December 2014 Surgery Sisters

Options
1…6791112…18

Comments

  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    Good morning sisters,

    I'm doing much much better today. Now, I really want my drains and staples out! I have three drains and yesterday they put out about 35 altogether. I hope it doesn't hurt to get my staples out but there's not much I can do about it. Ditto about the drains.

    Going to the bathroom is important after surgery, and I've always had problems with it previously. Yesterday that problem went away and I am so relieved! Also I've cut my pain meds so that probably had a lot to do with it. We are expecting rain here today, and it's so nice just to be able to relax and hear it on the awning, without being in that awful burning pain I was in! I have listen to Sandra, and she's absolutely right. It's made a huge difference even in just a day, not doing anything I'm not supposed to with my arm. Thank you again Sandra, I'm thinking of you and your hubby today and sending more prayers your way.

    I hope everyone is doing good today too. It's a hard time of year to go through this, but it's better than cancer. We canceled our Christmas dinner plans out, because I'm just uncomfortable with all my various apparatus. Hope to go out

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Bippy,

    Glad you're feeling better. I'm grudgingly out today in nasty wet weather. Had to go to work with DH for a couple of hours so he can take me to PS appt. First fill today. Prayin it goes well and not to much pain.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    Got drains out!!! Doctor said he doesn't feel I would need chemo as so contained. Feel great!

    No limitations. As soon as healed back in pool. Don't need to go back to doc for 3 months!!!

    He agreed my intuition won. Really did need BMX as pre cancerous lobular changes in "good breast". So happy to be

    Flat, fab and free 31days since diagnosis

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    chloesmom, oh, these drains! Iam happy for you, especially no chemo! Jealous of your being drainless!

    Good news for me to my oncologist called a while ago and I am NED! They took out 13 nodes, and no cancer!!!! I'm over the moon and really just don't know how to act. I was scared that there be something left. Hard to believe this all started on July 29.

    My drains are doing very well though too, and I expect to have them out on Friday along with my staples.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2014

    chloesmom and Bippy so glad you both are riding high on good news. What a wonderful Christmas gift.

    Hoping everyone else with appointments this week gets good news also.

    Scottiemom hope your fill goes with minimal pain.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    Yay! Good news all around for a change!! I'm doing the happy dance for you Chloesmom and Bippy.

    image


     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for all the celebration sharing. Bippy those drains will soon be history. BTW removal was no biggie!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Yeah Chloesmom and Bippy!

    Got the go ahead for arm exercises from PS today. Actually more like marching orders. She said I should be able to raise my arms above my head at 4 weeks. Almost 3 weeks and nowheye near that mobility.

    Maybe tomorrow when muscles stop yelling from the fill I can begin the exercises.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pinkninja9560
    pinkninja9560 Member Posts: 238
    edited December 2014

    Wow, I missed so much! I haven't been on here in so long and went thru and read everyone's posts. It seems like most of us are over the hardest part. I'm on day 12 after my bmx with te's. My te's couldn't be filled at all when they were put in because my chest muscles were so tight. I have my second follow up appt with the ps tomorrow and I'm praying the drains come out. Those te's are a pain in the butt! I'm putting out about 22-30 ml's and he said if I was under 30 each day, they could come out.

    I'm still having a lot of discomfort and pain around the te's. It's like they are too big for my body and really bother me under my arms and at the sides. I feel like I'm wearing a tight corset and its squishing everything.

    Several days ago, I noticed my right foot was swollen (it's the same side the lymph nodes were removed on). I'm gonna show the ps tomorrow but will probably have to go to my primary dr because if that isn't enough, I'm pretty sure I have thrush in my mouth. My tongue looks digesting and it's really sore. Ive been rinsing several times a day with salt water.

    I'm still on the pain meds and Valium and will ask him when I should start weaning off them. I'm kinda scared though because I hate pain!!

    I can't wait to get the bandages off and see my flat boobs. I did skin and nipple sparing but kind of wished they took the nipples cause I'm having a lot of pain in them. I can't wait to see what they Look like when I get my bandages off!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    am I the only one that cannot stand their drains????

    Does recon involve them too? If so, I cant.

    I only have three, but I am never ever comfortable. No matter how i Pin them, pocket them, arrange them, there always always pulling making me insane.

    I have an appointment Friday with the surgeon. Luckily I have very minimal drainage already and no signs of infection. Going to demand that he take them out!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited December 2014

    Bippy, I've meaning to chime in about staples. I've had four abdominal surgeries, with staples each time, and I don't remember it ever hurting when they removed them. I remember thinking it was going to - how could it not? - and then it didn't. I don't know if that's because of general numbness around the incision due to cutting through nerves, or what, but it really wasn't a big deal. I hope removing yours isn't, either. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    I hated them. No biggie getting them out as he had me take a deep breath and blow and pulled them out on the exhale.

    Now moving my arms is easier as it doesn't pull so much inside. Was down to 10cc per day per drain when they were pulled Was leaking from spots onto shirt so switched to the rubbery advanced care band aids from CVS. Works great!

    Hope you can get them out Bippy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    omg, it is the one from the lymph area that hurts and is never happy. The boob ones are annoying as all hell! But I cannot say they hurt, they are uncomfortable and freak me out. I am going to beg if I have to for removal. I shitcanned the cami, it was tight up against the node incisions and rubbed 24/7. I can see it being fine though, sans node issue.

    Back to wearin my grandmama nighty, it is loose and i am trying pinning drains different places..... Trying to fix it. I fell very pissy and grumpy all the time and hate it. At least DH hosed me down today in the shower. I have such new respect for disabled people...and bad for whining about my temp situation.

    Thank you ladies, please pray for me to get as much out as possible!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    Bippy625 Drains - got my last 2 out today, as it was 3 weeks, therefore they had to come out. But, 2 days ago I discovered something to help. Classic, too bad it wasn't 2 wks ago. I tape them 1" straight down from where they come out of my body, then 3" later I pull them a bit towards center and tape again. The advantage was, when I moved, they didn't pull. As to cami, I just had cheap ones from Walmart and cut the armpits to accommodate the drains. Soon this will all be a monent in history to us, but right now, YUCK! Oh, btw, the nurse at the PS said, don't be surprised if LOTS of drain stuff comes out of the holes, since these two were still producing 60cc's a day. YIKES!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    Kntwins, I discovered that same tip. The sutures aren't attached to the drain tubing but are making the hole very tight around it. That opening plus the skin where the stitch is gets SO SORE. The least little movement of the drain tubing hurt. So I taped the tubing down in several places and kept hold of it when my husband was working with my drains. That made so much difference.

    Bippy, everybody hates drains but if you've ever gotten yours out too early and ended up with a seroma and maybe even an infection, you know they are there for a reason and don't rush it.

    Sometimes you have drains when you don't expect them. Other times (like the exchange) you usually don't have drains, but don't be shocked if you do. I woke up from surgery #5 in October with only one drain...weird, but the PS said that side was especially bloody and the other wasn't.

    I've read stories from several women here whose drains were in longer than 3 weeks although I know that docs prefer to get rid of them by that stage. I've also read stories of drains taken out in a matter of days and they ended up having to put drains back in! I had four drains after the BMX which we in for 5 weeks because I had a second operation at 2 weeks. Misery for sure.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    Oh, i am getiin the tape immediately.

    Weeks?!!! OMG i just cannot. Mine are only doing 35 per day, all three together on the heaviest day, and even less today.

    I am drinkin tons, walkin around, not sure why it is not more. The home nurse said I was doing exceptionally well and that everyone is different. Also, no recon going on for me, just bmx.....maybe that is why?

    People are so stupid. A friend called today and when I told her about my drains being uncomfortable, she asked well, why do they put drains in?

    Really? I didn't go to medical school, and I don't feel like trying to explain it in layman's terms. Most importantly, What difference does it make? Uh, I would not ask anyone such a stupid question, especially after they just told me about how much it sucks. Any fool knows drains accompany some surgery! So now I am angrier and pissier, a real treat.

    Sighs, drain strippin soon, fun times! You ladies that handle them so well amaze me and I am jealous too. Thanks for letting me unload and sending tips


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    Bippy625 you are almost there! I think it is 30 a day for two days and they can come out. Call the PS 1st thing in the morning and see if they will do them tomorrow or if you can make an apt for Friday. Bippy, keep up the pissyness, you have me laughing. BTW - I'm not sure any of us handled them well, I know they were the bain of my existence, but I figured beter them than the bad things. Now I'm just praying I don't get a seroma, as the last two were still putting out 40 - 60 a day. Oh, and the nurse said, don't be surprised if it drains out the hole now that they are gone. WHAT - I'm thinking 40 cc's of bloody, staw colored, clumpy gunk coming out at church on Christmas. YIKES! But I do understand that after 21 days, the chances of infection increase so it is medically necessary to remove them (oh, and if they didn't I might do it myself because I hated them)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    woohoo knm, you are awesome! Just put some mini pads in yer pits for ecxess drainage! I hope it works out for you, they had to come out.

    My pissy pants party has ended for today, DH put some soft cotton covers over the drain tubes and so they no longer stick to me and pull. He is a gem!!! Back to having alcohol and feelin much better :). I am off painkillers.

    I am seein the BS on Friday, and they are swamped this week, so not sure I can get in any earlier. I am telling him that we are breaking up, this relationship is to painful for me. He better remove all this chit from my bod, or things are gonna get painful for him too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    Drain holes were doing fine for the first 24 hours. Then I started to do some light housekeeping . Loading the dryer and felt mine side get colds and damp Serous fluid and blood running down my side and soaking my cami. Not sure if iif was good that the motion was making the seroma drain or if someone upstairs was telling me to rest more. Now back in the recliner with pads on my sides

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Luckygirl27
    Luckygirl27 Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2014
    Hi all

    Well I had my BMx with diep surgery on wednesday 12/17. I came home on Sunday with 4 drains. Before my surgery I found out that I am er and pr positive ans her2 negative.my tumors were very small but my bs called today to say that the oncologist may recommend an onco test which may change th next steps. The pathology states a grade1/grade2 tumor
    If any chemo is needed does that mean that my deip will be ruined? I am worried

    Brave girls merry christmas
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    To all my BC sisters; in spite of the horrible place we all find ourselves in, we are fortunate for this forum, for our support of each other, for the love and support of our families and friends.

    I wish you all a peaceful and pain free holiday.  I wish great things for us in 2015!  

    Merry Christmas and happy New Year! 🎄 (((💓)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    hi sisters a few things about our drains which may make it easier for some of you.

    My husband has always been very handy sort of like MacGyver. Through trial and error we figured out a few tricks. First of all I am a short girl so my drain tubes were way too long for my body. This resulted in a lot of tubing being hanging down around the tops of my thighs. Each time I use the bathroom here i am struggling with low hangin tubes. He sterilized scissors and cut a few inches off the end of each tube and reattachedthe bulbs. Huge difference, those few inches of tubing on three drains added weight.

    Then he rigged up my tubes with covers. He just took a bottom seam of an old T-shirt, and each tube has about two pieces on it. This makes a difference when the tubes are rubbing on your bare rskin, they will not stick and cling and pull.

    Also, we added some triple antib to the incisions and use the notched gauze on each site around the tubes. Waaaay better!

    we figured out too that you need not milk from the very top to bottom...if you start halfway down the tube, the suction will take over and empty it!

    After all these changes I can say that today is the first day I don't want to walk off a building. I actually feel pretty decent and am comfortable enough. I really hope for a better day for us all soon! Thank you everybody for being here and allowing me to complain. It's a Christmas miracle!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    You've found it! THIS is the complaint department. You don't have to take a number. Come one, come all. Spill your guts here. You'll find all of us muttering, "that happened to me too."

    Today I decided to ride with my daughter to the grocery store to buy flour. I hadn't been out of the house or smelled fresh air since I got out of the hospital four days ago. It was great for about 10 minutes but then I started to shiver. My body was overwhelmed and was telling me to go back to my recliner. It has done that before when I ignored my own advice to take it easy. If I don't pay attention, it turns into nausea. THEN I will sit down for sure. Since my daughter Allison is in town to take care of both of her parents, I recognized I needed help and asked her to take over.  I told her I'd be waiting on the bench for "old men waiting for their wives." Note to self: practice what you preach. I'm back in the recliner, took some Tylenol, and don't plan to get up for awhile.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    image

    Some days we feel this way.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    Prayers and hugs to all. I'm crossing my fingers that I finally crossed a bridge today. So far only Motrin and I was out shopping briefly with dh. Will probably need the pain meds to sleep tonight but that's still way better than any day so far.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. I know it's hard to get in the spirit right now but there is joy in reaching each milestone on our journey.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited December 2014

    it's hard to face the fact that we have been through A LOT! As a mom I have had to push through. Remember dragging myself out of bed and driving to pick up the kids at school with a barf bag next to me in the car. Stood on one foot with the other in a cast trying to make dinner. Like the postal carrier. Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet, nor hail we soldier on.

    I felt great this morning decided to sit at the computer and take care of insurance stuff and other details. Suddenly am exhausted. Feel like my batteries fell out. Back in the recliner to nap and surf the web. When will we ever learn?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2014

    Oh I would kill for a nap, but church is in an hour and although my husband said he'd take care of their clothes, I don't think he has. I had the kids help me put up some household decorations and screamed at them like a banshy. I hurt and am constipated, so am trying not to take the narcotics so 'I'll go', but pain makes you bitchy. I feel sorry for my poor kids, but do know the carpool line with the barf bag, or running to the bathroom while making sandwiches.

    Lucky Girl - I don't know why chemo might hurt your DEIP. I think the bigger issue is radiation post reconstruction, but I did my chemo first, so I may be wrong.


    Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah - To my December Surgery Sisters. Tomorrow is another day and it will be better. (My mantra for the last 7 months, as I felt my lump on May 24th)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • quiggy
    quiggy Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2014

    Sandra... Well stated!  "Fine" indeed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited December 2014

    I think my kids are finally going to realize tomorrow how much Mom does to get Christmas together. Did not do a good job this year and for once I have passed the baton to dh. He tried, bless him. Maybe we'll all have a better appreciation for life in general after this.

    I've gone all day with just Motrin and now I'm hurting, but determined to make 11 pm church. May have to sleep in tomorrow and then get dh to cook brunch.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited December 2014

    image

    Thinking of you, my December surgery sisters. We are going to get through this.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories