March 2014 Surgery
Comments
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I got my port out in during my Aug lumpectomy/node removal. It was bothersome for about 3 weeks then settled in pretty good. Worked flawlessly through 5 months of chemo. Still need it for Herceptin infusions. A couple weeks ago when I had my BMX the surgeon had to reposition it to do the surgery. So I got that discomfort on top of the BMX issues. Argh sure hope it eases like it did before cause I did it in til December.
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Off to the hospital for my third surgery and it's the first time I've had to go to the hospital when it wasn't snowing or raining (and it's been raining non-stop that past 2 days)! I even see a little bit of sun this morning. Let's hope that's a good omen and that the third time is the charm. Thanks for all your support. Hoping for clean margins!
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I had an epiphany this morning... I had my surgery on 2/14 and started chemo on 3/20. One of my biggest fears before chemo what of feeling really crappy from chemo ON TOP of still hurting from surgery (imagining leaning over the toilet with these TEs, or not being able to roll into the fetal position in bed when I was so miserable, etc....)
Well, I got through. Last Friday I woke up and it felt like a cloud had lifted, this was one of the best weekends I've had since dx. I just felt good. (in full disclosure, I did close the weekend with a pretty intense cry - - I just needed it I guess...)
The epiphany, you ask? I realized that my overall physical status has moved from miserably uncomfortable to totally tolerable. The TEs will never feel normal, BUT - at the moment, they are just here, they are what they are: a little annoying, but they don't hurt anymore. I sleep on my side almost effortlessly, my husband hugged me full on last night and it didn't hurt (bothered my port a bit, but that's minor). I can do this.
Now my anxiety is around the fact that I have only three more days until my next infusion. I better enjoy them!
Also want to share that at the recommendation of my PT, I bought a genie bra. the "as seen on TV" genie bra. Best Bra Ever!! Totally comfortable, totally affordable. The day I put it on I wore it 24 hours straight!
(FYI: I am 5'3", 140lbs, was a 34D, My TE's have a capacity of 500cc, I am currently at 450cc - got 300 during surgery, then two fills, a 50 and a 100 - surgeon says no more fills until after chemo and even then he thinks I might be done. No exchange until well after radiation, so these TE's have to stay for a while.)
I am also going to post this on the TE info thread. This morning was a real milestone for me!
Jen
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Everforward, praying for clean margins once and for all!
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Hello to my fellow March 2014 Surgery Sisters!!! Just wanted to say thanks for all of the well wishes. Getting ready to head to the hospital soon, so time for you ladies to jump in my pockets!
Trying to get brave enough to head out with a scarf turban only. I have not been outside without my wig, but since no makeup allowed for surgery, I think I actually look better in it than in my wig. Silly decision in light of the whole situation, but it keeps my mind occupied for a few minutes.
I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers! One step closer to beating this beast!
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southern - I had surgery 6 weeks after finishing chemo and had never worn a scarf away from my house, had always worn my wig. They would not let me wear the wig in surgery and I did not want to be bald in the OR, ridiculous as that sounds. I wore a scarf to the hospital but brought a clean bandana in a ziplock. They let me take off the scarf I wore to the hospital and put on the clean bandana in pre-op and then they put the paper bonnet on top.
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Kitty, some of us have a tendency for our blood pressure to drop at inopportune times. When anxiety gets the best of us, our bp drops, sweat and nausea start, and we get faint. I feel like I'm strong as an ox, but have had this happen several times, actually passing out twice, and managing to avoid it somehow on a few other occasions. Most of the time, if I get horizontal and have a fan blowing on me (or a cold floor), I can stop it. Sounds like I do this all the time...I don't, but it's happened often enough over the years that I recognize the signs and can tell those around me what's going on as it creeps up on me.
Three times I've been so shocked by something, I've had an immediate reaction with no warning. Once I got some shocking news at work and as my knees bucked, I calmly told my secretary to not be freaked out because I was going to lay down on the floor for awhile but I was fine - don't call a doctor. Another time one of my kids showed up at the door with blood spurting out of her head. The last time was after I got home from the hospital after my BMX. I knew I had an infection and I had seen the faces of those who saw it, but I hadn't seen it for myself. I took off the bandages in front of the mirror expecting to see some red skin and was so shocked by what I saw instead, I immediately went to my knees.
Anxiety is the devil and is made worse when we LOOK at something upsetting. The physical effects jump us so quickly, we can't think logically about the situation. You are perfectly normal in my eyes. When I was getting my first fill, and that big syringe was coming towards me, I could tell the anxiety was rising even though I knew I wouldn't feel anything because my chest was numb. It made no sense, but I know better than to ignore it. I looked away and asked my husband and the nurse in the room to distract me. Not looking was the key for me to avoid an embarrassing situation. I could look after the needle was in but even then my stomach would turn over. Logic doesn't play a role unfortunately.
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Kitty, 10 drains !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would take all day just to keep up with them. You definitely win the prize. I'm going to refer those with one drain to you from now on 'cause you are the Drain Queen.
Jen, what a nice post. You have a great way of expressing yourself. Let's all have an epiphany like yours today.
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Good luck today, Warrior, Everforward and Southernbling!
Today it has been 3 weeks since my bilateral mastectomy. I'm feeling pretty good but still get a burning across the top of my chest feeling. I think it is my muscles from the expaders. Yesterday there were tiny 2mm blood drops on my bra. There is a raw spot on one of my incisions. I sent my PS's nurse this lovely picture. That bruise looking thing above it is the area of dark pink skin we've been watching that showed up the day after surgery. It indicates less blood flow. It is better than it was. At surgery I had 200 cc added to my expanders. Is it normal for a 3 week old incision to ooze a tiny bit?
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I hated the drains. I just didn't like looking at them. I never felt nausous just tense whenever the nurse or my hubby emptied them. Now 2 weeks after surgery I just have steri tapes over the incision. I have taken showers every day but still feel like I might rip myself open so I dam very cautious
I have a bit of swelling near the incision and on my left side. I am also starting to experience twinges of pain near where my nipple was.
The sunburn pain continues but not as much lightening pain. I'm fairly pleased with my range of motion
Yesterday I actually felt lousy. The first time since surgery. Also felt like napping. Today too.
I read that approx 2 weeks after surgery discomfort might increase which seams right on target!! Lol
Hoping for good news this wed
Wishing all the best for those having surgery today and those recovering
March is finally coming to an end!!
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Footballnut, I also felt more discomfort 2 weeks out than 1 week out. I think the skin nerves start to wake up more around then. Getting the drains out make up for it, though. Now I just use ibuprofen and no valium or codeine. I stopped those after the first week or so.
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Am I the only one who wakes up feeling decent (under the circumstances) then after starting taking pain meds (specifically percocet and motrin) BAM - feel like crap?Nauseous, breaking out in a sweat, spinning? When I wake up I have these grandiose delusions for the day, then this hits and nothing gets done. It's kind of weird, the meds are like a roller coaster, sometimes they hit me hard, sometimes I literally "coast" through them. Maybe this is what Sandra is referring to as all of a sudden our BP drops? Was hoping to actually get outside on the deck and breathe today, we are actually going to hit 60 degrees, first time since December 5th! It sounds like I'm not the only one going through this, is this typical? Cause right now I am feeling lousy.
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frostecat - are you allowed to shower? I found that a warm shower allowed me to skip most of my pain meds, so maybe if you can do that, then just take the motrin and skip the narcotic and see if that makes a difference? It might actually be the pain meds that are making you feel bad.
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SpecialK, yes I can shower. Actually was going to take one on my own today, DH went back to work, but then this happened and thought I better not. Might be time to wean myself off of the percocet, actually the motrin seems to work better for me anyways as far as managing pain. I'm gonna try skipping the next dose of percocet and see how I do, then take that shower when he gets home. Thanks!
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frostecat - good luck! I had my BMX on a Monday and my DH returned to work the following Monday and I was on my own - it worked out fine for me, so hope it will for you too.
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Funny how different we all are. I didn't have IV pain meds when in my room, I had 2 Vicoden through the first night with my migraine med then after second unexpected surgery next day I had one that night. No more after that except about 1 week post op I took one before bed...laid there awake all night. I told Dr the Vicoden wasn't a friend of mine because it contains Tylenol & I've never been able to take Tylenol without being wired & WEIRD.
I have relied on Lorezepam (Ativan) to calm me, & helps me fall asleep too. I've used it off & on for years for my anxiety.
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He's been a godsend. We actually just got married in December then I was diagnosed one month later in January and have been on this ride ever since. Me - I don't know what I would have done without him. Him - I always am saying what a raw deal he got and I can't apologize to him enough (of course he'll have none of it).
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frostecat - my DH has been steady as well - in sickness and in health, right? So happy that yours takes that vow to heart, and I feel so badly for those who feel unsupported, so unfair. After nine breast cancer related surgeries, I am sure my DH is over it, but he is unfailingly upbeat and happy, does not seem to have cancer fatigue! In the 30 years that my DH and I have been married I have also had a fetal demise and subsequent surgery, two C-sections, a Nissen surgery for reflux in which my GE junction was rebuilt out of part of my stomach, vascular surgery on both legs with an anesthesia complication that resulted in very short-term paralysis, a total abdominal hyst/ooph for uterine fibroids that revealed a 3 cm mass in my right ovary (pre-malignant), and the removal of a rare golf ball sized tumor from my calf that was of unknown status until pathology, but thankfully benign. He had no idea he signed on for this! He and both children have been very healthy, so we have been lucky with that! He was also super supportive when both my dad and brother were diagnosed with stage IV cancer of differing kinds, and when I cared for my mom who was bed bound for the last few years of her life. I sometimes feel guilty about the health woes, but he rolls with it very well, we persevere, and we try to find something to smile about!
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Good luck to those having surgery today!
Saw my surgeon this morning and drain is OUT!
Tumor board met and it was decided I should have a re excision for the one area where the margin was not quite clean. So, that will be next week. At the same time, he is going to place an Infusaport,so it will be a twofer. Home same day.
The cancer was also staged - stage 2A, which was the best possable diagnosis for me. Very happy at that as I had woken up last night and had myself convinced it was going to be much much worse.
I have the names for an RO and MO, so need to research a few first before I call to set up appointments. I know nothing can start until after I heal. Hubby wanted the surgery this week :-) but the Apr 9 surgery only pushes back subsequent treatment by a week. I just want anything that they have identified to be OUT, then we can work on the stuff they can't see yet!
Back to work tomorrow but only for 3 hours. Even though I feel WONDERFUL without this drain, I felt really tired by the time I got home. We also stopped by the cancer store to pick my compression sleeve and gauntlet and then to the drug store for gauze and paper tape. Have to build up strength again :-)
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here I am...hard to see all the drains, but there are 4 on each side now.
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Hang in there Makelemonade. It sounds like you're in good spirits.
Kitty62, you look great. 8 drains total?? Yikes! How many CCs did you get in your expandes? It looks like 150-200. I got 200 and it was nice to wake up with little boobies. I wish I had tape on my incisions. I wonder if that makes them heal better.
I got an email back from Ps's nurse about my tiny blood spots I found on my bra yesterday. She said my raw area looks superficial and nothing to worry about. Maybe I'll take a full frontal pic of my incisions later. I wasn't sure if it was against forum rules or anything.
I got my 3 Genie bras in the mail from Amazon. They have little pads in them. I'm wearing one now and I actually look the same size as pre mastectomies. I'll wear one Monday when I return to work. If you order these, get a size bigger. I ordered L instead of M and it fits snuggly. I'm 5'4, 135 pounds. My bras before were 34C. I usual live in camisoles.
Yay for supportive husbands! My boyfriend has been awesome through all of this and I have felt bad about him having to go through this with me. It must be really difficult for those that don't have a lot of support from family or loved ones.
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Makelemonde, I cannot believe you are planning to go back to work so soon. In my humble opinion I would give it a good week. I felt good the first 2 days then the dreaded third day the anesthesia wore off and I was very tired and worn out. Hope you can change your mind if you are not up for it.
SpecialK, I have no words. You are a superwoman and yr DH a saint! You have been thru sooooo much. I applauded your attitude after going thru so much. Thank you for all your advice. You are quite an asset to our March ladies group.
This afternoon I go to the PS office for my first f/up appt. Looks like I will get at least 2 pulled today. My first question for them is... why TEN DRAINS? My DH is so anal about stripping I hope they have mercy on me and pull more if they are close. It is really quite the production when he does the drains. It's like he has to strip every little drop out. God Love him! Ok I'm not complaining...I would hate if he were nonchalant about it. Guess I have to complain about something. I must be getting better.
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Wow SpecialK, you really have been through a lot! Bless your heart! And your husband's too. That's really great that he's been so supportive.
So am I the only one here who empties my own drain? My husband did for the first week or so, but then he started to complain whenever I asked him, took longer before he actually did, and I often had to ask him twice. At some point he asked why I couldn't do it myself. So at some point he wasn't home when it was time to empty it, and would be another couple of hours before he'd be home, and I did empty it myself. It didn't gross me out nearly as much as I thought it would, and I've been doing it myself this past week or so. Have to admit that I don't like being dependent on others, so I'm fine doing it myself at this point.
Please pray that my BS will take it out tomorrow. The beginning of the drain (inside) is poking out a little bit more each day, and hurting me more every day too. It feels like I'm being stabbed from the inside. Other than that I really don't have much pain left. But I've had to revert back to sponge baths, because the stabbing is intolerable without the tight ace wrap on, so I can't shower anymore, last shower was Thursday afternoon...
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kitty - you look great! Very nice shape on your TE. Yes, DH is a gem! Much of this pre-BC surgery was when he was active duty military so often was on my own and away from any family - and he was not home, I honestly think the military spouse experience made it easier for me to deal with breast cancer - I am extremely independent! I have no idea why your PS put in 10 drains - that has to be a record! It is possible that he has had some bad experiences with patients with seromas, or he felt that you were someone who would drain a lot. I was warned by my PS for this most recent surgery that I may wake up with one or more, but I didn't. I have had them for three previous surgeries, but they are always pulled relatively quickly as I don't drain much.
vln - after the first few days I did my own drains too - not because DH would not, but because he wasn't here. He returned to work after I had been home for five days, and has an hour commute each way and works a 10-12 hour day, so he is not around much!
Julie - glad they are not concerned about your incisions, I know it is worrisome. Yay for Genie bras! They do carry them at Bed, Bath and Beyond and you can use a coupon. I love them - very comfortable and supportive. I also like these ones:
http://www.ae.com/aerie/browse/product.jsp?productId=0785_1818_073&catId=cat4130065
http://www.shopcoobie.com/?gclid=CPrQ2dW_vb0CFaVxOgodj1wAQg
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Kitty62 - I had a lumpectomy on March 24 and spent all of last week sleeping :-) I work front desk at a dental office, and tomorrow am going in for 3 hours, first 2 will be before patients come in. Just want to pay the bills, clean up my desk and go over a few things, then will go home.
Vlnmama - I emptied my own drain the whole time after the visiting nurse showed me the first day. Was really no big deal for me as I only had the one. My hubby has been really supportive through out this whole thing, but there are certain things that he won't or can't do and that is one of them :-) I had to give sub q fluids to one of my older dogs a few years ago which I found worse :-)
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SpecialK, thank you for the bra reccommendations. And wow you've been through a lot! You seem to have a great attitude about everything.
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Kitty62 - I have foob TE envy LOL - you look great 6 days out - I am still all bumpy and bruised - and a little concerned about some areas - I see my PS on Thursday but I may post a pic here later and see what you all think.
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Kitty62 I am envious as well! My PS said he wasn't going to put anything in my expanders at surgery and I don't think he did. I am pretty flat and can see a couple of folds. Mine also look like they are much further under my arms. I sure hope mine look as good as yours after a few fills!
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So I've been wondering, did anyone have their BS (or PS) recommend or prescribe a special post mastectomy bra to them? I'd like to prepare now and have something ready for when I'm allowed to get out of this ace wrap. My BS said I'll need to keep on the ace wrap for 5-7 days after she takes out the drain, because she's worried I might develop a hematoma, even this long after the surgery.
Does insurance usually cover such a special surgery bra? And where do you get it? I'll be asking her too tomorrow, but wanted to see if anyone here has had them?
Thanks.
Edith
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For those of you who have not had fills, or have a small surgical fill amount, don't be too worried. As your TE is filled it will change shape and project further forward. Expanders have a hard back that stays stationary and allows the outside of the expander to stretch forward as it is filled, helping to form the pocket behind the pectoral muscle that will eventually be occupied by an implant. If you see folds or feel flatter, that will change as saline is added. You will actually be amazed at just how much the expander will stretch the muscle and skin.
Thank you for your comments on my attitude - I learned a long time ago that it is better to laugh than cry, although I have been tested a few times! I have realized that I can't worry about the past, can't control the future, can only live in the right now, so I don't want to waste any time feeling sorry for myself, or asking why did this happen! I have found that helping others is therapeutic, allows me to be outside of myself, doing something good. Interestingly, more than half a dozen friends/co-workers locally have been diagnosed with breast cancer since I was. Guiding them through the process of treatment has made me feel that my experience with breast cancer, and the other health challenges I have faced, was for a reason or, at least, useful in some way.
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