August 2014 Surgery

You got this ally !!

Allydp- did you feel that? It was me giving you a warm big hug! I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow and sending out loving vibes! 

And everyone else who's surgery is coming, I will check in every night to make sure I hug you too.xoxoxo

Good luck girls!...Hugs to all!

Good morning, 

Well I am 5 days past my surgery and doing really well. I have two drains which although are uncomfortable aren't the end of the world either. This surgery they gave me a different anesthetic and some anti nausea pills and I had no vomiting or queasiness when I woke up so yay!! 

The pain was pretty manageable although the first day was the hardest and I was quite stiff and sore. I have also noticed that I am always the stiffest in the morning after lying still sleeping for 8 hours. But by the end of the day I am pretty mobile. And I have a huge appetite. 

I get a bandage change and possibly the drains out today or tomorrow. I have heard that having the drains removed can be quite painful. What did everyone think?

Here's a photo with me and my bestie a few hours after surgery. 

Thanks for everyone's support and good luck to all my surgery sisters coming up! You are stronger than you know!

Brandy

my drains were not painful at all to remove.  just a very odd sensation.  Maybe something about the bulbs need to be open or cut off first to avoid the pain??? but dont quote me on that. Anyway, mine didnt hurt to have out.

Brandy - you look awesome.  I hope that you will get better and better each day!

You look great, Brandy!  Very relaxed and pretty.  I hope these post op photos you, Susan, and I posted are reassuring to those of you heading into surgery.  My drain removals didn't hurt at all after my BMX.  I had 4 that came out at varying times.  My PS would count to 3 and have me cough at 3.  She would then pull it out at that moment.  I think it does hurt for some people but try not to worry too much.  It might be painless.

Allydp, Violet, Annemo, have a great surgery day.  We are thinking of you.  You are almost done and on the road to recovery.

Jen, I know you're nervous! Wednesday will come and go before you know it.  I'm sure you'll be surprised at how well you do.  I had a good recovery and never cried or even winced from pain.  You'll have soreness and discomfort but they'll give you pain meds for that.

Congrats on finishing chemo.   You are a strong woman for going through that.

Sunshine - I am a week behind you on the 27th!  You will do great.  Just do like everyone has said and stay on top of your pain for the first few days.

Jen, I'm sorry for the nerves.  It's the worst part.  You are going to do great and it will be a relief to put this surgery behind you.  You have already been through so much.  You've got this!  Just as everyone is saying,  stay on top of those pain meds (and anti constipation meds) and you will do just fine.  We are all here cheering you on. 

Susan

Brandy you look great! 

Ahhh girls i'm so nervous! My bilateral with te is on Wed! Im scared and nervous, but afternoon 6 rounds of chemo done, I am ready!!!!!!! 

Good luck to all who are having surgery this week!!

Jen

Xoxo

Jen,

MereMere was kind enough to post the following at the beginning of this thread. As far as clothing,  I brought my two piece button up jammies.  It was the most comfortable going in as well as upon leaving. 

......................................................

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!!

Thanks iwannaseeyoubebrave good list!!!!!

I'd like to add one more thing to the list, a back scratcher. Had my DH bring mine to the hospital and still keep it next to my chair all the time.

Good luck to all upcoming surgery sisters.

Brandy, I know you are only 31, you're very pretty and you look much younger, like a teenager! Glad you're doing ok, so sorry you have to go thru this at such a young age. Have you found out what kind of cancer you have yet?