April 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • debkayr
    debkayr Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2014

    Well I am now 9 days post bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement along with bilateral oophorectomy. Has been a very uncomfortable experience for me. Mostly the mastectomy has been easy other than the nuisance of the drains. But I have had problems with getting the bowels moving properly. At first I could not go and now I can't stop. All the antibiotics caused me to get thrush infection and I have to take meds for that. So trouble eating due to sore mouth has made for a slower than expected recovery. Not much pain at this point which is good. Still feeling very weak and tired. Anybody else have these troubles and any advice?

    Did get good news from the path report though. Margins are clear and not in muscle and lymphs are clear so that is good news for sure.

    Looking forward to feeling better and moving on with life soon!

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  • MakeLemonade
    MakeLemonade Member Posts: 153
    edited April 2014

    congrats on the good path report debkayr!!   

    Sorry about your other complications though!  Can't offer any insights, but know we are all there with you in spirit!

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  • noonrider
    noonrider Member Posts: 464
    edited April 2014

    I had the compression boots in bed before my lumpectomy. LOVED them. I want some at home. ;-)

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  • MakeLemonade
    MakeLemonade Member Posts: 153
    edited April 2014

    I had them both times ... I wanted to take them home :-)  And to think, the nurse that put them on the first time said most people don't like them!  

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  • Renee51
    Renee51 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2014

    I just found this forum. I will be having bilateral mastectomy on April 29th and plan to have tissue expanders also. I finally settled my mind that this is the right path for me. I have second guessed myself a thousand times, but after sitting down with my oncologist, I am at peace. This is a good place to be, at peace. 

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  • krisnanbrandy123
    krisnanbrandy123 Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2014

    rambling rose--just was thinking of you when i awoke.  I just wanted to say "f cancer" and sending you thoughts of strength and healing.   

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  • krisnanbrandy123
    krisnanbrandy123 Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2014

    I did lay on my side.  PBMX was 4 /16 but I had bolster and pillow positioned a certain way or it was too painful. 

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  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited April 2014

    Side lay if its comfortable. Use pillows to prop, compress, etc til you are comfortable. Might take a few weeks. In the beginning of trying to move to my side I used a small one shoved between the te so the 'top' one didnt 'move' towards the 'bottom ' one when I was on my side.  Eventually I could even stomach sleep again but got out of the habit. I was suprised after my exch that I could side sleep after a few days. bmx took me a few weeks if not longer.

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  • Rubiayat
    Rubiayat Member Posts: 144
    edited April 2014

    No wonder you feel betrayed Rambling Rose! You've taken such good care of yourself just to have it come back. For me that is the most frightening thing about cancer - is it genetic, environmental, lifestyle? I want to believe that I have some control and can change my lifestyle to protect myself. I do believe our attitude and choices make a difference, but there is much we can not influence and must just accept.

    "In the depth of winter I learned there lay within me an invincible summer" - beautiful and inspiring quote krisnanbrandy. Thanks for sharing it!

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  • RamblingRose
    RamblingRose Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2014

    krisnan, thanks for the good thoughts. 

    I wish it were Monday morning, so I could call the MO and make an appointment. (And Monday is a quasi-holiday in Boston: Patriots Day, don't you know.) I hate not knowing. My fantasy is that the chemo will be tablets, not infusions. 

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  • teachermom4
    teachermom4 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    Hello All,

    Thank you so much for sharing your stories--it is so wonderful to not feel so alone! Although I'm sure we all wish we weren't in this "club"! I am 17 days post bilateral mastectomy and every day feeling stronger. The pain has been very manageable, even from 2 days out, but the fatigue--woooweee! I feel good for most of the day, but they by 7:00pm I"m done! I still have two drains  that just don't seem to be slowing done, although the color is better.

    I have appointment tomorrow with MO to find out about chemo, haven't had oncotype test results yet, keeping fingers crossed.

    Warm thoughts to all!

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  • Renee51
    Renee51 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2014

    Teachermom4, 

    I don't have surgery until tuesday the 29th. Is is common to have drains this long? 17 days? Or was/ is there a problem? I don't know why, but I thought a week- 10days was the norm. I can't remember where I heard that now after seeing so many physicians over the past month. 

    I hope you are well and can get the drains out soon!!

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  • teachermom4
    teachermom4 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    Hi Renee51,

    I definitely seem to be on the longer side with respect to the drains--I have heard of plenty of women who have them out one week after surgery! It really depends on the PS and the output. The general rule of thumb is for the drain to remain in until it is draining less than 30cc's in 24 hrs., over a couple of days. I came home with four drains, two were taken out at 10 days, but the remaining two are still draining about 70cc's per day .

     Everyone seems to be so different! Hopefully yours will go quickly! My friend gave me a camisole that closes with velcro in the front and has two pockets on each side to hold the drains--it made such a difference!

    Best wishes for you; this is quite a journey! It is scary, but I am feeling great and hope you will too!

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  • happyteacher
    happyteacher Member Posts: 118
    edited April 2014

    You have a great attitude about the drains there teachermom4.  I had abdominoplasty last December and it was the same- 4 drains that usually come out by 10 days.  Two of them lingered a full month.  But they were there for a purpose and it kept things healing in the right direction.  I hope your lingering drains are removed soon, but again- awesome job with the outlook!  I bought 2 of the cami's that you mentioned and I am really debating if they were worth the cost.  One was used ($22 on ebay) and the other full price... I think around $70.  They are comfortable, and yes the pockets for the drains are well placed and comfortable.  I still safety pin in the balls though because I am nervous they will dislodge and fall and cause issues.  Probably just a little paranoid.  Overall though, I think I could have simply used a lanyard or other home remedy and saved the money.  Perhaps though by the time I go through the exchange I will reflect back and feel it was more worthwhile.  I don't see myself using the puffy balls to help fill out the cami though when I go out- so for some that may be worth the purchase.  

    Anyway, glad to read your recovery is going well except for a little fatigue.  I go back to the classroom in 3 weeks- and currently sleep at least 14 hours a day.  Hopefully I can wake up long enough to teach in a few weeks :)

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  • happyteacher
    happyteacher Member Posts: 118
    edited April 2014

    Question about weight?

    In 2011 I went through bariatric surgery to lose weight, and lost 150+ pounds (yay me!).  Once I hit goal I monitor closely, but this whole mastectomy process has me a little confused.  I went online and read somewhere that one breast would be between 5-10 pounds, so I would think that would mean a 10-20 pound drop in weight??  I also understand that the hospital pumps you full of fluids, so when I got home to find a 10 pound weight gain I assumed the constipation and fluids were the culprit.  But how much of a weight change can one attribute to a double mastectomy?  I am back down to my surgery weight, but have no idea what is "supposed" to be my weight without my breasts and adjusted for my TEs?  I am focusing on protein and veggies, but have also been eating more sugar than normal- I have a pronounced history of emotional eating and I am fighting that daily at the moment.  I just don't want to pack on pounds during this process.  Any insights would be helpful- thank you in advance!

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  • happyteacher
    happyteacher Member Posts: 118
    edited April 2014

    Renee51

    Welcome aboard!  I agree with you about being at peace.  I had my pbmx on the 15th and never doubted my decision.  I did get a little emotional the last few days going into the surgery, but woke up from surgery with an enormous sense of relief.  I am sending good vibes your way- HT

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    My breasts were about 4.5 lbs each, but took a couple weeks for the scale to show that.  I've been trying to eat better with more protein and get some exercise / walking in.  Plus drinking lots of water.  My daughter talks about the large newborn weight I lost and my hubby was surprised how well I was walking up the stairs today.  I told him to grab a 10 pound weight to see what it was like for me prior to the surgery!  Feeling great with absolutely no regrets not doing reconstruction.

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  • teachermom4
    teachermom4 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    Hi Happyteacher....

    And people say teaching is easy--LOL! Hopefully the next couple of weeks will rest you up enough to face the kiddos!

    Hi cdelv66...

    Looks like we had our mastectomies on the same day--woohoo! Glad to hear you are feeling so well! I still have two drains :( I assume yours are out?

    Supposedly I have lost 6 pounds but I sure feel like my belly is as swollen as ever! I'm on the larger size, so we shall see. I really am trying to drink a lot of water and eat better, but this is a journey and won't happen overnight.

    Peace to all

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    teachermom4 … yes, I'm a plus size girl, too and my tummy looked huge right after the surgery.  It seems to have gone down some since then, but I still look like I'm pregnant.  Lol :)  Yes, I had my drains removed at days 8 & 11.  Started physical therapy last week - mainly just manual lymphatic drainage, plus been doing my shoulder exercises everyday.  Want to be 100% when returning to work next month - I, ironically work in mammography.

    Thinking of our fellow sister:

    • April 21 - Asb, BMX with tissue expanders
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  • MissMaples
    MissMaples Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2014

    Welcome Renee51, and thank you for joining us here! We are happy to have the company.

    Asb, the very best wishes to you for your BMX surgery today.  Will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way :)

    RamblingRose, I am also sorry about your path report not being clear.  I just found out mine was not good and something completely unexpected by my entire medical team as well (totally clear MRI at end January). Now trying to line up second opinions and get my head straight.  Hugs to you :)

    Healing thoughts to one and all April girls!

    MM

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    ~MM & RamblingRose - I'm sorry to hear about your unexpected path reports.  We're here for you and sending positive vibes your way.

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  • vfay49
    vfay49 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    Good morning girls, 

    I am two weeks post surgery this morning.  I slept well last night following a longer than normal day on my feet yesterday due to the Easter holiday.  My sisters brought Easter dinner to my husband and I, which was greatly appreciated.  The weather in PA has been beautiful.  I was able to get outside and walk around a little yesterday.

    I will be meeting with my PS tomorrow afternoon.  I am hoping to have both drains removed.  I could have possibly had my drains removed sooner, but there was a little misunderstanding between me and my PSs office as to when my post surgery appointment was to occur, hence it was scheduled for tomorrow.  I have had a few painful experiences recently while my drains we're being stripped. I contribute this discomfort  the low output of the drain and getting close to the end of the drain experience.

    I still feel a tightness across my chest.  I am not sure this discomfort is from the BMX or the TEs.  I am continuing to do my shoulder exercises.  I do feel the TEs under my arm area.  It is not painful; just some discomfort.  I am still controlling discomfort with Extra Strength Tylenol and an occasional half Hydrocodone during the day and before bedtime.

    As some of you have expressed. I am also hoping to lose some weight before my implant exchange surgery.  I guess that means that all of the chocolate bunnies I received for Easter need to go into the freezer!

    My appointment with my BS is on Wednesday; at which time, my full pathology report will be discussed.

    MissMaples:  I just read your bio.  You have really been on a journey since your diagnosis!  I am sorry to hear that your pathology report held some surprises.  Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

    RamblingRose: Sorry to hear that your pathology was not what you had hoped for and that you may be facing chemo.  Sending thoughts of encouragement your way!

    happyteacher:   It sounds like we are having a similar experience.  Is the tightness around your chest area getting any better?  I have found that mine is not improving much, but it has only been two weeks since surgery.  I get some relieve when I take a half of a Hydrocodone or when am relaxing in my recliner; otherwise, the discomfort is always there.  With fills at surgery of 350 ccs on left/300 ccs on right, I think I also look pretty flat with some bumps here and there from the TEs.  I am sure that being 5'8" and 170 lbs has much to do with my appearance.  I retired from teaching in 2012, and I am happy that this disease struck me when I was no longer working.  I think I would have found it difficult to go back to work three weeks from now.  Sending you thoughts of strengh and encouragement!  

    Best wishes to those of you still facing surgeries! 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    Beautiful day here in Central PA - Got my shoulder exercises done and a 2 mile walk outside.  Tomorrow is another PT appt for manual lymphatic drainage.

    vfay49~  Keep us posted on your PS appt tomorrow.  Hopefully those dreaded drains will be removed and you'll be able to freely move your arms and shoulders again…that's when my tightness really started to improve.  Good luck with your path report, too.

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  • vfay49
    vfay49 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    image

    It has been interesting to see how our cat has responded to my recovery.  As you can see, he likes to lie at my feet on my throw when I am resting in my recliner--so sweet!

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  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited April 2014

    I had surgery on 4/15 - lumpectomy and temp expander for my implant. The PS gave me a breast lift at the same time. When I'm done with treatment, he will replace both implants and lift my right breast to match. My drain never got over 20 mls in a 24 hour period and I'm down to about 5 mls a day. I have my appt with PS at 10:30 and my BS at 1:00 on Wednesday. I expect him to remove the drain then. 

    Do you guys think my BS will have my path report at my appt? Nervous all over again! Right now I am supposed to get radiation, but if there is anything in my nodes I will go the chemo route. I'm guessing they sent it to cali for the oncotype ? test. How long does it take to get everything back?

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  • Radical2Squared
    Radical2Squared Member Posts: 460
    edited April 2014

    You have me laughing out loud about your breaker comparisons for breast size! I was an A cup my whole life so I'm not even familiar with what different cup sizes look like! When I consulted with my plastic surgeon the first time and he asked me what size I wanted to be and what I'd always dreamed of I was at a loss. 

    My answer to him was, "please don't laugh... numbers mean nothing to me. Of course a girl with an A has always wanted to be bigger. I want to be big enough to turn heads and have a guy check me out, but small enough that he doesn't keep staring until every guy with him is also checking me out."

    My surgeon did laugh, but in a good way. He told me it was the best answer to his question he had ever heard. He said a cup to cup and a half increase would be no problem without compromising skin tissue and that we'd start filling my expanded a little at a time until we thought we had it right. End of discussion.

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  • teachermom4
    teachermom4 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2014

    Hi HomeMom,

    Glad to hear you seem to be recovering well! I received my path lab results 10 days post surgery, but when I saw the path report, it was dated 4 days post surgery! All that extra waiting! Grrrrr.

    My breast surgeon didn't send for oncotype, but oncologist is and that's another two weeks. Hopefully yours will all go quickly-the waiting is hard.

    Best wishes!

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  • Radical2Squared
    Radical2Squared Member Posts: 460
    edited April 2014

    Hey teacher mom...My breast surgeon told me drains are determined by the amount of tissue removed. I'm tiny and had small breasts. I had surgery on a Tuesday and two drains were put in. I was told the drains usually stay in about two weeks. I was discharged from the hospital on the Friday. I had a follow-up appointment on the Tuesday (one week from my surgery) and they pulled out my drains. I was actually shocked and asked if there had been a mistake because I had expected to have them longer!

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  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited April 2014

    Hi Teachermom - did you get the path report at your post op appt with your BS? I haven't had the first appt with an oncologist. just a radiologist.  So many dr/'s in my life all of a sudden 

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited April 2014

    vfay....

    Your kitty is cute! My own is a lap kitty who loves to snuggle and be with her "people" all the time, so I expect the same for my recovery, though I will have to make sure she does not try to cuddle up on my chest as she is apt to do!

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