Surgery scheduled this Thursday. Would love input

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SA8PG
SA8PG Member Posts: 371
edited December 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi, I'm 39. I was diagnosed end of July while pregnant with my 8th child. My children are 12,10,9,8,6,3,2 & 4 months old. I started dose dense AC/T chemo 2 weeks after his birth. My surgery (double masectomy w/expanders) scheduled for this Thursday it will be 5 weeks since my last chemo. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I'm uneasy. Praying that the path I've chosen is the best. They are suggesting radiation after even though scans show no lymph node involvement. My tumor started just under 5 cm. They will be checking my nodes during surgery.

My question is how is your recovery after surgery? Also does your sleep improve after treatment? What are your thoughts on having radiation if no lymph nodes show Cancer?

Thank you. :)

Blessings

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited December 2014

    Surgery was painful at first, but manageable w/ good meds...just wean yourself off as soon as you can. The drains are annoying, but then they come out. The exchange surgery later to the final implant is much easier. And then you can get nipple tattoos (I just got them yesterday) and I feel and look much more normal.

    Just remember that every day after the surgery it will be getting better, unlike chemo when it's a cycle. Yes, I slept better after treatment was over even though I'm in what seems to be permanent menopause.

    I am one year post exchange and almost two years post chemo. I've had a lot of improvement in the last six months. I'm 46. Good luck, and you can do this

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2014

    SA8 I totally agree with Placid, you can do this! you have 8 children...you have proven your strength and you will be fine. I found the surgery to be very tolerable. The drains did become a nuisance. You will be so glad to get them out. Pain wise, no problem. As to rads, I was node negative too, but as I have Inflammatory BC, rads were never optional, I had to have them. I hope you have good support and you will need help at home for a while, as you would after any major surgery. You will continue to feel better day by day, as Placid said above, as chemo is so draining. Good luck and best wishes to you for an easy and healthy recovery.

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  • bellywelly
    bellywelly Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2014

    I have had 2 mastectomies. Never took any pain meds. Didn't need them. Tubes are annoying but they come out in a few days. Make sure you exercise your arm and slowly but surely, a little every day, are able to lift it over your head. That pulls. Go slowly.

    All the best for a speedy recovery.

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  • SA8PG
    SA8PG Member Posts: 371
    edited December 2014

    Thank you all. I tried at first not to take the pain meds but the chest pains and pain at incision for drains is just to painful. I will see Dr on the 24th so he can check my drains. I have family staying with me for awhile so I have extra arms. :)

    I'll keep you posted.

    Blessings


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    SA8PG-

    We're so glad to hear your surgery went well! Try to take it easy, and respect your recovery. Thank goodness for family that can help you. Let us know how your follow-up goes, you're in our thoughts!

    The Mods

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2014

    Happy surgery went well and hope your dr appt goes well...praying for a good pathology report. You take those pain meds as long as you need. Take care.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2014

    Yes take the pain meds! I took mine too! they managed my pain it never became a problem. But I did take them and stayed comfy.


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  • SA8PG
    SA8PG Member Posts: 371
    edited December 2014

    Thank you everyone. 2 of the 4 drains were taken out yesterday. I am actually more sore today than I was first coming home. Probably from the car ride with all the bumps. I still haven't heard about pathology report. Dr said with surgery so close to holidays to expect it to be a bit longer than normal.

    I am finding that my drain sites are very sore. I am assuming this is normal? I had my hubby look to see if they were infected he said no. When does the heaviness go away on my chest and upper back feel better? Or is this just part of the expander process?

    Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday seasonwith the ones you love.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2014

    My drain sites were so very tender too. So sorry hang in there

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2014

    Drain site pain is normal, i fact i still get a twinge of pain every once in a while.I remember my back being hurting for a few weeks from being so tense all the time and trying to sleep. I ended up using a heating pad to calm it down. I can't speak to the chest part but i've heard the first few fills in the TE can be painful. Stay on those pain meds...

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