April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 1,480
    edited April 2015

    Katy,

    Guess I am on a roll here of writing posts. Did too much yesterday, so am just slowing down today. YOU need to know I have been reading the chemo forums (March girls) and you all are inspiring too. I am more scared of chemo than I was of surgery!

    Lynn

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  • evelynsfirstborn
    evelynsfirstborn Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2015

    Down dog, Thanks for explanation of ALND. I'm having the blue dye injected the day before surgery. Then breast surgeon can dissect (or whatever she does) to sentinel node. Oncologist said there's 90% chance that all clear & then minimum nodes will be taken from right side. I'll take precautions that everyone have suggested to minimize risk of lymphodema.

    Love your recliner story, Lynn. I have a love seat with ottoman -- hope that will suffice for my recovery. I don't have a recliner.

    Imay find myself in Jackbirdie (Katy's) position a few days after surgery. I'm afraid that my sister is getting anxious about what caregiving will entail. She wants me to have home health RN check me daily. None of my docs have mentioned that I needed that. My cousin had visiting nurse daily to help with drains. I assumed that I could empty them myself -- is this reasonable or am I kidding myself? My other sister (in Ohio) thinks I should board my dogs for the first couple of weeks. I was going to hire kids in the neighborhood to walk my dogs but if I'm going to be alone, I want them with me for comfort.

    Meta, I bought the meditation you recommended. Thanks.

    I definitely want one of those t-shirts, mysunshine48.

    To sisters SummerSun, Lovelivelaugh78 & Tara_:, wishing you all the best for your surgeries tomorrow. You can do this.

    Jean


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  • Esmerelda50
    Esmerelda50 Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2015

    Hi sisters, Hope you all having a great day! Just joining the April surgery group as my BMX with immediate recon is scheduled for the 30th. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation after insurance denied BMX. Oncologist says it's a new occurrence. Have lots of questions for you all but here is just one that my son and are having a disagreement over. He actually suggested I look at the discussion boards to get some opinions. My 9 year old grandson and I have always been very close. He spends a lot of time with me. I want to tell him what's going on because I have always stressed honesty and encouraged him that he could tell me anything. Also, I feel like he's going to find out anyway and he will resent the fact that I didn't tell him. His dad feels like it would be too much for him. Any advice on that dilemna or on the surgery in general would be appreciated! !! Thank you and best wishes to you all!

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  • DayLily15
    DayLily15 Member Posts: 144
    edited April 2015

    hi esmerelda50

    my thoughts only - you need to tell him you are having surgery [he will notice] and since you have prior knowledge of surgery give him real things to do to help you recover from surgery, like read to you or fetch and carry, positive, proactive help. as to why the surgery, as to the C word, little elephants have big ears. let him hear that you have beaten it before and know how to proceed. [ i cry in private ]


    wishing good vibes for SummerSun, Lovelivelaugh78 & Tara tomorrow :)

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited April 2015

    yes me too

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  • SummerSun
    SummerSun Member Posts: 91
    edited April 2015

    Thanks for all the well wishes my sisters! I am ready to get these cannon balls out and move to the squishy side. :-)

    Sending positive thoughts to LoveLiveLaugh and Tara tomorrow. We've got this ladies!!

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  • M0mmyof3
    M0mmyof3 Member Posts: 9,696
    edited April 2015

    Mine on Wed. can't come fast enough. I am eager to get it over and done with!

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  • Newgirls
    Newgirls Member Posts: 81
    edited April 2015

    Hi. Miy exchange is on Wednesday as well. can't wait. Did tons of housework and cleaning up this weekend so that I can nap and snooze on the couch with my tv remote fir the next 10 days! Going with round silicone close to 500 cc.

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  • Outdoorswoman
    Outdoorswoman Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2015

    Just want to wish all those facing surgery this week, good luck you can do this. Will have to say I was feeling really good yesterday and over did it, I'm paying for that a little today. Let them pamper you it's worth it .

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  • Newgirls
    Newgirls Member Posts: 81
    edited April 2015

    how soon were any of you able to drive after exchange surgery? After stopping Rx painkillers, that is.

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  • middleagedmama
    middleagedmama Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2015

    wishing all of my surgery sisters having surgery this week the best of luck! You are strong woman and will get through this! I am now a week out and not feeling nervous yet but anxious to get it over with! Praying for good results and not more pain than you can handle

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  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 1,480
    edited April 2015

    To you all.....same from me! We are strong and you will all get through this!💞


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  • M0mmyof3
    M0mmyof3 Member Posts: 9,696
    edited April 2015

    I see it as a minor bump in the road to get over!

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  • tjh
    tjh Member Posts: 469
    edited April 2015

    I was fine 2 weeks after surgery. Except when I go to get expanders filled, then I am on muscle relaxers for 2 days.

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

    Welcome latest April sisters, Esmeralda50 and Newgirls.

    Wishing each day brings renewed strength to my April sisters recovering. Be kind to yourselves.

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  • lesliecusana
    lesliecusana Member Posts: 97
    edited April 2015


    Hello everyone,

    I am jumping in on the thread. Reconstruction surgery and port removal coming up this week 4/23/15. Plans are to lift/reduce left nonbc breast and fat transfer(from abd) to right lx/rads breast to fix divot from SNB.  I wish I had known at the beginning about the asymmetry problems after rads and the difficulty getting implants after rads. I might have choosen a different route. I didn't expect to be so uneven. After a little scare I had last week with mamogram report that ended up being fine, it had me think if I should have a reoccurance and wanted a bmx with implants could I get it done? Oh well can't dwell on that.  I have 2 herceptin treatments left but thought I would get port out while under for surgery. I can do 2 iv sticks! I am looking forward to moving on! I wish you all well on your individual journey to fight the beast!

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

    Welcome lesliecusana - that's one stop shopping you're having done on Thursday! If you ever decide to go the BMX route in the future, rads complicate reconstruction, as the skin is permanently compromised with damaged blood supply at the microscopic level and lack of elasticity. This can lead to a higher rate of complications for reconstructive surgery, such as infection, slower healing, wound and scar issues, and implants can have high rates of capsular contraction and extrusion. You will have reconstructive options available to you with the right experienced PSs. Autologous flaps give great results (e.g. DIEP, TUG, stacked flap). I'm sure there is lots of good info on this board with recommendations from women who have reconstructed after radiation. If the time comes when that's a path you'll take, do your research, choose your PS carefully and I'm sure you will have great results.

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  • lesliecusana
    lesliecusana Member Posts: 97
    edited April 2015


    Thanks downdog,

    I really like the PS I have he is awesome!  I didn't think about the flap procedures that gives me hope for options in the future if needed.  Luv your puppy photo!

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  • CaliRN
    CaliRN Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2015


    Newgirls,

    I started driving 6 days after my exchange surgery. I was sore but it was doable. I was told to wait until after I stopped taking narcotics which was probably 3 days but I wasn't ready to drive that soon. I also had fat grafting at my exchange so I was sore all over and wanted to give myself a week before driving. I hope your exchange goes smoothly!

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited April 2015

    wishing everybody having a procedure this week smooth sailing!

    Leslie- such a great idea to get the port out (one stop shopping Hah!) while you are out. Yes, that is worth 2 sticks. I am halfway through chemo and already worried about getting that thing out. I have proven time and again these past few months I am a wuss!

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  • bbbbun
    bbbbun Member Posts: 59
    edited April 2015

    Happy thoughts and love to all of my April Sisters!!! Lots of action this week!!!

    I am feeling terrific after EX and fat grafting 20 days ago.

    Hope all the fat stays right where it is !! Filled out the top nicely where a divot was from biopsy and the pectoral animation is much less noticeable!! I have cleavage...woohoo!!

    (After 52 years of ballet I never really had much cleavage except when I breast fed my two boys).

    My silicon implants are Sientra 435cc on both sides , FYI I am 5-9" and 160 # They are soft and warm and in great location so far :D

    The Exchange was a piece of cake. REALLY!!! The fat grafting at donor sites still sore, massaging and staying compressed for 6 more weeks! Arrgghhh!!! But hopefully it will take care of the swollen tummy....not a good look!! But no big deal either!!! After watching the CMA's last night I'm thinking I should have gone for DD cups......NOT!!!!

    Looking forward to Mothers Day when my grandchildren will be here for a visit!!! Can't wait to tell my little 3 yo that "Bunnie's boobies are not broken anymore!!" Gentle hugs are still the order of the day!!!

    Lots and lots of love and prayers for my Surgery sisters!!! YOU CAN DO THIS !!!!!!! xoxoxoxox Valorie

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

    Jackbirdie, I've added you to the list; we've officially adopted you!

    bbbbun, thanks for updating us on your progress. That is wonderful news that you feel absolutely great. Congrats on the cleavage!! Hope your fat is well-behaved and stays put!

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited April 2015

    awwww thanks DownDog! I feel very honored.

    Got tears in my eyes about Bunnies Boobies not broken any more.

    We are putting ourselves back together with each others' help!

    Hugs

    Katy

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  • HuntingtonNY
    HuntingtonNY Member Posts: 31
    edited April 2015

    wishing all our sisters who are going through surgeries this week strength. We are strong because we have to be.

    Be kind to yourselves and give your body time to heal. Sending positive energy, M

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  • dtorrent
    dtorrent Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2015

    My stage 2/3 tumor is has mitotic rate of 1, nuclear pheomorph of 2, and tubule formation of 3. Which is 6/9, still in the grade 2 range...but the pathologist still is calling it a 2/3 grade. OH WELL...just waiting waiting waiting for the Oncotype results.

    I really respect all you ladies that are going through multiple surgeries for reconstruction. I just knew that I didn't want to go through anything other than the BMX. Today I bought some little $5 "bra enhancers" from Target, put those in my Old Navy sportsbra, which nicely has a little pocket already inside...It looks pretty amazing! A nice little A cup, you would never know what's going on underneath.

    I dread the thought of chemo but fingers crossed not.

    I know those of you with upcoming surgeries...it seems really scary. I had never had any type of surgery and was terrified. BUT IT'S NOT THAT BAD!

    I thought beforehand that it would be a long time before I was able to show my husband my flat chest. The first time I saw it, it was pretty shocking. My scar is pretty much from all the way under each underarm, all the way across except for about an inch in the middle of my chest.

    Well, about a week after surgery I was like "are you ready to see"? He was totally awesome, lucky for me he has never been into breasts that much. Now, just a few days later, I don't even feel self conscious around him in the shower, etc.

    So I hope everyone else has a relatively easy experience as I have had!

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2015

    Esmerelda50, I had a teenager when I had my first breast cancer.  The research I did on the subject of telling children led me to tell our daughter that I had cancer which involved surgery, treatment, and losing my hair. Telling them the obvious things that they would see was the guideline. But to not go into a lot of detail.  Losing your hair was their example.  They warned that children don't have the response that you might expect.  Let the children ask questions. They said that although the children will be worried for you, they are also just as worried about what will affect them.  My daughter's first question was, "Will you wear a wig when you come pick me up from school?"  I chuckled to myself as I was prepared for her to ask heavier type questions.  Yet, here this teenager, who was incredibly self conscious, was more worried about others staring at my soon to be bald head.  I know your grandson is nine so it might be different.  Hope this helps.

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  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 1,480
    edited April 2015

    This is for all of you who are facing surgery in the next week or two.....Today is day 10 post this major surgery. One week ago is now a memory, and I will tell you that the pain meds made me feel worse - nausea, not being able to eat, etc. my doctor wanted to give me more anti-nausea meds. However, not being one for taking much medicine, I opted to endure pain over the nausea. It was tolerable and I am glad I did this. I am taking no pain meds - did take Tylenol 3 times a day. As of yesterday, nothing. Today my sister drove me to a follow up appt. with my PS. He took out my drains! It was not so bad. Then, my sister and I celebrated by going out for lunch. We then actually went shopping for 2 hours. I was pretty pooped by then, but this is such a HUGE difference from a week ago. Go with it, rest, try to eat healthy. Protein helps healing. Ask God for strength and healing. You are stronger than you think you are!

    Just sharing......

    Lynn

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  • Esmerelda50
    Esmerelda50 Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2015

    Thank you to Day lily 15 and Southern other for advice on telling children! Thank you down dog for adding me to the group. Shout out to tara_:, SummerSun and lovelivelaugh78. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.



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  • M0mmyof3
    M0mmyof3 Member Posts: 9,696
    edited April 2015

    Don't have kids, but I had to go through a similar situation with my youngest nephew who was 4 when I was diagnosed. My brother told his son that "auntie was very sick, but the doctors were going to make me better." How my brother explained my hair loss to his son was "the doctors were giving me something that was going to make me better, but it would cause me to lose my hair". My nephew would ask me when I would see him, "Auntie, are you getting better? The doctors better make you all better." That question was always followed up with a hug and a kiss, as my nephew would tell me, "that was to make me better in case my doctor's weren't"

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited April 2015

    I never had children but I believe I can understand that how this information is conveyed is so important. Such fragile psyches at their tender ages. The stories have moved me.

    Lynn- you are nothing short of a rockstar! I am so happy you are feeling ok, off the pain meds, got those blasted drains out and got to go to lunch and shopping! I'm quite impressed and amazed. I hope every day you continue to get strength and normalcy back. Really really happy for you.

    Hugs,

    Katy

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