SEPTEMBER 2015 Surgery Sisters

Molly50 he has done it all. Stripped drains, measured & emptied them. Helped me shower & dress. Waited on me hand & foot. He has stepped up more than I ever thought he would. I am blessed to have him. We have only been together for 6.5 years; married 3.

I go see the PS tomorrow. Hoping to get drains out. I have 4. Would love to get rid of at least 2 if not all. Hope everyone is healing & feeling better with each passing day😘

Catherin

Hi Lemint - We are almost surgery twins; I also had a left MX with DIEP recon. I had my SNB along with lumpectomy, so I don't know what it's like to just have a SNB. However, I will say that for me, the SNB was a bit painful. Because it irritates the nerves, it gave me limited ROM in my arm for quite some time. I'd take the day after off work if I were you.

Lemint - Don't worry, only a crazy person wouldn't be nervous about all of this. I am feeling pretty good these days - I'm starting to return to my normal activities and I have minimal pain (and it's mostly at night - I'm pretty sore and tired by then). My energy is also slowly returning. The first two weeks afterward were pretty intense, but I think three weeks for me was a big turning point. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. You can do this!

This Tuesday will be 4 weeks since my BMX with TE reconstruction. I still have 2 of the 4 drains, but am hoping they will come out this week. My Dr didn't fill my TE's at the original surgery but has filled them a little at each visit since. So far 150cc's in the right and 200cc's on the left.

I've had a low grade fever for a week now, and don't know the cause. All my wounds are healing well. But the sweats and chills are frustrating! Ranges from 99-100. I've been on 3 different antibiotics but none have made it better. Maybe hormonal?

Oh well, hope you all are recovering well too

39andhip, good to hear your energy and strength has come back. Tuesday will be just two weeks for me, and I know I am getting impatient.

LHarry, I'm also running a low-grade fever, and the right side, where the drain that had the heaviest flow was, is sore. I'm wondering if it's an infection--will call the surgeon's office tomorrow morning.

Catherin, they are gross. I spent most of the time in a couple of big shirts, but there's no real way to conceal. Sounds as if you've had a very hard time with the pain. Is it starting to get better?

Lharry- 

I am sorry you are having these low grade temps. As a nurse, I caught my infection because my HR increased and my temp went up to 103. Keep checking! And call Dr. This is a little plaque my daughter got me. It pretty much sums up the last year. 

Penny-that garden is at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Spokane Wash. It's very beautiful!!

It is great to hear everyone is doing so well. My experience is slowly becoming a nightmare.

During my BMX I was unable to have the right TE placed due to lack of blood supply to the skin on that side. My surgeon said that in 14 years he has never seen it so bad and never NOT inserted the TE. It has been 2 weeks today and I am feeling pretty good but this complication has really screwed a lot of my reconstruction plans. As my breast cancer was medial (towards the inside) there is a 1% chance that microscopic cells may have spread to my intramammary lymph nodes. This is despite my axillary sentinel node being negative as well as clear pathology after the BMX. Because of this 1% chance I am doing radiation therapy that is scheduled to begin end of Oct. That will be 3 months since my chemo completed and the rad onc says I can't wait any longer.

Although some of my skin has regained blood flow, my plastic surgeon still has to do a skin graph before he can place the expander. He won't do this prior to radiation and risk losing the new skin. The problem is that placing an expander after radiation is not done very often because of increased complications. I don't want an autologous reconstruction because I really want both breasts to look the same and I don't have enough fat to do 2 breasts. Not to mention none of this can be done until after I complete my 6 weeks of radiation and then wait another 3-6 months for the tissue to heal.

I know there are no answers. I just wanted to vent. I see my plastic surgeon again tomorrow so maybe I will know more then.

KellyAnne - I'm so sorry. That does sound like a nightmare. I have no words of wisdom for you, just virtual hugs.

2 of my 4 drains were removed today. Holy crap that hurt. But I am so glad to just have 2 now.

My chest looks ghastly. I keep telling myself it's only temporary but I still cry every time I look in the mirror at myself.

On a more positive note...my post op path report showed negative lymph nodes & still has me staged at Stage I. I'm am so relieved to have that bit of information. I will be referred to an Oncologist at my follow up appt on Wednesday with the BS. Praying for no chemo or radiation. I wonder which drug they will recommend I take. ?

Thank you all for your continued thoughts & prayers. Big hugs to anyone facing surgery this week. My thoughts & prayers are with you

LHarry: Yes indeed, I do get underarm pain. Feels like stitches are pulling. They're sharp and shooting, but they don't last.

KellyAnne: Echoing what others have said, I'm so sorry for what you've been going through. It sounds really unpleasant. I'll be joining you in the wait. I have more chemo and then rads to look forward to, then healing, I guess, and then recon. It's a long process. Impatient to be fitted for prostheses.

Cb, glad you're rid of 2 drains. And congratulations on the great path report! Will you get the other drains out on Wednesday?

I was excited to get my third drain out on Friday, this one stung a little but the other prior two didn't even feel them. Going to the plastic surgeon tomorrow and fingers crossed this last drain comes out!! I just can't wait!! Keep on healing everyone!

Molly50,

Thanks, that is a great idea

Oh crap, Stephmoen that sucks! If there's one thing I could have been told before all this that would have helped it would have been don't expect a smooth ride! There's bump after bump after bump!!!

Hi Everyone - I had a prophylactic double mastectomy on September 16th. All went smoothly with surgery. I went in so strong, knowing this was the right decision for me with my risk factors, etc. 3 weeks later and I am STRUGGLING. While I am grateful to have had the luxury of time to prepare, I was not prepared for the emotions I am experiencing. I am crying e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y. I don't know if it's the loss, or the lack of sleep or the pain I am experiencing with the burning sensation. The burning pain is almost unbearable at times. And the fact that I did this prophylactically has me even more confused. I know there are many out there who are going through way harder times than myself. I am grateful for the surgery and my choices. I have amazing support at home. Wondering what in the world is going on?!