March 2014 Surgery

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

    Careful, Footballnut!

    SpecialK, I should be getting my last 2 drains out tomorrow and I'll be 15 days post surgery.  Is that too soon for a first fill, do you think?  If my PS plans to do it, I'll be sure to ask if it might be too soon.  It could just be a checkup since this is actually the first time I've seen her since my surgery day 3/10.  I saw my regular surgeon once and my PS's nurse 3 times.  I was hoping it wasn't too soon because I return to work in 2 weeks and wanted to see how much pain I'd be in afterwards.  I don't want to risk anything either.  There seems to be a wide range of how many CCs are put in during surgery.  I imagine there are a lot of factors like how muck skin there is.  I think I got 200 cc on each side.

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2014

    juliecc you are right!

    :-(

    Silly me!!

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited March 2014

    Getting on the bus for Frostecat!! Hope your surgery goes great and your recovery is swift.  I go to the PS tomorrow at 11 am - my first appt with anyone since surgery.  I hope to get the drains out - down to about 15 in 24 hours on both sides.  Really no pain to speak of - but do feel like a pull under my right arm.  Haven't taken anything for pain since Friday.   I hope i get these drains out - I so want a shower lol - I was one of that was told no showers til drains out.  My hubby washed my hair for me yesterday over the kitchen sink - that felt wonderful.  Kind of scared to see what this really all looks like under all this stuff lol

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    Jumping on the pink bus for Frostecat tomorrow!  Wishing you peace and relaxation tonight and before your surgery.  Illbe in your pocket tomorrow with songs of courage and strength.  Xoxo  You've got this! 

    I hope everyone is having a good day/night.  I told the PS today that I've been having trouble sleeping, or more like staying asleep.   She recommended some Ambien. I was prescribed some (1/2 pill) a few weeks before surgery but haven't touched it since surgery.  Has anyone used this since surgery?  I just hesitate putting another pill in my body, but a solid night sleep sounds amazing.  Thoughts anyone? 



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

    Wow. Linda, no pain pills since Friday?  And low draining already? Good for you!

    I'd also like to know about the Ambien.  I sleep terribly.  Maybe I'll try my Valium at bedtime again but I still think I had trouble sleeping at night with that.  If I took a valium at bedtime, can I drive by morning?  That's the only thing.

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    Juliecc, I think you'll feel SO much better once the drains are out! The nice thing about Ambien (1/2 pill for me) is that you don't feel groggy at all the next day. You just need to be sure you plan to sleep up to 7 hours so plan your bedtime accordingly.  I'm really curious to hear from others to see if they have used this after surgery and if it helped. 

    Also,  I'm a side sleeper and have been so worried about screwing something up that I've been sleeping on my back this entire time.  PS reassured me today to grab some body pillows, get comfortable and sleep in a any position I'm comfortable with.  Yay! Again,  Ambien might help as well. 

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited March 2014

    Thank you everyone, but I got to say, this is one leader board I wish I wasn't on top of!  I appreciate all of your well wishes, thank you for your strength, it is helping me get through.  Scared and getting ready to pack to go in the morning.  I know I haven't posted much, but I've been reading - a lot!  I hope to post more while I'm recuperating so I can get know all of you fantastic ladies a little better.  Thank you again.  Onward.

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2014

    Frostecat- best of luck tomorrow. I'll be on the bus and thinking of you!

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

    Julie - the fact that you have drains in, and will have open wounds after they are removed would give me pause for fills - the needle going into the fill port can introduce bacteria, as can the open drain incision holes.  You mentioned reddened skin and scabbed incisions - this also does not sound ideal to receive the pulling action a fill will create.  If you are worried about pain while at work, just start with very small fills.  How much and how often to fill is your decision.  As far as a 200cc surgical fill - that is a very common amount for an average sized person.  I am pretty sure those with larger surgical fills have a greater area of spared skin surface and a larger size TE capacity.

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  • Wynne50
    Wynne50 Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2014

    good luck tomorrow Frostecat. I'm behind you by 2 days.  Hoping for smooth surgery and an easy recovery for you.

    I went to my PCP for my clearance for the surgery today. She cleared me for everything but then said when you're done with this we have some issues to deal with.  Mind you I have not had a primary care doc for many, many years.  I made this appt prior to my BC diagnoses.  She is the most thorough doc I've ever been to.  My labs came back and I am borderline diabetic which shocked me to no end.  Then she told me I was at a higher risk for a heart attack.  She ran some test I've never heard of that shows I have two genes for depression.  Apparently these mutant genes affect the brain chemicals that also affect your heart.  Too complicated to understand but right now I'm in the "what the heck else can go wrong with my body".  The BC is all I can deal with now so I'm going to ignore the other stuff until I get past this.  

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Best of luck for tomorrow Frostecat.

    I keep meaning to post this here, hoping it's ok, since it's free for anyone to download.

    I was recommended to listen to a meditation CD to prepare for surgery, as well as to recover (I am still listening to it every night, not to the track to prepare, but to the 2 other tracks, to help you heal). I listened to it starting a couple of weeks before, but it says that even patients who only listened to it once, right before surgery, had good benefits. My surgeon and anesthesiologist let me listen to it on a battery operated little CD player with headphones throughout the surgery. I think someone must have even restarted it, because the surgery took longer than the CD, and it was going when I woke up. Either that or I did that while under, hard to say, since I know I do it in my sleep all the time. This has been researched by such recognized institutes as UC Davis Medical Center, so it's not quackery. I know I did much better in the recovery after this mastectomy than I did after my lumpectomy a month ago, when I didn't know about that CD yet.

    Here is the link: 

    http://www.healthjourneys.com/kaiser/download/down...

    Hope it can help someone here. 

    Edith

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    So, I'm going in to see my BS tomorrow afternoon. I know the drains aren't coming out, especially with this infection and the increased bleeding (although it's slowing down a bit again I think, and also for sure getting less dark again now, but still, I had 75 ml yesterday total, and so far already 70 ml today, with one more emptying to go in 2-3 hours, which will likely add another 20 ml or so, so it's staying, I know that). But how likely is it that my surgeon will change the dressing? It's really icky, with lots of old blood, and I'm also getting really itchy under there. In a way the thought of having her take off the dressing scares me, but on the other hand, it would be nice to have a fresh, clean dressing instead of this old, yucky, bloody thing. Any experiences here?

    P.S. As I'm sitting here, typing, my cockatiel is on my shoulder, and he keeps trying to climb down to my drain. Apparently it looks like a chew toy to him! I'm really having to watch him very closely!! LOL

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Oh, and to help me sleep, I've been taking 1/4 to 1/2 Dramamine, regular formula of course. Surgeon said it's ok, and it helps my tummy and helps me sleep all at the same time! Can't do pain killers or sleep meds with my tummy, not even Tylenol!... All the nurses at the hospital thought I was crazy for not wanting pain killers in my IV! But it took me the better part of the week to even just get my tummy recovered from general anesthesia. The pain is very minor at this point anymore anyway. And I agree to sleep however you're comfortable, with lots of pillows, have been doing that since my 2nd night at the hospital. My surgeon woke me up that morning at 7:30 am and she saw sleeping halfway on my left (surgery) side, with several pillows around for support, and didn't say I couldn't sleep that way, so it must be ok, right?!

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited March 2014

    Be careful of your bird spreading an infection to you.  My PS even requested my house dog not be allowed into my house until after I had all wounds closed.  

    He said animals can be an issue.  I never even considered that.

    Just a precaution.  

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, I guess I never considered that either. Although I know it's not the bird that gave me the infection, since tonight is the first time I'm actually even seeing him since my surgery. I've been mostly in my room, and the cockatiel is in my son's room, and I haven't been in there much at all, just at night to tuck my son in, and by then the bird cage is already covered. My husband and son have been taking care of the bird all week. But he (the bird) is so happy to see me tonight. And I'm for sure not letting him near that drain!! He's on his play ground now, eating. 

    Right after my lumpectomy however, a month ago, I was with the bird a lot, and never got an infection.

    But thanks for the warning, I'll be careful. I just washed my hands (again) too.

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  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 705
    edited March 2014

    I love Ambien. For me it is the only sleep aid that works. No issues.

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2014

    One kid off to school two more to go then off to Boston for my second fill and a chest x-ray to prepare for my oophorectomy a week from today. I am hoping to see the PS and not just his nurse today so that I can ask if it is OK to be doing this surgery already and if an x-ray is OK. He wouldn't let me have the oopherectomy done at the same time as the BMX with recon because of threat of infection. I sure hope it is as easy recovery!

    The sun is out here!!! Have a comfortable day everyone!

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

    Vinmama, thank you for posting the link to the meditation music. I'll be listening later today for sure.

    I've posted this before, but I want to remind all my March Surgery Sisters to follow this link to post-op breast cancer exercises. http://breastcancerrehabilitation.com/Rehabilitation.html


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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2014

    good morning all! Today is 8 days since surgery. Feels great to say that!  Great to be drain and staple free!  I now have tape over my incision where the staples where and where my 2 drains were. No hone care nurse today. She will be back tomorrow. I continue my exercises 3 times a day.  Pain is more discomfort now. Very tight in my left chest and lots of numbness there and in my armpit. Still feel a sensation if sensitivity in the inside of my left arm and numbness on the back of it. I also get an itchy sensation where the tape is. Arrrrrrgh!! Each day gets better but also brings me closer to my follow up and diagnosis on April 2 which brings the cancer reality back.  Other than recovering from surgery I feel pretty good. Wishing all a great day!!

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

    Vinmama, yes, please do ask your doctor for a change of dressing. I wouldn't want a dirty dressing either.They may even opt not to cover it at all anymore. I think you are right that it's unlikely your drains will be removed today since they are pumping so much. Plastic surgeons have their own rules about when to pull a drain. Mine was conservative and each drain had to be under 25 cc's per day for two consecutive days. Certain drains would go under 25 but the next day were back up again. I had 4 drains and finally got the last one out at 3 weeks post-op. I've read other stories of women not getting their last drain out until 4 weeks. Some doctors seem to pull the drains at a certain time rather than a certain number of cc's.

    Sleep can be hard when you keep waking up because something hurts. Proper positioning of pillows for total body support is crucial, but sleep can still be elusive. You don't want to get into the habit of taking drugs to get to sleep, but on the other hand, sleep is what you crave. I think you shouldn't put so much pressure on yourself. Your body is still dealing with the aftermath of general anesthesia which can take weeks to finally go away completely and can cause sleep upsets. Although I did try a little Ambien BEFORE surgery, I didn't take anything after any of my surgeries and just assumed I would get sleep via naps or in shorter blocks of time rather than one 7 or 8 hour stretch. I didn't put any pressure on myself to sleep a certain amount or at a certain time. It has worked for me but may not for others. I wouldn't hesitate to ask my doctor if lack of sleep was bothering me. 

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

    McWill, it's your turn for the Pink Bus! We are behind you 100% and know that your bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders will go perfectly. All aboard!

    image

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  • fayth
    fayth Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2014

    Footballnut~ You will get through this!! You are 8 days post surgery, and does it not seem you were just diagnosed? And, you must be very strong, going through it without pain meds? If you can do that, you can do anything. My motto the past few months has been, "This Too Shall Pass',... and it will. 

    I am going out for the first time since coming home from the hospital 10 days ago. I have cabin fever,...although I hear it is still really cold out. Our winter in Toronto has been rough this year.

    Thinking of Frostecat today,....and Mcwill, for surgery tomorrow. This too shall pass.

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, Sandra, for posting that video! My BS didn't tell me of any exercises I could do, even told me I had to wait with special PT. Hoping she'll give me the ok to do them now. I'm a violinist, so regaining full range of motion, strength and agility in my arm is very important to me!!

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  • McWill
    McWill Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2014

    Thanks Sandra and fayth!  

    Like many others, I read the posts here everyday, but haven't had much to contribute with my surgery coming so late in the month.  I can't tell you how helpful it's been to hear from everyone.  I really feel prepared for this experience. Of course, I still wish it wasn't happening. :)  

    Lots of preparation the past few days.  Told my 5 year-old about the surgery.  He took it all in stride.  My husband had open heart surgery in September (he's doing great) so my son is a pro at this.  He's excited about visiting the hospital.  

    I had an emotional day yesterday.  It was my first day home from work and with fewer distractions I felt a little raw.  I will be finishing disability paperwork today and then off to the hospital for sentinel node injection and scan.

    I have really wonderful support, but trying to manage everyone's help has been a bit overwhelming. My father waned to come down (he lives about 8 hours away) for my surgery and spend a few days.  He's genuinely trying to be helpful, but is a difficult person under normal circumstances.  I told him not to come and to plan on visiting in a month or so.  I think he was hurt, but he took it well.  So many mini challenges embedded in this experience.

    A word about Ambien.  I personally find it quite helpful and with no hangover effect.  However, keep in mind that it frequently causes some memory loss (only during the time you take it).  For instance, I once took it and then decided to do a few tasks while I was waiting for it to kick in.   A few days later I realized I sent e-mails to people and had absolutely no memory of it.  Several of my patients (I work in oncology x 15 yrs) have reported similar experiences, or have gotten up and done things of which they find evidence in the morning.  I'm not suggesting to avoid it; just make sure you are either in bed or go directly to bed when you use it.  It's also helpful if someone is at home with you and will know if you get up and do things.  You wouldn't want to forget you took meds and then duplicate them because you didn't remember.

    Thanks to all of you for your wisdom and support.  Sending healing thoughts to all.  We're almost finished for the month!

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Those are great words of advice about Ambien, McWill. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow!

    While I have never actually experienced any of those with Dramamine, I always think of that possibility, and when I take even 1/4 Dramamine, I always make sure to put any other meds I might possibly get up and take in an unusual, high spot where I would not go in my (half) sleep.

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  • Wynne50
    Wynne50 Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2014

    good luck tomorrow McWill. 

      I'm on Thursday and woke up this morning terrified.  I'm better now but this was the first time I've just been truly scared. I guess that's normal but Wow, not fun.

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  • Wynne50
    Wynne50 Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2014

    oh and Sandra, thanks for the link to the meditation music.  I listened to them and just went out before it was over--twice.  I think that's what brought me down from my terror attack.  Perfect timing.

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

    I have three cards on the bulletin board near my recliner that I look at every day.

    1. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strengths.
    2. Everything you want is on the other side of fear.
    3. On my darkest days, it helps to remember that my record for surviving bad days is 100% so far.

    Anxiety was my constant companion before the first three surgeries. I couldn't sleep the week before or if I did, had nightmares. Ambien helped a couple of times when I could no longer stand it without sleep. Talking to a counselor helped too, but it was the strength I got here on Breast Cancer.org that meant the most. 

    You, my friends even though I haven't met any of you, are a constant source of support, information, tips, prayers, and above all, understanding. A few days before this last surgery, I could feel my core start to vibrate with fear. I was determined to conquer it and am happy to say that with your help, I went into surgery last Friday with no fear for the first time. Thank you doesn't seem like enough to say. I'm profoundly grateful for all of you.

    image

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    McWill, I'm jumping on the pink bus for you and wishing you all the best! We are all here for you.  Get some rest tonight.  All will be well. 

    sandra4611, you have been such an inspiring leader on this board. THANK YOU!   BC.org really is a great site.  I get something out of it daily and I'm also thankful for that. 

    I actually said out loud today that I'm bored!  My dear hubby smiled at me and stated that I must be feeling better, so that's a good thing.   Cutting back to just Tylenol is definitely helping to clear my mind. I'm off to finally read a good book without falling asleep!  ;-)

    Take care lovelies! 


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

    Thanks Iwanna. It's the least I can do for my fellow March sisters.

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