April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters
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Mazy, unfortunately there really is no way to predict. A bmx is much much more than you might imagine. Everyone has different thresholds of pain too. I wasn't up for a month, but my case was unusual. I can't take anything with codeine in it. Same reaction. Discuss this thoroughly at the pre-op. They can prescribe hydrocodone or oxycodone. I don't like and can't take any Tylenol products as they are quite hard on the liver, so I ask for oxy. The hydro is the same but is mixed with Tylenol. If you get oxy you can decide yourself to mix Tylenol or Advil with. Also, if you have swelling, remember Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory. I prefer to have more control of what goes in.
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Checking back in just to say a quick hello. Getting that call about the lymph node just really deflated my balloon of happiness last week. That being said I'm pulling myself up by the seat of my pants and dealing with it!!
Had my first MO appt yesterday, I really like her and she's very thorough. That was the longest dr appt I've ever been to. We've begun testing to make sure everything is healthy before scheduling chemo plus I need to completely heal from surgery first. She discussed treatment options with me and frankly I didn't immediately comprehend everything (my sister was there though) so I kept thinking of the options as one was 3 months and one was 6 months. Both had similar SE and each also had their own specific not so great SE. Basics right now is that she's doing the oncotype testing and the results of that will be a better determining factor in which therapy to use but we will begin probably early June.
Both the BS and MO are completely surprised at the fact my node had cancer. The BC was 8mm and the cancer in the node was just a bit larger. But no cancer was found in any of the other tissue they removed from either breast.
Enough about me, good thoughts going to those going thru surgery or recovering this week!
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SoutherMother: I finally got my second opinion one week before my scheduled surgery by the first doctor. Luckily they both basically said the same thing--surgery first. That made things easy. I had surgery around 7:30 a.m. and was discharged before noon. My procedure must have gone very well, ha!
Audrey: That shirt is so funny!
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maxi- I'm so sorry about the disturbing news. I can't imagine how one would digest that gracefully. But you are. You have.So glad. SO GLAD. That you like your MO and they took their time. The oncotype will help illuminate the path.
A gentle hug going out to you dear.
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Best wishes for brandi999 and grammy863 tomorrow
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mazy - welcome to the sisterhood. Everyone is different in their recovery. However, you are having major surgery with major trauma to your body. I definitely would not plan on anything for at least two weeks at a minimum. I didn't go back to work for two months after mine just because my job requires me to sit and the TE were constantly digging into my ribcage until they finally settled which prevented me from sitting for extended periods of time. This could be just because of my thin frame. I'm sure somene else will chime in soon with their experience. Good luck next week.
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AudreyB - One of my favorite shirts I''ve seen!
Hugs all around to all my sisters in this fight
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Greetings surgery sisters and welcome dawncru and little-k! dawncru, good luck with your path report and sending healing wishes your way. little-k, here's my 2¢ on scar treatment, since I don't think anyone has discussed it yet:
Scars will heal on their own over time. Scar treatments are a big money business, with lots of products that will fail to deliver value for money. Topical products with the right ingredients can accelerate healing, reduce redness and flatten scars, especially when applied at the early stages. Your goal is to hydrate, protect, promote collagen synthesis and reduce redness (improve the size, colour, texture and overall appearance). Looking at the ingredient list on Bio-oil's site, it's a ho-hum formula with mineral oil as the number one ingredient. Mineral oil is a man-made dirt cheap commoditized product. It's not like they have used a natural oil, like argan, jojoba or coconut oil. This formula does have vitamins C & E, which are great anti-oxidants for skin, but these are the only ones present and it is lacking any amino acids and cell-communicating ingredients. Its claim to fame is their trademarked 'PurCellin Oil'. This is supposedly derived from duck oil (what ducks secrete and use to preen their feathers and to waterproof them). The relevance of this to scars is ???? and I couldn't see any scientific research to back this. What is of more concern is that the magic ingredient PurCellin™ that they have the balls to trademark in their info under the Formulation tab isn't listed on the list of ingredients. What is though is cetearyl ethylhexanoate – yep, this is their superstar ingredient. This doesn't smell like a duck, walk like a duck, quack like a duck and sure isn't derived from a duck, but that's the magic PurCellin Oil. It is a synthetic ester that is a very common ingredient in skin and hair products, so it is hardly proprietary, and yes, it is cheap. The second botanical ingredient listed on their website is lavender oil. Lavender oil is fine for aromatherapy. What it isn't fine for is topical application on your skin. Linalool is a compound in lavender and it can be cytotoxic, so it does the same thing chemo does: kills cells. In my opinion, Bio-Oil is an overhyped subpar product that will hydrate and perhaps protect while transferring oil to your clothes, possibly causes cellular damage and thus it fails to meet the other goals of scar management and improvement I noted above.
I'll post more specifics on Mederma later, but here's my quick and dirty. I've taken a look and Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream is a superior product with a more elegant formula than their Mederma Advanced Scar Gel. Don't be concerned if a skin care product is labelled day or night. You can use it whenever you wish if it's a good product and aren't limited to day or night. Their directions say massage once daily at night, but you need to use these treatments twice a day for about 3 months to get good results. It has 2% dimethicone, which will flatten and soften scars. I haven't reviewed enough products to have an opinion on whether it's the best out there, but it uses ingredients that have scientific research that they will help meet the 4 goals of scar management/improvement.
You can meet the first two goals with Vaseline. Someone posted in another thread about what to use on her scars and that her PS had recommended Vaseline. I consider her PS the #2 microvascular flap breast reconstruction surgeon in Canada, so was kind of surprised to read that, but there you go.
Vitamin E has demonstrated research showing it helps scars. I think it has a role in combination with other good ingredients. Some people swear by vitamin E oil, including my husband. He has had over 50 stitches in his face over the years from hockey injuries. No one sees them when they look at him. In fact, there are only two locations that if they are pointed out and you look closely, you can see faint scar lines. These probably represent 7-8 of the stitches, so the rest have healed invisibly. He says thanks to vitamin E. I say he's an extraordinary healer and the vitamin E helped.
My PS gave me a tube of Arnicare when I went home from the hospital. This is a homeopathic cream that helps with bruising, swelling and is also used by some athletes for muscle pain relief. I had never heard of it before, and I can't attest to the extent it helped, since I didn't entertain doing a test by only using it on one breast for comparison purposes, but I can say that I had next to no bruising immediately post-surgery and that cleared up very quickly. I never had much swelling and still don't. My skin flaps are very thin, but they and my nipples have had consistent great colour and looked very healthy from the beginning. Massaging this cream may have helped (as well as great surgical technique). I was at my PT today and asked her about the Arnicare and she does think it can help, but the greatest benefit is in the first week and there isn't much benefit after 2 weeks. I've been applying it 2-3 times daily and the tube is just about done, so I won't bother buying a new tube.
Mazy123, recovery is as individual as each of us and sometimes life just throws you a curve ball. Out of our group, I think Jackbirdie got the shit end of the stick and I think I have been her polar opposite. So while I think I have had an optimal quick recovery and don't have any pain, it isn't quite a fairy tale recovery, because I think I am a contender for least sleep on this board. It has nothing to do with discomfort or pain, I just have brutal insomnia. I was slightly better pre-surgery. An hour's sleep last night, get up, shower, two cups of coffee, power through on adrenaline, wash, rinse and repeat the next day. I am waiting to hit the wall. I can do this for days at a time. Not sure how it is physically possible when I am not taking any drugs. Things will improve when I can return to my usual high level of activities. Lots of hugs.
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justmaximom15, sorry to hear the news on your node.
Sending good wishes for your surgeries and recoveries, Brandi999 and Grammy863. Hoping you have minimal pain.
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Went to PS today for first PO. First, drains are out! YAY. I took a few deep breaths and felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. Both sides and I didn't feel a thing. My wonderful sister came with me and was with me for the whole exam. We both cried when they started removing the drains. But then we were both laughing when it was over.
Second, I saw my new boobs for the first time. They are definitely boobs, they just look like Mike Tyson did a number on them. Scars are fresh but I can look past this first view knowing that in a few months I will have my permanent implants placed and my Vinnie nipple tattoos.
Today was a big day. I feel much more comfortable with no drains, even went to lunch and Target after dr apt. And I'm only 6 days post op. God is good. All of you wonderful women are good. I am good.
Cancer is bad. Fuck you cancer
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Audrey, glad to hear you had a good day and yippee on ditching your drains!
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Hi again,
I'm having a lumpectomy on May 29th to remove a lump in my left breast. I had a mammogram on both breasts as it was my first time doing a mammogram and there was no abnormal findings. However, they only did an ultrasound on my left breast as that's where I found the lump. Both my PP and BS didn't look at my right breast. I was just feeling it and now have found a lump in the areola and a few small lumps in the right breast. Should I say anything to my BS or do I have to go back to my PP regarding this? What is the best step to take? Now I'm really worried
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Brandi999 and Granny863 - good luck tomorrow on your surgery. Hoping you have a speedy and healthy recovery!
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little-k -- Thanks for the info! I think that's pretty much what I was told-- OK to to wash gently after 2 days, leave steri-strips on... But I just worried I was missing something. Glad to know I'm not doing something wrong, anyway!
And great question about the scar treatments!
downdog -- Wow-- I love how thorough you are about checking ingredients! It makes total sense to do that, of course, but there are so many things listed and it's not easy to learn what is what and if it's any help of not. Thanks so much for the info on Bio-oil! I really would have very little clue, myself!
I've tried some cheap, generic creams before--just on minor cuts and scrapes. Most seem to just be silicone, which I have have no idea is of help of not.
I don't tend to scar badly, but I've found that it takes me much longer to heal up as I get older. I still have some bruises, faded, but still visible, from December's heparin shots. And an area on my knee that I scraped from last August... So it's good to know if some of these creams might help... or not! And that a noted PS mentioned using Vaseline!
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I'm going in for my post-surgery appointment tomorrow. Kind of nervous, since I guess I'll hear about the Path. then!
I was given Hydrocodone for pain pills. I'd never heard of it before. Interesting to know they are a tylenol mix. I'm glad to have had only minor pain/discomfort... but I've taken a few of these anyway. I have never had problems with addiction and since I'm sure regular tylenol could be substituted-- which I'm not taking anyway, since I don't really need it, it shouldn't be a problem (tho' my sister made a comment about not taking them just the day after surgery, which kind of annoyed me-- really, they don't do anything for me other than take the edge off some minor discomfort. Drugs or substances of any kind never have given me any pleasure, even alcohol. Ah, well... she's my main care-giver, so I'm sure it's just the stress and pressure on both of us!)
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Hi mazy,
Oh, wow, how I can relate to how you are feeling! I had a BMX with lymph node removal and expanders on April 10. The first 5 - 6 days was not easy, but you can do it!!!! I was asking the same questions as you are. You will want to have a recliner for at least the first week - maybe longer. You will not be able to scoot in bed or lay back, so do not try. You will need help getting up and down. My sister helped me ALOT by putting a towel around my waist and helping me get up and down.....from the chair, and the toilet. It does get easier. I got sick from pain meds, so I just went to Tylenol after 3 days. The drains need to be milked....ask someone to show you about how to do this. My surgeon ordered a home health nurse to come for 4 days, which was helpful. (She came for about a half hour - just to check on how things were going - she is the one who showed me exactly how to milk the drains. You will NOT be in bed for weeks!!!! Get up and move as much as you can. My PS took out the drains on day 10 post surgery, and my sister and I went out for lunch to celebrate! You will surprise yourself!
Lynn
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DownDog- thank you for all the info on Bio-oil. Very interesting ingredient breakdown. I think I will use Vit E! My Surgery is now changed to Lumpectomy to R Breast on May 22. Due to my infection, Masectomy with Reconstruction postponed until September.
Prayers and hugs for Brandi and Granny tomorrow!! Hoping for speedy recovery and healing for you both!!
April- how is your pain and mobility 4 days out? Prayers for clear margins !!
Audrey- glad your drains out. It makes a big difference! Keep up the great recovery.
Hugs to All!!
PMR53
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mazy - By the way, I forgot to say that I am sending positive vibes to you and will pray for an easy recovery! Even my 9 year old grand-daughter says, "women are strong.....comes from girl power!" She dressed all in pink when I had my surgery, went to school and passed out pink ribbons she had made!
You are stronger than you ever imagined and we are all here with you
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Saugagirl - not to scare you, but YES, check it out. I won't go into all that made me choose a BMX over a lumpectomy, but am sure glad I did. I only had a small tumor in my right Breast, but after pathology, pre Cancer cells were found in my left Breast. Check it out.....you do not want to look back and have regrets
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Hi All,
I had a BMX and SLB on 5/6. I will not start reconstruction until later this year. Currently waiting for the pathology results.
I am the 6th woman on my mom's side to be diagnosed with breast cancer, although I tested negative for the genes. I made the hard decision to have a BMX due to the comedo-type, high-grade cell I have, the risk of recurrence, my fear of radiation induced cancers and my concern that I would constantly worry about it coming back. While I realize the risk is not completely eliminated, it is much less than the 20-35% recurrence rate that my doctors estimated.
I have been pleasantly surprised that the pain from surgery wasn't worse--I haven't needed much in the way of narcotic pain meds, which is great since I had an allergic reaction to the percocet! The drains have been a little annoying, but not bad. The weirdest thing has been the sensation of fluid moving in my chest.
I have been very tired, so am resting a lot. I think the hardest part was removing the bandages yesterday. Thank goodness for my very supportive and loving husband.
Deb
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I'm late in posting: May 6th, BMx, recon with TE, one lymph node removed. No path yet.
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downdog - I've only used oil of olay on my scars twice a day same as my face. I swear by it, but it also could be that I'm just lucky that my scars heal well.
april25 - Hydrocodone is the generic of Percocet. I got that too.
Brandy and Grammy - good luck. Wishing you a smooth recovery.
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Hi All,
I had a BMX and SLB on 5/6. I will not start reconstruction until later this year. Currently waiting for the pathology results.
I am the 6th woman on my mom's side to be diagnosed with breast cancer, although I tested negative for the genes. I made the hard decision to have a BMX due to the comedo-type, high-grade cell I have, the risk of recurrence, my fear of radiation induced cancers and my concern that I would constantly worry about it coming back. While I realize the risk is not completely eliminated, it is much less than the 20-35% recurrence rate that my doctors estimated.
I have been pleasantly surprised that the pain from surgery wasn't worse--I haven't needed much in the way of narcotic pain meds, which is great since I had an allergic reaction to the percocet! The drains have been a little annoying, but not bad. The weirdest thing has been the sensation of fluid moving in my chest.
I have been very tired, so am resting a lot. I think the hardest part was removing the bandages yesterday. Thank goodness for my very supportive and loving husband.
Deb
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@vol4life, How are you doing? I had a BMX on 5/6 too. Hope you are doing well!
Deb
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Good morning and welcome May sisters vol4life and Debutante8! I hope your path reports are full of good news.
saugagirl, call your PCP. With the holiday weekend, you may not get an appointment until Tuesday. Your PCP will have the radiologist's report on your mammo and it may even note cysts and/or fibroadenomas in your right breast that the radiologist wasn't concerned about. Your PCP can examine you and expedite you back to the BS before your surgery, if he/she is concerned. You could call the BS's office, since you are already under their care, but I think you will get in faster before your surgery, if it is vetted by your PCP. It is more likely not something to be concerned about, but it is best to get it checked out for peace of mind, and to make sure. There are lots of us here who have had stuff missed on imaging tests and even by doctors. Breast ultrasound is used to gain more info on an area/lump of concern. It is not used as a screening tool on its own. So, since you had the right breast mammo'ed, the radiologist didn't see anything that required an u/s on the right side for more info. The sound waves pass through a lump if it is a cyst and those can be aspirated. Some docs want to remove every lump that isn't a cyst. Others use the wait and watch approach. I had small breasts, but they were chockablock full of fibroadenomas and cysts. Mine were monitored for changes over the years and I had a lx only when it was a concern. Fibroadenomas are solid benign lumps. They are supposedly more common in young women (20s), but I can attest to the fact that I was growing new ones long after my 20s.
Woohoo! Moving forward, PMR53! Depending on where you live, September is probably more comfortable weatherwise, especially if you have to wear a surgical bra for an extended period of time.
mjh1, if you are curious and want me to look it up for you, post which specific Oil of Olay product are you using. Some formulations are better than others within the same product line.
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hydrocodone is the generic of Vicodin. Not Percocet
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jackbird - thanks for the correction. I got my codone's mixed up. it's Oxycodone-acetamenafen that's the generic of Percocet.
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Actually I wasn't quite correct.
Vicodin and Percocet are very similar.
Vicodin is paracetamol and hydrocodone
Percocet has oxy. Percocet is thus one step more powerful than Vicodin
You can get oxy just by itself. That's what I ask for because I don't like what Tylenol does to the liver.
Sorry for the confusion
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Thank you for your replies Sunshine4 and downdog. I actually called the nurse at the breast clinic ro ask her opinion and what I should do. She said the surgeon is in this afternoon and she will email him and see if I can come in today to see him an do an ultrasound. I have an appointment tomorrow with my PCP, so if I don't hear today from surgeon I will ask my PCP tomorrow. The lumps are in each aereola but I have lumps elsewhere in my left breast only identified by ultrasound. I hope the surgeon won't think because I have lumps in both breasts that it might be normal for me and not do anything or cancel the surgery. Am I just worried and being paranoid? I guess I'm just nervous about this
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Surgery was May 6th, LX w/ SNB on the right breast and oncoplastic reduction on both breasts.
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Hi everyone. Continued prayers for my sisters facing surgery and strength for sisters recovering.
I am one week postop. Yesterday I had my drains removed absolutely pain free, and today I took a shower, standing, alone, got in and out of the tub and dried off inside a fluffy robe.
Just wanted to say please don't stress over your recovery. Everyone's recovery is different but please be positive and don't over worry about things that haven't hapened yet.
Blessings to all.
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