July 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015

    Hi Carolyn62, I'm glad you found an new (old) MO that you are more comfortable with. It makes all the difference. I also like your ex-husband's logic. It sounds like you've got the reins back on this one!

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited August 2015

    Carolyn 62,

    Sorry you didn't get your drain out. I agree with your ex about getting the oncotype done.

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  • _proudauntie
    _proudauntie Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2015

    Hello July Sisters,

    I had my UMX with reconstruction and a reduction on the non-BC breast on 7/14. On 8/7 I went back in for an outpatient OR procedure to excise and deride the original mastectomy incision. I still had one drain going into that procedure and much to my surprise I left it with no drain. This girl - just shy of a month from mastectomy is finally drain free!

    Oncotype DX has been ordered and meet with MO on 8/18. I decided to drive myself to dinner on Saturday - now that I am drain free. Tried to wear a post-op bra for the first time and was unsuccessful. I had a minor meltdown when I got to dinner - going out in public with one boob esp. with a failed attempt at a bra was more emotional than I have experienced so far. But I still went and received much support from my cousins and family so am glad I went. Some days are better than others.

    Hope you all are well.

    J

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited August 2015

    ((((proudauntie))))

    Congratulations on being drain free. I am glad your family was so supportive.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    proudauntie. . .it is hard going out in public at first. In the winter is was easier b/c I could just wear my surgical bra and one of dh's shirts over leggings. Not pretty but functional. I've had a terrible time this summer after EX. I mostly still wear the surgical bra around the house and to sleep, but it shows under all my summer shirts (at least the tanks that I can actually get over my head at this point). None of my pre-BMx bras fit anymore. They fit with the TEs but PS got bigger implants in at EX. So finally got the courage to measure myself and found out my new size. Ordered trial bras from Amazon and they work, so will eventually get more. You might find the genie bra comfortable (pads work well with them). That's what was recommended to me after BMx. They sell them in some drug stores, WalMart, Sams etc.

    So sorry you had to go back for more surgery, but yeah that you got out. The days wills get better. Give it time. HUGS

    Scottie

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  • _proudauntie
    _proudauntie Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2015

    Thanks Molly and Scottie - hugs back to both of you.

    I had a little more success today with wearing a tank top with built in cups. My pre-surgery bras aren't an option since they have underwire - but mainly because they are now way too big in the cup. After next appt with PS I will likely look into some new bras and a temporary prosthesis for righty. I have about 2 weeks before I am scheduled to return to work and want to at least appear whole and symmetrical when dressed. Stitches will be in at least one more week and they don't want any type of prosthesis used before they are out.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    I know some here might not agree with me, but they don't call it HotLanta for nothing. Today, I went out in just a gap tank top. It's very liberating having perky immobile girls with no nips. So much cooler. Let's face it, all the signs say no "shirt", no service. None of them mention bras. I have two weeks to find new ones that fit before I go back to work.

    Scottie

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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015

    My new ones are still a bit stiff, but loosening up enough now to be a bit uncomfortable. Since I don't have too many problems getting things over my head, I went out today and got a couple of sports-type bras. Ahhh, what bliss! I feel dressed again!

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    Yeah Bunny! Glad to hear you're out and about some.

    Scottie

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  • jlstacey
    jlstacey Member Posts: 277
    edited August 2015

    Hi ladies, I hope you are doing well today! I'm hoping you can offer me some insight since you all had surgery before me. I had a BMX on July 31st. They took two nodes- one sentinel and one non-sentinel. I started with four drains and have three left. I know one of those can come out. I have been doing pretty much nothing so that the other drains can come out ASAP. Those two are down to 33ml and 39ml in the last 24 hours. So, I'm at 15 days post-surgery going crazy with not being able to do anything. When were you other BMXers able to start resuming some activity? If I have to wait another 4 weeks I'll go nuts

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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015
    jlstacey, I had six drains from 7/20, 5 removed after 10 days (which my PS said was a record for his practice), then the last removed 10 days later (this past Wednesday). I can't believe it was only 20 days. It felt like months! For me, it felt like that last drain was tethering me not only to the house, but to the surgery and I couldn't fully move on physically or psychologically. I did go out with all my drains occasionally, and with the single, I resumed limited activity. I admit it seemed like a punishment, but I had to keep telling myself to be patient and let my body heal. It sounds like your levels are coming down, though (my PS took them out once they were under 30/40), and they should come out soon. Please hang in there, if the drains stay in, it's bc your body needs them. And even with them, you should be able to start resuming some activities, just go easy.

    For me, the hardest part has been the pain management since I'm now off the painkillers. I have fibromyalgia and even though I thought the doctors understood that it takes longer to get past the sharp, gnawing paint my chest, apparently I was wrong. Tylenol only takes you so far and I can't take NSAIDS. So I'm setting an appointment with a pain management specialist and we'll see if that helps. Sorry to moan, especially if I already posted this on this thread. I know everyone has their own trials, but I'm very down right now. Thanks for letting me vent.

    And best of luck jlstacey, I know you can do it!
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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    jkstacey. . .it takes time and patience. I was off work for 6 weeks and probably needed 8 because I was still exhausted. Like you. I was pulling my hair our from boredom by 6 weeks. Watch movies, read books play games on a tablet anything to pass the time. Trex arms will help your recovery and hopefully get your drains out sooner.

    I understand, I am almost 3 weeks post EX and am having to take a 4th week off work b/c recovery has been harder than hoped. Hugs.

    Scottie

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    Bunny. . .ask PS about Gabapentin. Witk on nerve pain. Why did PS take you off pain meds so soon?

    Scottie

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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015
    Hi Scottiemom, I'm already on Gabapentin, but thank you. I probably should have spoken with the doctor, not just the nurse, but I couldn't bring myself to have the conversation. I think there is such a prevalence of prescription drug seekers, esp in NY, doctors are very leary of over-prescribing. The PS didn't want to give me more bc he felt that I had had enough according to the surgical recommendations. The BS gave me an emergency RX. Both said I should follow up with the neurologist since he handles my meds for the neuropathy and fibromyalgia. He gave me an RX, and said he would give me refills, but then just wouldn't. He wants me to see a pain management specialist. I kind of intellectually understand, bc he is really an acute care doctor, not a chronic care doctor, like the PM specialist, but emotionally it made me hit the wall. I'm the kind of person who has sought so many alternative methods of treatment for my chronic illnesses and even weaned myself off of Cymbalta in order to decrease the amount of meds I am on. So when I speak to the doctors about the pain, and they give me that look, that tone, they make me feel like an addict. If I'm honest, I know I'm also very depressed and I need an anti-depressant. I had a very bad year with about four family deaths, the death of a friend's son, and putting my other cat to sleep right before my dx. I never really had the time to calm down and process everything. I have been crying for days (which is def not like me) and yesterday I had to call my sister over (she lives across the street, luckily) bc I started to panic when I couldn't stop. We are going to get an appointment this week with a PM specialist who handles neuropathy, psychiatry, and pain management. I'm really hoping it will help me as I roll into getting my port put in and start chemo. I'm also going to have a discussion with my MO at my next appt about all this, as I need him to work with me and the PM specialist. Sorry again to go on and on. But it really helps to vent. xxxooo
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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015
    Sorry again, group, for the long whine fest above. Finally decided to go to the ER. The dr was awesome and I'm ok now. He gave me some oxycodone and a prescription to get me thru until I see the pain management specialist, tomorrow or Tuesday. I'm so relieved and feeling more like I can cope. The ER dr said when you have a malignancy, all bets are off. xxxooo
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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited August 2015

    Bunnybumps, very glad the doc gave you something to tide you over, and no need to apologize for whining! You are going through a whole lot and shouldn't have to feel so cruddy and crappy. Hugs!!!

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  • plumster1
    plumster1 Member Posts: 270
    edited August 2015
    Bunny bumps, so glad you are feeling better. I'm sure what you are going through is so tough. So venting is always allowed :)
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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    Bunny. . .I'm glad you went to ER and are getting some relief. I have been fighting nerve pain since BMx. EX amplified it badly so I go back to work in one more week instead of tomorrow as planned. I'm walking as much as I can to get my strength back. PS is going to refer me to pain management if it doesn't improve. I really do understand. That's what we're here for.

    Scottie

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  • Bunnybumps
    Bunnybumps Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015
    So, so happy to say The PM specialist was amazing. Really understood and will work with me on pain management, now, through chemo and beyond. Renewed the Oxycodone for a month and we're upping my Gabapentin again. Told me to take my muscle relaxer at night and that way I might be able to sleep through the night and not wake with as much pain in the morning. Also referring me to a pain psychologist so I can try to avoid anti-depressants. I feel relieved again, and human again. And I have so much love and amazement for my sister who got me into the appointment within 24 hours! Everyone should have my La-la!
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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited August 2015

    I'm so glad you found someone to help you Bunnybumps. Hugs.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    Yeah Bunny. . .I'm right there with you but hoping that I will not need to see the PM Specialist. The muscle relaxer does help at night. Last night for some reason, I had a very bad night but on the anti-cancer drugs I have them once or twice a week. Glad you got relief. NO ONE with cancer should have to deal with pain as well if there is help available.

    Scottie

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited August 2015

    Yeah from me also Bunny! So glad you are feeling human again!

    xox

    Octogirl

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  • LindyC
    LindyC Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2015

    Finally got the pathology report. Long story short, the mammogram/ultrasound was wrong. It indicated tumours were 1.5cm and 1.6cm when in fact, they turned out to be 2.5cm and 4.5cm. Not something I was happy to hear! There were 4 nodes removed and only sentinal was positive. The tumours had clear margins and I am stage 2b. Chemo and radiation is in my future.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    LindyC. . .Hugs and sorry about the path report. Clear margins are a blessing. I had a lot of LCIS in both cancer breast and other one that did not even show up on two MRIs. I did get clear margins on all though.

    Scottie

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited August 2015

    Hugs to you, LindyC! I am very sorry you didn't get the pathology report you were hoping for. When do you start chemo? I didn't have clear margins after she went back in and tried to take more. I had two positives nodes as well. I had widespread IDC and DCIS so I am scheduled for a UMX on Tuesday. Chemo and possibly rads to follow.

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  • Carolyn62
    Carolyn62 Member Posts: 84
    edited August 2015

    I had my third fill in my expander today. It feels fulling strange, but not painful. My oncotype score came back today and it's 21. Low intermediate range. I'll be having chemo.

    I had a very rough start to the week when I learned that I missed qualifying for FMLA by 11 HOURS. Not days. Hours. I'm a school nurse, so with summers and holidays off, plus my son's illnesses last year, I just missed it. I'll be on personal health leave for 30 days and after that if I need more time, I'll have to pay for my insurance benefits for the remaining time. I realize after after a hard cry that it's not the end of the world. Maybe chemo won't be hard for me and I'll be able to work. We'll see.

    Hugs to all of my July sisters.
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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited August 2015

    Carolyn. . .Hugs to you.

    Scottie

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  • LindyC
    LindyC Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2015

    I've calmed down now from yesterday. It was so upsetting to hear that they couldn't see such a huge difference in tumour size. Makes me wonder how long I've been walking around with this time bomb that could have been dealt with much sooner with less aggressive treatment. I know the prognosis is good but I'm just having a little bit of a pity party for one right now.

    I have no start date for chemo yet. I was advised it would be dose dense AC/T for 4 months, every 2 weeks, followed by rads. Guess I'll be shopping for a wig.

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited August 2015

    Sorry about the timing, Carolyn, and hugs!

    One small blessing in my own pity party (just got the news yesterday that my score was high, and I will be heading to chemo...) is that I have lots of sick leave, built up over almost 20 years with the same employer....that said, my MO was saying that his philosophy is that this isn't like surgery where one really does need to rest and recover and take it easy: and that pushing one's self a bit during chemo may actually lessen side effects. His advice was to try and maintain my regular lifestyle as much as I feel like... including giving me the ok to go on a big work trip to the east coast that happens to come in between two treatments...(if I feel like it when the time comes). And, for what it is worth, the little bit of research I've seen on this topic seems to support his view: particularly when it comes to exercising through chemo.

    So, maybe work will be fine. Hoping it will be for me. Talked it over with my boss today, he told me to just play it by ear and take what I need (easy to say, with several months available, but he is very supportive. and, I can do big chunks of my work from home, which of course a school nurse can't do...) All that said, it is ABSOLUTELY unfair and sucky that anyone in this country should have to be put in the situation where they can't do what they feel they need to do to heal! Sorry you have to go through this. As someone said to me today, wish I had a magic wand...

    Lindy: pity parties are always appropriate. Hugs to you too!

    Octogirl.

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited August 2015

    Hugs all the way around . I hope we all have a good night's rest and face this in the morning.
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