August 2014 Surgery

Allydp-  Greetings from another Ally!!  And also an August Surgery Sister!  I am so glad you posted as it seemed other months were there but not August.  Maybe we will get a group to post here.  There are several that are having procedures done in August.   Anyway, I had my PBMX with TEs placed on May 5th and am scheduled to have my exchange surgery August 11th!!  Yippee!!  Congrats on finishing up the chemo and being able to move forward.  There is a pic forum that can help and my biggest advice is to talk to Whippetmom (Breast Implant Exchange 101) before your surgery.  I did not find her until after my TEs were placed and the type and size of TEs make a difference in the implant that is eventually used.  She needs you to give her some information and you can PM her if that helps.  The ladies on the June, July and September boards are super helpful!! 

Ally

Hey Ladies I'm just jumping in to give ya'll a helpful list for those getting ready for surgery....

Fill scripts before coming home so you won't have to stop on
the way

Move commonly used items, kitchen tools, etc to low shelves
before surgery

Have plastic cups and plates - you won't want to lift any
glass or plates

Have remotes close to recliner or bed so you won't have to
get up or reach too far - I slept in my recliner For a week!!

Find NON child-proof caps for meds

Have constipation meds ready

Have pillows for the car-ride home. Have extras handy for
propping up at home

Lanyard (like for ID cards) for holding drains and or Fanny
pack for drains

shower chair and shower head extension

biotene for dry mouth right after surgery

Lip balm / lotion

Mp3 / Music player / Tablet

Notebook for managing meds, etc

Phone / have friends' numbers handy

slippers / flipflops

camisoles/tanks which can be stepped into (as opposed to
pulling over-head) buy 1-2 sizes bigger

Silky bottoms/PJs to make getting in/out of bed easier

button up shirts

zip up hoodies/ warm ups - pull on, easy pants

Jog Bras (Natori is recommended) or whatever support is
suggested by your surgeon - I didn't have a bra of any type my PS said not to use
them - check with your doctor

grab all the
dressings, bactrcin ointment, alcohol swabs, plastic bucket, etc from the
hospital that you can

You can also scan trough this thread for more
ideas.....https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/699896?page=24#post_3997785

I promise it is not as bad as it seems! Try to stay calm,
relax and enjoy your family and friends!!
Remember they are there to help you! 

Good Luck and Best Wishes!!

Allydp, thank you for starting the August surgery thread!  I will be having exchange surgery on 8/8.  The rest of us here so far have been through the whole BMX thing so don't hesitate to ask any questions!  You'll do great.  You've been through a lot and made it through chemo so I'm hoping this will be the easier part part for you.

Meremere, great list!

I'll be having my exchange on August 11.  Can't wait!  I do my blood work, EKG etc tomorrow. Tick tock.

Allydp-  Most of the ladies will tell you to stay ahead of the pain...take your meds as soon as you can, even if it means setting an alarm.  If you do that, it is uncomfortable at times but not awful.  I agree with Juliecc, the most painful area for me was one of my drain sites.  It is still sore and sensitive two months later.  I did not have the exparel but those that did, rave about it so do check into it.  I was on extra strength tylenol by the 3rd day. 

Ninany- so jealous you get to do your blood work and stuff today.  It makes it seem closer when you are actually taking those steps!!  I am counting down the days til my pre-op meeting with my PS...8 days!  Woop, woop!!

Jules_NY- Another August 11th sister!  Juliecc is going to blaze a path for us to the squishy side on the 8th!

Hugs to all!

Ally

Mods-  Could you post our list toward the top of the thread?  I noticed other months have it pop right up and it is easy to review and see who is coming up for surgery.

August Surgery Sisters 2014:

juliecc- Aug 8

Ally2345- Aug 11

Ninany- Aug 11

Jules_NY- Aug 11

Iwannaseeyoubebrave-  Aug 13

Allydp- Aug 18

Hopefully others will let us know when their dates for surgery are scheduled.

I don't think everyone uses Exparel because it costs about $3000. My kaiser insurance covers it. It is definitely worth asking about. 

Jules_NY-  I met with my PS on Thursday after my surgery on Monday.  I saw the medical oncologist about 2 weeks after.  I have not seen my BS since the surgery.  I have no idea if this is typical or not.  I was a reconstruction with TEs BLMX and did not have to have chemo or radiation so my doctor visits may be different.  With my exchange they have me coming in to see the PS two days after.  It seems that over 2 weeks is a bit long because you can probably get rid of a drain(s) after a few days.  However, after reading the many posts, the one thing I have learned is every doc is different.  That being said, I would still ask.  

Hoping you get great news on Friday.

Ally

Hi! I'm up for my exchange on 8/27--Had my PBM w expanders in April....

Wow...a lot of exchanges in August! Since some already went down the BM path, fire away any questions you may have!! Mere provided a great list of stuff to have on hand...I had my drains for almost 3 weeks, but I just safety pinned them to my surgical bra--very easy...I had the little pouch thing but only used it when I got out of the shower--it wasn't comfortable to wear all day.  The little alcohol pads worked best for me on the drains....Thanks for the warm welcome!

Here's what my PS said about Exparel: Make sure your anesthesiologist is experienced in administering it.  She said that if it's improperly administered, you can suffer permanent nerve damage.  It is used frequently, so it's not like it's experimental or anything but when you have your powwow with your anesthesiologist make sure you ask if they are comfortable with it. I didn't use it, my anesthesiologist wasn't experienced enough but the general anesthesia was fine for me, no nausea etc.