March 2014 Surgery

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

    Well darn it Blueberry, so sorry about your infection. If the antibiotic stops the progression of the "bug" your fever should go away pretty quickly. I had over 101 for over three days in spite of being on antibiotics. None of the drugs were working, but the third antibiotic did the trick and my fever was gone by the end of the day. Getting rid of the dead tissue will be a good thing for sure.

    Re: TE pain   Some people have virtually no discomfort, not to mention pain with tissue expanders. Some people suffer painful episodes the entire time. Most of us are somewhere in the middle. Don't let your PS push you into getting a bigger weekly fill than you can tolerate and in fact, get the PS to remove some if you are too uncomfortable.  

    It really upsets me when I hear about those of you who got huge fills in the OR and had such a tough time. I got no fill whatsoever in the OR when I lost one implant and got a TE, but still had painful muscle spasms for 12 hours until I got some Valium. Can't imagine how hard that would have been with a couple hundred cc of saline added to those spasms!

    I did not have muscle spasms after my BMX even though I got permanent 800 cc implants at the same time. You'd think it would have been difficult on my pec muscles to have to stretch that much all of the sudden, but it wasn't. Everything was numb and I had a lot of pins and needles and iron bra tightness for the first week, but it much less than I expected. Getting the TE two weeks later was a much harder recovery at first because of the muscle spasms. Of course I also had been fighting an infection and had a lot of soft tissue removed at the same time so it makes sense that I was depleted and couldn't exactly expect to snap back. But pain-wise, the TE's were harder to get and MUCH harder to get used to. Perhaps because TE's have rigid backs that press against tender nerves, they are harder to deal with than a soft implant.  

    The doc who said TE's are easier to tolerate when they are full is NOT telling the truth!

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

    Blueberry and SpecialK, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.  

    My Onco called at 6:30 PM with my Oncotype DX score.  It was a low 12 and she is no longer recommending chemo!  I'm picking up the report in the morning but I think she said I had an 8% recurrence rate and that chemo would give me about a 2% benefit.  I'm relieved.  I'll also be picking up my Tamoxifen and starting that.

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

    Julie, wonderful news! I know you are breathing a sigh of relief.

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited April 2014

    HOLY COW!  You girls are having some big fills!!  I came out of surgery with about 350cc and could barely move or breathe for weeks.  I was terrified to have fills, and when they started, it was s-l-o-w!!!  Only 25cc on ONE side.  And then nothing for 2 weeks.   The biggest fill I ever got was 40.  I was in agony the entire time....months.  There is no way...NO WAY I would ever have tolerated a 100cc fill.  WOW!  But, I know many here who have, and without a bit of discomfort.  We are all so different!  If you tolerate those big fills, great.  But, if you don't (like me), don't hesitate to tell your PS  "no."  My PS made it very clear that I was in charge from the beginning.  That is the way it should be. 

    Prayers and love to all of you struggling with complications, infections, and those going back to surgery.  I'll be there with you, so make room on the bus!!!

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  • KLJ
    KLJ Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2014

    Julie I just breathed a huge sigh of relief with you!

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  • Sailon
    Sailon Member Posts: 55
    edited April 2014

    Special K -- and Blueberry -- I am sending all my good vibes, thoughts, prayers your way. 

    Juliecc -- WOOOOOOWHOOOO!  So happy your ONC landed in No chemo land. What a relief for you.  So happy for you. 

    Regarding TE's and pain on fill days.  I left surgery with 100cc.  FILL 1 = 60cc; FILL 2 = 70cc; FILL 3 = 70 cc

    Each fill so far set me back for the day - pressure, uncomfortable, a little nausea -- just the body adjusting to change I think. I needed someone to drive me home from each fill. By the 3rd day after fill I was ok. I am doing lots of PT - shoulder rolls are the best, to help muscle and tissue adjust to the fills.  Also taking a restorative yoga class (at my own pace) which is good for blood flow and some gentle stretching.  But I do not particularly like the Fill days -- My TE size is 400cc.  I think I would want to overfill some -- if the implant is smaller than the TE.    I feel like I am pretty flat and athletically compressed by my own muscle/skin.   How much can one be overfilled -- safely?  Is going to 450 in a TE that is 400 reasonable? Has anyone talked to their PS about it. My NP says some overfill is ok. Just wondering if anyone has any data on this?  I was a 36B.  I would like be a C+ when all is said and done. 

    The burning - sensitive to touch under the arm -- where lymph nodes were removed pain -- is nerve damage -- per my PS.  He said it will gradually heal.  I found a huge difference  -- meaning less discomfort this past week. (Post surgery by 5 weeks) I forget to put my little heart pillow in my armpit -- and that meant I was not needing it.  Yippee. 

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  • vlnmama
    vlnmama Member Posts: 98
    edited April 2014

    Blueberry and SpecialK, jumping on the pink bus for you ladies! Wishing you both an easy surgery and speedy recovery.

    And what fabulous news, Juliecc! I'm so happy for you!!!

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  • KLJ
    KLJ Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2014

    Sail on, thanks for the TE tips. Will give the shoulder rolls a try. I am just a little over 2 weeks post op so maybe I am expecting too much from myself but definitely won't be letting my PS do any huge fills!

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

    sailon - you can overfill by at least 100cc, 50 is no problem.  I had 550cc volume TE and overfilled to 650.  I just went with a friend yesterday for her PS consult and we discussed this - it is not a problem.

    Julie - awesome news!!!  So happy for you!

    I should have asked my PS for a ride to the hospital this morning, lol!  I have some wonderful friends who are handling the transport - one taking me this morning and another picking me up.  Both adjusted their work day to do this for me.  My ride home will stay with me since DH is out of town.  He was bummed and now feels guilty, but he will be fine when I talk to him this afternoon, I think he will be a nervous nelly until then!

    Thank you ladies for your support!  I will come back when I am able to let you know how things went.

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited April 2014

    On the bus for SpecialK and Blueberry this am  - I hope all goes perfect for both of you - I so admire your strength SpecialK - you keep such a great attitude after so many issues - I hope I can have a small bit of that moxy to get me through this.  Blueberry let me know how the trim goes - my PS mentioned this yesterday if my bad area doesn't clear itself up by next week.  He said that he will do it in his office though and not at the surgery center and will use a local - so at least I am relieved by that.   You all have been such a great source of info and comfort for me this past month and Sanda - I can't thank you enough for being such a gracious hostess and source of info.

    AND WOOHOOO JULIE - so happy for you on the no chemo!!!

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  • EverForward
    EverForward Member Posts: 242
    edited April 2014

    SpecialK, for my last surgery I took an actual bus (sadly, it wasn't pink) to the hospital. I had to impose on a friend to leave work to pick me up. But that was for an outpatient surgery with MAC anesthesia, so it was fairly easy. Good luck today. I hope this is your last surgery!

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited April 2014

    Good luck today ladies.  Julie  - whew, what a relief!

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

    Good luck again, SpecialK and Blueberry.  Check in with us when you can.

    100 cc was a big fill.  I have had an increase in tightness and pain but it is manageable.  I think I'll definitely go with 50 cc next time.  For some reason, my armpits feel much better since the fill.  I think there is something to be said about expanders sitting more comfortable against your chest as they are filled.

    Sailon, my expanders are this model - Natelle 133MV-13.  They are 400cc capacity but my PS's nurse said they could be overfilled to 800!  They are the anatomical ones and I think the PS plans to use the Allergan 410 gummy bear implants.  She did say that she has seen many who have those have a drop off on the inner edges like where cleavage would be.  Of course the round ones have issues too like rippling.  My PS likes to do fat grafting.  I have to research more about all of this.  I want to remain on the small side.  Maybe somewhere between 350 and 450 cc.  I know implants end up looking smaller and have less projection than expanders.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited April 2014

    congrats Julie on the no chemo.  I know this has been a real fear of yours.  Take a deep breath and start dreaming of after active treatment.  

    Specialk and blueberry the bus is full.  See you on the trip home.

    Have a great day everyone. 

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  • sesrn
    sesrn Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2014

    Hi, I discovered a lump on Jan 25 and after several mammograms, ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy as well as an MRI, I am finally having surgery on April 10..the waiting has been the absolute worse but ready to get this over with and move forward. 

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited April 2014

    Sesern, After weighing your options about surgery and making a decision, at that point in time as much as you don't want to do it, you do want to get it over with.  The surgery is one of the roughest parts of this journey and it is a relief to get on the other side of the hill.  We are here for you if you need us.

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2014

    Great news Juliecc!!! So happy for you!

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  • Sailon
    Sailon Member Posts: 55
    edited April 2014

    Thank you everyone from info on overfilling  Very helpful.  

    sesm -- the waiting is the most challenging.  The unknown is tough.  Plus just wanting to get things going so ultimately you can get the WHOLE thing behind you.  Meditation, guided imagery tapes, yoga, exercise, and warm patience family and friends - leverage all of this or whatever best helps you process and best distracts you!   I did goofy things as well -- like kept buying a lot of toilet paper -- as I was obsessed with running out -- in the weeks after surgery -- when people were coming by to help me.  I had surgery 5 weeks ago and I still have enough toilet paper for the next 3 months!!  Was I nesting, fretting, preparing for the long haul ?? -- all of the above!  It made me feel good -- so I just kept buying!!  LOL 

    Hang in there -- only 6 more days.  Do something nice for yourself this weekend -- 

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

    Good post Sailon.

    Sesm, look around you. We are there, holding up both ends of a comfy hammock. Climb in and let us support you.

    image

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited April 2014

    Juliecc,  that I

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited April 2014

    Juliecc,  

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  • KLJ
    KLJ Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2014

    Sandra, love the quote! I am amazed at how many acquaintances open up about their battle with breast cancer after finding out that I am going through this. We are definitely not alone!

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited April 2014

    hi all!  Got my appt with the MO for next tues at 2:30. This will be the consultation. I'm really want to get this going but hope to also be able to schedule a small getaway the week after just to have a break before the next step

    Also going wig shopping next tues. Woo hoo!

    So many of you and others have told me that the waiting is the hardest part. So true. Once I got my test results I started to relax. I am also relaxed about my appt next tues. 

    Someone so mentioned to me that I would eventually cry when looking at my boobless chest. Nope. Not me. Again maybe it's because of how I was born with 1 boob. 

    I don't miss what I've lost and don't see it as such a terrible thing. It doesn't impacts ability to walk or run or eat or breathe. 

    As for the cancer. I don't see it as a negative. I see it as a positive. Cancer has forced me to reflect upon life to think about what I want to do in the future. Cancer has led me to new acquaintances and friends.  Cancer has made me more aware of others and what they might be going through

    If a child can deal with cancer I guess that I can too

    I vie your friendship and will continue to keep you posted 

    Ang

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

    SpecialK!  Thinking of you.  An infection?  Fingers crossed and sending you hugs.  Hope it clears immediately. XXXX

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  • fayth
    fayth Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2014

    OK,.. all of you with tissue expanders in. My tissue expander really really hurts. The skin over it is so sensative, I can't even touch it. It's not red, but feels warm. It's like a piece of thick sandpaper in my chest. Is this normal? Or do I just have a low pain tolerance. I only have 100cc in so far,..... ouch.

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited April 2014

    Ang - words well spoken and oh so true!  Fayth - mine always feels warm I got 200 cc at surgery.  Every once in a while I get a very sharp pain especially when bending over kind of almost feels like a burning poker touching me right in the middle of  my breast then I just figure it's time for a Motrin or Percocet.  The other day I was lying in bed trying to take a nap and it was as though I could feel the plastic laying on my bare chest muscle, not a good feeling. Other than under arm rawness that is about the extent of my pain 10 days post op oh and of course tightness around my chest.  Oh and I just sneezed yeeeow!!!

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  • Kitty62
    Kitty62 Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2014

    Fayth, I would call your PS ASAP. It's Friday and you wouldn't want to go all weekend if there does happen to be something wrong. That's what they are there for. It might be nothing, but I wouldn't chance it. A call never hurts.

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  • Kitty62
    Kitty62 Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2014

    Frostcat, I'm day 11 post op.  I have not sneezed....yet. Do not want to either.  I do know laughing hard hurts enough. Can't imagine what a big sneeze would feel like.

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  • mnmbeck
    mnmbeck Member Posts: 313
    edited April 2014

    Fayth....I agree, call your PS.  But...., so many of us have stories of those torturous TE's!  It is very possible that this is something normal.    Also, many people start feeling a sensation that is like being "extremely sunburned" across your chest, and that your clothes feel like sandpaper on it.  I am not sure if this is what you are feeling, but it is also normal.

    Many women go through the TE phase with no problems at all....others (like me) would say it was constant pain, lack of mobility....horrible.  Hang in there.  And, keep sharing....it helps to have others' insights as to what may be normal and what might need a surgeon's eye :-)

    Footballnut.....thanks for that wonderful attitude.  What a beautiful breath of fresh air.  Just what I needed.  I tend to fall pretty deep down in the dumps sometimes.  Perspective!!!

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

    Yeah Fayth, you may want to call to be on the safe side.  Over the past week or 2 the skin on my upper chest has had a burning feeling.  I had the big 100cc fill yesterday and the expanders actually are feeling better today than ever before.  My armpits aren't too sore anymore.  They just seem to sit on my chest better.  Before yesterday, it felt weird on my right side whenever I leaned over, like it was going to fall out or something.  It felt like it was shifting and pushing forward.

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