March 2014 Surgery

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

    Way to go Frostecat! 

    Everforward, MakeLemonade, and Vinmama, hang in there.  I'm thinking of you.

    Footballnut, I can't imagine staples.  Why do surgeons use those?  I had dissolvable stitches except for maybe at the very ends where they had covered them with tape.  The PS snipped those when she took my last drains out yesteday.

    Day 16 and I'm doing well.  It's so good to be drainless now.  I have a burning feeling across my chest and I'm in my most pain when i wake up...probably from my rock hard expanders.  It's all manageable, though.

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  • lovemytwinz
    lovemytwinz Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2014

    24 hours to go and right now I am surprisingly calm! I think reading about everyone else's experiences has helped me to mentally and physically prepare for what lies ahead. Thank you to everyone that has shared their story! I am seeing my mo one more time today since I finished chemo 2 weeks ago and then plan on snuggling with the hubby and my boys for the rest of the day. Hopefully I can check in with you ladies one more time before surgery. Hope everyone has a blessed day!!!!

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  • fayth
    fayth Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2014

    Lovemytwinz~ I am thinking of you,... you can do this. For me it feels like yesterday I was waiting, and the fear and anxiety was overwhelming. I am 12 days post op and feeling great! Take your pain medication as needed, it helps. I found that Percocet worked well for me. I took 2 every 4-5 hours for the first few days and it relieved a great deal of discomfort. I know some say it messes with their tummy, so you will know. 

    You are now closer to being on the other side,....

    mmmbeck,...you must be looking forward to getting your implants? Thinking of you. I hope all goes well and problem free

    Juliecc~ I have the same morning issue,.. I feel like there is a hot brick on my chest every morning and it takes a while to get out of bed.

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2014

    juliecc yup staples!!  Don't know why staples were used but they are out!!  Lol

    Now I just have a small dressing over the incision plus another over the spot where the drains were on the left side. 

    I can't raise my left arm straight up yet as I feel pulling which is partly from the arm and partly from the tape. I am also nervous about tearing the skin apart where the staples were do am being very cautious

    Just nice to shower and wash my hair by myself. 

    :-)

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

    image

    It's that time again! Tomorrow we will be accompanying three of our March Surgery Sisters to the hospital. Wynne50 is having a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction, Lovemytwinz is having a bilateral mastectomy & tissue expanders, and Mnmbeck is trading in her TE's for permanent implants. Best of luck!
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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Sailon, 

    I had to laugh about not using arms! LOL I have 2 little kids, the youngest (just turned 9 last month) is homeschooled. As much as I try to rest and not overdo it, not using my arms much just isn't going to happen. 

    At least the output is decreasing again now; yesterday it was back down to 67 ml (over 24 hours), while Monday it was suddenly up to 91 ml (it had been down to 51 ml on Sunday, before this infection hit). Hoping this decrease will continue over the next few days.

    As far as drugs goes, all DCIS was ER-/PR-, and the small (5.5 mm) invasive tumor was also ER/PR-, and HER+.

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

    Frost, you sound great. Hope your recovery remains uncomplicated. Julie, in my experience, burning pain is because of nerves. Some people get it all over, others only report that burning as sudden "zots" across one side or the other. It does get better. Football, my husband was also surprised to see what drains look like. He said he watched one move all across my chest just under the skin. He didn't know they are about 10" long. The only thing I've ever felt at drain removal is once when the drain site on my skin was irritated, then there was some stinging for a few seconds. But that was one time out of about 20 drains I've had. I think the secret is the person doing it must be gentle, do it slowly but do not stop and don't let the drain rub against the sore skin where the sutures were.

    I don't know why surgeons use one kind of wound closure over another. It makes sense that they would use staples on an area that might have a greater chance of stress & could come open. I'm just guessing though. This time I have a boat load of stitches on the big Z incision from the front of my shoulder down. Probably because that area was going to have more movement? The incision under the foob on that side is closed with Dermabond(surgical glue). After surgery #2 and #3 I had glue only but after the first surgery, the BMX with permanent implants, I had stitches in some places and glue on the other places. I don't know why. I'll have to ask my PS because I'm curious. Maybe it has something to do with what's gone on under the skin.

    Vinmama, I liked your phrase, "colorful art." I have some bruising this time too but nothing like you report. Have you had that kind of bruising before? After my BMX, I had a lot of dark bruising on my upper chest where the skin was thinnest and the fat underneath was pretty much non-existent, but nowhere else. I've read women talk about bruising from lipo, but you didn't have any, right?

    Regarding additional treatment after mastectomy for DCIS, there are different opinions I'm sure. My oncologist said I didn't need anything else because the DCIS on the right was removed and it had not spread beyond the ducts. She said if I had chosen lumpectomy, I would have had to have radiation, followed by hormone therapy for 5-10 years. My other breast had LCIS which had not spread beyond the lobules. Although LCIS is worrisome because it raises the chances of developing DCIS, LCIS, or the invasive form of those in the other breast, my bilateral mastectomy meant that those cancers could NOT happen. Those have to have either lobules or ducts to grow. They don't grow anywhere else, so if you don't have lobules or ducts anymore, there is no chance of recurrence. BUT there is still a small chance, 1% - 2%, of developing ANOTHER kind of cancer in the tiny amount of breast tissue I have left so I will be followed for several years. The chances of side effects from hormonal therapy are much higher than the chance of recurrence so the doctor has to balance it all out. Plus hormonal therapy only reduces the 1% - 2% down to less than 1%. It is not statistically relevant. HOWEVER, if I had invasive properties in either breast or lymph nodes, that would be a game changer and it would be worth it to have further treatment. 


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

    Lake, I hope your ID doc changes his mind and allows blood draws from your PICC. You have two lumens at the end of the blue PICC line don't you? That's what they are for...one for blood, one for IV. I always get my dressings changed at the hospital but the blood draw is done by the visiting nurse. I haven't had any pain from any of the PICC's I've gotten. The first few hours you can feel it, but it's fine after. The suture spots can be a little sore after the PICC is removed, but again only for a few hours.

    I get blood pressure taken on my lower leg or wrist and yes, I've had to explain why several times. Two days ago a visiting nurse told me the results would be different on my wrist than my leg, but I made her take it twice on each place and she got the same numbers. She's a believer now. If you have to get the OTHER kind of central line (in neck) it's not bad at all. I've had one. In fact it was the source of an infection a few years ago after an abdominal surgery. The doctor put in a new one right in my hospital room. No problem. Seemed easier than getting the PICC as I recall.

    Blueberry, glad to hear your infection may be turning the corner. My PS watched by soft tissue several times a day in the seven days I was in the hospital, ready to take me back to the OR. But he said the Vancomycin was working and some of the tissue "had yet to declare itself." I guess that's "plastic surgeon-talk" for tissue that could go either way, become necrotic (die) or get better. He didn't want to take anymore off than was necessary and sure enough, some of the tissue was saved by the time I went back to the OR. I'm so thankful he was conservative in his approach. I've had three other surgeries because of the tissue and muscle I lost...it could have been a lot worse if he had taken everything that was infected in the early days. Keep us posted on your progress.


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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    sandra4611, I'm curious to hear what my oncologist decides to do as far as treatment as well.  I won't see her for another couple weeks.  My original biopsy diagnosis was dcis and idc but lumpectomy pathology turned out to show ilc and pleomorphic lcis without clear margins,  thus my decision in mastectomy.  Last time we talked after lumpectomy it was to be radiation and tamoxifen.  Mastectomy is the game changer. I'm anxious to hear her reasoning if she decides on hormone therapy.  I'm ER+/PR-. HER2 came back twice as equivocal.  Panel of oncologist finally decided I'm HER2-.  Best news is latest mastectomy pathology reports show they got everything and nothing new was found. :-) 


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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2014

    what is it with husbands watching?  Lol. When my home care nurse came last Tuesday - the first day after my surgery - he hovered around and watched her remove all the dressings. He then started asking questions like how many staples are there?  How do you remove them?  How long are the drains?  At one point I told him to get lost!  Lol

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    Sandra...the visiting RN changed the dressing here at home.  However, did not replace the little disc that is at the insertion site to my arm. When I asked, she said they don't put them on for home. I wish they did, it acted like a little cushion.   I'm pretty sure that he won't change his mind re the draw.  Maybe when I go to one of my MD appts they can arrange the draw at the hospital. The RN last night seemed clueless re taking my BP on my calf...must have been testing her nursing school skills, which was obviously not yesterday!!!  Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking her, she also has pointers a newbie would not be familiar with!!!  

    Still have my T-Rex arm on the right due to surgery and the PICC line, my girls (6 & 8) think that is hilarious. They are quick to remind me!!!  PS has given me a few exercises for the left to start loosening those muscles. I don't really have pain so much as tightness from arm pit to arm pit. 

    OK... Personal type question...when can you shave...I can't stand myself!!!

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

    LOL Footballnut.  My boyfriend has come to a few appointments and is always right there as my PS inspects my incisions, pulls drains, etc.  I think he has a weird fascination with it all.  He's coming next week and will probably watch my first fill.  I bet he'll love that!

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

    Lakegirl, I bought an electric razor for my underarms.  Even though I had them lazered a few times, I was surprised at how fast my underarm hair grew.  I'm so numb under my arms I don't trust myself with a razor.  I heard it's important not to use a razor, especially on the lymph node side due to risks of infections and lymphedema if you get a little cut.

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  • fayth
    fayth Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2014

    OK, I have a question to all of you experienced expander ladies,... This morning my home nurse noticed what looked to be a little pocket of fluid around the bottom of my expander. I did notice some increased pain this morning, but until she pointed it out, I did not notice. That was 3 hours ago. Since then, it is much bigger and very noticeable. I called my PS who I am scheduled to see tomorrow and the receptionist put me through to the nurses where I left a message.

    Has anyone ever had an issue with fluid buildup? And what is done to solve this issue?

    Thanks,...

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, Lakegirl and Juliecc, for the shaving tips. I was wondering the same thing. I can't shave under my right arm because I can't reach there (yet) with my left arm, and obviously I can't shave under my left arm. Guess I'll be buying an electric razor too then. Been wearing short sleeves that cover enough on the few occasions I've been out (dr's appointments only so far). We've been having some hot spring weather here in AZ; it hit 90 degrees yesterday!

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

    Fayth, I wonder if it's a leak? Could be a build of fluid. Don't let them put you off. It may be nothing but if I were you, I'd feel better if my doctor looked at it. Of course, remember that I had a bad infection so I'm always a bit paranoid about anything new.

    Surprisingly, I have had very little hair growth in the axilla areas, especially on the left side that had the infection. I'm numb on that side, plus the scar tissue and unusual anatomy makes shaving too hard unless I'm looking into a magnifying mirror. The other side isn't numb at all and I can shave the right axilla in the shower. My sentinel node biopsies were done on each side through the BMX incisions so I have no separate scars or numbness like many. My PS told me that the hair growth will be even less after my surgery last week on the left side since the tissue has been reconstructed again.

    I did not shave before I went into surgery. The doctor said to do that three days prior so there wouldn't be any chance of a tiny unhealed cut which could allow bacteria to get in.

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited March 2014

    Hi all, Passing on a little good news - lymphnodes were clear on final pathology and I am listed as Stage 1 and both tumors were grade 1

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  • scary
    scary Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2014

    Great news Linda!

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited March 2014

    Getting ready to get on the bus for mnmbeck, lovemytwinz and Wynne50    Hope you surgery goes great and your recovery is swift.  Try to rest well tonight

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2014

    My PS said I could shave once my drains were removed. I can't do it well and it is very uncomfortable so I have only gently shaved. Are anyone else's TE's IN their armpits? I was a DD and hope to be going to a C. I look so strange right now. Thank goodness scarfs are in because they help to hide the extreme change in my shape. I'm glad it is still cold out and layers are the norm. 

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2014

    Linda~ congratulations on your Path report!

    Getting on the bus!

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    Fayth....I agree...don't be put off!!!   If you don't get an answer you are satisfied with go to ER.  Better safe than sorry, infection is nothing to mess with!  

    I am with Sandra in that we have had to deal with infection, so I may be hypersensitive.  

    As far as shaving, thanks for the info!!!  We had snow last night here in Central IL...yes, you heard me right snow on March 25...so no tank tops outside anytime soon!  However...starting to make me crazy...esp when they put tape there after last surgery!!!

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    My TE'S are on my sternum!!!  You know, right where they would rub your sternum if they were trying to revive you!!!   

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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    Sandra....thought  of another question for you.   With the PICC they are having me wash upper torso with hibiclens ...it is not the easiest on your skin...  Any suggestions?

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  • Wynne50
    Wynne50 Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2014

    I'm about to head out for the shot of dye or whatever it is prior to tomorrow's surgery.  Feeling a mixture of calm and anxious at the same time.  Happy for all with good reports. It's so helpful to read the post surgery posts so I know what I'm facing.  

    Lovemytwinz and Mnnbeck we are in this together tomorrow.  

    Prayers for all dealing with whatever stage of the journey you are in.  

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2014

    way to go Linda!!

    Just got  myself off my butt and went on the treadmill for 30 minutes. First time in I don't know how long!!  My home care nurse changed my dressings and will return on Friday. I can't start to think because then I get scared all over again!! Can't let that happen!!!

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2014

    Linda, Yay on  pathology

    report! 

    To shave or not to shave. ;-) it seems like plastic surgeons vary on this one.  Mine said electric shave the pits for the time being to avoid any infection in that area. 

    Hopping on bus formnmbeck

    lovemytwinzWynne50

    Wishing everyone all 





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  • Lakegirl1
    Lakegirl1 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2014

    mnmbeck

    lovemytwinz

    Wynne50

    I'm on the Pink Bus for all of you!!!  Take things 1 at a time...it seems far less daunting...at least for me that helped!!!

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

    Great news, Linda!   So for your HER status, was one tumor negative and 1 positive?    I thought that Her + was rarely grade 1.

    Fayth, I hope they figure out your fluid build up soon and all is well.

    Wynn, don't worry too much about the injection.  I just had 1 radioactive injection and I had a burning sensation for literally 5 seconds.  It was nothing.  Right after, they told me to massage that area to get the radioactive stuff moving.  Then they did the dye injection at the start of surgery when I was asleep because it moves to the nodes within 15 minutes.  So basically they did the radioactive stuff and the dye.  Surgery was so easy for me and I got so nervous right before.  I remember them having my family leave and that is all I recall.  It felt like 5 minutes later they were waking me up.  I was high as a kite, chatty, and apparently very funny.  I was saying "I love you all!" to my posse and telling them I wasn't wearing any panties and all sorts of things.  No nausea at all.  They gave me an ear patch that morning.  Tell them to give you anything they can to prevent nausea.

    The expanders are just weird and uncomfortable.  The bottom part where the alloderm is feels as hard as a rock.  One side is a tad lower than the other and my "good" side seems more towards the armpit than the cancer side.  It could just be extra swelling on the good side.  Apparently they make final revisions at the exchange surgery to even them up.  I was told to just expect them to look weird.  They are kind of wavy and dippy right now but maybe they'll look rounder after a fill or 2.  Stne and Lakegirl, I would still point out their weird positions to your plastic surgeon because I think there are situations where they can slip into the wrong places.  I definitely still have the perpetual iron bra feeling and a burning sensation across my chest 2 or 3 inches above my incisions.  It sort of feels like someone is holding a lighter near my skin.  It's uncomfortable but not too bad.  I forgot to ask if I could use a heating pad on the lowest setting.

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2014

    Best wishes for an easy surgery and speedy recovery to  mnmbeck, lovemytwinz and Wynne50!

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