday and I'm 6 days out of surgery. My last 2 drains were removed yesterday. On Monday my staples are scheduled to be removed. I actually got a cami prior to surgery from a local mastectomy store with pockets for the drains. It made it much easier to manage. As for pain I still have not taken any meds but do experience numbness and burning under my arm and in the back of my arm. Occasional tingling in my arm as well. Today I've had some lightening tinges of pain in my chest where my breast was. Other than that since I only have a left hand I must use this arm which my surgeon felt would help me recover. I must admit that I am confused and concerned as to why I know nothing about my cancer. All I was told is that there were cancer cells in my lymph nodes. I understand that more detas will be forthcoming after the tumour is tested and the bone and CT scan results are reviewed however could they not have told me anything?  It reran that some know a few things prior to surgery. My follow up appt is April 2 but I must admit that I am very concerned as to why I have not been told anything. That makes me fear that the results will not be good and that they are telling me nothing to keep me calmer. Or perhaps this is the surgeons way. 

Fayth if incorrect you said that you were already told about extensive DCIS so I can't help but wonder why I've green told nothing

Oh well. I'll try and forget about it until April 2

:-(

Best of luck to everyone having surgery this week. Warm thoughts and prayers heading your way.

When the pathologist looks at the sentinel nodes during your surgery in the OR it is a cursory look.  It is important to realize this as a number of patients that appear clear initially are later revealed to have cancer in those sentinel nodes during the more extensive examination in the lab after surgery.

football - you are six days out of surgery, and two of those days have been over the weekend.  The testing process is sometimes done in the hospital lab, sometimes sent out, and the Her2 testing is a more time consuming test.  It is entirely possible that the testing is not finished yet, or if it is, it has not been signed off by your surgeon.  Did you have a pre-surgical biopsy?  Most of the people who have posted their path results are using hormonal receptor and Her2 status from their biopsy sample, and their final pathology reports have clarified mass size and nodal status.  As far as your scan info, these are done and then read by radiologists at a later point.  Same as with the pathology, they have to be signed off by the surgeon who ordered them.  I am sure you will be hearing from someone soon, if not, call your surgeon's office and ask if the reports are in.

Make room for me on the pink bus! Best of luck Kitty and lemonade!  We are all with you.

I was never given anything to wear after surgery. went home in just the stretchy tank and button down shirt that I went in with. Had small bandages on incisions that were removed along with tape after one week. I was  never instructed not to take a shower and took one every day. I had plastic sticky stuff that covered the gauze at the drain site and kept it dry.

I was given antibiotics.

I have driven too and found it to make me feel great. I only drove my kids to daycare a few miles away but I just felt so much less helpless. It seemed to help clear my head.

I just wanted to say, Sailon, that you are so very very sweet.

Excellent advice from our SpecialK, as usual.  K, when is the next lunch?  Really hoping to make that one, aren't you?  I have not been able to go yet.  Three sx in three months.  I know you know what I am talking about.

All of you are so lovely, so positive and so sweet -- it makes me feel like a wet bag of laundry by comparison.  Not bouncing back from this third surgery the way I should be.  Sending everyone gentle hugs.  Really, I am so... impressed by your sweetness and your positivity! XXXX

bobo - no lunch is planned as of yet, I missed the last one too. I have a TN friend who had chemo and ended up with an infection and needed IV vancomycin and aspiration of a seroma, I was the chauffeur. I missed the ladies but felt I was needed. We usually meet up every other month or so - it will give us both some time to recuperate before the next one. 

For those having surgery this week good luck! Last week's ladies are doing great. We March girls are in the home stretch.