August 2014 Surgery

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  • shewolfpg
    shewolfpg Member Posts: 142
    edited August 2014

    Owie owie.  I hate the drains  I have 1 on the right and two on the left. Also this port for chemo is huge and tender. Seeing myself caved in sucks. Also do the armpits always hurt and tender. Ugh so miserable.

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Shewolf, I'm so sorry you are hurting and uncomfortable  This whole thing stinks to have to go through.   Try and stay ahead of the pain with your meds.  Discomfort in the armpit is normal. Hang in there.  It will get better. Hang in there. 

    {{{gentle HUGS}}}


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

    depending on how many nodes are taken your armpit area, and sensation down your arms might be off for awhile. I had my few nodes taken during bmx, so no separate incision.  I had odd dead and also tingling sensation on the underside of my arms for many months. It slowly improved. Now I have no feeling in parts, but no longer the tingly weird feeling. And no pain. Recovery from it all is a long process.  And then there are the 'zaps' you will feel -- the nerves regenerating after being cut. All normal!!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Hey all-  I am officially on the squishy side!!  I had a great morning...in recovery I got the best gift from Bobo.  She had made me a care package with all kinds of things- from magazines to cereal, you know how much I love breakfast, and even some make-up stuff like lip balm, mascara, primer...it was amazing!!!  What an absolute sweetie!!!  

    I ended up with the 410s...420ccs.  So far so good because no drains!!  Yippee!!  Will write more later. Thinking of my other sisters in surgery...Ninany, Bobo and Lori!!

    Ally

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

    Yay, Ally!!  Congratulations!  And also congrats on the no drains 

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Woo-hoo Ally! Congratulations on crossing over to the squishy side.  How very sweet of Bobogirl. Now go get some rest! 


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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2014

    Ally, Ninany, Jules, Lori, Bobo - thinking of you ladies and sending you gentle hugs! 

    Anas - so sorry to hear about the tumor being close to the chest wall and needing radiation. My tumor was also fairly close to the chest wall. I was given a choice of whether or not I wanted to do rads and I decided to do it. A chest wall recurrence is a very serious thing and I wanted to do everything I could to prevent that from happening. And thank goodness you listened to your gut and went for the BMX! Hope you're recovering well and feeling good. Sending you gentle hugs. 

    Brandy - sounds like you have a great plan in place. I'm with you when it comes to ignorance is NOT bliss. I'm the same way. I need to know what's going on and be doing something about it. I know this is a scary time, but please know we're all here for you. 

    Julie - so, so happy to hear you rocked your surgery! You look amazing in your pic! And yay for 550's! 

    Shewolf - I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. Just keep telling yourself it's all temporary and will be worth it in the end. And as others have said, keep up with those meds. If they're not strong enough, call your PS and let them know. Hang in there. Sending you gentle hugs. 

    Jules - yay for a last minute trip to NY! You deserve it! Check in when you can and let us know how you're doing. 

    Diva - awesome news about your initial path report! Hope you're resting up and taking it easy. Let us know how things are going. 

    Ally - so sorry I wasn't on this weekend to wish you good luck, but I'm overjoyed to hear all went well and you're feeling good! What an incredibly sweet gesture by Bobo! Hope you're taking it easy and resting up. And yay for no drains! 

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  • cateyz2
    cateyz2 Member Posts: 419
    edited August 2014

    only have a few minutes here, 

     Ally curious have you posted pics on the other forum, will be exchanging my round 550ccs for the 410's to correct some issues

    Oh and by the way I have spoken to Amy (Myers421) and shes doing ok, had a few issues in hospital but is now resting at home. My be a few days before we hear from her, she  had a Latimuss Dorsi with TEs had shes been in a bit of pain.

    Gentle Hugs Amy!

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  • Ninany
    Ninany Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2014

    hey everyone!

    I too, am officially squishy!! Had a great experience. Surgery was very successful according to doc and, except for some post op pain that needed to be managed, I had no nausea and now feel pretty good, actually.  

    I did peek (I know, I know, a no-no) and it looks pretty darn good.  Way better than I expected, especially since I was looking sooo wonky.  I ended up with Allergan Style 45 - 600 ccs.  She did pocket work on the sides to bring everything together, released scar tissue that was distorting the right one and excised excess skin on the left.  

    I posted on the pic forum so you can see what I mean.

    I'm glad yours went well Ally!  Hope everyone else had good results as well.

    XxNina

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Hey all-  yes, I posted the TEs but have not made it over to update after this morning. Will try and do it in the next few days. Of course, it took me forever to post the early ones so this could take a bit. LOL!!

    Doing well...pretty tired so about to hang it up for the night!!  Hugs to all!

    Susan, Sassy and Brandy-  You are on deck!!  It is going to bed a great day on Wed!!

    Ally

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

    Congrats, Ninany and Ally2345.  It's been 3 days now and I feel great.  I'm just really sleepy and taking naps every day :-)

    Myers (Amy), I hope you are feeling better today.

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited August 2014

    Bobo's home but feels like she was run over by an 18 wheeled dump truck. Something about a pinched nerve. She'll pop in with details, explanations later but wanted you all to know she made it.

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

    Bobo, I'm sorry you are having problems with pain.  I hope you get it under control soon.

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  • maryland
    maryland Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2014

    Hi ladies, I haven't been on here since I initially put in my surgery date, things were just so hectic trying to get ready. Well I had my BMX with TE's and ALND last Thursday. I guess I was prepared for the worst and it certainly was not. I came home on Saturday and I guess my biggest problem is boredom and trying to remind not to do stuff. Just got chewed out by my hubby for doing a load of laundry. I'm not having pain and I am limiting my range of motion only because I was told not to put my arms over my head. I have 3 drains and they are a bit of a nuisance but that's it. I had 12 lymph nodes removed and will be getting my path report on Wednesday. For me the surgery has been a walk in the park compared to chemo, I hope I never have to do that again. Were any of you given very specific instructions as to what you can and can't do this first week? They really didn't tell me.

    I hope all my August surgery sisters are doing well and get through with no complications. Congrats Julie on being totally done.

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Hey Genny! You are a trooper with all you have already gone through. Congratulations on a successful surgery! I'm glad you are feeling so good but remember to take it easy.  It's always a good idea to get up and move but too much movement may increase your drain output which may prolong how long you have to keep those drains in.  I remember getting bored too but try and stay rested to allow your body to heal.  No lifting!  The laundry can wait! :-)


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

    In the bag for Susan, Sassi and Brandi!  Up for pain meds.  Excuse misspellings.  I am extremely impressed with how my August 11 sisters are handling things.  And earlier. Shewolfl, I am so sorry for your pain.  And drains suck!

    I did not have a 'Julie-style' sx complete with lunch and beauty!  But I must state I am having a very different sx from all of my August sisters, so don't be worried by comparison to me.  Best thing about yesterday by far was seeing Ally!  She looked like a million bucks!  And her sweet mommy, who flew in just to be with her for the exchange.  That is so great.  I just waved and waved at Ally like an idiot, I was so happy!  They let me go right on back to recovery -- not much security going on, right Ally?  Pewter toes sound great.  Love all this pedi talk.

    I have no drains.  Which is great.  Bad news:  I am 'draining' all over the place without them!  Yikes!

    Have several sx to go, but keeping eye on prize, which is non-vanilla lingerie shopping with Ally when all is said and done.  Meantime, rock on August sisters!  I must say -- I believe Allydp is up Friday, but look at what an excellent host she is being.  You are so gracious, Allydp! xxx

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

    Bobogirl, hang in there!!  Everyone will have a different eperience and we are having different surgeries.

    I hope everyone is feeling well.  Susan, Sassy, and Brandy are up tomowrrow, and Seahore is Thursday.  I'll be sending you my best wishes.

    Allydp, thank you for being a wonderful host for all of us.  There are so many of us that keeping the list must feel like a full time job!  You have a wonderful spirit and you are adorable.  It makes me hate breast cancer even more!

    Much love to all of you as we get through this together <3

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  • shewolfpg
    shewolfpg Member Posts: 142
    edited August 2014

    I am doing much better.  Talked with my doc and she said I was healing well but that I need to take my Percocet.  I normally hate that stuff.  I thought I was doing okay with just my ibuprofen and Valium.  Now that I have taken the Percocet I am doing much better.  I actually kinda took a bath last night.  Filled the tub up to my lower waist and held my shirt up with the drains.  It was just so freaking nice.  Couldn't lean back but was nice to just soak the lower regions for a while.  Feel much better now. 

     

     

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

    Shewolf, I am happy you are feeling better.   Each day and week, you will feel even better.  The biggest turning point for most of us is getting rid of the darn drains.  They are a nuisance.

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  • Iwannacookie
    Iwannacookie Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2014

    Hi Girls--

    Is it too late for me to jump back into the group?  I've been mentally and emotionally absent for a while. I see that so much is going on here and now I feel a real need to be part of it.  A good friend of mine keeps pushing me to express my feelings, and frankly I really wasn't feeling much of anything--no fear, little worry, nothing.  Until suddenly last night it started to hit me again--OMG! I'm having my boobs removed! And I still don't know what my nodes look like! Alas, there is indeed much to freak out about.  

    Anyway, I'd like to come back, if I may.

    Julie--you do look amazing!  I hope we all look as cheerful as you post-op.

    I have to run off to work now, but I just wanted to say "hi" again.  I look forward to fully catching up when I return home.

    xoxo to you all!

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Shewolf, I'm happy to hear you are doing better.  Try and stay ahead of the pain.  Julie is right on, those drains are a nuisance!  Rest up so you can get those annoying things out.  Although everyone is different, my pain started easing up the 3rd week after my DMX and every day after that seemed to get better and better.  Rest!

    Those with drains need to remember that the more we do, the more output we will get from those drains which equates to possibly keeping them longer than we want.  Rest!

    Hang in there Bobgirl!  Keep an eye on that drainage.  I read somewhere on one of these boards that maxi pads are useful to use after surgery on incisions that drain.  Get some rest and keep on healing!  Keep your eye on the prize! Smile

    Sassy and Brandy, I'm thinking about you.  We are going to do great tomorrow!  I'm a little anxious but I think it's to be expected with any surgery.  I'm a little upset that "aunt flow" decided to visit me this morning.  Seriously, she's been coming later and later every month (thanks to the Tamoxifan) and she decides to visit the day before my surgery.  Sometimes you just have to roll with it. 

    xxoo

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Shewolf- Julie is right, each day you feel better and once the drains are removed, woohoo, you will feel so much better.  

    It was amazing to see Bobo...she had this amazing bag of goodies and magazines for me.  I am not sure how coherent I was or was not at that point but I was really touched!!

    Genny-  I know it is hard not to do all those things you normally do. However, the mantra seems to be, "just because you can, does not mean you should."  There is a lot of healing going on inside as well as outside.  I was mainly told not to lift over 5 lbs., not to vacumn/mop (darn haha).  I could not lift my arms too high so that limited my activities. 

    Susan, Sassy and Brandy- Try and relax today...you are all going to do great tomorrow!!

    Seashore-  you are on deck!!  

    As for me, doing well. Woke up to take a pain pill then went back to sleep for a couple of hours. Did not sleep well last night...cotton mouth so kept drinking water which led to trips to the bathroom. A vicious cycle...haha!  Hoping everyone is doing great!!

    Ally

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2014

    Ninany - yay for squishy! So great that things are looking and feeling good so far. I'll have to pop over to the picture forum and check your and Ally's threads out. 

    Genny - how wonderful you're feeling so great! I have to say, though, I'm with your hubby on this one - put down that laundry basket, girl! All those chores can wait. Sending you good thoughts for your path report tomorrow. Keep us posted. 

    Julie - you are so sweet, thank you. :) So glad to hear you're still feeling good! 

    Shewolf - great to hear you're feeling better! Keep up on that Percocet. You're almost through the first week which is always the toughest. 

    Bobo - your posts always make me chuckle! I'm so glad you're doing well. I'm sure those fat grafting host sites are sore. Was your PS able to fix everything? Keep hanging in there! My surgery is actually on Monday. My Dad is flying in from Tennessee on Saturday and staying with us, so I'm in full blown nesting mode trying to get everything ready for not only the surgery, but a house guest too. Eek! 

    Iwannacookie - of course you can hop back in! I had a hard time navigating the forum after I was first dx. There's a lot of scary info floating around here and when you don't have all the facts in front of you, it can exacerbate things. We all understand where you are right now. You do whatever you have to do and float in and out as needed. We'll be here. 

    For all the ladies in recovery, keep resting and taking it easy! Today you are one day closer to recovery!

    Susan, Sassy, Brandy - it's go time! Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow! And Susan, boo for aunt glow…she always shows at the very worst times. 

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

    Ally dp, why can't your dad just stay in a hotel, then bring you yummy takeout food?  Why can't relatives just stay at a hotel!!!???? :)

    Susan, Sassy and Brandy -- you are going to be great!  Plus when you say your names together, it sounds like a girl band.

    Welcome I want a cookie!

    I feel exactly like Ally 2345 -- up lots last night, severe dry mouth (how do junkies live like this?), peeing like crazy.  Ally, you were great -- totally coherent to me.  It's funny.  I am always embarrassed to have people see me on drugs like that.  So I didn't make you talk.  We just waved at each other a lot!

    PS' office for post-surgery check in.  There is blood all over the compression garment and I look gross.  But the nurses told me I cannot change the dressings until I see the PS.

    Courage, everyone!  Julie -- please note I did NOT take a picture of myself in recovery, for obvious reasons :)

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  • Lori1967
    Lori1967 Member Posts: 66
    edited August 2014

    Hey Ladies....

    Lumptectomy and 3 nodes removed yesterday, so glad it's over!!

    I forgot to ask for the patch, and I was nauseated but not too bad really.

    No drains and the pain is managed with tylenol 3's. Taking a deep inhale seems to hurt a bit. 

    I didn't eat yesterday, dh made me soup last night around 10pm, but I could only eat 3 spoonfuls.

    I did eat some toast for breakfast, I had a good sleep in the lazyboy, way better than the hospital bed!

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  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 658
    edited August 2014

    Lori 1967 - So glad you are home and can rest there!

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  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 658
    edited August 2014

    Iwannacookie - I am a recent addition to this wonderful group of women, but your post struck me, because I don't feel anxious or stressed about surgery like some of my friends were.  I know I have it coming up and am looking forward to it actually so I can move on to the next phase whatever that may be.  I don't know about my nodes yet either.  My surgeon did say that she didn't think there would be anything based on the MRI, but I don't want to rest on that until we know for sure so I keep telling myself there is a chance for it to go either way - kind of preparing myself.  I also still don't know if I am HER2 positive or not so there is that still to find out as well. 

    For me, I just know that I have to get through the surgery and then treatment, if any so that I can get on with the rest of my life.

    I wish you well!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    iwannacookie-  Welcome Back!!  Sometimes you need to take a break...we all get that so please don't worry about it.  The thoughts are often more worrisome than the actual procedure.  Hang in there, pop in when you want...we are here for you!!

    Ml- I was like you...just wanted to have the surgery then move on to recovery then get back to my life.  The most difficult part for me was the waiting times. I do better when I can take steps and move forward. Actually, the surgery was not as bad as I had envisioned and, once the drains are removed, the recovery was smooth.  Please ask any questions or let us know if we can help!!

    Lori-  So glad you are home and recovering!!  Be wary of not only the deep breaths but sneezes can be a doozy!!  Haha!!  Keep resting and take care!

    Ally

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  • diva77
    diva77 Member Posts: 88
    edited August 2014

    Hi all,

    feeling much better today...pain is managed with ibuprofin..the drain is annoying but I am grateful for only one. I am lucking to have a visiting nurse come once a day to change bandages and monitor blood pressure and sugar levels as I have both high blood pressure and diabetes. 

    iwannaseeyou... aunt flow came to visit me the night before my surgery...she is on the visit every couple of months cycle so I was like "really"  I guess when it rains it pours.

    shewolf glad your pain is better under control. 

    Lori glad to you are home and doing well...keep resting...I found that hiccups were not fun : ) 

    Iwannaseeyoubebrave, Sassy_Seven and Brandyrose  Good luck tomorrow. I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts! 

    So, glad the August Sisters are rocking it! Keep being strong and taking it one day at a time!

    gentle hugs to all!

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Bobogirl, you crack me up.  I like the new band name "Susan, Sassy and Brandy"....this band is sure to ROCK the house tomorrow!!!

    Lori, happy to hear you are home and doing well.   If your tummy can handle it, premade protien drinks (like Boost) are a great meal replacement that has a lot of protein that our body needs to heal.  Rest up! 

    Diva, happy to hear you feeling better today and that you have a visiting nurse to keep a close watch on you.  Diabetes and high blood pressure can definitely complicate things if they aren't kept in line.  Good to know they are watching you closely!  Drains are definitely annoying.  Stay rested so that the surgeon can remove that drain sooner rather than later. Winking

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