July 2015 Surgery Sisters

After 3 weeks and 2 days, I finally hit 26mL of drainage on each side, and I was able to get my drain tubes out. I didn't feel anything inside the foob as she removed it, but the insertion point definitely gave me a stabbing and burning sensation as she pulled the tube out. It was maybe a 6/10 on my pain scale. Luckily, it lasted about 7 seconds, and we were done. The flat drain went at least 8-10" into the front part of my foob between the skin and the muscle.

I'm still having bad spasms from my recent TE fill, but I can move much more freely now. I can feel a light indent on each side where the drain was, but it should fill in as my fills continue.

Overall, it was worth it. I feel like I'm finally over the hump and can move on to PT exercises and recovery. I see the RO next week, so I'm hoping we can slow down the TE inflations a bit if I still have a few weeks before rads begin.

went to the PS yesterday but didn't get to lose the drain. The PS did strip it - ouch. I was wondering how it felt when it was removed. Thanks for the info Indygal.

Those of you who had alnd, do you feel something that feels like crawly or like drips going down your side? I have only occasionally pain on my breast where the mass was removed, my nipple hurts because she removed a lot of calcification behind the nipple. The rest of the pain is axillary which is tender and pinches as well. I am supposed to get my drain out on Tuesday. I am hoping that helps as well.

I had surgery (Lumpectomy) on 7/24/15 along with sentinel node dissection and removal. I spoke to BS yesterday afternoon and she mentioned that she sampled 7 nodes and all were clear and she got clear margins. Has anyone had a small less than 2 cm IDC with no node involvement and still had chemo? I am hoping once I talk to the MO/RO it will be radiation and tamoxifan for me only.

Thanks

I met with the MO today. She said that she only recommends an oncotype if the patient is sure they don't want chemo if it comes back with low recurrence odds. She had someone in that situation who decided she wanted chemo and insurance denied it it the first time around.

It's my decision, but even if the oncotype comes back predicting low recurrence, she recommends chemo. My nodes and margins were clear, but tumor is 3.5 cm. that makes it a stage 2. The oath report said that the status of lymph vascular invasion is indeterminate.

She recommends five years of hormone suppression, and 4 rounds of chemo 3 weeks apart.

I left there feeling very depressed. For some reason my internal talk just keep saying it's gonna come back and I'm not going to live a long life. It's nothing she said, just me.

Really down this evening. Missing my mom who passed 3 years ago, and having a dip in the pity pool.

In other insignificant, but strange news, a guy I haven't talked to in 35 years wrote to me out of the blue telling me how he was so much in love with me and I just left him. I HAD NO IDEA. I wondered if he was drunk, but he said the same thing last night. The. I started thinking about people I may have hurt and didn't intend to, and well, my inner dialog is jacked up.

pathology report back, pure DCIS! Who hoo! But it's bigger than expected, 6cm instead of 1.7cm and while he got negative margins, one was close, less than 1mm. he wants to wait until after my genetic tests come back and then decide if he should go back in or if I should have a bmx.

SWEET, Paddymom! Congratulations!!

On day 5 post op from BMX and Left sentinal node biopsy. 4 drains in and they're doing their thing and I'm managing ok. The tremendous swelling has surprised me though as it's very uncomfortable and concerning but I'm watching it closely (I'm a former R.N.,can't help it)

The amount of love and support I have received has been amazing. You truly find who your friends are in times like these. I wish the same for all of you. I meet with the PS on the 12th and BS on the 19th to find out whats next for me.

Glad you're doing well, Lindy, and that people are showing up for you.

I have been following all of you since I joined this group and had my surgery July 6. It's now August and we can breathe a little! For some of you, the "worst" might be behind you...and for others (like me) it might be yet to come (aka - chemo). You are all so brave and so willing to share! I admire you and have so much respect for all your decisions and tenacity in figuring this all out and marching forward! Best of luck to all of you. I'm taking the month of Aug off and I am going to enjoy the rest of summer. I will refocus on this lousy card that's been dealt in Sept when I start chemo. Gentle ((HUGS)) everyone!

sailorgirl15, I liked reading that. We are in similar situations. I love the idea of taking August off, enjoying it and refocusing in September. I'll prob be starting chemo then too.

Now if I could just get this final lousy lingering drain out, I'll then focus on that mindset!!

10 days post and I got 5 out of 6 drains removed. Yay!! It feels sooo much better. The PS said it might be a record for his office, lol! But the scary part is now I'm only two weeks out from starting chemo... Booooo.

Carolyn62, I felt the same way when I first met my MO, but I later realized that the surgeons are by comparison, in general, more upbeat. Their part is strictly physical, cuts and stitches, in and out, whereas the MO's part is systemic, chemical, and much more treacherous, balanced. This comes across in their manner, which is more serious than the surgeons. And it really should be. It's not a one and done procedure and they are largely responsible for your care from now on.

That said, I've met with my MO since then and I'm very comfortable with him and how seriously he takes it. If you're not comfortable and/or you don't feel like you're getting the best care, please go for a second opinion. Maybe you could ask on the boards for recommendations in your area.

May I also gently suggest you see if there are any counseling/group programs in your area? Cancer is such a powerful and personal illness to combat and it impacts our lives and triggers emotions on so many levels. Sometimes talking to family is not the best answer because they're going through their own emotions. A support program may help you better face these decisions and challenges.

Naughty! Scottie, you really know better... Haha. I know. As soon as I got the five out, I felt free and light, like I could conquer the world! So I went home and took a nap. Please take it easy. You can't rush your recovery, your body won't let you, and then will let you know about it in no uncertain terms!! Easy, squeezy, lemon peezy!

Hi everyone - I just thought I would share that I am one month + from my single mastectomy and node removal and I am feeling great. I even went paddle boarding today. I can now almost straighten my arm above my head without pain. I noticed a big difference from week 3- week 4 in my recovery. So those of you who just had surgery - you will feel better soon! I just wish I was done but I start chemo tomorrow. I had a two week period where I was drain free and feeling pretty good. Hopefully chemo won't be too bad. One can only hope. I even ran 8 miles today. Life is good despite BC.

Octogirl. . .we have memberships to Sam's, Costco and BJs. . .we practically live at Sam's using pharmacy,optical, bakery, photo, tires, all our electronics and office supplies and regular food stuffs. Luckily we don't get to Costco often because none are close. Our tabs there are usually in the $300+ range. We are going to Costco next Sat. when we pick our son up from his summer with his cousin and Aunt. Good thing Dh is getting paid first, he already spent my salary at Sam's yesterday lol.

Bunny. . .I have been good today. Just church and grocery store to replenish my sparkling ice for this coming week. Although I apparently need something stronger than green tea and colace. I have reverted to lucky charms. Total junk food, but they work everytime. I hope you are finally getting around a bit. Hugs to you.

Suzanne. . .wow you are doing great. I did not have even half my range of motion back at 6 weeks post BMx when I went back to work. PS wanted to refer me to PT but I figured it was best to wait until after EX. Getting referral tomorrow hopefully.

Scottie