June 2016 Surgeries!

Good Morning!

Is it typical to do a SNB on the prophylactic breast with a DMX? I have IDC in my left breast and having a DMX June 29th and I am also scheduled for a SNB on both sides. I guess I did not expect that. Is that "normal"?

One more question... what is the difference between a DMX and BMX?

Thank you!

tsoebbin, I haven't heard of a doctor doing a sentinel biopsy on both sides... Was there any indication of concern in your right? If not I would certainly call your nurse navigator or your MO to ask why this us being suggested.

As for DMX/BMX... Never heard of DMX... So curious too! I'm having. BMX. (Bilateral masectomy) even though so far, cancer has only been directed in the left, I am opting to have both removed.

If that's their protocol, they must see a need- never heard of it. I'm thinking you are using DMX as acronym for double mastectomy right? I think most use the medical term of bilateral mastectomy, which is the same thing... And the reason for that acronym!

Good luck with your pending surgery! I though the 23rd was so far off initially... But now that it's almost here it seems like the time flew by! Not sure I'm ready!!

Hi, my surgery is scheduled for June 20th. Reading some threads about more extensive disease found on lumpectomy gives me cause for concern. I will keep you posted.

Maya It didn't hurt at all when my drains were taken out. After cutting the stitch which holds them in, the nurse asked me to take a deep breath, and she pulled each one out as I exhaled, it only took about 1 second and I only felt a slight pulling sensation. It was such a relief to get rid of them. No pain whatsoever! X

Thank you Icietla for the lymphedema wristbandwebsite! I ordered mine right away!

Hello ladies, hope everyone issuing well--recovering from or preparing for surgery. I had a lumpectomy and reconstruction on my left breast today. Also, 4 nodes were removed I was groggy but I believe 1 was positive and 3 negative. I knew I had at least one positive node so this wasn't a surprise. I wil have radiation and then breast reduction and a lift on the non-cancer side.

All in all, surgery went well. I was given a nerve blocker and Percocet immediately following surgery so honestly have very little discomfort. I have been walking around the house and up stairs moving my arms as recommended by my surgeons to avoid tightness and blot clots.

I am off from work for two weeks and will take more time if needed but since I telework a few days a week, I should be able to resume working without too much trouble.

Some suggestions for surgery as many have already pointed out: wear a loose button down shirt to surgery, apply emla cream on the hand if that is where they are likely to place theIV, and be ready to eat crackers (I chose the sherbet for my first meal and my stomach revolted big time)

Peace and blessings

Tsoebbin, thank you. 'Taking it easy' is hard for me but I hope to do just thatat least in the short-term.

Hi everyone,

I'm having a lumpectomy on one breast and sentinel node biopsy this Friday 17 June. Feeling horrendous on the countdown. 😢

Good luck to you all.

u went through the same thing I'm going through lumpsectomy now another surgery I don't understand why they can't get it all the first time I also have diabetes do not like al the cutting. Hope your surgery goes well. This will be my last time hopefully. Dx with papillary carcinoma duct in Stiu.

Maya, it is crazy how much it differs. My PS wants to do at least one fill, possibly two, before I start radiation. Then they will resume fills after radiation is complete. And I was able to start taking full on showers the day after surgery.

I'm glad you were able to get your drains out!

My 3 year old came back home on Sunday after rotating between my parents' and my in laws' houses. My 6 year old is still at my parents' because her cousin is in town, and they're having a blast. She's been great with not jumping on me and behaving so well. My husband has been getting her dressed, bathing her, taking her to daycare, etc. I just get to (gently) snuggle with her and enjoy having her back. We are SO lucky to have parents that live so close by that are willing and able to help out so much. I really don't know what I'd do without them.

I'm toying around with going back to work on a very limited basis next week. I'm checking in a lot from home already, but I am so ready to have some semblance of normal. I know I shouldn't push it, but it's hard.

Hi ladies,

Langer, I too felt really nervous going into the surgery. Worked myself up into a fit, but once my BS and PS checked-in on me before surgery, I was fine. Both my surgeons are really good looking so that helped too. Try not to worry and instead think of all the wonderful things you will accomplish once you get this crap behind you.

Maya15, yeah about the drains. I can only imagine your relief. I have one and although it doesn't hurt, it's uncomfortable and reminds me that I'm a cancer patient--well hopefully I am cancer-free now. Anyway, glad to hear you are on to the next phase.

Rvgirl, I'm trying hard not to overdo it but since I am not in pain and still have a good energy level, I am still doing laundry, taking out the trash, and cooking.

ScotBird and Kellychamelon, I hear you about it being hard to switch off and going back to work. It's why I didn't want to take too much time off. I want to be and feel normal again and work helps me to do that. Switching off is just so difficult for a busybee like me. I promised myself that I would do nothing for two weeks and already one day after surgery, I am pretty much doing everything I normally do but go to the gym--and that's only because of this darn drain.

Everyone, peace and blessings

Maya, isn't it great to have the drains out?!?! Got mine out yesterday a.m. That shower felt SOOOOO good! My BS required 10 days minimum then <30 ml in 2 consecutive 24-hr periods, even though I was down to less than 20 ml in 24 hours on day 6. She had pulled them early on some ladies, then had a lady develop a seroma, so won't pull them before 10 days anymore. The most painful part was the numbing spray before cutting the stitches. Go figure. But I felt like I'd been sucked dry!

Am slowly getting to my "new normal." Have to wear this surgical compression bra for another 2 weeks before getting my camisole with the "little puff ball" on the right side. The another 2 months before being released to get my breast form. My BS is VERY careful. I suppose I shouldn't complain. And I'm not. I'm glad she's taking good care of me. Just ready to get to that "new normal" and get on with things. Starting back on my anastrozole on Friday. That will help me feel a little more at ease.

Yeah, it's hard to not overdo things. Luckily, I'm off for the summer. Well, off is a relative term. I'm a school counselor, so I'll be working from home over the summer to catch up on what I missed while out of work. But at least I can pace myself.

Kelly, so glad you have such good help! We're very lucky to have that, aren't we?

Hi Langer and Dennyse! Keep breathing, and welcome to The Club. Sorry you had to find your way here. But you're in great company. Take your time, ask lots of questions if you have them, let others help you out.

Opt4Life, sounds like you're doing great! That's most excellent! I took a week off from work after my lumpectomy and was glad I did. I over did things the first few days after and then hit a wall, physically and emotionally. Taking it a bit slower now after my mx. Seems to be working better for me. I'm bouncing back a bit better this time.

Tsoebbin, my BS did a SNB since mine was IDC. Personally, I was glad to have the reassurance that they were clean. That's just me. Talk with your BS with your questions and concerns so you can make an informed decision. It's hard when members of your medical team differ in their opinions regarding your treatment.

SthrnYankee, hope you're feeling better soon! So hard to be healthy and then suddenly not.

BTW, question for those of you with partners. How soon after simple mx is it safe to resume sex? After the drains come out?

Peace! Keep breathing......................

it's important that you advocate for what you want and make health decisions for your body and treatment plan WITH you oncology team, and not just unilaterally told by your BS/PS what will happen. Why has the plan been decided to do reconstruction at same time if you aren't even sure you want reconstruction? I would have another discussion with your surgeon- that seems ridiculous to me... A second opinion or a new surgical team may be in order- someone who will listen! Your DX stats aren't in your signature so not sure your grade etc, but generally speaking BMX isn't someone's only option.... But iit can be the best option depending on DX.

As for your question regarding a lake holiday 4 days post op, I think it would be near impossible. You will still have wounds that have not sealed and are prone to infection...let alone gaming drains and being in a fair amount of pain 4 days post op- can't imagine would be too much fun. Can someone else take your kids so they aren't bored and you can get some rest?