June 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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jdmac, sending happy thoughts for good results.
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jdmac, hoping all went well today!
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Jdmac -- I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts for your surgery tomorrow. You will do great!
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Welcome Sammy. I see you are having DIEP. So many of the others this month are too. I confess I know nothing about it, so will hope someone else steps up. -
Hi,
I'm a little late joining this group. I'm not sure if this is for reconstruction surgery or I just found out I have cancer surgery. But I'm posting anyway...if i'm in the wrong place, just let me know. I have surgery next monday on June 2nd. I'm having a lumpectomy and axillary dissection. I'm totally new at this, trying to connect as much as possible as this just makes me feel better. scared sh-tless of what's to come.
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Welcome dancingdiva. This thread is for anyone who is having any kind of surgery in June. Some of us have been through this before but most are at the beginning of this journey like you are.
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Sammjokk we will be going in on the same day 6/23. I am so at peace with this surgery it is surprising me. I had my last chemo last Friday and it is kicking my butt. Super fatigued and major bone pain from the neulasta shot but I don't have to do it again. I can not wait until it is all over.
I ordered a super cheap recliner from Target. It wasn't much different from renting one and I got the skeeves from the fabric on the rental ones. It should show up next week. I have purchased 4 new pairs of button up PJ's for the big event. I still need some oversized shirts that button up. I have some but I live in AZ and fear they will be to hot. I still need to find some front closing sports bras. The drain pockets I ordered showed up. They are pretty cleever wish I would have thought of them.
I sell surgical supplies so unfortunately I know a lot about surgery. PS says I know to much Ha! I have already called the OR and my contact will hand pick my room for me which makes me feel good and puts me at ease.
I'm really trying to step up the healthy eating. Chemo has had me eating like a 2 year old. Also trying to get back into the swing of exercising. I haven't been to the gym since round 2 of chemo. My legs feel like they have weights on them. I have continued to walk the dog but the fatigue is killing me.
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Sammy and sweetjam, I'm scheduled for BMX and DIEP reconstruction next Thursday, June 6th (six days away, yikes!) and will be more than happy to share my experience with you - the good and the not-so-good. Please feel free to ask me ask any questions - the pain, nausea, discomfort, when did I first get up after surgery to sit, walk, shower, where did I sleep - bed recliner, what did I wear, the deal on the drains, appetite, etc. I will be an open book, trust me! And please keep me in your thoughts and prayers next week....
One love,
tp4ever
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Hi All! I will be having a Latissimus Flap with TE on June 25th on my left breast.
Did any of you use a wedge pillow? If so, did you like it or could you recommend one to me?
June is almost here as we all board the surgery train together. Big hugs all!!
Kari
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I went for pre-op appt today and had total meltdown when I got to work. Surgery date is 12 days away and I'm starting to feel very frightened. How are you other ladies dealing with your surgery dates approaching? I know I should be taking deep breaths, finding things to distract but sometimes it just hits you when you are not even thinking about it. Bam. One more week of work for me.. Got my recliner, pj's, pillows, front close bras. I'm getting umx so hopefully will still be able to reach with the left arm. So many of you opted for the prophylactic. I hope i made the right decision for me. This site is a godsend to me. Wish the best for all of you.
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Trish, feeling the same way. I told my employer I was DONE a few days ago because I kept having breakdowns and feeling panicky. I see several home care hospice patients during the course of my day and it was just really getting to me.
I have not gotten ANYTHING but I will this weekend, still trying to decide about a recliner.
I am trying to relax and breathe but also trying to get school over with by my surgery date Thursday so still stressing.
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I know it gets stressful the closer you get - but realize you are gonna arrive at the hospital or surgery center - have some preop stuff - then when it is time you are gonna go to sleep and wake up in recovery. You will not know or remember a thing!! You will most likely not have any pain when you wake up and they will provide you plenty of things to combat pain. If you have an overnight the nurse will be checking on you and asking about your pain - if you have any let them know. I barely pushed my little pain button. I went into surgery about 3 pm and was out of the hospital around 1pm the next day. I took pain pills for about two days and only took them to stay ahead of pain. By the third day, I decided to see how I felt and didn't need them. You will need help at home for a few days, at least I did. Have things on the counter that you want - like cups bowls and things - you don't want to be reaching up for items. If you don't have any kids at home ask for the non-child proof caps for your meds that you leave with so you don't have to mess with those caps.
I have had three surgeries in the last 7 years - appendectomy, hemrhoidectomy and mastectomy - and the mastectomy was the easiest of the three physically. If you are having emotional issues with what is happening just remember that those things were trying to kill you. I decided they had betrayed me, I had been nice to them all my life and they turned on me LOL- they had to go - it was them or me!!
Enjoy your days until surgery - get all your stuff prepped to make it easier when you get home - go out with friends, watch some funny movies, read a good book. You will not believe how fast time will pass while you recover - I was shocked that a month had passed and now I am over two months past surgery and it is a a distant memory and it was so much easier than I anticipated. OH and here is my best advice - if you want to cry - just do it and cry hard - you are allowed and it helps with the stress and releases hormones to cheer you up.
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kfinnigan - this is the one I got and I like it
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Contour-4-Flip-Pillow/19...
I not only used it in bed once I graduated from my recliner - but I also used it on the couch. When I moved to the bed I used this and put regular pillows on the side to slightly elevated my arms - kind of created a cocoon.
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trish and beth, you two are not alone. My surgery is Thursday and I'm getting more nervous by the moment. As for work, I've been on edge and teary eyed all month long, not even wanting to be there. For quite awhile, I've been ready to say "Ok y'all, this it it. I'm gone!". Monday is my last day at work, because I feel that I need Tuesday to pamper myself and finalize a few final things that need to be done. I just keep focusing on being on the other side of this horrible ordeal. This is my second time around with this mess. Can't wait to be healing and moving forward. And I will be praying for us all just as I always do...
One love,
tp4ever
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Kfinnigan, welcome to our growing group. I didn't have a wedge but some people like them. I found the recliner and a variety of pillows in different sizes and some soft, some firmer to be essential to getting rest. You have to sleep on your back for quite a long time and it is nearly impossible to lie flat with a regular bed and pillow for weeks and weeks.
The other thing you all will be glad you have is a couple of small, soft, loosely filled, heart-shaped pillows. I received mine for free from the American Red Cross (along with two post-op soft front closed bras. Call your nearest Chapter and ask for the paperwork to fill out as well as a call from one of their volunteers. Once they confirm with your doctor that you really do have breast cancer and will be having surgery, they will call you to find out what size bra - Small, Med, Large - to send.) At first I wondered if the little pillows would be useful but I took them to the hospital with me. OMG. I couldn't have made it without them! My doctor's office had given me one a little larger and firmer, but it really wasn't helpful. Too hard. Too big. You can make them with scrap fabric and a bag of pillow stuffing from Walmart. Draw a heart about 7 or 8 inches tall and 7 or 8 inches wide. Stuff it VERY loosely. Mine is about 3 inches. They fit perfectly under your arms. You will be SO glad you have them. If you don't sew, you can substitute a smallish ziplock bag loosely filled with cotton balls.
Sleeping on your side will happen. For me it was about 3 or 4 weeks post op. I was able to sleep on my stomach when I had a TE...that was kind of weird, but I tried it anyway. I still use a variety of pillows to get comfortable on my side at night in bed. I especially like a baby pillow size one which is nice a squishy to hold tightly to my chest as I sleep on my side. My implants don't like it when they move together so the squishy pillow keeps everything comfortable. Put one of your small heart-shaped pillow under the bottom foob and another one on top to keep your top arm from falling forward and pulling on your chest. Put a pillow behind you so you can lean back a bit when you are first trying to sleep on your side.
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I'm reposting this for newer members.
Good luck ladies...we are all in this together !!
TIPS FOR GETTING READY FOR SURGERY:
Remember, your drains and surgical incisions are open ports to your body and quite susceptible to infection. It’s very important to be extra vigilant your first post-op days.
Getting ready for surgery:
If you have drains, buy a newlanyard to wear around your neck to hold them while you shower.
I bought front closure sports bras from Walmart instead of the heavy surgical-quality bras they gave me in the OR.I attached the drains with large safetypins.
Be sure you have some oversized, button or zip up tops to wear.You will not be able to raise your arms for a week or so, so it’s easier to slide into these tops.(yes, get dressed!, you will feel better)
Wash your chest and upper bodywith Hibaclense or a surgical soap for 3 days before surgery.
Install a new shower head (megabacteria living in your current one), replace the shower curtain liner andbleach the crap out of the shower before your first shower.
When your home:
If possible, consider that bathroom "yours" and an off- limit area for others. If's that’snot possible, keep some Clorox wipes in the bathroom and wipe down EVERYTHINGafter anyone uses the bathroom. Keep this as your little clinic fordressing changes and emptying your drains.
It is IMPERATIVE that whoever empties,milks and changes the dressings on your drains and chest wash their hands thoroughlybefore and after.
Use clean scissors to cut a slit in the 2x2 gauze pads that will go around the drains.It will create a neat little ‘V” to wrap around the drain.
Showering: Use a liquidantibacterial soap (like Dial) to wash your chest area.Wash this area first.Wash cloths are not recommended, but if youmust, used one wash cloth on each breast and each drain.The idea is not to carry or transfer anybacteria from one area of your body to the wounds or drains.
When you get out of the shower,pat your chest and incision area dry with a clean towel FIRST, before you touchthe rest of your body. Do not touch that area after. Use aclean towel every day.
Wear a clean bra and pajamas every day, change any linens daily. My BS had me sleep in a recliner fora few weeks and it was really helpful.
Do your deep breathing and coughing exercises.
I promise you, 3 difficult daysand then it gets better!
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Thanks jbokland!
Welcome, Kari!
This is such a great place and so comforting to know that we have the support and advice of those who have been where we are going - if that makes any sense...
One love,
tp4ever
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I had a few moments of panic and anxiety when I saw my name at the top of the list for surgeries. My vacation was a wonderful distraction from reality for a week. My recommendations when in GA: take the Bonaventure Cemetery Tour (more history and symbolism than ghost stories) and eat at the Sundae Café in Tybee Beach (reservations required)
Yesterday I received all the calls for appointment reminders (like I was going to forget!) and it hit me hard. I know that right now this is just a small (6mm) lesion that is being removed. All of you others are having huge surgeries and mine is a little thing, worst case scenario (IMHO) would be stage 0, low grade DCIS and the surgeon got it all. But it's mine, and I'm spending a few moments here and there quietly freaking out. But all my providers are in network for my insurance, the surgeons person (forgot her title) explained in detail what will be happening and how long everything will take. That made me feel much better. I'm going to spend the weekend grocery shopping and preparing casseroles for next week. I'll have to wear my husbands shirt after the needle localization. No makeup, no jewelry, AND no coffee Monday morning. This is bad for me because I am vain, I make jewelry that I love to wear, and I generally drink about 6 cups of coffee.
Positive for the day: I get to wear a Dixie cup on my boob after the wire localizations. Maybe I'll sing "Material Girl".
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Yes I was thinking about the "no coffee" thing. I know with other surgeries I've had a raging headache when I woke up in addition to horrible nausea/vomiting. I suppose the headache is from anesthesia too but just in case I got some Excedrin and will have my husband give me some as soon as I can take anything (caffeine). I think I will ask for Scopolomine patch this time as it is the ONLY thing that works for nausea for me....downside is I wont be able to see for 5 days! That stinks.
I am glad to hear several of you say the pain was not horrible. I have read some stories on here about how bad it was and I am a WIMP when it comes to pain.
Getting ready to head to the beach just for two days to relax!
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Hello everyone! I have just finished chemo and have my first surgeon's appointment scheduled for Monday June 2nd. I don't think she is the kind of person to let things drag along so I am pretty sure my surgery will be this month. I am still pretty nervous about the whole thing. I have done my research and think I would like a lumpectomy with reduction. Now just have to wait and hear what my surgeon says.
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Trish - I too am one of the few people here who chose UMX over BMX, we are certainly in the minority. Let me preface this by saying this is MY story and why I made the decision I did, we all have choices.
My personal reasons for choosing that route was from all of my Dr's guidance. My BS said there was no medical reason to remove the healthy breast her quote to me was "at all of the conferences I attend we discuss how BMX has become so common and it just isn't necessary", I saw pics of my PS work with a UMX/Lift/Reduction and it looked great and he also mentioned how many people are having BMX to attain symmetry but that always doesn't guarantee it either. but it usually is easier. My MO, I saw him after my surgery and told him I'm not sure if I made the right decision he said the same thing, "there was no medical reason to remove your healthy breast", his words were "if it is going to return, it can return anywhere even in your bones, what are you going to do, cut off all your bones?"
I don't want to come across as anything contrary to the ladies who chose BMX, I certainly understand why you chose the path you did and I question my decision daily. Especially right now since I am in the TE phase pre lift/reduction and extremely lopsided right now (42D). It is very difficult and uncomfortable for me to attain some type of symmetry with bras right now. My husband has to keep reminding me it will all get better, hang in there.
There was a recent article regarding this on NBC News. I tried to copy and paste the link, but it wouldn't let me. Just google NBC News Mastectomy it should be the top story. It has a big picture of Angelina Jolie on it. I encourage you to watch the video.
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Theres probably no way not to be nervous to upcoming surgery, but know you will get thru it and the anxiety of waiting is worse than going thru it. No lie, but my 2 days in the hospital for bmx werent fun- I did use the morphine button every 7 minutes for at least the first almost 24 hours. Maybe not quite that long. It helped a ton. The first few times getting up wasnt fun either, but they help you and then you get back to bed and push the button again! By day 2 I was off the morphine and went home. They have you sit up and walk fairly quickly- you amaze yourself.
Good ideas for at home. Keep things counter level, open if you can, so you can access easily. I couldnt lift a coffee mug for awhile even- I used my rubbery travel mug cause it was so much lighter. My microwave is above stove- that was out. Small things like that- tho hopefully everyone will have a helper at least for a few days, so things will be done for you.
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No matter which surgery you have, you are going to be so full of anxiety it might just leak out of you! I felt full to the brim about a week and a half ahead and could no longer sleep. Couldn't turn the "what if's" off. My doctor gave me some Ambien but warned me not to take it on consecutive days and only 3 per week at most. Worked great.
People shouldn't dismiss lumpectomy. It's an invasive breast surgery and it hurts! It can be quite disfiguring, especially if they have to take a bigger tumor out with wide margins. Many women have reported that they had to go back to surgery because the pathologist report said the margin of good tissue around the tumor wasn't big enough so they have to take more. If they have a sentinel node biopsy to make sure the cancer hasn't spread to the lymph nodes, it can mean more incisions and a tougher recovery. Women who have a lumpectomy can get infections the same as mastectomy patients can and can have complications too like lymphedema. It certainly isn't a walk in the park. On the other hand, among other things, the recovery period is shorter.
There absolutely is no right or wrong. We all have our reasons for choosing one instead of the others. Those reasons don't have to make sense to anybody else but YOU. Some of us end up with a bad case of "Buyers Remorse" no matter which choice we make. If you have a prophylactic mastectomy on your non-cancer side and pathology shows it to be absolutely disease free, then you wonder if you should have left it alone. If your pathology report shows there WAS cancer in the "prophy" side in spite of tests showing none (this was my story), then you breathe a sigh of relief, but wonder where ELSE it is that no one has found - yet. Worst of all, you no longer trust test results. If you have a lumpectomy, you may have to go back in for a bigger margin and you could end up with a mastectomy after all. That's when you wonder why you just didn't go with mastectomy to begin with. There are thousands of us and thousands of stories.
What we all have in common is this viscious disease that is trying to kill us. Let's stick together no matter how we choose to battle it.
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bethq, the Excedrin is a wonderful idea, I'll get some today.
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thinkpink4ever,
My surgery is this Thursday too. I lay awake last night thinking, "This is my last weekend with my breasts." When I told my husband this he said, "what do you want to do, drive along the interstate and flash truckers?" (We both tend to use humor in stressful situations.) it will be 2 months from the day I found out I had breast cancer to my mastectomy. The waiting has been hard. I keep wondering how fast is this cancer growing in me; get it out right now!!! But now it's only 5 days away; that's the first thought I had when I woke up this morning. Shirley
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I agree Sandra. It was no easy decision for me and I pray I made the right one.
Slappy - you made me laugh out loud with that one.
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I wrote an obituary for my boobs and published on my blog. The day before my BMX. I held a farewell ceremony with friends and we burned my bra at a beachside ceremony and wish my breasts well in their next life. We all sipped wine from one if those tacky mugs that looks like a boob. Good times !
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jbokland,
Where did u find the mugs? I may do that too!
Shirley
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they sell them in all the touristy beach shops here in Florida!
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Slappy - that made me laugh out loud - but my real question is "did you do it?".
Sounds weird but I had my husband take a nice photo of them before they were gone (someone in the march thread suggested it). Mostly because I wanted to be able to look back after reconstruction and see the differences and I think he liked doing in. But as I said before - I have no regrets in my decision.
No sure if this has been discussed here but I had very bad constipation after my surgery and believe me the straining is not pleasant. I would suggest taking some stool softner the day prior to surgery and asking for some in the hospital - or take you own with you and clear with them to take it. I also used Miralax and after trying once and straining just waited until I didn't really need to strain
I will be on the bus for all 5 of you going in on Monday - wishing you clean easy surgeries and fast recoveries.
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