April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

LoveLiveLaugh - praying healing as you recover from today 's surgery.

When I had my BMX, my breast surgeon arranged for me to have a visiting nurse come in to check the dressings and change them if they needed to be done.

Hi everyone!  Best wishes for a quick recovery for all surgery sisters today and the rest of this week.

I am getting ready for my May 6 BMX and recon.  One minute nervous, the next a bit calmer.  Recliner is being delivered this Saturday, I got some lightweight hoodies delivered from Target, and pink pockets delivered too.

I am concerned about my recovery, I will be alone most of the day.  Rob will be stopping in to check on me (he works on the road).  I'm going to look into a visiting nurse, just for the drains and dressings, just not sure if I will need that help.

I will be taking 6-8 weeks off work, hopefully I can go back sooner if I am able.  I have an office job but a 1 hour commute on the LIE each way, so not looking forward to that with expanders

Anyway, keep moving forward warrior sisters. 

Audrey

tangerinequeen- yes it must be very scary. It doesn't hurt and it is really the best alternative. So much better than just taking them all out. Lean on your April sisters! This is a strong, positive group, and they will have your back no matter what. Me too.

Regarding help at home. I went home alone after bmx and did everything myself. I had just moved to a new town and there was no one who could come visit me. Drain care and bandages. Alone. I was managing, I thought, but in the end I think I set myself back weeks. A dear uncle got wind of the situation and hired "helpers". By that time the drains were out, but it was surprisingly helpful to have help making food, cleaning the bathroom, changing sheets on the bed. I never set out to be tough or a hero, there just weren't any other options. I didn't want to go to a SNF, didn't want to kennel my dog. I think err on the side of setting up some help. You can always cut back or eliminate when you are ready. Don't be a hero. Not the time or place.

Remember, everyone has a different experience. Most April girls are sailing through. I did not. Best to be prepared.

Hugs to all.

Katy

Wishes and hugs for the girls tomorrow flutterbykisses, littletatas, M0mmyof2 and Newgirls.

Downdog you are super duper so glad we adopted jackbirdie .

i see the surgeon tomorrow. so hope my drain can come out. little nervous about the pathology of my nodes, i know i had one, hope it was the only one, however after reading lots on this site more or less involvement wont change the Tx plan much. so ive decided no matter what he tells me tomorrow , i wont be much different than today. and today was a beautiful day.

Lynn, great news on how well you are doing! That gives me hope because I am not a big medicine taker either so I am a light weight with pain meds.

My surgery is next Tuesday and I have doing fine emotionally up until now. Today is just a day that I can cry for no reason. I think the reality is beginning to hit and needs to come out. As a mother and a wife, I feel that I need to stay positive and strong for my family. They take their lead from me and I don't want them to be scared or sad. I know I have said it before but I will again. This site has been a god send to me! You woman have educated me, provided support, and are there as someone who gets it.

flutterbykisses, littletatas, MommyOf2 and NewGirls, sending hope for a successful surgery tomorrow with great pathology reports, clean margins and a healthy start to recovery.

I had a tough day with my emotions today.  My white blood count has dropped so my PS is questioning whether I am healthy enough for surgery.  I see my BS tomorrow so we will see what she thinks.  My heart was beating oddly last night so I have earned a consult with a cardiac doctor tomorrow as well.  My surgery is in limbo and it has me feeling down, just like my white blood count.  Is this what is called a pity party? 

SoutherMother- a well deserved one, yes. You may have anxiety causing the heart symptoms. Try to put it out of your mind until you are sitting in front of the dr.

You've had a hard road. It's ok to be down.

Sending the warmest and gentlest possible hug. It will be better tomorrow.

Katy

Thanks Jackbirdie, I can feel that hug.

I could have never been alone during the day. I could not get out of a chair, or, on and off the toilet by myself. My sister had to put a towel around my waist and gently pull me up. And, think about NOT trying to sleep in a bed. I am pretty strong, but when I was leaning back, I could NOT pull myself up! I am on day 11 post surgery, and I am still sleeping in the recliner. I can just now get out of the chair myself and both on and off the toilet. We do not realize how much you use your arms and chest muscles. So, have a plan. I know it sounds so silly, but you have to be prepared because all at once you cannot do something. You will do it, but not at first! At least this was my experience. Try to have someone there

Thanks for all the well wishes. Surgery is later this morning and I'm glad to get this over with. Glad to get my expanders out and the permanent implants in! Will be back on either later today or early tommorrow

Sending positive thoughts to those having surgery today. I am 7 days post op and doing fairly well. I can manage to get around the house and even a short walk around the block last night. Still having trouble sleeping and need to take the valium and vicodin at least once a day. Seeing the plastic surgeon this Friday and hoping for drain removal. Seeing the breast surgeon on Tuesday to go over the pathology and where we go from here.

Thank you for the welcome. Apparently, I forgot to add my surgery date. I'm scheduled for April 28th. I have to fly to another location for the surgery and will have to fly back 4 days after the surgery. I've read some horror stories about flying post surgery so any TSA mojo you can send would be greatly appreciated.

Surgery went well today. Just resting and taking easy since I've been home.