August 2016 Surgeries

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  • TNpotato
    TNpotato Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2016

    Bethanygb1 - Here's hoping no rads in your future! (But if you do need them, may the treatment go quickly and as painlessly as possible...)

    LoveMyVizsla - "Ended up taking a pillLoopy."LMAO! That cracked me up... I'm so glad you're feeling better!

    Hope_Faith - I'm so sorry to hear the true roller coast ride of a diagnosis! May today's surgery be a good day. Let us know how you are feeling soon.

    emma2015 - Glad to hear the surgery went well! May your healing be quick! :)

    mltdd - Heal quickly and may the pain end soon! ((HUGS)) I'm going to have an ooph at some point in the future as well...

    Bagsharon - Glad to hear about your run! (And vacation from everything!) May it speed your healing, mentally and physically. :)

    MirandaPriestly - How unfair to be diagnosed so young! I also find it especially hard being the center of THIS kind of attention. The sad looks when they realize I have no hair, or when they hear I have cancer...ugh!

    But I do find myself gritting my teeth less than I did a few months back when I was first diagnosed... maybe time can help with the bitterness as well? I wish peace for you!

    Fiddler - Sorry to hear you have to wait so long for results! That's the maddening thing... the waiting and not knowing... And what you said above just really touched me: "What I realized after all these years (it's been 16 years now) is that no one will EVER understand--it's you who are going through it and you have to make your own peace with it."

    Tiggerousity - Hugs! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and just imagine all of us as your imaginary friends who are all with you as you go into surgery! We're all going in there, none of us are alone, and we're all rooting that your surgery goes well. :)

    Dressage49 - Healing thoughts! I hope your pain decreases quickly! And may your treatment plan come together quickly so you have a visible path to the finish line.

    smilethrupain - May the burning end soon. The waiting is the worst! :( Hugs!

    thereisnodespair - Thanks! I'm scared but just want to get on with this at this point... :( About your question - I guess I'm a bit biased. I've got internal mammary nodes (behind the sternum) that are positive but inoperable due to location. If they were in my armpit I'd be tempted to grab a scalpel myself and get 'em out! I think a second opinion is a great idea, it's so hard to make these decisions and we're all doing the best we can with our specific issues and knowledge. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a good answer and plan!

    ayr1016 - Here's to good results tomorrow at your appointment! I hope the nausea goes away too!

    Hope I got all of you lovely ladies! :) Hugs to all!


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  • TNpotato
    TNpotato Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2016

    Milwmama - CONGRATS!! :)) I'm so happy for you! woohoo!

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  • s1d1c1u1
    s1d1c1u1 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Wow, I've missed a lot. Hope you're all doing well and for those who have had surgery that you are healing up well and those still waiting that you're not too anxious.

    I just had my follow up post op. Very uneventful. Got groped by surgeon and her student and told everything looks great. Oncologist gave me a hug. I swear, I thought he was going to cry. I'm to meet with radiologist next week (not looking forward to this) and finally get my port out in a month. While that port made my life easier during chemo, I have a love hate relationship with it. I am always aware that it's there. I'm a side sleeper and the port really gets in the way of my fave sleeping position.

    Thinking of getting a present for my oncologist. Any suggestions?

    Bagsharon I can't believe you went for a run already! Amazing. I've been walking on my treadmill everyday, but the idea of running...well, my boobs don't like it lol they get grumpy just hitting pot holes while driving!

    dottyrobin, good luck with your surgery today. Keeping you in my thoughts.

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  • MirandaPriestly
    MirandaPriestly Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2016

    ugh - I typed a big long winded thank you to everyone last night and now see it never posted. But truly thank you everyone for the replies and encouragement: TN, fiddler, and Vizla

    I was "fortunate" and had all 4 of my drains pulled after only a week (which was traumatizing to me, though no big deal to some of you ladies...).

    I'm still mad/bitter this is happening to me and it's starting to annoy my husband. He said I need to join a group or something but I have a hard time really opening up to anyone. I'm sure it puts a lot of pressure on him and for that I am sorry; but on the other hand I feel crushed. I had a bilateral mastectomy at 31; I have no idea how to feel positive about it right now.

    On one "positive" note - we get our dog bag this weekend - a big 75lb lab/pointer mix lap dog lover. Who couldn't be around while I had drains.


    Happy weekend to you all!

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  • Rcmiller71
    Rcmiller71 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2016

    Had lump with sentinel node biopsy on 8/18. Now just recovering. 

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  • CJSharma
    CJSharma Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2016

    Hi all! I just had a BMX on the 17th. I had neoadjunct chemo, and the results from the pathology reports came back with no cancer at all in my breasts - the chemo took care of it! YAY! I did have 6 nodes removed on the right (side of the cancer) and 3 on the left - safety precaution as once the breast is removed, you cannot map lymph nodes. All were cancer free.

    I'm flat right now. I have TE's, but my surgeon likes to wait to fill them too much. It's kind of funny to be flat, but I don't mind, surpsingly. I wanted to check to see if certain pains are sort of normal. I have pain where the drain attaches. Not all the time, but if I move the wrong way, it burns. My under arms are also numb. It's such a weird feeling. I have pretty full mobility, but I am careful.

    I'm more bored than anything else. The drugs make me sleepy, so I take them every 4 hours, and I sleep for about 30 minutes. Then I just watch TV or hang on the computer. I did walk about 1500 steps so far today, but I felt it so I'm resting. I do about 300-400 steps at a time. I'm thinking by next week, I'll be back to walking the distances I'm used to.


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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    Staged diep flap. Bilateral Nipple sparing mastectomy with silicone implant in prophylactic side and tissue expander on the one with cancer just in case radiation is needed.

    Had surgery 8/19.

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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    Glad you are healing nicely. I had my surgery Friday- tissue expander rt and implant on left. So glad you are all clear of cancer! I'm waiting on pathology results.

    My drains burn on my right side. I'm right handed so I think I was doing too much reaching. The PA told me today elbows at my sides until our post op appt. no lifting or reaching above the shoulders.

    I'm having trouble keeping all four drains and pain pump organized with out one pulling.

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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    Glad your on the flip side. 💗🍃🌺 restand heal.

    Did you have any reconstruction

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  • Fiddler
    Fiddler Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2016

    Miranda, happy you got your dog back! I'm still a little afraid to walk mine, he is an 80 lb German Shepherd. But would like to get out walking more. I was afraid of him jumping up on me but he hasn't

    It's totally OK to be bitter! But as a friend with cancer told me, remember, it's hard for your spouse, they are trying to deal with/handle the fact that you have cancer, and have all sorts of fears and worries of their own that they might not want to share.

    Don't know if this would be right for you, but for my blood condition I am in a support group on Facebook. These groups are usually closed or secret, meaning others on Facebook cannot see your posts. The people in my group have found it really helpful, everyone is very supportive of each other.

    Good luck and all the best to you.

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  • TNpotato
    TNpotato Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2016

    Hi all! Had my lumpectomy + SNB on Thur waaaay late! Was scheduled for a 1pm but emergencies/complications happened to two older ladies ahead of me (both BMX - my heart goes out to both of them!) so I ended up going in around 8pm. A looong day! But my surgeon said the sentinel nodes they removed looked good, the two sites (tumor and node) that had been 'clipped' prior to my neo chemo looked good, just awaiting pathology now...(I've got these damn internal mammary nodes tho, so I knew going into surgery no pcr for me! What a way to have an 'incomplete response' to AC+T...)

    Yesterday I slept mostly, had a bit of nausea and was barfy once but I think that was the Vicodin they gave me - after I moved to just Tylenol alternating with ibuprofen I've been okay tummy wise. My SNB site is still a bit numb but that's ok by me! My incision site sounds like yours, LoveMyVizsla - right at the bra-line. Gets irritated if my compression bra from hospital 'rides up'. But doing pretty well pain wise, so I'm a happy camper! Thank you to all for positive vibes and prayers! I truly appreciate them and know they are helping me heal faster! :) ((HUGS))

    s1d1c1u1 - >>"Thinking of getting a present for my oncologist. Any suggestions?" Maybe a Harry & David gift basket? Some fruits and nuts maybe? I'm thinking of that for my surgeon! :) And good for you doing the treadmill! My boob said "NO WAY, THANKS!" yesterday, maybe today...

    MirandaPriestly - >>"I have no idea how to feel positive about it right now." I think you should be allowed to be as bitter as you want! This is a huge thing that's happening to you! How DARE this cancer take over our lives! How DARE it force us to literally CUT OFF PIECES OF OURSELVES! In what way can this be seen as positive?! And everyone says "You need to be positive"... How bout they all just kiss my bloomin' white arse?! lol sorry, it makes me laugh, cry and rage all at the same time...

    On the flip side, I worry as well for my hubby as he's shouldering a lot of my usual to dos and acting as my nurse (plus all his usual responsibilities). And having a group of people who aren't going to get irritated when you're irritated is a good thing. Actually that's why I come on these boards - when I need to vent a worry that I think is too much for my family to deal with, I do it here honestly! Hugs to you!

    Rcmiller71 -May you recover quickly! :) We had the same surgery date so hope we can get on with healing asap!

    CJSharma - Yay for your path report! That's great news! Hang in there and may your recovery be a quick one!

    Tiggerousity - Hope your path report is good! Sorry to hear about the drains - may the burning end soon!

    HUGS to all you wonderful women! Hang in there! We can do this!! I'm praying for your healing and sending positive thoughts to you all!

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited August 2016

    Every time I go to the cancer center, I am reminded that there is always someone worse off than I am. Sometimes much worse. It has helped remind me to "suck it up, buttercup"!

    Bandage adhesive irritates my skin, so they used glue over the stitching on my incision. Today the glue started coming off. Guess that means I'm healing. See the surgeon for a follow up on Monday.

    Dang, TNPotato! That IS s late surgery! Did you spend the night?

    CJSharma, I'm getting bored too. I think it's a good thing, meaning you're getting back to normal.

    RCMiller, hope you are recovering well.

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  • Bagsharon
    Bagsharon Member Posts: 200
    edited August 2016

    Hi bethanygb1,

    Sorry you had to join this club. I'm a little confused about your surgery date. You talk as if you had the surgery already but you have it listed as 8/21 (today, a Sunday). Did you mean July 21?

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  • Bagsharon
    Bagsharon Member Posts: 200
    edited August 2016

    HI All,

    I couldn't get a signal while I was in the UP but I'm back now. I think I got everybody added to the list but let me know if you don't see your name or if I have the wrong information.

    Anyone else feel like a couple inches of muscle were taken from the bicep where the SNB was done? My arm is sooooo tight when I reach, especially right above the inside of my elbow, and I can feel a cord in my armpit. I still have the numbness/pins and needles/novocain recovery sensation in my underarm area two and half weeks after the surgery. No swelling, though, and my surgeon said she would be surprised if I developed lymphedema.

    I hope you are all doing well,

    Sharon

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  • s1d1c1u1
    s1d1c1u1 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Sharon, I had the numbness up until a few days ago. The swelling is gone from under my arm, too. I'm not having any muscle issues, though. I have full range of motion with no pain. Did you mention the cord to your surgeon? I've read about cording...hope this isn't what you have. This is what this site says abt it.

    If you develop axillary web syndrome, you'll often be able to see and/or feel a web of thick, ropelike structures under the skin of your inner arm. Lymphedema therapists often call these "cords." (In some cases, you may not see or feel the cords, but sensations of pain and tightness will tell you they are there.) You may first notice them when you're doing something that involves raising your arm to shoulder level or above your head. If it happens, cording typically occurs anywhere from several days to several weeks after your surgery, although there have been individual cases where it appears many months later.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws

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  • Dennyse
    Dennyse Member Posts: 27
    edited August 2016

    Hi all,

    I depend on this forum for so much, so thank you all. Today is Sunday, and I have been drain free since Thursday which was exactly 2 weeks post op BMX. One drain came out fine, the other smarted a lot! I subsequently am having the burning and stinging that I thought was due to the drains. I am now thinking it is due to the mastectomies. Pain is behind the nipples.

    It is tolerable. I can take Aleve if bad. I did go back to work on Friday (I just sit) for part of the day and return again tomorrow. My husband and son think I am all better, but they are jumping the gun. The house is a mess and the idea of housework is not so fun anymore.

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited August 2016

    I've been having abnormal sensations in my arm and hand, but my SNB was 8 months ago. I'm asking the surgeon about it tomorrow during my follow up.

    Dennyse, are you having chemo or radiation treatments? You need to tell your family that while you may look back to normal, you are still healing on the inside and it would be great if they could pick up after themselves. :-). Good luck with that. LOL.

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  • CJSharma
    CJSharma Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2016

    Sharon - under my arm is swollen - in fact I kind of look like a really nuscular guy with a broad chest right now. It's numb and my shoulder and part way down my arm in numb. I'm thinking some nerves were hit.

    Dennyse - there is a free house cleaning service that you can use: http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ It takes a lot of the stress off of you to keep the house clean. I live alone, but I have 3 dogs and a couple of cats, so it's furry here all the time. I've been making my ex vacuum when he's here to walk the dogs.

    LoveMyVizula - A friend of mine just lost her 56 year old husband to brain cancer. I get what you mean by there is always someone who has it worse. That's why I'm able to keep a more postiive view on things. Yes, I suppose being bored is a good thing. I was very excited when I moved from the bedroom to the living room today. I get to see different things. :) My sofa is a bit tough to get up from, so I've been hanging in the bedroom.

    Miranda - glad you got your dog back. Mine have been with me, but the only jumpy one is 20 pounds and only comes up to my knee when he jumps up. The other two are pretty well behaved. I get the bitterness thing. It sounds so trite, but I've been really trying to focus on something good every day. It's not a cure, but it helps me realize how blessed I am. And believe me, I hate when people tell me to cheer up, it could be worse. Yeah, it could be, but it could be a lot better. The daily focus is just something I found that helped me. It may or may not help you - it really depends on where you are in your healing (mental as well as physical) - you may not be there yet. You may never be there. It's okay.

    I know I'm doing too much, and doing way too much reaching. My fluid is still high. I'm started a load of laundry - yes, I'm that type - and took a good sponge bath, but now I'm settled and will not move. My daughter will make my bed (I had the change the sheets ick!). My doctor will probably yell at me tomorrow. And I know the one I'm hurting most is me.

    The day I came back from the hospital, my cat Gus (my heart cat) got outside through a not-tight screen. He was gone for 3 days - broke my heart. But he came back last night. I think he was stuck somewhere and my daughter posted flyers everywhere asking for people to look in garages, etc. He was there when I took the dogs out for their evening "constitutional" (fenced yard- I just let them outside). I was so happy.



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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited August 2016

    I like the idea of a gift for my surgeon. If it wasn't for her, I'd still have some DCIS. I'm thinking a Starbucks card? If I had thought of it earlier, I would have knitted her a scarf or something.

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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    Hi,

    I am 3 days post op and still in a lot of pain. Is this normal? Taking 5/325 norco and flexiril plus have the lidocaine like pain pump.

    Thanks for your help.

    Tig

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  • Leees
    Leees Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2016

    Hi. I'm late to this but I'm having surgery tomorrow. Left total mastectomy. Sentinel node mapping being done today. Tumour is 1cm, grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2-.

    Follow up for pathology is Sept 8.


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  • CJSharma
    CJSharma Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2016

    TIg - I have 10-325 Norco only but it's stronger. I'm feeling it, but I'm usually okay unless I forget my pain meds (i have done that). Where and what kind of pain? I had lymph nodes on both sides removed, so I get pain under both arms, and across my chest. I also get a burning feeling from the drains especially if I accidentally tug on one. When my cat tried to sit against my side - that was painful. Fortunately, he's pretty light, and easy to move. I did take a 1/4 mile walk yesterday and could feel the pressure from the surgery when I started out.

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  • Bagsharon
    Bagsharon Member Posts: 200
    edited August 2016

    s1d1c1u1, thanks for the link. That sounds exactly like what I have. I did mention tightness in my arm and was given a pamphlet from the American Cancer Society on exercises. Here is the web version if anybody is interested: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/exercises-after-breast-surgery.

    I always get the weirdest side effects.

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  • TNpotato
    TNpotato Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2016

    LoveMyVizsla - >>"That IS s late surgery! Did you spend the night?" I hate hospitals so much I got them to release me super-late. I was doing well enough in recovery so my surgeon didn't have a problem with it. Poor hubby was EXHAUSTED driving home though! But it was sooo much nicer to be home resting! :) Hope your surgeon was able to help address the issue you're having in your arm/hand. ((HUGS))

    Bagsharon - Thanks for the exercises! I didn't get anything like that and was wondering what I should be doing to help the area heal faster. "I always get the weirdest side effects. Loopy" lmao! Well I hope the exercises help! There's a LOT of great info on that page - I'll have to read more after this post!

    Tiggerousity - I noticed some of my numbness is being replaced by tingling/burning sometimes slightly painful sensations but it hasn't gotten substantially worse and seems to respond to my pain meds. Maybe you could call your surgical team? I know mine advised me to call if the pain got worse, not better over the weekend or if I had any worries/concerns. Hope you're feeling better now!

    Dennyse - >>"My husband and son think I am all better, but they are jumping the gun. The house is a mess and the idea of housework is not so fun anymore."

    I'm learning to let housework go more and more after having done neo-chemo and now surgery recovery funtime! :) I'm not sure how old your son is, but maybe you could ask him to help out around the house? And I'd flat out tell your hubby that you aren't really all the way healed and communicate that you can't do all the things you usually do. Yeah, maybe you do have to get to the dishes but can the vacuuming wait? Can the piles of papers and clutter wait? Yes! And maybe your hubby can help with the dishes so that the job goes faster and you can both relax! :)

    My teenage daughter was watching me clean the counters awhile back and I asked if she was 'enjoying the maid service', and she laughed and said "Mom, I would have done that, all you had to do was ASK!" So I asked her to do the dishes instead! LOL! And she did! It was lovely! And she was happy to help. But I'm not used to asking... not only that, I don't LIKE to ask for help. So that's been something I'm working on. Maybe an old dog like me can learn some new tricks. :)

    CJSharma - I'm sooo happy your cat came home! :)) >>"I did take a 1/4 mile walk yesterday and could feel the pressure from the surgery when I started out."

    Today was my first day to get back on my treadmill and I had to go much slower than usual (too much jarring movement made my boob VERY unhappy) but it felt really good to move my body a bit!

    Healing thoughts to all of you wonderful women in recovery! Hope all goes well for those about to go into surgery!

    Leees: 8/23 - Thinking of you tomorrow! (HUGS)

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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    Leees keep us posted. Are you having reconstruction?

    Tigs

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  • Tiggerousity
    Tiggerousity Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2016

    CJ,

    Aching and burning in chest area. Sore underarms and burning in drain area. I feel hot and achey all over when I miss meds.

    I truly wonder whether I can go through a second surgery for reconstruction!

    I am okay if I take 2 of the 5/325 norco but those are almost gone. The muscle relaxant helps with tightness.

    May I borrow your cat?


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  • MirandaPriestly
    MirandaPriestly Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2016

    I got my path results yesterday, 0/3 node involvement. I am hopeful that will mean no chemotherapy for me and has lifted my spirits. I think my MO will want 5 years on tamoxifen (which will feel like a prison sentence since I will start around my 32nd birthday and my husband and I would like to have a child), but it definitely could be worse. We've decided to try to travel as much as possible to pass the time ☺️. My appt is on Friday and I'm anxious to hear his plan.

    I'm 12 days out from my BMX and in general find I can get around pretty well but I tire very easily and still need my pain meds 3-4x per day. My left side, where they took the nodes feels very far behind my right. I think I will start working from home some tomorrow as I'm stir crazy and need something to do anyway. It's annoying being home all day without being able to do household chores with any consistency or efficiency.

    I still hate when people ask me how I'm feeling. They always seem to expect me to reply with "good" or "better", or something like that. My preference is to just not talk about it much with anyone except my husband or on here. I post updates almost daily on Facebook, but it's more so everyone knows and I can move on after one simple update. How does everyone else feel about that?

    As expected it is wonderful having my dog back. She is always by my side and it is so nice to have a quiet companion

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  • ayr1016
    ayr1016 Member Posts: 228
    edited August 2016

    How is everyone doing?

    I am doing alright. I had my post op and got a few surprises (positive node!). BS and MO feel confident going forward with radiation, but need to see my RO again before any final decisions are made. Might need additional surgery to remove more nodes. Will be seeing RO this Thursday. I am highly estrogen receptive, but grade 1, so chemo has not been discussed much.

    I am 2 weeks post op as of today. What is everyone putting on their healing scars? How are you shaving, if at all?

    TNpotato I am the same way. It is so hard for me to ask for help. I do for myself and others before asking for help. I am just wired that way. But, I am learning how to accept help without feeling bad about it now.

    MirandaPriestly great path results!!! :) I would prefer to update on FB so I don't have to talk about it or revisit the surgery/results over and over. But, even if I do a simple update, I get lots of questions anyway, so I have not updated much.

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited August 2016

    I started a blog on MyLifeline.com where I keep my close friends and family updated. It doesn't help with acquaintances, but it cuts down on the "how are you doing" questions.

    I've been doing pretty well,must was having some pain from the get go this morning. It took me until just now to realize it is because I slept on my stomach for an hour or two this morning. I got worn out just from scrubbing the floor of the shower, but went ahead and washed our sheets, hand asked some pots, watered my outdoor plants and swept half the garage. I told my husband he was going to have to make the bed. :-).

    My RO called in sick yesterday, so we have to drive back down to Seattle on Friday. My surgeon told me I was 2/3rds done. I was a dope and teared up. I found my lump a year ago. That's how long I've been dealing with this, and still have rads to go. *sigh*

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  • dottyrobin
    dottyrobin Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2016

    So, surgery went well on Aug 19th. Spent an extra night in hospital. More for pain control. Going to follow up with surgeon tomorrow the 24th and find out about seeing oncologist. HH for nurse every day & OT 3 x's wk. Still a lot of pain but better each day. Super family support but still depressed.

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