February 2015 surgery

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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited March 2015

    jabec, I haven't heard anything about wearing a bra 24/7 at all. I go for another fill tomorrow, I will ask about that. My left side is smaller also. I noticed something very odd looking yesterday. I was in the mirror moving my arms up and my chest muscles look very odd! Not the normal lines in my upper contour. I will discuss it tomomrrow, hope this isn't permanent!

    Robin

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2015

    Rak-I know starting tomorrow I won't be here quite as often... Back to work. Sigh. I only work 3 days a week and kinda enjoyed sleeping in this past month. I know that moving on and returning to work will help my emotional health. Now, if I wind-up having significant SE's from AI's, that's a game-changer!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited March 2015

    Hi All

    Happy Sunday. Kinda gloomy outside, but at least the dirty snow and ice are disappearing! I wish I could be as good as some of you at remembering everyone's names and messages! ( Robin- amazing!) I learn so much reading everyone's posts, and then realize I shd take written notes so I can remember who I wanted to ask or answer what...lol. Nurseshark, thank you for adding me to the Feb Sx list. I hope you are feeling good, your strength amazes me. ...I just don't know how all of you young women with young children and babies show SO much strength and courage dealing with all of this. I know we all do what we have to do, but you young Moms are strength and courage in action. I feel I have it easier because my son and stepsons are young adults, and since I am 57, no hormonal stuff to deal with. I send prayers and positive thoughts to all of you.

    I still have my hemi-vac drain (18 days-ugh), but it is draining 0cc. I don't know if I should try to strip the tubing from where it exits my breast area? It doesn't look clotted in the tube...just not draining anything down to the hemi-vac. I always have issues on weekends; lol...hope it can be pulled tomorrow? I want to do something about my left arm weakness...And I miss the gym...When Can I Spin Again? Ok, I will stop whining, for now...I really need to learn that whole "look on the bright side" attitude.

    I should be more concerned with my nipple ...how do you know it will be OK? It seems to kind of change colors...am guessing pink is good? Just seems so much paler than before surgery. It's not oozing or dark , but the worrying about it makes me afraid to walk near people, for fear someone will bump it. It looks strange and my breast tissue underneath is still swollen, hard and painful. My TE is high above, and I just hope the way it looks and feels is normal? I am too chicken to post a pic yet. And know it's going to be a long time before my breasts can be fixed to look like they are even distantly related. So fingers crossed for my left nipple, and hoping everyone is healing well.

    Next task is chemo...TC looks like what I'll be having...am guessing is a thread for that? Not sure if I want to start getting myself worked up about chemo, yet? I think I will just think about the REALLY Long shower I am going to take when this drain gets pulled tomorrow, I am hoping!

    Have a good day, ladies...and thanks for all of your help and support. We should try to meet some nice day...a few of us seem to be really close!

    love, arlene

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2015

    Hi Geenae -

    I'm a month out and my nipples are still healing. I have areas that look similar to ulcers. Pre bmx they were flesh colored, now they're dark pink. Necrosis is what you don't want...blackish areas. You should check out the picture forum. I have learned from MANY that it can take up to a year for things to 'normalize'.

    I think tomorrow you will be saying bye-bye to those pesky drains. We used to strip from about one inch below skin. It is odd, I think, that you have absolutely no drainage. My last ones were removed at two weeks but were still putting out about 20cc daily. 

    Keep us posted! 

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited March 2015

    Thanks JillY

    My drain tubing is so hard and thin, I will have to enlist a helper to strip. I had that clog/clotting and 800cc hemorrhage the day after discharge, so this drain has been freaking me the whole time I've had it. And yes is weird that I have no drainage at all since last night.

    The nipple issue gives me anxiety...I look at it, clean gently, and use a little AB ointment and a non stick gauze after my quickie shower every day. I got in trouble the first week , using too much ointment. I don't know how to find the Picture Forum?

    TY!

    arlene

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2015

    Greenae... You can PM the mods and they'll guide you to the picture forum. 

    I'm curious... How did you get into trouble using too much ointment?  PS has me using petroleum jelly. I can't help but wonder if I'm using too much? After all, there hasn't been a WHOLE lot of improvement since surgery. 

    Yes, I remember now, that awful post op drain episode you had. Ugh.

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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015


    Thanks Shelly74. Surgery went well but I wasn't recovering that quickly. Still had 1 drain at 2 weeks. The wound wasn't closing due to compromised blood supply from the TE. We found out in the plastic surgeon's office when he took off the bandage and said "Go to the hospital later today to go back in the ER to debride the wound". This was Mar. 4 the day we had the sleet/snowstorm overnight, so we were racing to get childcare in place and back to hospital before the weather blew in, then we had to stay overnight and ride out the storm. The hospital was packed with people because no one could get home until about 11a the next morning, but we got in early and got the last private room in the hospital. Since then I've been healing well and feeling a little stronger every day.

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  • Kimb87
    Kimb87 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2015

    its been a while since ive been on, glad to hear everyone is doing well. im almost 3 weeks post op, have my first fill on wednesday which im a bit nervous about as im still pretty tight! i also have the same sensation as alot of people here that it feels like my expanders are very wide rather than perky and pretty hard feeling, cant wait to get the softer ones put in!!

    and i concur, the chest drains, i HATED them!! i was very very lucky and only had them in for a couple of days, they are a bit of a pain but they are necessary and the feeling once you get rid of them is totally worth putting up with them!

    positive thoughts to everyone, you are all brave brave ladies :)

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited March 2015

    Hi All!

    Robin (RAK1), it's very sweet of you to mention everybody in your post. I have been reading here, but haven't posted on this thread in a while, because I got so wrapped up in my chemo now, and my cold caps - trying to save my hair.

    As far as the post mastectomy healing goes, my TE still feels like a foreign body, I hate anything touching me on that side, so I'm constantly pulling on my bra trying to make it more comfortable. So far I've had two fills, 50 cc each and I have not experienced any extra pain or tightness afterwards. If I move certain way, or cough, I have a weird sensation as if my incision was splitting, which of course it is not. It's not a painful sensation, more tickling or tingling. Caused by the split nerves?

    The area under my armpit is still numb from my January SNB, sometimes when I let my arm hang down my side I still feel like I have a big ball stuck under my pit. My arm sometimes hurts a little, as well as a small area on my back by the shoulder blade.

    I find my chemo port bothersome. It's been over two weeks and I still sometimes feel a little pain. It looks bruised and it still freaks me out to have it.

    Arlene (Greenae), please don't stop whining, because I don't want to be the only one who does it! I don't know if we necessarily should call it whining, I think we're just expressing our concerns during extremely stressful and traumatizing time in our lives. Positive attitude helps, but if you don't feel it at all, is it healthy to pretend it, especially to yourself? That's my take, but I may be biased by my own bouts of feeling sorry for myself, and feeling scared. Shocked

    BB



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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015


    Hey dianeaslm we're surgery sisters. I had a left mx on 2/19. How're you doing?

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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015

    Shelly my experience as well. Clear nodes in OR but micrometastasis found in 1 node by pathologist. Also waiting for Oncotype dx results.

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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015

    katesmom97 we had the same surgery one day apart; I was in the OR on 2/19. How are you doing?

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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015


    faithhope, my SO gave me a booklet printed by the American Cancer Society called "Exercises after breast surgery". I'm sure this can be ordered or downloaded on their website. I bought two yoga dvds specifically for breast surgery recovery before surgery, on Amazon I think. I haven't tried them yet, but I'll keep you posted. 

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  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited March 2015

    Roadrash, you need a good employment lawyer. If you're going to get fired, you might as well get a settlement to tide you over. Most businesses would offer a settlement if they're threatened with a lawsuit. Your employer may be liable for wrongful termination under NY state law even though you haven't been employed for 12 months and aren't eligible for FMLA, which is a federal law. You're fortunate to be in NY state, which I am sure would not look favorably on an employer who fired someone for having breast surgery. A reputable lawyer will consider your case and give you an opinion for free, and then be compensated by a percentage of the settlement amount. 

    Later: I happened to be looking thru some materials I got from the library at the breast cancer clinic and found this in an American Cancer Society pamphlet "Some employers are self-insured or self-funded, and do not have to meet specific federal or state guidelines. Even so, you are still covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...The ADA applies to employers with 15 or more employees. For the purposes of the ADA, cancer patients...are generally considered disabled and qualify for some protection." So, you probably have a case under federal law as well.

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  • JustAJennifer
    JustAJennifer Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2015

    robin- thanks for getting us all talking again!

    925- get back on the horse :) we were only eight days out from surgery before intimacy, even with drains. I think it's so important if your partner is ready, that you let them give you pleasure. It's an important part of you, and your relationship with each other. You'll feel better and closer.

    Tattoos: I'm thinking why bother painting a fake nipple/areola? So I plan to do a henna type design to cover the scars with something beautiful. Although I miss my nipple/areola very much

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2015

    I honestly have to force myself to have sex most of the time anyway. I take antidepressants (they drastically decrease sex drive) and they put me on a super high dose since DX. I'm not ready still at 6 weeks out to be touched in that way. Really I've had one problem after the other since surgery and for 2 of those weeks my husband or I have had a high fever. Anyway, I am OK taking care of my dh (blush) but I just don't feel sexy at all. Maybe after my exchange in a few weeks. We've been married 22 years and all is good...it's just that I'm not ready yet.

    As for the tattoos, my dh is insisting that I get nipple recon and tattooing. He gets really mad when I suggest I might not do it. I am OK with doing it. It's just more important to him than it is to me. I think he is ready for as close to normal as possible. He's been amazing... Always...it's just hard.

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  • RAK1
    RAK1 Member Posts: 240
    edited March 2015

    JustAJennifer, I like the idea of something special or pretty over the scars.

    Jilly, I hope you have a good day back to work. Be easy with yourself.

    BB, I am feeling like you regarding anything touching me. I have another fill tomorrow, I can't imagine how much more can go in.

    Justamy, be extra good to yourself!

    Arlene, as I read the posts I just make notes of what I want to say to who,

    Praying strength and Love for you all.

    Love Robin

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited March 2015

    BB ...I truly LOL, really loud, when I read your post about my whining...too funny...It does make me feel better to carry on a bit, and then calm down when I realize so many have ben through this before, and everyone is caring and quick to offer suggestions and good advice.

    And this crap has been scary since DAY 1! So, you're right we are Not whining!

    Jilly, My PS's Nurse said I was using too much AB ointment, and that she didn't want the nipple overly moist. Hey ! I figured More is always Better...who knew?

    I really hope I am losing this drain (Fly Saucer!) tomorrow, The insertion site is feeling so sore, and drained less than 15cc today....And another question... does this breast ever lose this feeling of a tightening rock hard tire tube squishing my chest? I really thought I'd feel better at 17 days post-op. But the pain keeps me up at night, and the bottom of my breast is a rock...ow.

    Robin, Yes, I should take notes, I am always thinking I forgot to answer or thank someone.

    Thank you everyone...hoping for Drainless tomorrow!

    love, arlene

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  • DentalChick
    DentalChick Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015

    Hi everyone! I only recently joined the group, and I haven't been the best at posting. I will try to do better. 😊 I am 2 weeks & 4 days post- double mastectomy, and I am finally feeling somewhat human again! I did read through every post sine this group started, & I haven't seen anyone post anything about possible staph infection after surgery. I was watching tv with my husband earlier this evening, & I noticed the I had an itchy spot on the top of my left breast. Upon further examination, I saw that it looked like 3 little pimples. Thankfully, it isn't right next to any of my incisions. I did notice that I have a similar looking area just above where my 2 drains were located on my left side. Did any of you have this? If so, was it staph?

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited March 2015

    I am up at 3am with a lovely case of the runs. Starting rads today....great timing ugh! Took prilosec earlier and now tums for bad heartburn. Hope to get a few hrs sleep for the long drive tomorrow. I can't imagine how some of you gals manage to work through this. Amazing grace.

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  • NurseShark
    NurseShark Member Posts: 176
    edited March 2015

    hmm sex ...I forget what that is...lol. I still have no interest in any formand my husband is okay with that we talk about it often. I bring it up just to let him know I am not ready. He was terrified of sex while I was pregnant he was so scared of something happening to baby!! No reassurance could've changed his mind . Then when chemo started I felt awful/unattractive .now post Op all sorts of uncomfortable both pain and body image...so we wait and are both okay with it. Other forms of intimacy get us through lots of cuddling kisses hugs.. we communicate so much better than ever before in our relationship. I feel very blessed to have him.

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited March 2015

    Uneventful 1st rads,today. 29 to go! Love, Jean

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  • farmerjo
    farmerjo Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2015

    Good news, Jean! I light up when I see your posts...I always think of you as the 'funny lady' because you made me laugh during one of my darkest days. 

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  • DentalChick
    DentalChick Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015

    Hey Jean! So radiation went pretty well? Easy compared to chemo & surgery? I meet with my radiation oncologist on 3/31, so I have no idea what to expect

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited March 2015

    Thanks jilly. If I can brighten someone's day it makes me smile too. Hair is starting to come in. Peach fuzz right now but should be going topless by summer! Love, Jean

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited March 2015

    Woohoooo...after 19 days...I AM DRAIN-FREEEEE! Feels so good!

    Jean, I am glad to hear rads went wel!l

    Anyone have any advice about going back to exercising or riding stationary bike? I love to Spin and use the weight machines at my Y, but guess I have to check with someone (Who?---BS, PS, Lymphedema PT, MO??) before I try anything other than the post op arm exercises. Anyone set up a lymphedema eval? Don't want to hurt myself, or go overboard, but don't want to turn into a slug. Just wondering if I am just looking for something new to worry about, now that the drain is gone...but have always been pretty strong (work-related, and 2x a week at gym past 3 yrs.) and used to lifting and moving just like the 4 guys that live with me, and don't want to melt into mush.

    Hope everyone is feeling good!

    Arlene

    PS I'd rather ride my bike than think about sex...lol.

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2015

    I am so tired! I mean like all of the time. My last surgery was over a month ago. I'm just now getting over this virus that gave me a high fever for a week. Last night I slept 10 hours. 10 HOURS! Then I went to the doctor, came home, ate dinner and took a 3 hour nap! Tomorrow I go to my family doctor. She is testing my vitamin levels because I had a surgery years ago that makes me not absorb vitamins right so I get them tested annually. Anyway, I hope she finds something because I am sleeping my life away!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited March 2015

    Amy

    If I am reading your info correctly, you had major surgery 5 weeks ago. You are supposed to be tired. It's a six week recovery for a MX. I could sleep 10 hours every night, and nap , too! We have to get our strength back, get the anesthesia out of our bodies, deal with healing and recovery and pysch and body image issues...Sheesh...I think it should be a 10 week recovery! Let your doc check you out, but don't feel as if something's wrong. And you were sick last week? Me, too. Horrible sinuses and sore throat, cough and fatigue. I hope everything checks out, and as the weather gets better, we can get outside for some walks and build up our strength and stamina. I have a love/hate relationship with sleep, too! lol

    feel better!

    arlene

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  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Arlene for reminding me! I guess I'm just ready to feel better...like we all are. I have surgery next week then I should be able to start recovering.

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited March 2015

    Amy put down the whip and pick up a feather. You've been through so much. Please be gentle with yourself. Besides my hubby says naps are good things. They build strong bones and good teeth! Teehee. Love, Jean

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