July 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Purplegurll- Praying that your path report is good.  Waiting is so difficult and it seems that you do alot of that when on this journey.  Hope your meeting with your PS goes well this afternoon.  I had one over-achieving drain that always seemed to have more output the 24 hours before my doc appointment.  Hope it settles down soon.  Hope you get some sleep soon...I am sure it is hard with all the stuff you are dealing with right now.  Know that we are thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way.  Take care!!

    Ally

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited July 2014

    Oh Boy, Belleb, I hope not because this is the one Dr. I don't like. sigh.  I don't see him again till next Friday after Surgery.  I will kick him in the shins if he makes me hurt needlesly. lol

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  • kimag
    kimag Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Purplegurll I keep my fingers crossed for your results, I am also impatiently waiting for mine.. Why do you have antibiotics? I only got prescription for Tylenol 3, no nausea meds ors so... after tonight i have drained 15 ml each drain and is lighter in colour but I wonder if it is not clogged or so as the nurse told me it can happen. 

    Have you been told to 'milk' the drains?

    all the best

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  • RAM2013
    RAM2013 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2014

    I had Microcalcifications and ADH diagnosed and removed in December 2013. Went to my 6 month follow-up in June. Mamo looked good but doc wanted to ensure what he was seeing in my right breast was scar tissue related to my surgery in December...well it was, but the tumor that was found in my left breast was immediately biopsied and diagnosed as cancer. We set a date for the lumpectomy and ordered a MRI as a precaution because the mamos had not found my tumor. The MRI results came back with multiple tumors in the ducts of both breasts. My doctor is suggesting bi-lateral mastectomy I have chosen to also have reconstruction at the same time. We have it scheduled for July 25th.

    I have had life long PMDD, which is Monster PMS requiring hormonal treatment. With December's diagnosis I had to stop the hormone treatment. That action morphed my tolerant happy disposition into mood swings, rage, depression and panic attacks. Now with this diagnosis I am one big raw nerve and having to wait three more weeks for surgery. I was barely coping before and have no idea how I am going to work at my extremely stressful job and cope day to day without falling apart.

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  • kimag
    kimag Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Becky63 how are you doing after your surgery? Hope all is fine... I am very dizzy today and weak, trying not to overdo myself

    RAM2013 - I know it seems ages when you wait 3 weeks - I had the same stress, even tried to go for short holidays to think about something else at least for a second, I always wanted everything been done right away and hate waiting. Now I wait for a day when all my incision will heal, the drains will be taken out etc. I try to take day by day but some days are harder, I have high anxiety too. All the best, the time will pass

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Dear RAM2013

    Welcome to the BCO forums and we feel you'll get feedback regarding how others have coped. The waiting is very stressful for everyone and with the added hormone change moods swings must make it worse. You also have long waits that don't make it easier.

    We hope you can gain lots of valuable info on pre and post surgery along with your mood swings. Often just having someone who understand can help in some small way.

    We wish you the best and keep the forum advised. You may find more relevant feedback in other forums like Surgery - Before, During, and After and Hormonal Therapy - Before, During and After, so suggest you post relevant questions somewhere in those for feedback.

    The Moderators

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  • hyphencollins
    hyphencollins Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2014

    Purplegurll, kimag, Becky - hope you are all doing well.  And Brandyrose - thinking of you today - let us know how you are doing when you can.  

    Thanks swimmom for the link to the exercises.  My husband will be very happy; he was worried that PT isn't standard aftercare.  (He's an attorney and reads medical records a lot -- of course he only sees the things that go wrong, not right).

    Trying to get everything settled at work before surgery next week and my poor 5 year old got a stomach bug -- so I'll be out to take care of him tomorrow.  I'm hoping that the rest of us won't be next.  I'm also feeling increasingly anxious and preoccupied so my work productivity is less than I'd like.  Thankfully, they are understanding.

    Thanks for all the thoughts re: umx vs bmx kimag and purplegurll.  I think I'm leaning toward bilateral.  The thought of the possibility (however small) of going through all this again is a real motivator toward me considering bilateral.  I feel so terrible about the impact this is having on my kids' summer; I would hate to have to put them through this again.  (I know that this will pass, but sometimes the short-term negative impact really gets to me!). 

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  • Purplegurll
    Purplegurll Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2014

    Hi Kimag, I have a bunch of medicines.The antibiotic may be for long lat wounds. Pain killer and muscle relaxers for mx and reconstruction. Anti nausea from taking all of the above,I guess. I am just about done with antibiotics and will start to swap Tylenol for pain killers during the day. No drains removed by PS today. Probably another week at least. Lots of bruising so also need to use neosporin and a bandage while the skin heals.  Ready to start kicking back from these medications. They make me tired and muddled.Agree with all. The waiting and then more waiting is the very hardest part. 

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  • Becky63
    Becky63 Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2014

    I had the bilat mx on Thursday, 7/3.  I am at a teaching hospital which may explain the complications.  Or, if it can go wrong, it will.  I first had the nuclear med.  procedure on Wednesday p.m.  Thanks to so many sisters here, I received a script for lorazapam prior to the injections.  I also shared terms such as barbaric and test designed by a man...with humor.  I literally felt nothing.  I had no skin numbing either due to allergies.  So surgery at 6 hours was good. One node removed and initial report was clear.  Gummy bears inserted.  First night, blood pressure bottomed out.  Couldn't speak.  They ruled out stroke and heart attack.  Decided reaction to pain killer.  Second day, swelling started.  Holiday weekend and all, never saw the PS.  Saw his fellow and a student.  Stayed a second night in hospital.  Swelling determined to not be a hematoma because both sides swelling and sent home.  Was in ER Saturday night.  My husband had pix of the continued swelling and distorted tissue taken throughout the day.  After my son in law drove us an hour to the ER and my daughter an RN in that hospital waited two hours with us, several fellows and an ER doctor told me all was a normal.  I was told to take the hydromorphone I was sent home with.  I have an appt. with the PS Tuesday at 0900.  At this moment my tissue is so swelled, the incisions have rolled in and I can't get my arms down at my sides.  I am black & blue all over.  Four drains have continued output.  Is anyone else aware of or experiencing this amount of swelling?  I am taking 1/2 dose of the pain med because I can't eat when on full dose.  Oh yes, taking stool softener and no BM for 5 days.  Wow, the things I share at this point.  I will update our list hopefully tomorrow. 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    hyphencollins-  That is what is so great about this Board...you can find others that have been in similar situations so they "get it."  I also chose a BMX over a UMX because I did not want to be dealing with all of this again in 2-3 years (strong family history).  Hopefully you will have a great surgery with an even better result.  Hope your kiddo is feeling better.  So hard when your kids are sick!!   Just remember, whatever you decide, it will be the right decision for you!!  Hugs!!

    Becky63- Yikes!  Gosh, that is a lot to go through!  Besides the "no BM' for several days, I am not sure others can truly relate to all you have experienced.  Hope things start to improve and that those drains come out soon!  Hopefully you are over the hump and the rest of your recovery will be less eventful. Let us know how the appointment with the PS goes today!!  I am sure everyone will want to hear how the direct to implant went.  I am still carting around my TEs until August. LOL!!

    Purplegurll-  You are so right...waiting is so hard and it seems we do alot of "hurry up then wait, wait wait.  Hurry up, then wait, wait, wait."  I do hope you are able to lower those pain meds soon and that the tylenol will do its job. Take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing. 

    Hugs to all!!  Hang in there Ladies, you are awesome!!

    Allly

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited July 2014

    Becky it sounds awful.  Do let us know what he does to help.

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  • Becky63
    Becky63 Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2014

    I can only laugh.  My implant on the left has slipped out of the pectoral pocket!   Happens in only 10% of cases. I'm now bound in an ace bandage 24 hours a day.  Except for the 4 times a day that I squeeze my implant & try to massage/push it back down into place.  The students did that side.  He said to anticipate surgery to position it, but no re-cutting into it now.   I thank our Lord daily for my sense of humor.   We have decided that I'm getting the bad stuff out of the way now, because my pathology report is going to be good. :-)  I'm planning on resting this pm.  Our sister list won't be updated as planned.  I pray that each of you is doing well.   Remember that you are all warriors.   We are winning our battles.  Thank each of you too for sharing. 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Becky63- Yikes...what a pain, literally!!  I like and admire your style!  Definitely better to get the "less than good" stuff out of the way!!

    Ally

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  • kimag
    kimag Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Becky   I admire your sense of humor and strength! I keep my fingers crossed for a great pathology result!

    HYphencolii - I too feel 'guilty' to ruin my kids summer, we supposed to be in Europe now for 2 months, boys waited so long for it and I got my biopsy results 5 days before scheduled departure... but the most important thing is we do now all we can to be for them longer, healthier

    My drains are draining less now, around 15 ml per 8 hours, I hate the idea of them, cannot look on the place they enter my body but that is me and my fear for pipes, drains and stuff inserted to the body... I am on Tylenol regular now, switched from Tylenol extra, still dizzy today..

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    kimag-  I didn't look at the site where the drains entered by body either!  I also don't look when they insert a needle for blood draw or for the surgery.  I am not even sure whey but I did not look at those drain entrance sites until the drains were removed.  Now I am seeing them all the time while trying to get those darn scars massaged and oiled. Haha!!  Glad you have even stepped down on the Tylenol but please take it easy...remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should!!  

    Allly

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  • kimag
    kimag Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Ally thank you, you are right is it easy to overdue especially with kids on board, what do you use for scarfs and who had recommended it? when you started?

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  • hyphencollins
    hyphencollins Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2014

    Becky63 - Sorry to hear about your troubles - you are a trooper!   

    Kimag - As ally said, take it easy.  I'm hoping you have lots of support for helping out with the kids right now!  Thanks for your support earlier re "guilt" and I'm sorry to hear that your trip was put on hold for now, too.

    Wishing everyone a peaceful night.

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  • Purplegurll
    Purplegurll Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2014

    Hey everyone,

    So all is going pretty well. Saw the PS yesterday and other than lots of bruising (using bacitracin and bandages to manage) the healing seems to be doing its thing. Trying to reserve the pain meds for sleeping at night and Tylenol during the day. No drains removed yet so hopefully next Monday. Still waiting on pathology and that is weighing heavily on my mind. Tomorrow will be a week and I'm hoping even with the holiday we will know something by then. Becky63, you are so trusting with the students involvement. I X'd that student participation right out of my informed consent docs! Keep posting everybody. I look forward to reading about everyone's progress. Hugs to all.

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    kimag-  Funny you asked about the scars.  Right now I am putting aquaphor (on the scars) and bio-oil all over at night.  I have some old t-shirts that I use for nights because the oil stains the clothing.  I know that the PS is going to use those same incisions and since it will be silicon, he will probably have to use the entire line so I don't know if I am just "spitting in the wind" trying to do something with these scars right now.  I think I am going to try some of the silicon paper that others have talked about once I have the implant surgery.  From what I can tell from the posts, that along with massaging the area seems to work the best.  I think I had to wait at least 4 weeks before I started anything in order to let it heal.  If you find anything that you think works, let me know!!

    Purplegurll- Hoping the drains come out next week.  I know they are a hassle but they are working for you and that is important!  Sending prayers your way for your path report...that is probably the hardest thing to wait for so just know we are thinking aobut you!  Keep healing, inside and out!!

    Have a great day everyone!

    Ally

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  • Barbed
    Barbed Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2014

    Heya, another July 2014 lady joining you.  I've been booked for a single mastectomy but beginning to think that I would prefer a double. Seeing the surgeon again on Friday - everything has been rushed from the beginning.  Local recurrence, Grade 3, TNBC - I'm not sure if it's stage 1 or 2 as I have been given measurements for both.  I was supposed to be tested for BRCA1 but I'm still waiting (UK) and I don't think my oncologist expected my chemo to fail and thought there was time. They suspect that I am or have a similar mutation. (First dx 35yrs.)  I've had 4 rounds of Taxotere but it became resistant and so chemo was abandoned.  It has barely shrunk.   Feeling very apprehensive about long-term prognosis.  Although I'm still in the early stages, I have found it very difficult to find anyone who has experinced similar. I'm very worried about chemoresistance and surviving TNBC with surgery alone.  (Can't have rad - done that already.)

    Any ideas? 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Barbed-  Sorry about your dx...I thought my only choices were lump or single.  Another BC survivor asked me if I had considered both.  Once I thought about it and talked to others, I opted for the double.  I just did not want to constantly worried about the other breast or go through this process again (I have a strong family history of breast BC).  Of course, that doesn't completely eliminate future occurence but I was ok with that low probability.  That being said, however, the one thing I do realize it is that it is a very individual choice and you need to decide what is best for your circumstances.  As a friend told me, "it will be that decision that lets you sleep at night."  Hope you have a productive meeting with your surgeon.  Best of luck with your decision...you will make the right one for you!!

    Ally

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  • Wipa
    Wipa Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2014

    new to the surgery board.   Finished chemo (AD/cytoxan) and taxol on 6/5.  Have seen a few chemo sisters on the site.  Had BMX on 7/2 with expanders placed.  L side was prophylactic.  Like others have said, I didn't want to think I may have cancer every time I went in for a checkup.  Had 4 drains paced and 2 were out 6 days after when I saw PS.  I'm only using ibuprofen and Tylenol during the day, still take a Percocet at night.  I'm still sore, I guess it's more pressure at this point?   Definitely feeling better though.  Looks awful, worse than I thought.  

    Will still need rad on the R due to size of initial tumor.  Not too worried about that at this point.  Take it slow and use those pain meds for the first few days.  Also stool softener, stool softener, stool softener!!!  Also for those of you with expanders, how much did they put in?  I think mine said 250?  still very tight

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  • kimag
    kimag Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Hi Barbed - as Ally said think about pros and cons, how will you feel checking the healthy breast, will that be a high stress each time etc. how important for you is to keep some more part of you - healthy breast... it is not easy but each of us is different and need different approach. I had BMX  July 4th, right prophylactic. I too was asking other Ladies what were the basis of their choices leave one or remove both and decided if I can help it at least a little I do not want to go through it again.

    It is a day 6th post surgery, I have pulling under my arms pit, I think this is the most annoying feeling now, I do not use anything for pain now except yesterday for a migraine, but it is not that I suffer in pain and reject it, it seems most of my chest is still numb after surgery or nerve issues? As even incisions I do not feel a pain, sometimes pulling when doing exercises. WOuld that be something to be concern of?

    I am tired often, after exercises need nap or feel dizzy, my drains are draining less then 30 ml a 24 h, tomorrow I will see my surgeon as right side hurts to the touch near drain and even when moving my arm can feel it :(

    My left calf hurts a little and I am worry now about thrombosis but the nurse I talked with said since it is nor red, warm and do not hurt more when touched it all ok... anxiety does not help convince myself :(

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  • hyphencollins
    hyphencollins Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2014

    Welcome Barbed and Wipa!

    I'm a bit down tonight.  I had a consult with my plastic surgeon and found out that my surgery is not likely to be the 17th and if not, won't happen until the 31st!  Basically, the BS's office thought the PS was available that day but turns out she's not... and she's not until the 31st.  I explained how concerned I was - since I discovered the lump in mid-April (and saw my PCP within a week!) and was feeling really anxious to get the cancer out of my body at this point - long story short, she'll talk to the BS tomorrow.  I'm feeling really anxious about this; I expect that my surgery will not be happening until 7/31 now.  My husband is furious and told me he is not feeling confident in the hospital because "they can't get their act together" (side note: I've liked most of my doctors over the years but the hospital does have a history of messing up my appointments -- I've just never had anything so serious before).  My mother (to visit to help out with the kids) and my work have made their arrangements based on the 17th; now I have to tell them oops!  Plus, we had rented a house on the Cape in August months ago pre-dx; I thought I would at least be able to spend my fourth week post-op recuperating there; I'm not really sure I can spend my second week there given I'm sure I will be having some follow-up appointments!  

    Secondly, I'm totally not sure what to do about the other breast... I'm fortunate to have options --  but I'm the worst, most dithering decisionmaker ever.  I was leaning toward prophylactic mastectomy on that side.  Now, my genetic testing came back negative (for which I am  feeling extremely lucky) and after talking with the PS... I don't know what to do.

    Finally, a question - I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with an implant(s) (the only other option she gave me was the latimuss dorsi flap) -- any thoughts regarding the rounds vs the shaped/anatomicals?  I think I might really want the shaped (gummy bears?) - especially if I do a UMX with lift on the other side... this PS says she pretty much uses the rounds bc she just does (I don't think she had a real clear reason)...although I think she would do the other types.  Any thoughts about this appreciated!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    hypencollins- It is always frustrating when your surgery date moves...my BS and PS were affiliated with different hospitals so it took some coordination to get everything worked out.  Hang in there.  As for recovery, I was very fortunate and able to get around fairly quickly after my PBMX so maybe the Cape trip will be okay.  You will just have to really rest and remember, "just because you can, DOES NOT mean you should."  The travel to and from will be difficult but with help from your DH and family, hopefully it can be done!

    I chose the double even though I only was dx on one side.  It was the best choice for me given family history, age of my kids, work and my preferences.  I am so glad that I dealt with it all at one time (I know slim chance of reoccurence but that was acceptable to me).  As I told Barbed, make the choice that lets you sleep at night.  You will find support here regardless of which option you choose so try and not overthink it (haha because I know I did at first).

    As for the implants, post to Whippetmom on her thread.  Give her the info she needs and she can help you with a recommendation that at least puts you in the conversation with your PS.  I think it is Breast Implants 101 or something like that.  She is extremely helpful.

    Best of luck with all of this.  We know how hard it is when you are getting tons of info and when you want to make sure you make the right decision.

    Ally

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Hi July gals, thanks for sharing on this thread --


    Sorry we're jumping in a little late here, but we wanted to supply some
    good information for you and future posters to help prepare for your
    surgeries:


    Check out some good info from the main Breastcancer.org site on Surgery, including:

    Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.


    Also, you may find it helpful to chat with ladies from past months'
    surgery threads, to get first-hand stories of their experience; see the June 2014 Surgery thread.


    Hope this helps and good luck with all of your surgeries!


    --Your Mods

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  • Becky63
    Becky63 Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2014


    I think our list is up to date.  Please let me know any errors and I'll correct them. 

    ladyb1234  I have you in my thoughts & prayers today.  Let us know how you're doing when you can.

    tekwriter  Hope your breathing without any problems. 

    purplegurll  I still have 4 drains in 9 days out.  PS said 2 may come out next Tuesday.  My DH must be tired of draining them.  I'm tired of him draining them. Winking

    Q324  How are you doing?  Are you home yet?

    Wipa  I think I may have missed your update?  Let us know how you're doing. 

    I haven't slept in my bed yet.  Still sleeping in a recliner.  After a lot of pharmaceutical assistance, I no longer have concerns of a blockage.  In fact, I have the other issue now.  Use stool softeners, MOM as prescribed, but careful adding additional fiber like I did.  The migrating implant is very uncomfortable in my armpit.  It feels like it's working through my flesh.  Pain from incisions is minimal.  Massaging implant puts me over the top. 

    sunshineinky  I love the Premier Protein Shakes.  x3/day at this point.  If you don't have access to Costco or Sam's, Target has a prepared protein shake that tastes good, but it's higher in calories & lower in protein.

     

    I am headed to the shower.  I want to add at this point my admiration to those of you traveling this journey without a SO in your home, with children to care for, or even a pet that must be tended to.  Without my husband, 2 adult daughters, and dog living with one of them, I couldn't do this. 

    Now pathology report on 7/22/14, & I'll know what path I'll be taking for the next arm of the journey. 

    Bless each of you.

     

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited July 2014

    I'm late to post, but am also a July sister!  My bilateral mastectomy is July 16th.  At first it seemed so far away and now it will be here in a hurry!  Am reading up on all the advice here.  Thanks!

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  • jeaniebeanie1200
    jeaniebeanie1200 Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2014

    I am late posting also, I should be recovering from my lift at this time but it was delayed due to a rash in between my breasts till next Thursday , July 17. Keeping all my sisters in my prayers for great outcomes and pain free recoveries . J

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  • jeaniebeanie1200
    jeaniebeanie1200 Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2014

    so sorry Ram, I had the same, my BC was Estrogen related and had to stop my hormones also, the first week wasn't bad but I am8 months out and it has gotten a little better, the sweats are the worst for me,,, just awful, I start with pjs,sheet, blanket comforter because I am cold, then I peel off layers throughout the night, I have found that putting a towel either around my neck or on my pillow works best for me, I hope it isn't so bad for you, it has gotten better, if that is any help.

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