October 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2014

    Versed is a lovely drug that takes away all your anxiety. Ask for it!

    SummerSun, keep us posted. We care.

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  • KayG
    KayG Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2014

    Reporting back in after my Monday surgery. (preventative double mastectomy)

    It was ....not so bad. I had zero after affects from anesthesia. Was up and walking and eating Monday night. Off the IV pain meds 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Came home 1:30 p.m.

    My range of motion pretty good - I thought I would have NO use of my arms. Turns out I can do a lot.

     Have spacers in with a good bit of fill. Chest is obviously painful. But staying on top of that with Norco and valium.

    Overall, things are pretty good. Just made my own cup of coffee and looking forward to a shower later!

    Good luck to whomever is next on the list!!

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  • SCMom
    SCMom Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2014

    Kay, I'm glad that your surgery went well, I absolutely loved reading your post...it gives me hope that this doesn't have to be so difficult!  Are spacers the same as TEs?  And how long was your surgery?  Enjoy your coffee and shower!

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  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 117
    edited October 2014

    Sacnaillady... I remember the morning - going to the hospital, the next thing I remember is seeing my Doctor,  that was in surgery, then I remember waking up; there was something loud - some machine beeping, and I was complaining that it was so loud.  My husband was laughing at me, because normally I wouldn't do that.  The next thing I remember is the next day.  It's like everyone says, it seems like 1 minute goes by, from when you go to sleep until when you wake up.  So, no reason to be freaked out.  I was as well -- no worries at all.  

    I will tell you the first couple of days afterward you won't remember much.  Bring a small notebook and pen or whatever you take notes with, to write down anything anyone tells you (and they actually think you're going to remember it).  List the date, and who told you, and what it was.  I lost a few things that were told to me that my husband reminded me of.  I never would've remembered. 

    I had surgery on Friday and left the hospital about noon on Monday.  I was ready to get out of there.  But whatever they tell you, that is the best for your situation!!

    No tissue problems, cross your fingers!   

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  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 117
    edited October 2014

    KayG, so glad to hear everything went well!!  Please don't overdo!!  Be careful with your arms!  Very glad your doing good and home!

    {hugs}

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  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 117
    edited October 2014

    Taking Norco for pain?  Make sure you get some Colace, or whatever stool softener your doctor recommended as well!  

    I"ll consider this my public service announcement for the day 

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  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 117
    edited October 2014

    Milestones

    I clicked on a link about this, and thought I'd give my Milestones, from my Masectomy.

    Milestones?
    Wash own hair/Shower on your own-- First shower was 4 days after surgery.   Washed own hair in the shower.  Hang drains from a lanyard, belt from a robe, whatever, around your neck

    Open medicine bottles/water bottles etc  -- 1 week

    Cook/prepare some sort of meal -- 1 week (made a caesar salad from a 'bag')

    Pick up gallon of water/half gallon/kettle for tea -- no lifting for 2 weeks

    Do laundry (?!) - 3 weeks minimum

    Drive--short distances? more than 15 miles? - not until off pain medication, at least 3 weeks

    Lift a laptop computer - no lifting over 5 pounds for at least 2 weeks

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2014

    I'm feeling very heart-heavy today. The recovery from general anesthesia is as real as the recovery from the surgery itself. I feel depressed because once again I'm camped out in this damn recliner with a drain hanging off me and a couple more weeks of discomfort to go. Pity party? Table for one? I know this is normal for me and that the only way through it is straight ahead, but I still wish for once I could skip this part.

     

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited October 2014

    Sandra, I'm giving a pity party on the 18th (my birthday, 4 days after surgery. And yes, it's a BIG, milestone-type birthday). You're invited. The cake will have Pierrot-style tears. There will be no pink on it, unless you count the raspberry filling. Come as you are! 

    Hang in there - but feel free to let the sighs and tears flow. They can be healing, I'm told. (Hug)

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  • 3littlebirds
    3littlebirds Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2014

    Hugs to you, Sandra. I know I've had an easier road than so many, but sometimes I just want to feel normal again and get my life back. I think we'll need a much bigger table for our pity party.

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  • SCMom
    SCMom Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2014

    Oh Sandra, I would be right at home at your pity party. But we'll need a lot more chocolate than what you have pictured. Maybe some alcohol?  I've never been much of a drinker but I'm feeling like now might be a good tome to start. 

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  • SCMom
    SCMom Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2014

    BrittPro, you're up next...prayers for a restful night and a perfect surgery tomorrow. 

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited October 2014

    Yes - BrittPro, best wishes for the rest of the evening and smooth sailing tomorrow. In your pocket!

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  • Togetherness
    Togetherness Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2014

    Went to followup..... Wow they don't waste anytime.  Finally got some pain pills thay will work Percocet.  Came home took one and finally was able to sleep.  Got up and had dinner.  Just need my hair washed and I think I would feel better.  DH has been wonderful, but I sure do miss my daughter.  I will probably have my drains in until next week.  Go back on Monday for a followup.  Using my wedge pillow and luv it. Wish I had bought one during my masectomy.  Hope everyone is doing ok and trying to relax.  Best of luck for the upcoming surgeries!!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited October 2014

    Glad you've gotten some relief, togetherness and that the wedge pillow's working out so well. I hear you on the hair washing - that's my big bugaboo!  Take care.

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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited October 2014

    Hi everyone,

    Home safe and sound.  A little bit more pain than I was expecting, but all sorted out with the meds at the hospital and a Percocet since I got home.  I had some fat grafting done to fill in a flat spot at the top of one side, and I have to say now the symmetry is great.  A pleasant surprise as I had no idea how it would turn out.  I now it's likely that some will reabsorb,  so we will see how things turn out long term.

    Sandra -- I'm sorry to hear you are feeling down.  You have been through so much already.  I'm sending good vibes to you that you will feel better and I just had a chocolate bar in your honor!

    Take care everyone, and BrittPro - best of luck tomorrow.

    Ridley

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  • Fourminor
    Fourminor Member Posts: 354
    edited October 2014

    I'm out.  Clean nodes.  Hallelujah!

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  • 3littlebirds
    3littlebirds Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2014

    Ridley, happy you're home. Sounds like you have the pain under control. Rest!

    Fourminor, woohoo for clean nodes! Such a relief.

    Thinking of you tomorrow, BrittPro.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited October 2014

    That's wonderful new, Fourminor. Thanks for sharing it! Go get well and strong again!

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  • KayG
    KayG Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2014

    SC mom - yes spacer are expanders. Surgery was about 4 hours overall - 2 for breast surgeon and 2 for PS.

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  • Akitagirl
    Akitagirl Member Posts: 142
    edited October 2014

    Hi Ladies,

    Just need to vent...  Had my pre-op appointment with the BS yesterday.  We discussed the plan for unilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy and even if nodes are positive - NO axillary node dissection. She seemed okay with that, but when she brought out the informed consent, it still stated "possible" nipple-sparing and "possible" ALND.  I just looked at her and said, "I am not signing this".  I just didn't even have all the data I needed to agree to this.  She is so very opinionated (as am I) and seems willing to be flexible...but when it comes down to nuts and bolts - I don't think she is.  Then, on my way home from getting the rhuematoid panel drawn, I get a call from the genetic counselor.  My genetic screen came back positive for PTEN mutation.  What the heck???  So, started researching and am now completely heartbroken.  Back to the drawing board.  Double mastectomy?  What type of chemo?  Worse prognosis?  Other cancers (already have been dx'd three weeks ago with Melanoma In-Situ)???  

    Going in for breast MRI today.  Meeting with genetic counselor next week.  Just feeling sick.

    There is a Christian song that keeps coming to mind...  "Going home, I'll meet you at the table, going home, I'll meet you in the air.  You are never, too young to think about it...I cannot wait to be home".

    Just need a break.

    Akitagirl

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited October 2014

    Robyn - I'm sure that some of the others will chime in shortly with more and better advice/info. All I can say right now is take ALL the time you need to be sure of what you're doing. Draw a line through any part of the informed consent form that you do NOT agree to, initial it, have her initial it and preferably have someone close to you witness and initial it as well. 

    I don't know anything (yet) about the PTEN mutation but can certainly feel your despair and shock and thoroughly empathize. You are in my heart and prayers.

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  • 3littlebirds
    3littlebirds Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2014

    Oh Akitagirl, I feel for you. I have the better-known BRCA1 mutation, but it definitely affected my approach to this. I have been seeing an oncologist for 10 years due to my strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. After my sister died last year, I had spoken to her about finally being ready to explore a prophylactic BMX. At what I thought would be my final breast MRI, they discovered DCIS and the wheels were in motion. There was no other option for me other than a BMX. Let me reassure you, it was totally doable. I am very happy with my reconstruction.  I don't know how your mutation will affect chemo, but hopefully you can get some answers to that.

    By the way, I also had a melanoma. At my first appointment with my PS, she saw this small mole on my leg ( I had had it forever and it never changed) and said, "That mole looks too dark. I'm going to take it off while you're out." Sure enough, it was a melanoma. Thank goodness she was proactive about it!

    I know you're heartbroken right now. You had a plan in place that you had come to terms with, and now you have this thrown in to the mix. I am glad they found this out before your surgery, though, because I have known others whose genetic testing results didn't come back until after. Then they were advised to have another surgery to remove the other breast. We're here for you. Please keep us posted. Many hugs. 

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  • Togetherness
    Togetherness Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2014

    Just wanted to see if anyone is using ice on their chest?  I know it has been only two days but my range of motion is terrible and wonder if ice might help.  As soon as my six hours are up from the pain pills. It is back with a vengeance.  Just wondered if ice would help..  I am up for trying anything at this point....... Ugh

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  • Fourminor
    Fourminor Member Posts: 354
    edited October 2014

    Akitagirl,

    NOOO!!!!!!   I am so sorry to hear this. 

    Weren't you having surgery at the end of the month?  Is that on hold??

    I wish I had more to give than an internet hug.

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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited October 2014
    Togetherness - I have never heard if anyone using ice - be careful with ice or heat if you have numbness. I would keep on top of the pain meds, and call your surgeons office to see what they recommend. Sorry you are in pain.
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  • Akitagirl
    Akitagirl Member Posts: 142
    edited October 2014

    Hi there - thank you for your hugs and encouragement.  I am still planning on surgery on the 28th and will most likely do a double mastectomy (gulp).  Not at all what I was expecting.  However, I have come to a point where I realize that I am not in complete control and just have to give.it.up.   I meet with the genetic counselor next week, had the breast MRI today and now just trying to be still and trust that everything is going to be as it should...

    Togetherness - I strongly recommend that you please do not use ice on your chest!  You can use it under your armpits, but not on your chest.  Keep your pain meds in rotation and call your doc if the pain is too much. The reason I am so emphatic is that I just had my pre-op appointment yesterday and they double/triple emphasized not to put ice and explained it in the detail that my crazy medical head needed to hear and understand.  Just remember that your tissues are in a bit of "shock" and we want them to start 'moving' a bit towards healing.  If we ice it down, it just prolongs the shock.  That's the best way I can put it.

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  • Fourminor
    Fourminor Member Posts: 354
    edited October 2014

    No ice!  Ice causes vasoconstriction.  You want good blood flow for healing.

    Pain meds for pain.  Deep breaths and the PT exercises for range.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited October 2014

    Ice = bad

    Constricts blood flow = invites tissue death (necrosis)

    Numbness from surgery + ice = frost bite

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  • Lilith08
    Lilith08 Member Posts: 163
    edited October 2014

    Akitagirl, I'm so sorry to hear your news, especially that it presents unknowns. And melanoma on top of it all? Keeping you close!

    Others: Glad to hear about the ice. For my surgical biopsies in July, ice was a good thing. I was wondering why all the little heart pillows didn't have pockets built in for ice packs...and now I know!

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