October 2015 Surgeries

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited June 2016

    my sternum hurts on and off. Sometimes swollen. Three years now.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    dchavy I would follow up with my surgeon or his staff for any pain you feel is over the top.

    I did not experience much pain after about day 4 except for tightness across the chest from the TEs.

    I wonder if the pain is from where they tie in the TEs. I did have some residual pain under my arms where the TEs were attached. Are you wearing a surgical bra or have you been fitted for one with more support?

    I was fitted for a few mastectomy bras a few days after I left the hospital. When I wore those I could definitely feel a difference. My insurance covered three. They were made so you could put the fluffy padding in them and decrease the padding as you got fills, if necessary.

    I hope you start getting relief soon.

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  • KickinBootay
    KickinBootay Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    Marijen are you in southern California? If so I HIGHLY recommend my surgeon! My lymph nodes are CLEAR! Just waiting for my pathology report will have a follow up with the surgeon tomorrow and should get results! Then we can determine IF anything further needs to be done. I wasn't fully prepared for the lymph node dissection portion of the surgery. I had a mammogram surgery day to get pics of the tumor even the radiologist said Wow that melted away! She was the one that did my diagnosing mammo. They placed a wire(that's what it looked like to me) in the tumor for the surgeon to get an exact mark of it, which was funny to me because I had a cup taped on my boob see pic hahaha, then I had about 6 or 7 injections around my nipple, then sent over to nuclear imaging to get pics of my lymph nodes. Its stressful and I was scared but I told myself what is being stressed and scared doing for me? Not a damn thing so I started being silly and taking pictures and posting on social media....we all deal things differently this was just my way. We got this women!

    .image

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited June 2016

    Great pic kickinbootay. Glad to hear your nodes are clear! I find out in two weeks but didn't have chemo they may only be shrunken from Femara. After surgery, radiation. Be sure to keep an eye on things. Stay well

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  • KellyAnne13
    KellyAnne13 Member Posts: 63
    edited October 2015

    Jbdayton thanks for your comment about my tissue expander :( If someone could have told me anything before this all began it should have been to expect the unexpected and to multiply all of my anticipated timing by at least 3! I had expected everything including surgeries etc to be done by last June! Hah! I won't even be close by next June!

    Acjeffrey, timing and expectation of returning to work is a crap shoot! There is just no way to know. I have heard about people working through chemo but I have been off work since I started that last March! I had BMX Sept 21 and am doing great. If my job was not physical I could have gone back about now I think. Of course... that is not the case as I have another surgery tomorrow salpingo-oophorectomy and excision of my necrotic skin on the right breast. Then start daily radiation in a couple of weeks. This is a never ending treatment it seems...

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  • magiclight
    magiclight Member Posts: 8,690
    edited October 2015

    Hi CateM: Sorry you have to be here, but now that you are glad you have read so extensively. You indicated that you do not have time to order a pillow from US, but the heart pillow pattern is online (link below). I'm mentioning this because maybe your friends have offered to help and I think that you might suggest they make you those pillows. I am making them for a local hospital and know they are not difficult to make. A couple of friends, preferably one with a sewing machine could cut and stitch one up quickly, then just need to stuff to your desired filling. I wash the fabric first, use generic stuffing and a silky feeling ribbon to hold it in place. Gentle hugs.

    Heart pillow pattern

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  • KickinBootay
    KickinBootay Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    wah wah wah.....looks like I was mistaken out of three nodes one was positive and extensive cancer still shown margins not good. Even the surgeon was shocked TOTAL BUMMER. UGH! Looks like we're going for a surgery #2. If margins aren't clear the second time I'll go for a mastectomy. But I'm oke with trying again. No more chemo but radiation is a definite. As the cancer world turns....

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited July 2016

    Wow I'm sorry to hear that! You were so happy just a few days ago. Don't do radiation until after reconstruction, right

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited October 2015

    Kickenbootay

    Bummer is right.

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  • Gabby56b
    Gabby56b Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2015

    Good morning everyone. I am home following surgery on the 13th for removal of my right breast with tissue expander placement.

    The hospital placed a nerve block catheter in my back for pain control prior to surgery. I have not really had pain, just achy from the tissue expander.

    they sent me home with it, so I feel good. My husband is taking good care of me.

    they did not take any additional lymph nodes, since I will be getting radiation. They also did not do the back flap, and I think had I had either of those, I would be in more pain.

    I have 2 drains in and see the Dr Tuesday to take one of them out.

    good luck to everyone going through this.
    Good morning everyone

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  • KickinBootay
    KickinBootay Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    Im still happy! Im ALIVE! #1 is STAY POSITIVE! Yes it sucks to have to do another surgery but if that's what it takes then that's what I do! Radiation wont be done until after surgery. Waiting for the surgeon to call me so we can discuss the next course of action! Gabby Im glad you are not in pain! And kudos to husbands who step up to the plate!!1

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited October 2015

    Had final pre-ops today and got all my surgery instructions. EKG and Echo show no signs of adriamyacin damage so far. Very happy about that!!

    I report at 6am Monday and will be in surgery by 8am. Nothing to do now but scrub away and show up. It feels slightly less stressful to know all the decisions are made and that in a matter if days I will be on the other side of this next big hurdle. I hope everyone who had surgery this week is healing okay. Kickin, sorry about the additional surgery, but glad that your positivity is in tact. CateM, best wishes to you on Monday! Things will go great for both of us!

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  • CateM
    CateM Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2015

    Magiclight - Thank you for the heart pillow pattern, I've ordered 2 pillows from the Netherlands, thanks to Tulipa for information on those, they haven't arrived yet but there's still tomorrow.

    Had me pre-op assessment on Wednesday and all it going ahead for Monday.

    DizzParkMom - With the time difference I think you will be leaving theatre as I'm going into it. Roll on Tuesday when its avmom and Tulipa's turn. Positive thoughts being sent your way.


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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    Dizz and Cate our thoughts are with you as you prepare for Monday. You have done your part with all the planning now it is time for the care team to take over. Your only job Monday is to show up. The surgeries are long but it will seem like a few minutes to you😀

    KickinBootay I am so sorry to hear of the surprise node involvement and poor margins. I can jump right in there with you. We always know it is possible but our MO's are so positive then whammy pathology finds it. Luckily my node was filled with dead cells but I had residual DCIS which gave me the gift of radiation. We are going to pray for clear margins next time and you can avoid the MX.

    Gabby so glad you are home and on the other side of this surgery. I think the pain block you take home is cool, Hopefully you get at least 1 drain removed Tuesday. Hang in there and great healing.

    Magic light thank you for the heart shaped pillow pattern, maybe others can use it to make pillows for future patients. I think I might try after I finish healing.

    I hope all of our October 15 gals are healing well and their surgeries went perfectly.


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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    I had a weird last three days. Last December I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and the relief from pain was wonderful. In March my left thumb starting hurting and wrist started hurting, i could not even pull a sheet up over my shoulder. My surgeon gave me a cortisone injection between the thumb and index finger, immediate relief. Then starting acting up in July. I had a vacation planned for August so I went back and he gave me another injection. This did not last as long by September it was hurting again but I could not get another shot he said it would take surgery 😰. I had my next breast revision planned for Oct 1 so I just pressed on.

    Wednesday morning I called to make an appointment to schedule surgery, he called me back and said he did not have to see me. He was going to have his staff schedule surgery. They called Back within the hour and said they had approval and a date for Friday; just 2 days notice.

    I had my surgery this morning and am doing good. I just wasn't prepared for as involved a surgery as it ended up being. He had to do an incision on the wrist on the top side about 1 " long to get to all the nerves to release the pressure in the tunnel. He said it was very tight. They also had to splint the wrist to the elbow and it will remain there for at least 10 days. I have an appointment for the 26th.

    I have my 40th class reunion this next weekend Oct 23-24. I was not planning on having a wrist all bandaged up in my little black dress. Maybe I can find a long black glove I can cut the hand off and cover the bandages.

    My husband tried to make it better. The wrist surgery was my left side and my most recent fat grafting was to my left breast. This will make it easier to not rush using my left arm and both surgical areas can heal properly.

    I sure hope this is all until Christmas nipples.😉

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  • marion55
    marion55 Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2015

    hi to all i am feeling great after op have good movement in arm very little pain so all is good just awaiting my results on 21st oct

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    marion55 great news and I hope you get the same good news from pathology. Let us know how it goes.

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited October 2015

    jbdayton, Thank You for the well wishes an encouragement. Sorry to hear that the wrist surgery ended up being more involved than you inticipated. I think sometimes surgeons are so used to surgery, that they forget we have lives going on outside the hospital. At least you didn't have to wait long to get it over worth. I hope your wrist/hand heals quickly.

    Cate, I will try to remember (through the post-op drugs) about you heading into your surgery as I start my long night of post-op care. Prayers and positive thoughts will be heading your way!

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  • Creativevintage
    Creativevintage Member Posts: 76
    edited October 2015

    Had my surgery and was home the same evening. The lymphoscintrography was not as bad as I had imagined and the seed localization went smoothly. I had an excisional biopsy on the right and lumpectomy on the left. I did not have to have the ALND! My surgeon found no cancer in the sentinel node, but took out four additional lymph nodes to be sure and frozen section on each was negative. Pathology will be available probably mid week, but he said initial results showed no cancer left at tumor site. I am a bit sore, but am not taking prescription pain meds. i started with Tylenol, but BS recommended ibuprofen instead to reduce inflammation. They had to go down to the lining of the pectoral muscle just to be sure he got a clear margin because the tumor was so far back in the breast. I am doing really well with that and some cold packs.
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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited October 2015

    I haven't been on the boards for few days, they are really filling up!

    JB, at least your off already even though you've had the CT surgery. Hopefully you'll have good relief at the end of the day, that has to be painful too.

    Healing vibes to everyone.

    Kind of a funny but I was to have my post op appointment on Thursday @ 1pm. Around 10am I thought I would double check where the office was located in the hospital only to realize that my appointment was at 10am. . I called right away of course to apologize and reschedule. In my post op drug addled mind I had put 1pm in my blackberry.

    Healing well, actually slept on my left side for a time last night. The steri strips are still hanging in though but they're to fall off on their own. What surprises me the most is while I can sort of feel the TE of course it doesn't hurt when I flex my pec muscle, hopefully that continues.

    I would think for any of you having immediate recon, it has to be a lot more painful/uncomfortable than what I'm experiencing now considering drains too. Hang in there, it will get better.


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  • Mayk
    Mayk Member Posts: 42
    edited October 2015

    BMX 10/15, home yesterday 10/16. Very tender and moving slow but slept a lot last night after only about two hours in the hospital, four drains I get woosy when they are emptied. Not sure why. Not painful but takes the hubs a few minutes each time to empty while I sit on the edge of the tub. First visit today from a home health nurse. I really want a shower. Feeling yucky but afraid.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    Mayk I am adding you to the list.

    Take it slow and be patient. I was not allowed to shower until all drains were removed after each surgery. I did just sponge baths until I could not stand it anymore. Then I did have my husband wrap my chest with Saran Wrap and do a cleaning with a removable shower head but was very careful to not let any water seep under the wrap.

    I hope you get to where your drains can be stripped without feeling shaky.

    Keep usup to date on your progress. Ask any questions you want someone on here can probably help.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited October 2015

    Creativevintage I am so glad to hear of your favorable procedure. Praying for a great pathology report.

    Keep us updated and congrats on your pain management.

    MyLeftBoob I have put in wrong times on my phone calendar a couple of times. They ask if I want a card and I always say yes after I made the first typo and was several hours late for my appointment.

    I hope you continue to not have much TE pain. I hated my muscle over the TE but that was me and not you. I hope you heal quicklyand can get your fills completed for that January swim suit goal.

    I can definitely feel some wrist pain today but he said I could use my fingers to do simple things today. Hopefully the exercise will help the pain. I want to of course limit any pain meds but if I need it I will take it to help with healing.

    Happy healing to all and have a great weekend.

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited October 2015

    Mayk

    Sounds like you have a wonderful DH there. Other than pick up some take out chicken my ex DH didn't get involved. Well he did pick me up at the hospital to take me home. Did I mention ex DH LOL.

    Not being able to shower is awful I know. Sponge baths, baby wipes after toileting and dry shampoo help. My home care nurse let me shower right before her visit to remove my drains. It was amazing! Then I went out and had my hairdresser wash and blow dry my hair when she left. Felt somewhat human after all that.

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  • Tulipa
    Tulipa Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2015

    Good to hear how you all are doing after the surgery. Hope everybody will do well!Very good luck to Cate M. and DizzParkMom for monday! Hope your heart pillows have arrived Cate! Thx for setting up this topic JBDayton and good luck also for your wrist.

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  • doxiemom1962
    doxiemom1962 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2015
    Oct 23 double mastectomy with reconstruction
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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited October 2015

    I will be having a double mastectomy with reconstruction on Oct 27th. While it helps reading through these forums, I find myself getting nervous about my family having to help with drains, etc...

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited October 2015

    MVS I totally managed my own drains but I only had a UMX so I still had my right hand/arm unaffected. Do you think you have a family member that can handle it?

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  • solfeo
    solfeo Member Posts: 838
    edited October 2015

    MVS - I had a BMX, and except for the first few times while we were figuring out how to do it correctly, I handled the drains myself. I had a lot of clotting and clogging at first, but once you get the routine down it's not difficult to clear them. Then they seemed to flow easier the further I got away from surgery and I had to strip them less often. I had four drains BTW, all removed this past Friday, 9 days after surgery. They were actually ready to go a few days earlier but my surgeon has a policy of never removing them in under a week. The holes closed right up without the continued drainage some women experience.

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited October 2015

    It's interesting how different surgeons, hospitals and even different countries (I'm in Australia), have different "protocols". Although my surgeon doesn't like to remove drains until they are draining less than 40 mls in a 24 hour period; he also said he doesn't like to leave them in for more than 7 days. My surgery was Friday afternoon the 9th and my drain (I only had one); came out the following Friday morning, the 16th. He said he feels that any longer than that increases the risk of infection. When there's fluid coming out; there's a risk of germs going in. I went to my local hospital each morning and the nurses there dealt with the drain and dressing though I'm sure I could have managed at home. I noticed too that some ladies here weren't able to shower with drains in. I showered from the morning after my surgery. The first 2 days I still had the surgical dressing in place so the nurses at the hospital taped some waterproofing over it. The Monday morning following my surgery the surgeon took the surgical dressings off and a nurse put a smaller waterproof dressing on. I showered normally and was able to get the drain itself wet. I had a BelleVac drain.

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