December 2015 Surgery Sisters Part Deux (with list)

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  • MrsGreenJeans
    MrsGreenJeans Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2015

    LoveMy, I don't know if others do it the same, but I type the name, highlight it, then hit the B (bold) button on the left of the tools bar directly above where you are typing. Good luck!

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    MrsGreenJeans! Yay, no nodes to worry about. They took my sentinel and 23 nodes... 5 nodes had macromets, but everything else clear... Cancer free... great Christmas present!

    Sorry I've been MIA for a day or so... was getting frustrated with myself... I have to remember that Monday will be 3 weeks post op BMX and my nurse/doctor friends, as well as my doc are all telling me I'm farther ahead than they'd expect at this point. I've been feeling so good that I guess I was feeling like I should be reaching over my head and pulling on sweat shirts, and doing all sorts of things. One friend, who is a post surgical nurse reminded me, lots of people are still dealing with drains and very little movement at 3 weeks. I'm moving really well, ans I feel it gets better everyday... I'm usually the one jumping up and down, cheering people on...I have my first Herceptin only IV Monday, see my onc for post follow up, and meet up with radiation onc to discuss when that will start, so that's playing into it all, too. I'm praying for no side effects from the Herceptin, they say I shouldn't have any... I've been feeling so good since completing chemo, and surgery, that I just want it to continue...

    Maybe it's the Christmas rush, not having the usual holiday things done, and they won't get done, and adjusting to the new normal of knowing my limits as I heal... Just having a moment! Thanks for being out here, my warrior sisters!



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

    I just read the mastectomy section where you wrote " Hospital stays for mastectomy average 3 days or less". I think to be transparently informative it is important to note that patients who have mastectomies (single or double) in an outpatient department go home the same day. IMHO and from experience I think this is a terrible choice. If anyone is scheduled for this same day in and out surgery please please try for a different option I thought this was a simple surgery - no problem - until I had a problem and was sent from the cleanliness of the surgical recovery room to the ER until I was ready for discharge 9 hours later at midnight. ER staff in a highly busy and highly rated big city ER do not take well to monitoring or having an informative exchange with post op patients. Again, avoid same day surgery if at all possible.

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

    I got home after 5 days but they kept me longer due to my previous health issues. I feel I have degraded at home except for that I can get more rest. They left me severely anemic w no plans other than my body w catch up and I am a ghost. I did take a shower and promptly almost passed out (lights were dimming, hubby yelling) until he got enough salt in me to get me bp up and then I was sick.

    Now I am just kicking back. Eating makes me tired. Waiting for visiting nurse.

    I am cold! I was so hot before! I don't know my node number but sentinel was negative in or. They said no surprises which was nice. I think the plastic guy left me too large it is killing my back. Why do they think bigger boobs are ok, I was desperate for itty bitty titties

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    NJ-Jen!!! Continue to rest, rest, rest!!! So sorry to hear about your shower experience! Glad to hear there were no surprises... my BS was happy I went with the BMX, as the a-typical cells in the right breast look as if they would've turned and I'd be right back there in 5 years... no I'm glad I went with my gut on that... Seeing my MO on Monday for Post-op, so I guess I'll hear if there are any other things that will be added to treatment... so far it should be Herceptin IV every 3 weeks until July, and rads... they're talking hormonal meds after, but I'm not ready to think about that yet.

    I'm blessed to feel as good as I do, sorry to everyone for my whining earlier! I'm learning about my own limits and boundaries right now... ugh! But, it's all worth it, knowing I'm cancer free.

    Praying for everyone whose had surgery so far; peace, rest, and feeling better everyday to all!

    Warrior On!

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited December 2015

    I'm on the board for the 30th! First surgery of the day. I met with my surgeon on Thursday, and we're a go, pending my WBC count (which I think is fine). I went yesterday and got my compression garment--after my first MX, I just wore a camisole with drain pockets. . . . Ready to rock and roll!

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  • Planet
    Planet Member Posts: 42
    edited December 2015



    Jerseygirl22:

    A very merry Christmas present!!!!
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  • bellhouse7
    bellhouse7 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2015

    I had mastectomy on dec 14, with a mass of cancerous lymph nodes removed on rt side, left side was negative. thyroid gland is cancerous, will be meeting with that surgeon after Christmas. my 25 year old son died in may, I am not sure what I did to make God so mad at me. so depressed and lonely.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    KateB79, GREAT news!!!!! Glad to hear you've got you date to make it happen! You're gonna rock this thing!

    Thanks, Planet! A Very Merry Christmas indeed!

    bellhouse7, Praying for you, sweetie! So sorry to hear your news about the results after your MX. My deepest condolences on the loss of your son! We may be here on a message board, but we're here! This is an amazing group of women! God is not mad at you and you will get through this.



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  • etnasgrl
    etnasgrl Member Posts: 650
    edited December 2015

    ((((((bellhouse7))))) Big hugs to you!!!
    I'm so very sorry about the loss of your son. As a mother, my heart just breaks for you.

    I'm also sorry to hear about the news you received after your MX.
    While it may not seem like it now, you WILL get through this! And we are with you, even if it's just on this board, every step of the way. Please post often so you can get to know the wonderful ladies here. Knowing that you are a part of a community that understands and cares can bring such strength.

    Please know that you will be in my prayers! Praying for comfort, peace, strength, and healing.

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  • etnasgrl
    etnasgrl Member Posts: 650
    edited December 2015

    I forgot to add.....

    bellhouse7 God is NOT mad at you, sweetheart. I won't pretend to understand why He has allowed these things to happen in your life.....but I can tell you that He is not angry with you or punishing you. He loves you and promises to NEVER leave you or forsake you.

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    NJ-Jen , so sorry to hear your not in a good way...rest, you must rest and eat....even if you dont want to..

    JerseyGirl2 Great News for the Holidays...and you have to realize like I told NJ Jen...rest is so important....all I did today was drive to the local store for some items and I came home and had to lay down....slept for 3 hours! I hate being alone when hubby is at work, but Im not in the mood for company...I feel sad most of the time....I think this is normal....my sister who lives 2 hours away offers to come almost every day ,and I keep putting her off.....and I dont know why...But she's heading out here tomorrow ! She, being a survivor (20 years) tells me to allow myself all these mixed feelings.....she is such an inspiration, as are all of you.....I think I need her here with me...this will be her 5th trip out to me since surgery.....she likes to pamper, and therefore I will let her....

    and Bellhouse7, please dont think God is mad at you. Never. Terrible things have happened to you,but you are never alone. these wonderful ladies on this forum....are a God send.....always here to listen, advise and they understand.....they get it.....

    Everyone have a peaceful and restful night...

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

    bellhouse, I am sorry for your loss of son and then this... It can seem like you are being ganged up on (I feel it for different reasons) , we are here to do all the support we can do as you not alone.


    I just sat up for the visiting nurse and then sleep for hours after she left. This anemia is kicking my butt I keep trying to move about but man, still no energy. Sleeping is crazy I managed to accidentally lock my arms, sliding down and headache and shoulders kill now... Hitting pain pills harder today. Ugh

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    Prayers for healing to all of my wonderful sisters out here!

    J3nny4 & KatieJones523 thinking of you both today, praying for smooth days ahead as you have surgery and head to recovery!!!! Let the nurses pamper you a little, and rest, rest, rest!!! Be patient with yourselves and know you are loved!

    You're going to rock this whole surgery thing! J3nny4, I didn't do recon either...

    MissV123, let your sister come and pamper and care for you! It will truly make a difference!

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited December 2015

    Drains are out!! So happy. Stitches have to stay in awhile longer, because of hiw tight my skin is, but I'll take it!

    Hope everyone is recovering well.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    BethL! Doing the happy dance for you!!!!

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  • Duzy
    Duzy Member Posts: 134
    edited December 2015

    So just found out today my surgery has been moved to Monday in the afternoon. Not thrilled about the afternoon but better than pushing out to after the holidays. So 12/28 is my new date. To all of you struggling my thoughts go out to you and hoping for better days. Continue to get lots of rest. To those who are moving forward and getting stronger congratulations. To KatieJones523 and J3nny4 I hope your surgery went well today and take time to rest. Hope everyone has a good week.

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited December 2015

    Had my post op follow up with a PA today. She said the plan is for port placement the first week of January, meet with my med onc the second week of Jan. and start chemo the third week of January. *gulp

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

    Hope you have an easy surgery Duzy!

    Prayers for your treatments LovemyVizla, hope all goes smoothly

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  • KatieJ523
    KatieJ523 Member Posts: 27
    edited December 2015

    Surgery went well. J3nny4 hope yours did too. BethL congrats on drain removal. I'm looking forward to that day. Thanks for the encouragement and prayers girls. :)

    I am home resting now. I'm right handed and surgery was on my right breast so trying to do everything left-handed is quite challenging and amusing. Grateful for my hubs and daughter who are waiting on me and doing a great job. DH has to give me blood thinner shots for the next five days. He did well and I didn't feel a thing. :) I have a TE filled at 400cc acting as a place holder until I decide on reconstruction.

    Hugs and prayers to all of you.

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  • ramprat
    ramprat Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2015

    KatieJones5 - take complete rest. I understand how hard it would be using non-dominant hand, but training it now will help you in the future ;)

    J3nny4- I hope you had a smooth surgery and recovering well.

    BethL - happy for you.


    I am going to meet PS and BS for post -op visit. I hope my drains will be out tomorrow.

    I have a question here,what is the minimum amount of output for drains to be removed ? And how will the surgeons close the drains area after they are removed ?


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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    KatieJones523, Yay! Now, rest, rest, rest!!!!!I'm right handed, too. That took a little getting used to, but now it's better. Working it slowly but surely back to good range of motion. Stinking node removal really slowed that part up for me. My left arm is great! Full range of motion and only a bit of tightness in my pec from fatiguing it...

    ramprat, all docs are different on the output and time frame for drains out. The general data sheet I had said 30cc combined for two drains, for 24 hours. Some docs say 30cc, some say 20, depends on the # of drains an your doc...

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2015

    I just received my Christmas Gift . My Surgeon just called and told me my Onco score was low meaning that recurrence rate with radiation and chemo pills is only 10% and recurrence rate with radiation and infusion chemo is only 12%...therefore , she is almost sure it will be radiation followed by 5 years of pills....this wont be confirmed till I see Oncologist on Jan 6th ...but this is the best results I could have hoped for....back off work...only lasted 3 days...cause my left arm is still so darn sore and it is causing me to tighten up my back and neck....

    KatieJones52 glad you are home and rest ,it makes all the difference....

    J3nny4 hope you are recovering smoothly

    BethL happy for you and LoveMyVizsl…I am praying for you.....best of everything...and Duzy will be praying for you as well....good luck to everyone......keep us informed.....goodnight all......


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

    great news MissV! 🤗🤗

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  • Tasal
    Tasal Member Posts: 35
    edited December 2015

    Hello fellow December ladies- Hope everyone is doing well this evening! I've been laying low on the boards just reading what everyone is saying over the past few weeks as my surgery isn't until next week. Nerves are beginning to set in now. I'm writing at this time because I'm going in the day before for a sent.node.injection. To be honest, I've researched so much other stuff that this has fallen by the wayside. Is this any big deal? Also, any pointers on what time to start drinking that god awful magnesium citrate the day before? I have to be at the hospital at 5am, morning of surgery. I'm expecting to be there 4-5 days. Anyone have thoughts on keeping my iphone with me? Hospital doesn't encourage it but... it's 5 days. Wishing everyone a peaceful night.

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited December 2015

    The injection really wasn't a big deal. Just a little sting. Got up and went out to dinner. I only had a lumpectomy, so I didn't have to drink anything. Best wishes to you.

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  • Kiks1
    Kiks1 Member Posts: 254
    edited December 2015

    Tasal, I spent wasted time worrying about the sentinel injection ( had mine done the day before too). They gave me a lidocaine shot first ( not even close to a flu shot), then said I might feel pressure slightly ( I had 2 shots) , didn't feel a thing. I went shopping after to get errands done. I didn't do the magnesium citrate thing. I had a bmx and was only in the hospital overnight ( thank god, how does anyone get rest in a hospital!). The morphine gave me an awful migraine and I finally convinced them to remove me from painkillers. When they discharged me I had a low grade fever, which I heard is common, but that dissipated by the next morning. On top of that they had accidentally pulled one of my drains and I was bleeding quiite profusely for the first night from the incision site. It is fine no w, 5 days later. All in all, not a walk in the park but definitely more than manageable.

    I think everyone's experience is different but from what I see, it is usually a lot less worse than we imagine it to be. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. 

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited December 2015

    Good evening all!

    BethL- yay! I'm so happy for you!!

    Missv123- that's an excellent gift!

    Bellhouse7- please know everyone here is praying for you, and this is a great safe place to post and chat when you feel up to it...we all grieve differently. I lost a loved one in October...I know sometimes it feels like the blows won't stop. ((hugs))

    My 12/14 BMX was pretty uneventful. Sentinel node injection at like 7am(so why they wanted me checked in at 5:45 am is beyond me) just was a sting and done, no worries ladies...scariest part was when they said 500$ copayment if I stay overnight! Lol I told my surgeon, if it's at all possible I'd like to go home tonight please! Surgeon immediately had them add a lidocaine drip to my cocktail, and I awake at 11:30am, checked out at 2:30(pharmacy took a while) I went home with hydrocodon, Motrin 600, and Gabapentin...by Friday I figured out what the Gabapentin was for -ouch!! Nerve pain 9/10! Luckily it's very sporadic...f/s/s/m but today Tuesday I had none :) some I'm hoping it will just stay away. Post op is 12/24, praying for drain removal for Christmas, and clear nodes! Sleep and heal well my warriors!!

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  • Planet
    Planet Member Posts: 42
    edited December 2015

    Good News!!! Doctor called and my margins are clean and 0 cancer cells in lymph nodes. Stage 1!!!! Short of him telling me it was all a big mistake, it's the best news! Time to celebrate-I'm praising God and dancing in my recliner!

    I was told not to expect path until after Xmas so I was unprepared and forgot to ask questions. To be honest, I don't remember anything after he said stage I, except this was my Xmas present. I'll see him in Jan along with MO and RO.

    Had to reheat my dinner 3 times because I Had to call/text so many people. Stayed up to FaceTime my brother in Europe. Now, got to get my feet healed and strong for the next round. Oh, they are so swollen and sad.

    Here's hoping your results exceed your expectations in a positive way.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2015

    MissV and Planet! Great news!!!!!

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