July 2016 Surgeries

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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    Hello Ladies, do you mind if I join you? I am 42 yrs old and was diagnosed in June with IDC 6mm, ER+/PR+, HER2-.  This was found by my doctor 2 weeks after a clear mammogram and whole breast automated ultrasound. Lucky for me the small lump was fairly superficial so it was able to be felt.  I have since undergone genetic testing which came back negative and I am especially thankful for that because I have an identical twin sister who has the same genes as me!  I am getting ready for Lumpectomy and SNB after weeks of excruciating waiting. I think that's the hardest part of all of this, the waiting. My surgery date is July 21. I have been finding comfort reading all of your posts for the past several weeks and thought it was time to introduce myself. 

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    WelcomeTwintwin2! I am glad you decided to join us. I have added you to the list. The pillows I mentioned are small pillows under your forearms to help take the pressure off the drains.

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  • pab
    pab Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2016

    AnnieB

    Make lots of lists and take note of what you do and what you reach for everyday. You will have limited range of motion with you arms for a while so just think about what you reach for everyday and take note and move things within a small reach. Pillows are key and a recliner. Small pillow for under your neck or I used a rolled up towel. I'm also the one who put little socks on my drains so they didn't stick to my skin-your 5yr olds socks would be perfect! She might think it's cool too-something she could 'help' pick out. Give the girls 'jobs' they will want to help. They can move laundry or push laundry baskets to you. I'm thinking the 5 yr old can really be a 'little mommy' and get ice water or snacks for you and her little sister, rub lotion on your feet paint nails. Everyone will be asking 'what can I do? Do you need anything?' Ask for food. Ask for time to talk or play with your kids. Sit with you to give hubby a break. It's so hard on him he will need some time for himself or with a friend-golf, out for a few drinks? He won't want to leave, but needs to.

    Back to you. Button up shirt or I got a few light zip up hoodies that were super easy to deal with(old navy). Get an extra front Velcro or I found an eye hook sports bra at meijer. Or zip up works too. Comfy slip on shoes. I wore crocs. Stretchy pants Easy to pull up, not yoga. I also got a small lap desk for my lap-good to eat on or for computer too. Sorry I'm going on and on. Just woke up and can't get back to sleep! I ordered paper fans from oriental trading - I got hot then cold over and over. Now I sleep with a fan on most of the time!

    Good luck July ladies and I hope everyone is doing well. Hugs and prayers To you al!

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  • pab
    pab Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2016

    Oh--my drains came out yesterday!!! Whoo hoo!! My PS nurse said she couldn't believe how well my insicion was healed on one side. Nice to hear something a little positive! 5 days post op TE replacement. My new girls are ok. Not sure I'm ok with them yet. Too early to tell. I'm on an emotional roller coaster right now. I had such anxiety and anticipation before my implants I really expected them to look better. My 17 & 19 year old daughters said all I need is a nice bra and not to worry! I forgot how emotional I got after surgery. I cry about anything!! Ugh

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  • beebs2704
    beebs2704 Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2016

    Hi twintwin2,

    The waiting is the worst, isn't it? I'm having a lumpectomy and SNB tomorrow so I'm so close to the end of the first big wait. there will be more waits later but I want this GONE!

    So glad to hear your genetic testing was negative...small positives are what keep our chins up through this :)


    Beth

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    Pabs, if you read the exchange city thread you will see the ladies mentioned that it takes a while for the implants to fluff and drop. Some ladies say they look too flat some look too high etc. I think it's a few months before you get final results. Congratulations on getting your drains out. In your pocket Beebs! Surgery ladies for this week, I prayed for you last night.

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited July 2016

    Thanks, Molly50! I switched to a lumpectomy so am looking forward to still having the use of my dominant hand and not having to stay overnight in the hospital (fingers crossed).

    Good luck, Beebs 2704. I'll be in the same boat waiting for pathology results, but at least want this blasted tumor out of me. Be gone, cancer cootie!


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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    hi beebs 2704

    I am wishing you the best! How nice to know that tomorrow your first wait will be over! Please let me know how it goes. I wish you a speedy recovery. A little over a week left for me finally. Waiting is taking up too much of my time and thoughts! Im sending well wishes to you and all the others gals going through july surgeries😊

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    VLH, that is great news! Lumpectomy is a much easier recovery.

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  • Lisey
    Lisey Member Posts: 1,053
    edited July 2016

    Hi everyone. I've had two surgeries now, first one was a BMX in June with TEs and on July 8th I demanded the TE's get the hell out of my chest as I felt like I was trapped in a bra of steel with spikes. I've decided there's just no way I want to deal with all the aftermath of reconstruction, so I told the disappointed PS to make me flat. I'm recovering from that - it's been 4 days and I'm slowly feeling better and the iron bra is gone.

    I hope some of you all consider being flat and fabulous, I kinda got thrown into the 'what type of reconstruction do you want?' since I'm young... I never considered just staying flat. I've done a ton of research and read of the women who deconstruct after years of surgeries and pain from their foobs... and they can't even feel them - so what is the point? Well.. don't be like I was.. don't just assume you need foobs and pick a type of reconstruction. Read about all the stories, weigh your options and consider no recon.

    Anyway, I hope that was the last of any surgeries I will ever have. Going to start Tamoxifen on Friday and waiting for the mammoprint results to decide my chemo fate (my oncotype was 20)...

    Flat can be really flattering yall...

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Lisey. I remember the first two weeks with my TE I wanted to rip it out and then after I started fills I felt better. Personally I considered going flat but decided to give reconstruction a shot.

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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited July 2016
    Chelle44, LibbyD, MFalabella, beebs2704:

    Thinking of you all today. You 4 are getting us over the hump--we'll be halfway done. Unfortunately recovery takes longer than the surgery...

    Rest, hydrate, and heal ladies!
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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    Pocketparty for all four of you ladies!!

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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    best of luck ladies. We are thinking of you today!

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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    bigbluefish and chelle44, I feel like we are on similare time lines. I too had to wait for genetic testing to be done before proceding with anything else. The wait has been excruciating. I'm a week away from surgery now but it has already been a month since I met my BS. Oh welI I guess waiting is part of the process for a lot of us here. All the best to you today Chelle44 and to you too bigbluefish. I will be thinking of you.



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  • LM525
    LM525 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2016

    hi twintwin 2 I have surgery 7/15/2016 for L MX I have IDC in multiple areas since DX in May I feel like I'm in the twilight zone I even changed my first surgeon 4 days before the surgery I had asked for the reconstruction surgery with my MX and though I was cleared by a cardiologist the surgeon says I'm not a good candidate My tumors are large and though I'm a grade1 I wonder if they think my stage could be very different I'm anxious about the surgery don't know if I wear a bra after surgery do I get inserts before-- there's just too much to think about

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  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 117
    edited July 2016

    Thinking of all the ladies with surgery today and this week. I am just going in today for my pre-op and CT scan. Sorta nervous

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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    LM525

    Im so sorry to hear that you are so stressed out before surgery. It certainly is a stressful time and its hard navigate your way through all of this. There is so much to think about. Even for me my geneticist went on vacation and therefore my results wouldnt be available until july 15, 6 days before my surgery. Thats not enough time to consider my options if the test came back positive. Luckily i was able to get the redults sooner and that eased some of my anxiety. I have a wonderful nurse navigator who I can call about anything. Do you have somebody like that who could answer some of your concerns and questions about surgery and after? I wish you the best and i hope you can get some of your questions answered before the 15th. Hugs to you!

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  • Lisey
    Lisey Member Posts: 1,053
    edited July 2016

    LM, the hospital will provide your first week of dressing instructions and/or bra. I was told not to wear anything because the skin could necrotize with too much pressure.

    I'm now 5 days out of removal of the iron bra (TEs) and my scars are looking good. I go in on Friday to my PS to have a looksee, but I think he did a good job on me being flat.

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    LM525, I added you to the list. Why not call your surgeon's office and ask if you need to bring a bra to wear home or if they provide you one. My hospital does NOT provide anything. My L MX last September I was given no real guidance on what to wear after surgery except "no underwires". At my first post op my PS told me I can wear anything that is comfortable even just a cami. I ended up wearing cami's until my drain was removed and the switched to a soft, supportive bra I purchased at Target. Having one natural breast and one TE was strange because I am 55 so not exactly perky on the natural side. This time my PS actually told me to bring a wide strap, soft, supportive bra with me to wear home. Again no underwire. Don't expect the hospital staff to give you much information. Some do and some don't even show you how to strip your drains!

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  • Marrus
    Marrus Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2016

    had mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy 7/8. Just came back from surgeon and was told they found another cancerous tumor during pathology report. Sentinel nodes are okay. So have to waiting two more weeks for results to see if I need chemotherapy. Also developed a large red irritation from the compression bra that was put on after the surgery. Feel like I was hit by a truck....can anyone recommend a comfortable bra or camisole I can wear now before I get fitted for a bra. I feel strange with one size d and one missing. I did not opt for reconstruction. Thank you all for your support

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  • josieg
    josieg Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2016

    Have just joined this forum after being recently diagnosed with IDC ER+ve, PR-ve, Her2 -ve - 48 yrs old with no family history of BC. Having Lump and SNB tomorrow (July 14th). Most likely followed by radiation and tamoxifen. Pleased to find this site and will browse through topics. Definitely a wake-up call and planning on focusing on a very healthy lifestyle.

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  • josieg
    josieg Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2016

    Hey twintwin2 - I read your intro post with interest. I am also an identical twin and getting the genetic test just before I go into surgery tomorrow - my twin says she is getting her genetic test for free! She got a mammogram and u/s after hearing of my diagnosis and she is fine (thank goodness). We live in different countries so that's a little tough, but she is coming to US at end of month for a visit.

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  • twintwin2
    twintwin2 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    Hi josieg. It's so interesting to hear that you are in a similar situation! My sister said the same that she got the test for free😁 I was relieved for both of us when the test came back negative but i was prepared to do whatever needed to be done to lower my risk. My doc wanted me to wait for genetic testing to come back before proceeding with surgery but part of me just wanted to get that little lump out asap! My surgery is in a week tough so its not mich longer to wait. I wish you the very best with your surgery tomorrow. I will be thinking about you.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2016

    Josieg-

    Welcome to BCO! We're sorry you find yourself here, but we hope you find these boards to be a source of support as you begin down this road. Good luck tomorrow, and remember, you are not alone!

    The Mods

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited July 2016

    Welcome josieg! I will add you to the list and be in your pocket for tomorrow.

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  • LM525
    LM525 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2016

    Thank you for your kind response I haven't had a meltdown and don't know if that's normal it seems I'm always at a Drs appointment or having tests done I'm so thankful for this site for answers and support-- you're in my prayers best of luck to y

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  • LM525
    LM525 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2016

    Best of luck to all the July 2016 surgeries !!! Hang in ther

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  • LM525
    LM525 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2016

    hadn't thought of that its a good idea

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  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited July 2016

    Hi everyone, how are the girls on the other side of surgery doing?

    I want to make sure everyone knows that they are in my healing thoughts and prayers everyday!

    It's not a walk in the park but WE can ALL do this.

    I have my FU appointments with both my BS and my PS tomorrow. My drains have been 15 ccs a day or lower since Monday so I'm pumped about having them pulled tomorrow as my PS is hoping to do. I'm a little nervous about that process but I can do this!

    If anyone needs someone to talk to or just someone to listen please PM me and we can do that

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