December 2015 Surgery Sisters Part Deux (with list)
Comments
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I'm now post op day 2. Still in the hospital. For pain control. Surgery was 7 hours. Not sure if my Arms were positioned well or something because they hurt pretry bad.. I had an epidural which helped. Now on meds by mouth. Seeing how thus goes. Was assumed I would bet total node dissection. Because of previous surgery and radiation. However the doc was able to map the dye to right area and she took only 4 nodes. All negative preliminary. Very happy about that.
So I just saw myself for the first time after she took the bandages off. Freaked me out. I hate this. I know I'm blessed, but I hate what it's doing to my family.
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BethL, happy to hear from you. So sorry you are dealing with pain issues. Please rest and let the nurses pamper you a bit, too! I freaked a little when the bandages first came off for the doc to take a look, now it's fine. I hear you on the whole family thing though... Praying peace over you through all of this. You're on this side of surgery, so it will get better from here...
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jerseygirl, glad to hear everything went well. My arm pits are what's really getting now. Even the side where no nodes were taken. I wonder if the placement of alloderm may have exaggerated the pain.. anyhow, I'm glad it's over. Ps said he didn't put fluid in there yet because the scarring from before needed time to heal before expanding the tissue. Guessing my first fill will be in about 2 weeks.
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BethL, so sorry you are having such pain, but glad they only took 4 nodes and they look negative. Prayers for some relief and a great final path report.
JerseyGirl22, you have such a positive attitude, and are a great source of comfort to all. Thank you.
I am feeling a bit better this evening. Got my shower, and it felt GOOD! Had a nice dinner that my parents brought over, now just chilling in front of the tube.
Sweet dreams, sisters.
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Jerseygirl and missgreen, I'm so glad you two are doing so well but it makes me wonder why I'm such a mess. I usually handle pain pretty well, but this has knocked me.down. still in hospital. Im getting pain meds every 3 hours. I think it's worse now than the 1st day. They used alloderm in me. Did you guys get that also? My arm pits are the worst and I wonder if that's where the corner of it is. Somethings up, just don't know what.
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Oh BethL, Im sorry to hear that you are in so much pain....Im praying for some relief for you....I finally woke up today and said "I got this" ....I feel so much better and hope she takes out this drain tomorrow...Mrs GreenJeans, yes a shower felt wonderful...and I was shocked to remove the bandages...cried in the bathroom for a bit....then got myself together.....slapped on some makeup did my hair, and now gonna lay down and watch the tv...Im not used to being home from work...so I kinda wander around the house....But now I want to wish gaspasser,and Susan4414 the best of luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you all...Everyone heve a better day.....
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Gasspasser and Susan4414, praying for you ladies through the night and into tomorrow....
BethL, praying you get some relief from pain today...
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I've been thinking of you all and hoping for a speedy recovery. I think the surgical length of time as well as the lymph node positions and just anatomic features that are so different on each person and patient makes the recovery so so different for everyone. Try to be kind to yourself! Sometimes we do three of the same type of surgery, same surgeon, different patient and each patient wakes up feeling differently. I can only imagine how this would continue in the days going forward for recovery as well. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers!
One more night to sleep before surgery. Last night I was staring at the wall for what seemed like forever. It's like I wanted it to tell me a some secret or something. Surgery scheduled for 1030 tomorrow. Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. Plastic surgeon said most people with similar situation will go home next day? I am hoping so but am trying to get my mind that if I have to stay an extra day not to be upset. Susan...I will be thinking of you also. What time are you at?
Talk to you all soon,
Sara
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ThankS to everyone for the well wishes and prayers. I am home! First thing I did was sleep, and sleep, and sleep. Pain is still pretty bad. All 4 drains still putting out a lot. Was told it could be 3 weeks before they come out. The ps couldnt do any filling in surgery because of my previous scars. Not sure but I trust him. Odd thing however, the surg onc resident came in and said she was gonna take a pic to send ps of me because there was some redress they were worried about, and he was stuck in surgery. Her phone camera wouldn't work. So she used mine. I then texted pics to her and then she texted them to him. Hard to follow, I know . Bottom line is there are pics on my phone that are freaking me out, yet in a weird way I want to keep them for my after pic comparison.
Thankfully I'm off for a month. I never do great with anesthesia, takes me awhile to feel normal again. Thinking this time is worse because I was in surgery 7 hours. I know we're all gonna be feeling so much better soon.
Prayers for those going in this week. Stay strong. Take your meds and don't forget to breathe! Sara - I have heard of people going home the next day. No way I could have. I was under a long time and had alloderm placed. Almost stayed a 4th night but was homesick. Also they wanted me on iv antibiotics for a few days because of a previous infection I had. My mom's friend did great going home in a day. Listen to your body.
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Finally able to post, I had my BMX last Friday. I went home the next day after surgery.I wasn't able to sleep at all in the hospital and was glad to go. I have TEs but PS won't fill until after first post op so my first glance at my chest made me cry. I wasn't expecting the misshapen blobs. My arm pit where the SNB was done hurts more than I expected and the 2 drains on my right side bother me, the 2 on the left I don't even feel. It has been 4 days since my surgery and I am taking Motrin and muscle relaxers but feeling better everyday. I asked for an epidural and no opiates, anesthesiologist agreed, BS got angry that it would delay surgery and was not standard procedure. I got so upset as they argued in hallway, I had to be given something to calm me down-not the way to start surgery!
Good luck to those with upcoming surgeries and healing hugs to those recovering! The support and information I have gotten here has helped so much
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I asked about a regional block in my spine, but surgeon says it's not the standard of care. I always get sick from anesthesia, so I'm hoping the ear patch will help. I need to go to bed and readjust my body clock since I have to be at the cancer center at 7:30am Thursday for wire placement before surgery.
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BethL, so glad you are home! Sometimes that's the best medicine! Rest, rest, rest!
Truffles1968, do glad you are feeling better everyday. I'm day 8 and have been feeling good each day. Just can't wait for drains to come out so I can get to moving a bit more than I am right now... Although, I'm moving pretty good. Drains are just a pain. I didn't have recon so taking the ace bandage off the first time was a bit weird.
Susan4414 and Gasspasser, praying for you today! You're going to do great!
Warrior On!
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First follow up today, Drain out ! What a relief...now I can move my arm so much better...I have been upgraded from Stage 1 to Stage2a....not to sure ,looking it up now.....waiting for the rest of the results to come in from the extra lymphnodes. Follow up again next week with Surgeon and first visit with oncologist. So for tonight ,I am good....Sleep well ladies, and I hope everyone wakes a little better tomorrow....Im praying for all of you....Good Night.....
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MissV123, so glad you got your drain out... I'm hoping the next couple of days. They are slowing down on output, so as soon as I meet the criteria, I'll be on the phone to get in there for the removal. I'm feeling stronger each day, but still trying to dial down so I keep the progress moving forward, and don't disrupt my healing. I will say, other than not being able to wrap my ace bandage myself, everything else, including showers have been great! Being able to shower with very little discomfort has been a huge blessing! I'm down to taking Tylenol and only one med at bedtime. They said to take it so if you move in the night, you won't put yourself in a painful spot, so to speak. I hate meds, but am listening to the docs to make sure I don't overdo and have been sleeping really well at at night.
I hope everyone else is gaining strength and feeling better. BethL, Gaspasser, how are you?
rampart, LoveMyVizsla, rovnic13, tnasgrl, Musosgirl , QueenElizabethTheFaux big day coming
Praying for all of you! You'll do great. Remember to let the nurses pamper you a bit, but do everything you need to to get home to rest.
Side note, I found these great post mastectomy camisoles by Amoena, you can get them on Amazon. They have pockets that velcro in and then can be taken out and worn with prosthetic breasts, (if not doing recon) or after you are healing and doing TEs. They zip up the front, look pretty, and my radiation onc said I can wear it to my rads sessions, under a hoodie. Then I just have to take off the hoodie, unzip the cami for rads and then reverse the order and go home without changing into a gown and all that nonsense. Whoohooo!
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I stocked up on baby wipes, hoping that will help with the no shower thing, before I can shower, or for touch ups. Hope up you feel better soon. Good idea about the camisole!
Waiting to hear how the others are doing. Mine is Monday and hearing how well everyone is doing is making me less nervous.
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Ugh, I've been typing responses to all of you and somehow keep hitting the wrong button and losing it all!!! Twice! Gonna keep this one short.
Sorry I've been AWOL for a couple of days. Those anesthesia after-effects left me with no energy at all. Feeling a bit better again today, so hopefully that's an upswing.
BethL, I'm sorry you are still having such pain. I had the BMX with alloderm, but no SNB, so I can only imagine the extra amount of pain that caused you. Keep taking those meds, and try to limit your movements for now. Hang in there.
gaspasser, I went home the next day after BMX with TEs, so barring any complications you probably will too. Best of luck, I will be thinking of you.
Sending prayers and well wishes to our sisters with upcoming surgeries, and continued thoughts to those who have completed surgery and are recovering.
Jean
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NJ-Jen, Great call on the baby wipes! I did the same thing, even in the hospital and it was a lifesaver... I took lipbalm, as I was on IV fluids and drinking a lot, but got "dried out" just sitting there, and squishy pillows for under my arms to sleep, rather than the pillows from the hospital, as they were too big. I took my own pjs and changed into them the morning after surgery... If you can, take a snack bar or protein bar, I found that to be a lifesaver since the hospital food was ick!
The camisole with drain pockets has truly been a game changers...
Praying you through! Warrior on! You are going to rock this!
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Hi everyone! I'm having an ok moment so wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing. Baby wipes.....great idea. They helped me a lot. Jerseygirl- gonna look into the camisole tonight. Dragging these things around has been a pain.I have 2 on each side, ouch.
I saw the plastic surgeon today. Told him about the pain, he said my skin was very tight which he wasn't expecting. I had a segmental mastectomy 10 years ago and a lot of scarring from that and the radiation. This is why he couldn't expand me at all during surgery, says the final results should be good but why it's probably more painful now. The worst part are both sides of my upper chest, right in front of my arm pits. Didn't realize my drains reached up that high. It's swollen and very painful. My drains are still putting out a lot so I'm a ways out from getting them removed.
He also says I'm having a lot of muscle spasms, so put me on flexeril. Hoping that helps. I feel helpless, thankfully my mom is here helping out.
My doc sent my tumor for oncotype testing and they called yesterday. Had a major panic attack cause the lady says my out of pocket responsibility is $1800. Then she says because I make less than $120k, my portion is covered under some special fund. Thankfully!!! I should have the results by the time I meet my med onc next week.
Best wishes for those having surgery this week. Will be thinking about you. Can't imagine going through this without the support here.
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I knew today would be busy, but WHEW! We had our homeschool co-op, I left early to take the kids to my dad while my mom took me for the sentinel node injection. I didn't know it would be such a nothing little injection--could have driven myself just fine. Then saw my chiropractor, picked up the kids' bags and the doggie to take back to my mom's for tonight and most likely tomorrow night. DH met us there to go get dinner and go to church, then back mom's to drop off the kids.
I had thought it a good idea to be busy today and keep my mind preoccupied but it turned out stressful. Home at 9:00 to shower, pack, go over my paperwork one last time... Feeling the pressure and have to be up at 5:45--check-in at 6:30.
For the past few hours I have NEEDED to get home and get on here and connect with my sisters. I am starting to relax a bit now. I have been ambushed by well-wishers for the past few days and, while I appreciate it very much, that alone can be exhausting.
I finally feel good about the surgery itself. I had been very nervous last week and this weekend. Seeing my therapist on Friday and my BS on Tuesday put my mind at ease. What is nagging at me now is how I will look after. Do I have to take the bandages off? Ever?
Big day tomorrow. So many of us are scheduled. I thankful to have you all to go through this with. It is starting to feel like a team sport. August Chemo group, December Surgery group, January Rads... We get through it all together. -
Musosgirl, you are hopefully in bed by now, but wishing you well. What a whirlwind of a day, hope you got a chance to relax and reflect a bit this evening. Glad that you are feeling good about your surgery. Let us know how it went when you feel up to it.
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Hello all, first time posting on this thread. I'm scheduled for BMX/sentinel node/no reconstruction/port removal for 12/14....this Monday. Feeling nervous, got 2 of those amoeba camisole bras, will pack my bag and try to have fun family time with my kids this weekend...Anyone else wanna take a goodbye picture of their breasts?! Mine were(are) really pretty(I had a reduction 10 years ago so they are perky and lovely...aside from trying to murder me I guess:)....
I'm very happy for the cancer free news I read for Jerseygirl! And I am sorry for the pain others are enduring... I'll keep you all in my thoughts throughout the month, and through my own ordeal next week.
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Today is a Big Day for so many of you.....I wish you luck and peace. I woke at 5 and went straight for my rosary beads ( Irish Catholic) and prayed for all of you.....I will be thinking of all of you through out the day.....I hope everyone has a good day......
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I also wanted to add that I agree with Musosgirl, .I worked myself into a frenzy sitting at work waiting to be called for the sentinel injection....and it was Nothing...not even as bad as novocaine at the dentist...and, when he was done ,I asked how many more and he answered that is it...now wait an hour and we will take some pictures ..thats it ...just one....I was so relieved I cried....and of course I did the same thing the next morning waiting for the needle loc....and it was the same thing....nothing to complain about.....I feel blessed to have found everyone here...because these are the true stories,and experiences of you lovely people....so anyone waiting for these tests...dont worry.....they are short and not so bad......
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To all of our warrior sisters who are having surgery today... prayers are with you! I woke up in the middle of the night and prayed for all of you! You're going to do great!
Musogirl, Prayers going up for you today!!!! You'll wake up feeling renewed. Remember to let other take care of you... We homeschool, too (13yr old + 15 yr old) it's been a real blessing that I have support and my kids can do a lot of their activities because our co-op community pitched in and they get the to field trips, and co-op while I was on chemo.
BethL, I'm happy you've gotten some answers to the pain question, although I know that doesn't really help the pain much... You are strong and courageous, you'll be feeling better in no time. It just stinks that you had to wait for answers and now you have to get the pain under control, instead of knowing and getting ahead of it.
Brightsideplease, welcome... I'm sorry your have to be here because of BC, but I'm happy to tell you that you won't find a finer group of supportive sisters! Enjoy your weekend, do fun stuff, and relax.
rampart BMX, LoveMyVizsla. rovnic13, etnasgrl, Musosgirl, QueenElizabethTheFaux prayers going up for you today and the days following surgery.... You are all warriors in this fight! You will overcome, you will get through the days ahead with peace and support!
Prayers and peace to our sisters out here who are looking at the early part of next week for surgery
NJ-Jen praying you through the weekend, and certainly through Monday, my Jersey Girl sister!
sbeddows123, maxdog, ajhafc78
Remember, you can let it define you, or you can define it, and let the way you live your life define you!
Warrior On, Women! Warrior On!
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I have been lurking here, hoping that my surgery would also be scheduled before the end of the year. Unfortunately the earliest they can get both BS and PS in the same room is Jan. 13th, so I have joined the January surgery group. I'll be having UMX (left) with TEs and skin-sparing and nipple sparing surgery. I just wanted to wish you all a speedy recovery and hope that you are able to enjoy the holidays! Please keep posting - it is really helpful to read about your progress - it makes it a bit less scary for those of us waiting in the wings!
Kathy
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JerseyGirl2, I love that you call us Warriors. It makes me feel strong....hope everyone's day is going along nicely.....I went for a car ride today with my DH and this poor man is so good with me ....I was a mess......I dont know why....just wanted to stay close to home.....still awaiting final results of all the other nodes.....hope I have them before my appt with the oncologist on Tuesday....and somehow on the other hand .......I dont want the phone to ring......Isnt that just crazy?.......Such mixed emotions....
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Brightsideplease, I have added you to our ever-expanding list of upcoming surgeries.
Welcome to our group, and best of luck to you on the 14th.
I did take some before photos, although unlike you I didn't have pretty breasts.
I am also taking after photos so I can keep a record of my progress throughout this journey. I created a thread on the pictures forum to share my experience if anyone else is a member, although I haven't added any after photos yet. Maybe that can be my afternoon project today.
Continuing prayers and well wishes to all.
Jean
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Well, that was interesting. They had to place and replace the wire 3 times! By the third time the lidocaine was gone, plus he was going in deeper and it hurt like the dickens. Then they had to do mammograms of the wire for the BS and it hurt so bad I had tears. And once those started they wouldn't stop. I cried the entire time was talking to the anestheiologists. Thankfully surgery went better--thank you good meds!--but they had a hard time waking me back up. Surgery ended at 1:00 and I didn't wake till 4:30. Staying overnight in hospital. Had great ROM and had no pain until about an hour ago--nurse brought me more meds. Have a nice ice pack buddy and he helps too! I have been awake but cannot keep my eyes open. Hope I sleep soon. Poor DH is exhausted. He didn't eat all day either, so my sister came up to see me while he went Wendy's and ate. He also brought me back Sonic, but their ice cream machine was broken.
Thank you ladies for all the prayers! I have had a lot of peace today! -
musogirl, happy to hear you're doing well. Stupid sonic and their ice cream machine! Lol. The wire is not fun. I had it done in august. I'm glad it's over for you. Get some rest and let your sister and dh pamper you a bit you deserve it.
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Thanks Beth. I am home now and feel pretty good. The incisions sites hurt, but it's manageable. Ice and percocet are my friends, even though the med makes me super sleepy.
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