June 2016 Surgeries!

My surgery is June 7th, bilat mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. I started chemo in Jan and just completed the 6th BIG chemo and will continue Herceptin every 3 weeks for the year. So glad to be done with chemo but really nervous about the next steps.

Dear Sisters,

I found this site so amazing when I had my mastectomy August 2013. I'm doing very well more than two years out.

I wanted to see if anyone out there wanted my clean (gently used) size S/M post-surgery camisole--TLC charges $50 for it. Helpful velcro down the front. Cheery little embroidery. It would be my privilege to pass it on to whomever would like it.

Likewise I have two size 38C front-closing bras, white, in very good condition.

Sending love and courage to all of you!

--Bonnie aka Unplugged Parent

https://www.tlcdirect.org/Mastectomy-Camisoles-And..

So glad that I found this site!

I am scheduled for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with expanders for reconstruction on May 27th. I am BRCA1&2 negative, but I have a strong family history, dense painful fibrocystic breasts, and have had three biopsies. The most recent one was positive for ADH. I have been on HRT since my hysterectomy 8 years ago. My breast cancer risk assessment gives me a 34% chance of getting BC. For me, self exams are like examining a bag full of marbles. The Radiologist said my dense breasts made my scans (Mammos and MRIs) difficult to read and there is a possibility that the ADH could be upgraded to DCIS after the open biopsy. I am tired of having my life run by my breasts. Even when my scans are clear, I often worry that a cancer is being missed because of the density of my breasts. Every year, I lose 2-3 months of quality peace of mind dealing with scans (+anxiety), biopsies (more anxiety!) and follow up scans (anticipatory anxiety!). I am happy with my decision and cannot wait to have this behind me.

I am trying to be as prepared as possible for my surgery including preparing meals in advance, getting my hair done before surgery and hoping it will hold up during the immediate recovery days. ( I'm going to try the dry shampoo). I filled my prescriptions for pain meds, so I will have them when I get home. I bought some button front PJs as well as a healincomfort.com recovery jacket for drains. To keep my sense of humor, I will give each drain a name (instead of A,B,C.. or 1,2,3...). We just got an adjustable bed, so I am hopeful that I will not be as uncomfortable as most people say.

Please, post any other helpful tips that you may have. I am open all suggestions .

tsoebbin, I am sorry to hear that you will have more surgery. That is tough! Will the BS wait until you recover from your May surgery or schedule it quickly? Hugs!

These are topics which I've started in the past. The intent is to help you get through this chit. Thought I'd group them and pass on. sassy

Just Diagnosed- Get Prepared

Re: Evidence Based Research (EBR)Sites

STEAM ROOM FOR ANGER

Warm & fuzzy owls, goats, kitties, dogs, birds ETC. PICS &LINKS

Drugs that can cause Mouth Problems

CONSTIPATION--problem with so many of our drugs

Sas-schatzi - THANK YOU! These are great topics and links very timely. Many are areas of concern for me and topics I have been researching. It is also wonderful to hear that you are 7 years out and on with your life. Cancer has already intruded in my life more than I want and I am only 6 mos past diagnosis. I am ready to move on with my life. I do not want cancer to define my life. You are inspiring!!!

Great links! Thank you - Sas-schatzi.

I am trying to decide about immediate reconstruction or waiting until after surgery. I am overweight (by a LOT) and wonder if I should lose that before recon. I will ask the PS when I meet them but curious what input you all may have?

Hi, my surgery will be on 6/15/2016. Having mx left breast and propalactic mx on right breast with immediate reconstruction/TEs

Hi I thought I'd pop in and see if anyone had questions on the links I posted. Still OCD. Thanks to those appreciating the links.

In the template in the topic box is a wound care thread. I didn't know it was included in the surgery template until I started posting the Toradol/ Block/NSAID info. Apparently, it's been done for years. I wondered when folks would PM how they got my name. It's not my thread but I did do a major amount of work on it. Old nurse . Available for consult LOL.

Maya, I was surprised that your hospital didn't want to do an update. General rules are that a pre-surgery update needs to be done if the info is older than 30 days. It really is a safety item. As you have already found out lot's can happen in a short time. Don't be surprised that they call the few days before and want to do a phone update. A quicky . Nice that they pulled all the needed labs etc from the computer. Efficient Bodes well for future encounters.

I do suggest getting the docs to review the Ketorolac/toradol material. After you review Dr. V's video you will see how important one little 2cc injection can mean so much

Dr. Patrice Forget has a study going on now on Toradol. If the prospective research proves the retrospective studies are accurate it will be a major advancement. It will put Forget in line for a Nobel.

Hi! My sx is on June 2. BMX, no recon. I have IDC on [L] side and [R] side is prophylactic (my choice).

I don't know much about what's going to be going down other than the surgeon told me I'd be sore for a few weeks but he expects me to bounce back after the de-fleshening. Rest of tx is pending the pathology report. My tumor is apparently not terribly aggressive, or so they tell me, and I think hormonal therapy is going to be my main tx after sx.

I'm not too worried about surgery itself... I know that is weird but I've had surgeries before, so, I'm kinda like, I know the drill, overall. How to avoid infections, dealing with soreness etc. I'm more worried about SE later on down the road like LE, and of course doing what I can to prevent the dreaded recurrences/mets, so, going to make sure I like my MO going forward. I'm kind of dumb about exactly what goes on with mastectomy, so I'll make it a point to call the nurse, read some accurate articles, etc. on what to expect after BMX with no recon (most of what I read involves recon and doesn't seem to apply to my case...)

Question: What do they do with your tumor after surgery? Are they able to save it (freeze it, etc.) for reference further on down the line, say if some gee-whiz spiffy new test or treatment is discovered, or do they do a pathology report after surgery and then discard it?

I do have some serious co-morbidities which may interfere with any potential chemo. So, that will be touch and go, I think. Just weigh risks vs. benefits I guess.

Grandma3x, now that I think of it I never got my original pathology report. Not sure how that passed me by? I will definitely asks for all reports before going home from the hospital. Is the Oncotype testavailable for someone that's been told no chemo nor radiation needed?

Good morning CincinnatiMom, I'm so sorry you had bad results and I pray you come thru all of this in flying colors! if you read the thread on May surgeries GreyKat, SpeciaK, Sassy and many others have wonderful posts about getting things in order. You'll find they are all fantastic ladies and ready to help at the drop of a hat!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Gentle hugs to All

Grandma3x - how is your leg today? Any reduction in the swellling?

Thank you Grandma3x, I've learned something new today :-)

Welcome Lindzanne, such a pretty name. It all seems to be out of our control, all of the wonderful ladies here will help you through this. I know they have helped me to be calmer than I was when my journey began. We are here to support you. I haven't been here long myself but I've learned so much in a short time. I've been through 8 or more surgeries, unfortunately it's gotten to be second nature for me. This is so much more scarier than anything I've been through before, and I'm very nervous also! I just take big deep breaths and continue with my life. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a full recovery! I'll be praying for you!

Hi June Surgery Sisters!

I will be having BMX, axillary lymph node dissection and tissue expander placement on June 16. I am scared to death!

{{{Hugs to everyone!}}}

Maryann