December 2015 Surgery Sisters Part Deux (with list)

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    musogirl, so glad you're doing well! Get some rest...

    Got both drains out today!!!! So happy. Now just have to remember to lay low and keep resting. Do the exercises they gave me to do before I got to PT and move forward

    Warrior on!

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Musogirl, Im so sorry the wire was painful....I do remember screaming to them to stop squeezing with the mamo machine while having it done...and I do recall crying....take your meds and rest.....thats what we all need to do rest......I got some results today, out of the 24 nodes taken only one positive (hot). so not it is being sent for oncotyping .My appt with oncology is postponed until this comes back, and I guess from there, Dr will know which type of chemo....pills or infusion....when my Doctor said she took extra nodes because the ones during the surgery were bad, I had no idea she took 24 ! No wonder I cant move my arm....even soft cotton hurts my inner arm from the elbow up.....Good night everyone and sleep well....we are all Warriors ( I just love this saying) JerseyGirl2......and by the way Im a Jersey Girl too!

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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited December 2015
    Ow. Lots of pain tonight. And my abs are screaming at me since they are overcompensating. On a funny side note, it hurts trying to wipe after using the toilet. The things we take for ganted. I just took 2 percocet and hope to be out cold soon. Hope everyone else from yesterday is doing well.
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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    Musosgirl, sorry your wire placement was such a disaster. The radiologist had to fiddle around a bit with mine, but it only took one insertion and thank God the lidocaine was still in effect. Same for the mammo, it didn't cause me pain. My abs were very painful post-op too since they were getting seriously overused. I can still feel it all around my ribcage, as well. Get some good rest tonight.

    MissVee123, my goodness, no wonder you are so sore! Poor thing, I can't imagine the additional pain of all that node removal. Take those meds, honey.

    JerseyGirl22, yippee on the drain removal! What a relief that must be.

    Some good news for me today. I woke up this morning and immediately realized that something had changed. That god-awful anesthesia brain fog had finally lifted! I felt like myself for the first time since having the surgery. Yay!!!

    I'm 9 days post-op and still no pathology results yet. Am very curious as to whether they found anything else in the tissues. Oh well, it's the weekend now so I won't know anything for a few days yet.

    Thinking of all my surgery sisters, as always.

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2015

    what is the wire? Glad to hear the sentinel node shot does not hurt I was really worried about it!

    Great to hear the stories and I guess I better take a before pic... Lol.

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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    NJ-Jen,

    A very thin wire is inserted through the mass that is being removed for biopsy. This technique is used when the mass is not palpable, so the wire is used as a guide for the surgeon to locate the area to be excised.

    The area is first numbed with lidocaine injections, then the radiologist inserts the wire using ultrasound for proper placement. It's kind of creepy, because the wire sticks out of your breast. Then a mammogram is done for the surgeon to use as an additional reference for locating the area.

    I was fortunate, it went very well for me, but others have had a much more difficult time with it.

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  • songbird72
    songbird72 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2015

    Hi everyone. Glad to hear the people who have already had surgery are recuperating well.

    I have gotten one drain out but still have the one under my arm. I am feeling pretty good--sore and my arm gets tingly (it's hard to describe) but I think it's from the drain and pulling during surgery). My first node had cancer so they took the rest (she could only find five) but they were all negative for cancer thank goodness! I meet with the oncologist January 5th to discuss my next steps.


    Musosgirl: Where are you at in OK? I live in Woodward and had my surgery at Mercy.

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2015

    thanks for the description ms greenjeans. Mine are not palpable so I guess I have more to look forward to... I was hoping with the bmx that I would avoid so much of this.

    Had breakfast with a friend and told her about the sentinel node shots and how I had to numb first and then wear Saran Wrap to hospital. Well, in the end, we got to giggling about the decorative wraps out now for the holidays. I could not find wrap but cut two gallon size zip bags so I will be adorned with snowflakes.

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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited December 2015
    Songbird, I am in Tulsa and had my surgery at St. John.

    Feeling a bit better today. It's good to know I still have abs, but sheesh, they hurt. I can move my arm pretty well--can already do the exercises my PT gave me, but she said to do the modified versions for the first week so I'm not pushing it. Percocet still has me very groggy, but I'm not counting down the minutes to my next dose like I was yesterday.
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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    songbird72, glad you are not feeling too poorly, and that only one node showed cancer. Keep taking it easy, this really takes a toll on us.

    NJ-Jen, the wire is used during lumpectomy or excisional biopsy. Since you are having MX, you will not have to worry about a wire as they are taking all of your tissue. No need to locate just the masses. Wishing you well, try to have a relaxing, stress-free weekend.

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Good morning Everyone, I hope everyone is feeling a little bit better each day....I tried the bra thing today...and well it was terrible....I then took out a nice soft sport type bra with not wires no clips nothing and I found that by inserting a small sanitary napkin...thin one....to the inside of the bra, it covered my incision (pretty much ) but more important it covers where the drain was....this way, I can move and not worry about any gauze pads sliding around. just in case of any discharge and it helps with the rubbing.against my skin.......if this helps just one person, then it was worth my telling....I am returning to work on Wed. after my visit with surgeon....and I thought I better start getting my act together....I will see oncologist on Jan 6th to decide chemo treatments.....have the best day you can everyone.....

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited December 2015


    Jerseygirl- so jealous your drains are out, but happy for you of course. I still have 2 drains on each side and nowhere near the criteria for having them pulled. I can't stand it. I bought a poncho yesterday thinking that would be perfect for concealing these things. But we're having a beat wave in VA-of course!

    Musogirl- my abs are getting a work out too. Maybe Ive got a Sixpack under all this fat.

    Mrsgreenjeans- good you're coming out of the fog. I am starting to feel the anesthesia lift as well. Each surgery takes me a little longer to wake up from and this one has taken a long time. Still not driving, and don't think I will for awhile. Glad my mom came to town and is chaffeuring my kids to all their sporting events and school. Don't know what I would have done without her help.

    NJJen- I had a sentinel node biopsy 10 years ago and it was horrific. I had another this time and I was so worried. I asked for numbing medicine and the doctor explained that it's much better now. Smaller needle, blah blah blah. I was so mad, BUT ....it really wasn't bad. Nothing like the large gauge needle used a decade ago. It will be fine.

    Songbird- that's awesome to get one of your drains out. Don't know why mine are trying to live with me forever! Soon you'll be drainless...baby steps!

    I am still having strange pains. One is on the "good" side. I get a stabbing pain where I imagine my nipple was, weird. My right side hurts worse, guessing cause I use it more. Drains are a huge pain. Last night I realized my watch was too tight on the side lymph nodes were removed, which made me nervous. I had 2 nodes removed 10 years ago, and 4 removed this go round. I was excited not to have a total node dissection (which was expected), but now I wonder if I'm already experiencing lymphadema. I have an appt with surgeon tomorrow and I'll bring it up. Anyone else have arm swelling?

    Plastic surgeon on wednesday, I really want to start fills. My incisions are up and down, rather than side to side, but look like they're healing ok. Just need some cosmetic progress. Meeting with med onc for the 1st time wednesday also to discuss chemo possibility. Ugh.


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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2015

    Thanks for info.

    I am bummed. One of my husband's friends offered to come down to be with hubby and he has been a mess so I said yes... He had a trip so he came last night. Well the two of them just took off for most of the day, no calls, no texts... And he wonders why I am pissed when we discussed a schedule this morning and they are just off. And they are having lunch... Nothing for me. I am pissed beyond belief. I am getting ready... But doing it alone.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    NJ-Jen!

    Sorry you have to deal with that on top of getting ready... PM me, let me know where you are in NJ... I wish I could help you!

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Im sorry you have to deal with this and be upset,while getting ready for everything... You are not alone, everyone here is pulling for you....what time is your procedure? You need to rest tonight, did dr give you anything to help you relax? If so , take it......believe me I did....I was a mess....and she rx'd me xanax to help......

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  • teacher30plus
    teacher30plus Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2015

    My first big outing today!! Church Christmas pageant to see my grandchildren perform! It was worth it, but I am more sore in the last few days, think I must have this seroma going on. Really sore under my arm now, too. Debating on waiting it out or calling the surgeon tomorrow. I too, am playing the waiting game, and hoping to get the results of the Mammaprint on Thursday, the 17th when I see the MO. I hope that all who are scheduled for tomorrow will have little pain and good results! Something to make you smile I hope! My 6 yr old twins playing Mary and Joseph!

    image

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited December 2015

    jen- I remember when I went through this 10 years ago. My husband was a mess but then did things that made no sense and were hurtful. I honestly don't think he did those things to hurt me, just stupid! They process things differently, hard to understand. I'm sorry you're going through this, especially now. Know we're all going to have you in our thoughts tomorrow. Sending positive vibes and hugs your way!


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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    What a great picture Teacher30 ! Im glad you got to go and enjoy the pageant..Funny thing I too am having terrible pain under my armpit today and right down halfway to my elbow....my sister,a 20 year survivor says its from all the lymph nodes being removed...its so bad. I go to Dr tomorrow for follow up so I will she what she says...because it's back to work on Wed. and Im worried I wont be up for it yet...9 hour days....I'll see how it goes......Anyway today I'm sending out good vibes and prayers for NJ-Jan, Sbeddows 123, and Brightsideplease.....I hope everyone is feeling better each day.....

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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    MissV, sorry you are having such pain through your arm. I can't imagine having to go back to work feeling that way. I hope it is somehow resolved before Wednesday.

    teacher, what a wonderful reason to get out!!! Your grandbabies are adorable. Hopefully you will get some relief from your pain as well.

    I am 12 days post-op. Saw the PS today and he removed both of my drains. Lucky for me they weren't really bothering me, just inconvenient. But it is very nice to be rid of them. Going back in a week for my first fill.

    Best of luck to our 12/14 and 12/15 sisters.

    maxdog, Exchange!! How exciting. Please let us know how it goes.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    MissV, I'm having the same thing. Feel good otherwise, but the armpit thing and intermittent pains in my arm, not bad, but noticeable. Also, if I stretch my arm out to the side, like the dc wants me to do for gaining range of motion, I get some pain from bicep to mid forearm. My friend who's an RN/NP, says its normal and from the nodes being removed and the other lymph nodes not knowing where to push the fluid now... I'll be interested in hearing what your doc says. I've been doing my exercises that the BS gave me. Now if I could only get the PT/Lymphedema specialist to call me back. They want me to go for the "education" class, so as to avoid getting Lymphedema, but all I get at the PT office is a recording.

    Praying for all of my surgery sisters today and tomorrow... Hope you are all in recovery by now and on your way to feeling well. Take the pain meds, rest as well as you can in hospital, and Warrior on!

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Mrsgreenjeans, so glad the drains are out....I actually found myself reaching for it the next day....but what a good feeling....keep strong...rest, and take your meds.....

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Jerseygirl2, I know this is such a weird pain....like phantom pain, I am doing my excercises too and walking my fingers up the wall seems to be the worst....even in the shower, holding a nice warm washcloth full of nice soapy water was horrible....lets see what Doc has to say tomorrow...I will let you know....till then....fell better and keep calling that PT office.....

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  • Duzy
    Duzy Member Posts: 134
    edited December 2015

    MrsGreenJeans - Thanks for adding me to the surgery list for 12/29. Wishing all of you well that have already had your surgery and are recovering and for those who are getting ready. I will also be glad to have my port removed on the same day I am in for surgery as I finished chemo 4 weeks ago.

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    Praying for everyone having their surgeries today.....good luck , and good results......

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  • KatieJ523
    KatieJ523 Member Posts: 27
    edited December 2015

    Please add me to the list. I'm having a UMX on 12/21 with either a tissue expander or implant depending on how much skin can be saved. Will decide on future reconstruction/reduction in another month or so. I have wrestled with my decision between lumpectomy and mastectomy for so long. I must have changed my mind ten times! Feeling really good about my choice after meeting with plastic surgeon yesterday. I feel like the surgery is more reconstruction/reduction than breast removal. I have always been large breasted, so I'm looking forward to having less. No more shoulder and back aches and difficulty finding tops to cover them. Fingers crossed lymph nodes are clear, but prepared for possible radiation. And chemo port comes out too. Yay!

    Good luck to everyone having surgery this week. Hope those who have had surgery are healing well. Prayers and positive thoughts to you all!

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  • Truffles1968
    Truffles1968 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2015

    Good luck to those having surgery this week! I hope those recovering are feeling better. My underarm is the worst pain for me, I had no idea lymph nodes were so sensitive. I got my last two drains out yesterday and that really really helps with feeling and sleeping better. Just wish I knew what was next. The BS doesn't order the oncotype test at my breast center, the MO does and I don't see him for another week. My tumor was larger than shown on MRI so I may need chemo. There is so much waiting with BC- that is hard for me, I am anxious to move to the next part of treatment. Hugs to all the December surgery sisters- we can do this

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    MissV123, Yes! That whole fingers up the wall thing is driving me nuts, but I keep doing it. Today was a bit better moving through the exercises, but still not fun. Dang lymphnode removal! I did, finally, reach the PT office. No appt. until Jan. 6th... So I'll be talking with my RN/NP friend who went through this 2 years ago. I'll be picking her brain for the slow exercises to do as I gain more ROM. Let me know what the doc says...

    MrsGreenJeans! Yay! for drain removal! On to more freedom and healing!

    Katie, welcome! you've joined a great board full of wonderful, supportive women!

    Truffles1968, congrats on the drains out! what a difference, right? Praying for your patience with yourself as you wait for results and the next steps. That is so hard, but we are here and waiting with you... I agree, the underarm pain from the node removal is worse than anything else... Crazy...

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  • ramprat
    ramprat Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2015

    Hi Ladies,


    Its been a while i logged into the forum, my surgery went well on 10th of this month, still recovering. I have one drain on each side. BS removed 2 nodes via sentinal node biopsy. Both looked clean :)

    My BS called me yesterday and shared good news that pathology report say that they dint find any cancer and she said that I am cancer FREE now!! I was very happy hearing this. After a long journey hearing this wonderful news gives me peace. (FYI: I had TNBC, and had 6 rounds of chemo before surgery).

    I wish all the ladies here a best of luck!! Hopefully everyone will have smooth surgery and recovery.

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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    KatieJones, welcome to our lovely group. I have added you to the list. Sorry that you are going through this, but wishful that all will go well. Deciding on the correct course of action when you have options is so tough. I am sure you have made the right choice for yourself. Will be thinking of you on the 21st.

    Truffles, Yay on no more drains. I agree, the waiting is so frustrating at times, the process seems to take forever. Best wishes as you continue your treatment.

    ramprat, welcome back, and congrats on the great pathology report. Enjoy this moment! Take it easy while you are recovering.

    I still haven't gotten my pathology results. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks. I don't know if my BS just overlooked me, or if she hasn't gotten the report yet. Kinda scared to call her.

    Scared

    Seems like an awfully long time, which of course has me wondering if they found something and needed additional testing. I see her on Thursday, so I don't really think I'll hear from her before then at this point. I'll just assume the best unless I hear otherwise.

    Sending good thoughts out to all.

    Oh yeah, first venture out today, except for the PS. Went with DH to Costco. He dropped me at the door and went to park. I just made it into the outer doors and immediately felt like I might pass out. Grabbed the wall and waited for DH to come in. I told him I had to either wait in the car or use one of their motorized carts. Cart it was. Felt a bit silly, but there was no way I could walk through the store. I don't know if I just got up too quickly out of the car, or still have some side effects from the anesthesia, but I didn't like it one bit.

    Oh well, I have plenty to keep me busy at home for a while, will try again later in the week.

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  • Planet
    Planet Member Posts: 42
    edited December 2015

    I just joined the forum. My surgery is scheduled for 12/17/2015 I asked for the first available surgical date because I was diagnosed while out on 12 weeks of FMLA for consecutive bunionectonies. So I just had my second bunion surgery 2 weeks ago and am non weight bearing on my left leg, I have 6 stitches in my face from a Mohs procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma from my left cheek, and tomorrow I have a lumpectomy on my left breast. I look like a train wreck!

    I am a 52 yo spinster, so I went through the first part of the process alone. I kept thinking, "maybe it's a false positive" and "maybe it will be benign" until after I got the biopsy results the day before Thanksgiving. Well, I didn't want to ruin Thanksgiving and then it was my niece's birthday, and finally I had to tell my parents and 4 siblings, my extended family, my bosses and coworkers, and my friends. This was the hardest part! In my head I can be rational and positive, but saying it out loud made it emotional. Wish I could just post on Facebook: Planet is in a relationship with Breast Cancer.

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