December 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • sunandsnow
    sunandsnow Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2014

    Can you share the name of the app? This would be helpful for me. Had mastectomy 11/4 and am in expander yuckiness. Thx!!


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  • sunandsnow
    sunandsnow Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2014

    i am not an old pro but i can give you a few tips. Just had a double mastectomy nipple sparring on 11/4 with sentinel node biopsy. I had never been under or had surgery before so was a nervous wreck. That was the easy part so justbrelax. Some info that helped me.

    1)First ever favorite thing was a c shaped neck pillow that a girl friend brought over for my neck. Works great under your armpit! I told her she wont want it back because i have been using it as an armpit rest. Lol! I think she got it at Walgreens she said and it is inflatable which is great because i adjusted it to the size i need.

    2) i went to Kohls and spent $50 on a special memory foam thick pillow. Bring a coupon if you can but its been the best thing ever for sleeping on my back and propped up. Im normally a stomach sleeper and haven't missed that much at all.

    3) a cute basket for your bedside table to hold all your drugs, lip balm, pens etc. also a notebook to record when you took what drug.

    4) For drains again i went to Kohls. The camis ones they fitted me for at the cancer center hurt horribly. Kohls had some camis that do not have a bra support and are made of a silky kind of slip like material. They can be bought in black, white or , tan and you can wear them front wards or backwards to v-neck or regular. I just pinned my drains to the inside. I liked the black the best and i think I will actually wear these afterwards. I overbought. I bought 4 but i think you could get by with two. I also bought two XL comfy flannel shirts there to wear around the house.

    5) Pajamas. I made the mistake of thinking i needed clothing to go out and wear that would hide drains. I didn't leave the house except to go to Kohls to get the camis or to go to the doctor. However i have an amazing husband that did all the errands and kid shuffling and i know not everyone has that. But stock up on PJs. It made me feel better knowing I had some cute pajamas to put on each day. For PJs i recommend flannel pants and tops. The old school kind your grandpa used to wear I love the VS flannel PJs and live in them but they are pricey. I bought a few extra pair on EBAY brand new to save $$ but you can get flannel pajamas anywhere. Target had some darling ones for under $20.

    I hope i help someone. Im now in expanders and am enjoying the advice people are giving me with that. These feel like croquet balls have been taped to my chest. Hate em!

    Best of luck ladies!!



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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited November 2014

    Welcome all you new ladies, unfortunately I forgot to keep a list while adding, so I can't mention you by name. Sorry you have joined us, but hope we will be able to help each other as much as my sisters in the July Chemo 'topic' did. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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  • PerAngusta
    PerAngusta Member Posts: 112
    edited November 2014

    Hello Ladies! I have not been on line for a while, but wanted to say "thank you" to VeraAnn and all the rest of my friends who are now "counting sleeps" and offering support and good wishes. I will have my bilateral mastectomy and lymph nodes - December 3rd. A little while back, I received a private message from one of the members telling me that I was "brave" to confess a "long time smoking habit" on this forum - and true enough - it may not have been the most appropriate thing to mention!! If I offended anyone at all, I wish to apologize - in retrospect it does seem insensitive to mention smoking, at this time in our lives. HOWEVER, since I already opened that CAN OF WORMS (and no one need acknowledge or turn this into a non-smoking hotline - lol - there are plenty of other sites for that, right?)....I just wanted to tell you girls, who might "silently" be struggling with the same habit and should I/could I/can I....that I DID IT!!! I QUIT!!!! :)....it's been 10 days!!!! And I will NEVER pick it up again. I suppose breast cancer is changing my life in many, many different ways!! I'm doing very well - managing ALL OF THIS, one step at a time....and if there is anyone who might wish to write to me personally, to ask questions privately - by all means, I'm here - and will gladly share my experience/help if I can. I will be checking in to my private messages for the next 5 days...then, I guess I will be out of commission for a time. But I will check back again and let everyone know how things went!

    STAY WELL LADIES!!! You can do this!!! You got this!!! Be brave, head high, no fear...we are a strong group of women and our stories are just beginning to take shape...and our bodies, as well!!! Cancer....gone! That is my focus and if I have to WILL this to happen....I will!!! At my hospital, the motto is "Believe It"....and I do!!!

    xo

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited November 2014

    peraugusta, no worries. I quit 25 years ago, so am proud of you! My DH quit 3 years ago. It can be done. No judgments, we all have vices and frailties. You will feel so much better, and that is the main thing....keep it up lady

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2014

    PerAngusta, congratulations on not smoking anymore! NOT easy. I quit on Jan 21st., 8 days after my dx and one day after my bye bye boobie party. There is a thread on here somewhere for quitting. 

    Erinjmp, are you looking for the name of an app to remind you to take medication? I'm not sure of the exact app that my husband used but if you do a search you should find a few to choose from.

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  • twolumps
    twolumps Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2014

    Thanks, stfne. I have gone back and forth a million times about the wedge pillow. Thanks for taking the pressure off. cooking for my Thanksgiving party tomorrow. TTYL.

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited November 2014

    Just got back from Walmart, and now have 7 cotton camis that I can 'step' into. They were 'hidden' as they were the Faded Glory, from last summer, they cost $2.97 each. Still trying to figure out what to do about the drains. I've never had drains, so it is confusing me, and really gross sounding. Pin them to the inside of your shirt... yuck. I thought my MIL was bringing me a marcupial drain pouch belt... NOPE, just a hand sewn pocket from a lady at her church. 1, I'm going to have at least 4 drains...


    So while hunting I found these links http://thebigcandme.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-pre-s... Then I read more of her stuff and I just sent this email to my husband. I hope if he reads this it will help him. http://thebigcandme.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html Surgery Daze

    http://thebigcandme.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html Scroll down these are in reverse order; RETCH & RECOVER - waking up from surgery; Waterworks - going from Post Op to the Room; Heading home - actually First Night after Surgery

    http://thebigcandme.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html Double dipping then Healing and Dealing

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  • pinkninja9560
    pinkninja9560 Member Posts: 238
    edited November 2014

    Thanks for the links knm, I'm making my shopping list now. So the camisoles you bought are just regular ones without support? I'm going shopping this week to get pj's and button down shirts.

    Hope you're Thanksgiving went well with your mil, I had a great time with the gbabies. Now I'm starting to feel a little anxious about the surgery. How are you doing

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  • revup-65
    revup-65 Member Posts: 94
    edited November 2014

    Hello ladies, joined the group last week, waiting for surgery date, sometime in the next 2 weeks. I wanted to share some info, I have been trying to figure out the best way to handle the drains without using diaper pins or spending a lot of money on camis with pockets and a friend came accrost this website you can buy Velcro pockets 3 or 4 pair can't remember for 19.00 dollars designed specificity to hold drains. Also Walmart, target, carry neck pillows that you can inflate soft to hard that fit great under your arm so I am going to try one out to see if it would work before surgery. Counting down the days with all of you.
    http://www.pink-pockets.com/en/survivors-guide/

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited November 2014

    hi sisters, i too have the drain dilemma goin on. I think i am going to rig something with velcro too. I have a few aprons that have pockets, that I can cut up and velcro inside my robe. Also, i could rig them for waist wear, which may be easiest. Not sure how many drains, but i have enough pockets so may prep for four. I bought a bunch of pjs and mens button up shirts for recovery, gettin my list of items checked off.

    i am recovering from last chemo and finally, finally feel good. What a treasure. I am gettin my real surgery date tomorrow, yipee! I am startin to eat fresh food now and feel amazing compared to a few days ago. I like the ideas and hints for our surgery, everyone please keep it up.

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited November 2014

    Hi sisters. I'm 61 and live in south central PA

    Saw BS last Tuesday and said he'd be scheduling BMX in the next 3 weeks. I go see him Thurs to set the date. Getting a 2nd opinion from PS tomorrow. Official diagnosis 11/21 ILC but I knew there was an issue with pain 11/9. 100% EP so they started me on anastrozole right away

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  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited November 2014

    Hi all. I won't be going in for surgery until January, but I'm going to be reading along with your group to start prepping myself for what to expect. I know bippy from the August chemo board. :) When I go to sleep at night, worrying about surgery starts to creep in. Fear of the unknown, I think.

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    Pink, regular cami, with no support, as that is what my PS wants me to wear. Every PS is different, so ask. Also, as I'm getting 'reduced' with my BMx, my incicion will be an inverted T, so an incision under the boob. Any bra, including cami shelf bra, would be on the incision. But ask your PS what they want you in.

    Cotton Faded Glory Cami's, Walmart, mine were on a shelf, between the dressing rooms, bras and the ladies clothes. They had ones out in the ladies clothes section, but they were LEI, and primarily polyester. OK - I modified this, as I continued to think about a 'marsupial's pouch'. I had some panties I had only worn once but didn't feel comfy. So, cut out the crotch and cut along the side seams. Sewed the sides, 'crotch', and other side, to the cami, with the cami stretched about 2 " at the waistband of the panties. Guess what, a marsupial's pouch. OK so it looks odd, I'll try to send a photo, but... if it works, who is going to see???

    Drain belt - a friend just emailed that it was uncomfortable. What she did was take some zippered hoodies, and cut holes from the inside to the pockets. Then she just put them through the holds so they would fit in the pockets. I've seen that some have pockets on the insides, but I have never seen them in the stores. Also, I'm thinking of taking some soft T-shirts I was going to give to Goodwill tomorrow and cutting them up for fabric. Then sew them to the front of these camis, and cut a hole inside, so the drains could come forward. I'm thinking big enough for the tubing, not the whole drain. This way, it would be on the outside and I could check on it.

    Pockets - someone just told me, wear the sweat jacket inside out, then the pockets are where you need them... Also some say put them in your pants pockets, some say don't as you will forget, pull your pants down and STOP, because you feel the tug. YIKES

    CassieCat, hope we can provide insight also, as a pre-surgeryTCHP gal myself, I'm surprised that the neuropathy and muscle fatigue continue to get worse, even though my last chemo was 10/29. For some reason, I thought the side effects lasted 3 weeks, then anything more was from the next chemo. Once you stop, you realize it just keeps happening. I'm sure sometime soon, I will go round the bend, and it will start improving.

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  • sunandsnow
    sunandsnow Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2014

    I swear i had two "professional" camis wiht built in drain pockets and was very freaked out about the thought of having drains but i swear the saftey pins in the camisole works the easiest. At least for me. You can put it as high or low as you want it, towards the front, the back, whatever. I never thought before hand o would of said that but really was the easiest. I onky has one drain in each breast though.

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    hmmmmmm thinkin about the cami and drains too. I looked at the elizabeth bra on that website, and it gives a good idea for us crafters! I at least can see how to craft one. But first i am going to call my bs and ask fo an rx for it. This way, I can donate it when done too! I am sure my insurance does cover it so why not. DH says honey do not try to reinvent the wheel just yet, so i will try that first.

    I am checkinstuff off, got my hideous pink robe that zips up, slippers, and button up mens hawaiin shirts. Also got some pjs but need more, not happy with these. Wally world here I come...

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  • Tigger14
    Tigger14 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    I am day 5 post op UMX and immediate reconstruction with expanders...when i got out of theatre i was in a lot of pain...when the PS suggested that i break the spasm and breath deeply, i thought he was mad...but i did that andit and it helped alot. Breathe deeply

    My biggest challnege was doing too much...it is okay to do small things but allow yourself this time of rest reflection and rest...did I say rest?Teedy bears in bed were amazing for support...i stole some from my kids :)

    The surgery is not as bad as i imagined...fear is 50% of pain...so just go with it and take pain tabs...if you are on your own, organising easy meals or getting others to give you meals really helps.

    Twolumps, i too am seeing this having a brush with cancer rather than being a cancer victim...mine is a different journe to someone who has nodes involved :) And i get to meet all these new peple in a club i never wanted to join, but if it had to be any club, i would rather it be with you...just saying...

    I did not worry about linen, i sleep with cats, have dogs in the bedroom...the dressing covers the wound well and keeps it clean. No worries... :)


    So remember to rest you have your whole life ahead of you to be busy :)

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  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited December 2014

    Hi sisters,

    This topic is very helpful, and I appreciate your stories and tips/tricks. My surgery is scheduled this Thursday, Dec. 4. I am still waffling between a mastectomy or quandrantectomy, but in either case, will probably not be able to save the nipple or areola :-(. I will wait for reconstruction.

    Thanks, everyone. I will share my experiences as the process moves along.

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  • Straitlover
    Straitlover Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2014

    Re my drains from my July sx - I was given a gift bag at the hospital that had two pocket things that some ladies made, but it was uncomfortable around my neck 9really skinny ribbon that cut into my neck from the weight of the drains. I had picked up a lanyard that had a big metal ring from Walmart (in the jewelry section on a spinner shelf where the glasses cords, etc are - cost I think three bucks?). I used some big safety pins and hooked them around the ring. I had a bunch of mardi gras bead necklaces that I used in the shower. Not too long after i was down to two drains, I switched to the MG beads all the time. I didn't care that they were lumpy under my shirt.

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  • stfne
    stfne Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2014

    When I had my BMX in March I had drains. I usually just stuck them in the pockets of my zip up sweatshirts. To leave the house I would pin them to a Cami and when I showered (I was allowed to shower with my drains) I hooked them to a lanyard that I kept in the shower.

    I may have already mentioned this but just In case I didn't I brought an extension cord to the hospital so that I could use my phone when it was charging. Lip balm!!! My lips were so dry when I woke up. I was so happy that someone had suggested it. I didn't do this but a friend of mine brings her own pillow and blanket. I will only be staying for one night this time so I won't be doing that although it does sound more comfortable.

    The hardest part of this is the waiting!

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    I thought I posted a picture ... here it is, this was my first. BTW the tube does not detatch (would let germs in) so you will need cut a big enough hole for the drain, maybe 3". I had 6 things in here, 2 small water bottles (full), 2 large vitamin bottles, bottle of fibercon, 5 oz plastic cup.

    image

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  • Angiem12
    Angiem12 Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2014

    hello,

    My surgery is Dec 11th (masectamy) and I'm a little nervouse! A the pre op for surgery is done now to get supplies. Trying to find bras for after the surgery! Well I am not happy to be part of this club but happy to join you ladies in this journey. Hope ally of our site goes go well!

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    bought a post surgery cami that zips up the front on ebay for 8.99, it is one of those expensive ones. Bleach and hot wash, good as new!

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  • Piano-girl
    Piano-girl Member Posts: 59
    edited December 2014

    Tomorrow will mark one year since my BMX (!) -- I wore Shimera cami's for 6 months straight.. They don't have a shelf bra (didn't need one plus I had IMF incisions), they are super soft and easy to step in and out of... They can be pricey, but I found all of mine at Nordstrom Rack anywhere between $6-11 each. LOVED THEM.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2014

    Wow lots of mastectomies this month. I hope everyone gets through their surgery and recovery without complications.

    For those doing exchanges, I hope your surgeries go great and your results are fabulous.

    Dec 8, I will be having a second revision to both breasts with fat grafting and my left hip excised for symmetry. I had left breast by DIEP in March and a Ruben's flap (hip) for righty in June. Hopefully this will be the final revision. If not, a small revision can still be done when my nipples are made. If all heals well, my PS is going to try to squeeze nipples in the last week of the year (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year). That would be great; in the summer I can get my tattoos and put this behind me.

    HUGS to all.




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  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited December 2014

    My goodness, jbdayton, that is a ton of surgeries. I don't know if I'll even go for reconstruction or not. I want boobs again, but I am such a wimp. Were the DIEP and flap surgeries painful?

    I hope that you get your nipples on schedule--what a nice Christmas/New Year's that would be!

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    pianogirl and JB, thanks for the well wishes to us surgery newbies! Good to know you are thru the other side. My bmx is soon, I am ready! Delayed recon for me, as I need rads too.

    As for number of surgeries katcar, my PS says it is a process. Mine will take about a year to complete. Numerous big and small surgeries for fat grafting, flaps, implants and tweaking pockets.....and nips of course!

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  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited December 2014

    Good luck to all you September Surgery gals--sending prayers and light your way. I am heading to the city where I am having my Mx and will celebrate my birthday tonight (will never forget this one) and then surgery tomorrow! I am nervous!

    Biopsy625--I haven't looked much into the "process" yet as I am such a newbie, but my doc wanted me to delay reconstruction also in case I need rads. Big hugs to you!

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  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    Hi gals, got my surgery date!!!!! 12/17/14. I am ready......

    Also found out that my hospital gives me a cami with pockets for drains, and that I will get an rx later for prosthesis. Have lots to do to prep! Already got most of the things I need.

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    My surgery 12-12 at Hopkins. BMX without reconstruction. Flat and free

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