April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2015

    MJS1266, Great news on your SNB!  The info on how your surgery day unfolded is helpful and appreciated.  I am glad you mentioned the nausea in post op.  I am prone to that so I will emphasize I need extra help with it.  Please rest, heal and know we will be looking forward to hearing from you when you feel up to it.

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited April 2015

    Lmonelli, just keep telling yourself, you are going to be OK and you will get through this.

    MJS1266, glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you are healing.

    SoutherMother, ask your anaesthesiologist to give you some Zofran while you're out. I've done it for 4 Lxs and felt fine waking up. I had people across and next to me in the recovery room in January dry heaving and barfing and I don't know why they don't ask more people whether they want it. I'll be placing my order on my surgery day and tell my anaesthesiologist to look up my file, just like last time, please. It's an longer surgery, maybe I'll need to order up a double dose! I get motion sickness, too, and am the only person I know who got motion sick watching the movie Captain Phillips.

    Donna-Dew hope you got the numbing agent issue resolved to your satisfaction with respect to the SNB (saw it last week and haven't caught up). Hope everything goes well for you and dtorrent tomorrow. your April sisters will be with you in spirit.

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2015

    Donna-Dew and dttorent, I will be thinking of you tomorrow.  May the doctors, nurses and staff use their God given talents to take good care of you. 

    Lmonelli, I can't answer you question about TEs, but I can identify with your concerns.  I found I can't research for very long when it comes to my cancer.  I do it in small sessions so it doesn't build anxiety.  Like you, I went back and forth with having TEs.  I finally went back for a second consult with the breast surgeon with a list of concerns.  I left her office feeling more confident and knew she would walk me through any complications.  I also visited with a counselor that has experience with breast cancer.  It has helped me deal with my anxiety and grief.  Hope you can feel that you are making the right decision for you soon.

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Southermother and downdog....thank you very much for your post! I went to my PC today and she put me at ease with my decision. I will stay clear of "research" and rest my mind for now. I am in good hands and I trust my doctors. Although I am scared I made the right decision for me. Any surgery is scary what makes this any different. I am feeling much better. Yesterday was a not so good day. Today a much better one!

    Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and words of encouragement.

    Fondly,

    Lori

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited April 2015

    Lmonelli, when I started out on this journey I only researched what I had to face next. I would stay up to all hours and research but I didn't look into issues I was not facing. My decision on BMX was decided when I started researching radiation. Rads scared me more. So now I've been to a plastic surgeon and have a surgery scheduled.

    I want direct to implant, no reason I can't have it, but surgeon did tell me it may not be possible due to position of LX scar (horizontal vs vertical). I was so dead set against TE but he said I might have to go that route. A month ago this would have thrown me into a tailspin but now I'm more accepting. One thing I love to read are blogs of warrior sisters who have gone through this process. It provides a storyline rather than just negative thoughts. It is so easy to find bad experiences but hard to find positive ones. I like to think it can't all be bad for my own sanity.

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  • middleagedmama
    middleagedmama Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2015


    Hi Lmonelli, It looks like I am scheduled the day before you for the same procedure that you are getting.  I too have been an emotional wreck off and on and I am generally positive person.  This is just scary and nobody could know how we feel unless they have been there.  I am very thankful for this discussion board and the wonderful woman on it!  If you need some encouragement I am here.  I don't have any experience yet but we will get through this !  I think attitude is half the battle.  Woman are strong and I have no doubt that you will do great!  I have really good days mostly but it sneaks up on you when you least expect it so just know that when that happens that myself or any other of these ladies are here for you! Stay strong you are not alone!;)

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Thank you middleagedmama! Today is a much better day. After seeing my PC yesterday she spoke to me over an hour and really put me at ease with my decision. I would love to follow each other in our journey since we are so close in our surgeries and both newbies. I to am "middleagedmama"!

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  • Zeeba
    Zeeba Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2015

    Hi--the tissue expanders really weren't all that bad for me--they are weird and uncomfortable, but totally manageable--I had them for 4 months. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have....Z

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited April 2015

    I haven't seen a May thread yet so y'all are stuck with me I guess :)

    I hate this waiting and want this thing out as soon as possible. I'm already having trouble sleeping and just going about my everyday routine knowing that "it" is still there. I'm 3 weeks and 4 days away from surgery, but it feels like time is going so very slowing right now and I'm unsure of everything that is to come.


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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited April 2015

    justmaximom15, you can never have too much support - you can be an April and May sister! Your tumour stats are indicative of a luminal A breast cancer. These tumours are slow growing (their molecular behaviour often changes beyond 2cm, which is years away, not weeks for you) and not aggressive. They don't have LVI and your SNB is extremely likely to be negative. You have had this tumour for a few years, so from a risk perspective, the 3 1/2 weeks isn't putting you in jeopardy. Mentally and emotionally are a different matter, so you might want to get a Rx for Ativan or Xanax to help you out. I am sleeping fine now, but took Ativan at night back in Jan/Feb because I was only getting 2 hrs sleep a night. Sleep is critical for functioning and overall health. Try and distract yourself with activities you enjoy. You are going to be OK.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited April 2015

    Hi everyone!

    My surgery is officially scheduled for May 6 but I will stick around here too!!!!


     

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    JustMaximom...my surgery is April 29th around the same time as yours and my dx is similar. I totally understand where you are coming from. The days are dragging. I try to keep my mind busy but it's when I'm alone I have the most trouble shutting my mind off. I keep telling myself that it isn't true. The reports are wrong. There is no way I have this thing that wants to hurt me inside of me. It's scary, not fun, and kinda really sucks. But you are not alone. I'm here with you as well as so many women. We can stick together and follow one another's journey. I have good days and bad. Today was a good one for me. Hugs...Lori

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Hi All! Just wanted to send hugs to everyone who responded to my post with encouraging words and compassion. Today was a better day. Keeping strong and plugging along.

    Lori

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited April 2015

    ComposMentis, hope everything goes well with your surgery tomorrow and wishing you a smooth recovery. Will be thinking of you tomorrow!

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited April 2015

    Thank you all for the support and kind words.

    downdog, I do have a low dose prescription of Xanax that I keep for panic attacks... it's for 15 pills and no refills and she usually sends one in when I'm traveling or something but I think she's going to have to get a bit looser with her prescription pad until things calm down because they do help. I know that it's slow growing and I've been assured that this wait will not change things but it is so difficult.

    Lmonelli, I will keep you in my thoughts on the 29th! I saw another post of yours questioning your decision and noticed that our dx was similar. I chose a different treatment plan but like you, I have my moments of wondering if I made the right choice so I think that must be a natural thought process.



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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2015

    justmaximom-I know how you are feeling. I am also getting my bmx w/reconstruction in May. The 19th can't come soon enough!! I am always thinking "what if waiting this long is the wrong choice and this cancer is growing and spreading?" I just have to trust my BS and believe that if I needed the surgery sooner she would tell me.

    Well, I guess I will look for you when the May surgery sisters thread is created. Gotta go take an Ativan...lol.

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  • ComposMentis
    ComposMentis Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2015

    Downdog and all my April Surgery Sisters--thank you! It's been a nerve-wracking day. I finished up my last day of work for awhile by about 4;00, did laundry, re-read all of my pre and post operation instructions, went for a walk, cleaned kitchen, and then just fretted a bit. Went for a walk so I could move my feet and fret at the same time. I'm anxious and relieved to finally get underway at the same time. Thank you so much for the good thoughts!

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    This is when it's tough. When everyone is sleeping g and I am not.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited April 2015

    ComposMentis, best wishes for a peaceful recovery.

    Wishing all 4/8 surgery sisters a peaceful recovery also

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited April 2015

    lmonelli, I know what you are feeling. This is usually when I cry, when I'm alone and my thoughts are only on what I am facing.

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  • Outdoorswoman
    Outdoorswoman Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2015

    Good luck to all having surgery the next couple days, you will do fantastic.

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  • RoosterGirl
    RoosterGirl Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2015

    It is so comforting to be with you all during this time. I wish none of us had to be here but since we do, thank God we have each other.

    Yesterday was such an angry day for me. If one more well-intentioned friend tried to "cheer me up" yesterday someone was going off the roof. Some idiot cut me off in traffic on the way home & I went all Mad Max psycho on them. Good thing there wasn't a cop behind me. I got home, told my husband it was an angry day, and burst into tears. He just wrapped his arms around me & held me until I was done without saying a word. I adore that man. I am thrilled to report that today is the first day since I was diagnosed that I haven't cried once! Yea me :)

    Zeeba, thank you so much for your comments about TE. That is the reconstruction route I am taking & wasn't sure what to expect.

    Prayers for a speedy recovery for all sisters who have had surgery. Prayers for sanity & success for all sisters awaiting our surgery.

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Hi RossterGirl...I'm having TEs also and wasn't sure what to expect. I think we will do fine. I made the mistake by doing too much "research" and scared myself half to death. I don't feel so bad knowing that I am not alone in the crying department. That's all I do especially when I'm alone. I start to feel sorry for myself. It's awful but I have to believe that God never gives us more than we can handle. There will be something very positive on the other end. I have to believe this or I can't be strong. I am so scared of what to expect after surgery. I think that is my greatest fear. How am I going to react after surgery. Sometimes no matter how much support I get from here I still can't help but feel alone. I found a local support group at the hospital I'm having my surgery. So, I am looking forward to that on Monday night. Hope today is another good day...no crying. But if you do cry..please know I'm right there with you. Hugs! Lori

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  • RoosterGirl
    RoosterGirl Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2015

    Lmonelli, I am so glad to hear you have found a local support group. No matter how much love & support we get from friends & family, if they haven't been there they don't know. It can be the loneliest feeling in the entire world. I would like to share a story with you that I hope will help a little.

    Monday morning I went to my HR rep to get info on a medical leave. I explained my situation, got the paperwork & went back to my office. Less than 5 minutes later the Manager of the HR Dept. Came into my office, shut the door, took my hand & told me she was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago and just wanted me to know I was not alone. It was the most wonderful gift, to know there was someone right there who understands. And who has come through to the other side outwardly unscathed.

    Being in the same room with people on this same journey, who truly understand, will make a huge difference for you I promise. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes so please let us know. God is with us all

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2015

    Hi all, sorry for jumping in a little late here, but wanted to share some good information for you and future posters to help prepare for your surgeries:

    Check out some good info from the main Breastcancer.org site on Surgery, including:

    Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.

    Lots of practical advice here on helping to prepare for surgery:Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....

    Also, you may find it helpful to chat with ladies from past months' surgery threads to get first-hand stories of their experience; see the March 2015 Surgery Sisters thread.

    Hope this helps and good luck with all of your surgeries!

    --Your Mods

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2015

    Roostergirl- what a great story!!

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited April 2015

    It's a dreary day here - wish I could get a dose of your Florida weather, mysunshine48. Sending you wishes of strength and healing for your surgery tomorrow!

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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited April 2015

    thanks for the welcome!! I had my chemo teach today I start the 16th and I also got my pet scan results and it was clear no lymph node involvement woohoo although there was a very small spot that lit up on my liver they saw no lesions and the dr said that happens often in younger people and she isn't worried about it but they will keep an eye on it just in case so I'm officially in stage 1. I will be there for my first chemo for 6 hours still not positive if I'm getting perjeta due to none of my lymph nodes being involved and it's smaller than 2cm then once a week I will be getting herceptin..is anyone else in this thread doing adjuvant therapy for her2 positive breast cancer? I'm not sure how to add myself to the spread sheet but I will try again also does anyone know how bad you usually feel a couple days after your first chemo treatment my sister is having her baby shower 2 days after my first treatment and I have been looking forward to it don't want to miss it

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Does anyone know why I am limited to the number of private messages I send. I only sent three and it told me I am denied. What is up with that?

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    Arethe moderators going to limit my posting too. I am really pissed off.

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