June 2016 Surgeries!

To be honest it has not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. It has been 2 1/2 weeks and I have been out walking my street since two weeks out when 5 out of 6 drains were removed, the first time they had me sit up in the hospital bed then move to a chair I was wondering what was I thinking but each day it got better. The drains and not being able to stand straight were the worse but from what I understand the stitches should be dissolving and standing up straight will get better this week. As far a results go, so far I am very happy I am pretty swollen everywhere so I don't know my true size yet but she said I would be smaller than I was ans she gave me a lift...lol. I was a DD before so I don't mind being smaller. My back will thank her. Reconstruction is up to each individual and if you are comfortable then that is all that matters.

Thank you all for sharing some private information here. I feel vulnerable and the same time comfortable knowing that we are going through almost the same problem. I say almost because each one of us have different reactions or side effects from the BC process.

I try to be strong for most of the time but today I broke down in tears because I wanted to go to the movies with my daughter but my husband decided to play doctor and he said it was too soon to be leaving the house. On top of that I found out that my hairdresser spreaded the news about my situation and I felt betrayed.

Is anyone else super sensitive or is it just me ?

Thank you all for sharing some private information here. I feel vulnerable and the same time comfortable knowing that we are going through almost the same problem. I say almost because each one of us have different reactions or side effects from the BC process.

I try to be strong for most of the time but today I broke down in tears because I wanted to go to the movies with my daughter but my husband decided to play doctor and he said it was too soon to be leaving the house. On top of that I found out that my hairdresser spreaded the news about my situation and I felt betrayed.

Is anyone else super sensitive or is it just me ?

I feel the same way it is the little things that get to me. Yesterday when I got out of the shower I sat down and covered up completely exhausted from taking a shower I asked my 9 year old daughter if she could put some lotion on mommy's legs and feet because it is too difficult to bed over to get to my feet. My family has been absolutely amazing and I could ask for better care but it does get frustrating when you can even pour your own glass of lemonade..lol

My BS advised me to start doing exerceses at home at 2 1/2 weeks, lifting arms over head, putting arms behind back, etc. I see her in another month and she will then have me start PT. It's weirdbecause I have more mobility and less pain on my right side and that is the side that I had the nodes removed.

clauclau , I had my surgery on the 30th also. Last Fri I went to the movies with my kids. I get so stir crazy. I was soar and tired but I was happy that I did it. Do what your body tells you it's ready for. Each of us heal differently so you should listen to yourself. And I'm planning on going for a drive today. I just need sunlight. I figure if I can sit on a couch then I can sit in a car. My biggest issue at this point is nauseous.

I know what you mean about the mood swings. I'm not normally emotional and this has turned me into a crazy girl. But I actually told the town gossips on purpose. I don't like retelling the story over and over. This way they do it for me. But I've really felt the need to tell all the women I'm close to because I want them all to know about the "insane itch". That's what tipped me off. No one talks about that and it saved my life. I found out about this from another friend who had it a few years ago. And if she was brave enough to share her story to so many then maybe I could be that brave. Who knows maybe you will save another life. And maybe seeing it like that way will make you feel better.

As far as Netflix I have been trying to watch shows with my kids. My oldest son and I have watched "Flash and How I Met your Mother." My oldest daughter loves "Gilmore girls and Greys anatomy." My younger ones I've watched Rio and every animated movie out there.

my plastic surgeon told me this past week she often tells patients that the drains are worse part of recovery and I would completely agree with her. One has been a blessing😃.

Dawn, I was given a mastectomy kit to bring home with me and they gave me a few surgical bras. I had the cups to measure the fluid, the sheets to keep tract the drains' activity, small mirror, lanyard and belts to use when showering, pads to put underneath the bra etc.. they even gave me gloves and alcohol wipes...I didn't have to buy anything, really. I was grateful they made it a bit easier by providing all that was needed.

P.s. Hey girls, I had a beer last night (whoo hooo) it felt darn good but I didnt take my narco afterwards bc I didn't want to mix them so I woke up with some pain. Can't wait for the day that I could sit down and have a glass of wine over dinner with my girlfriends

My hospital provided nothing when discharged. I'd love to get a foundation going to fill that gap. Just hearing what other hospitals give is helpful.

I just went off of reading on here what I would need especially with the plastic surgeons recommendation of the drain belt.

I can say the nurse did bring me in a bottle of chroloseptic spray when I was brought to my room when I asked if I could have biotene and that really helped with the sore throat the first couple of days.

just finishing up Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime - but looking forward to getting up to speed again.

Hi all. I'm new to site and this is first visit and post here. BC missed at mammogram in January. Found a lump early May. Had mastectomy on 14th June, problems with drain after but resolved after few days. Still have fluid - when is it likely to go completely? Weeks/months/years? Pain (felt like burning) just started to subside but now more pain under arm. Any thoughts on timescale of pain etc. Also, when is cording most likely? Worried that will be next. Should I massage scar/underarm? Due to start chemo in August. No radiotherapy needed.

How long after your surgery did you guys see your oncologist and find out about treatment? I'm so mad right now because they set up the appointment for tomorrow which is a week and a half after my surgery. They just called me and canceled it because they didn't submit for the onco Dx test until last Friday and won't have the results for 2 more weeks. So I won't know what my treatment is for 3 1/2 weeks to a month after my surgery. All of this completely takes over my summer. I'm not happy at all. I know they found 4 tumors of mixed type. I'm pretty sure that tell someone that it's aggressive. Grrr

Hello, I met with the whole team two weeks after surgery but the onco test was just sent out so I have to go back in three weeks. I know I will need tamoxifen and no radiation but that is all I know so far. Waiting is a pain

I'm trying super hard to stay positive. The oncologist recommended a PET scan before I start any chemo. That is scheduled for this Wednesday...she said we should have results by Friday. She suggested the PET scan to see if it has spread anywhere else.