December 2016 Surgeries

Options
1…457910…19

Comments

  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited December 2016

    MyJourneys so happy to hear things went well. I am getting from everyone the waiting before and the drama we are creating in our heads is worse than the real surgery. Great you didn't have to stay. In my head I am planning to go home Saturday :)....Dr said 1-2 nites.

    I am calm, ha ha who am I kidding, today is last day of work for me before Friday. Think it will be an emotional day, but hope not only 4 people in office know what I am going thru. Long story on my Peyton Place workplace.

    Thinking of tlgio17 and RedemptiveSufferer.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmazonQueen
    AmazonQueen Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    Thanks for the recommendations jcn16! I wouldn't have thought to bring a notebook or a face mask! Those seem like great ideas.

    I'm pretty confident in my surgeon as well. She specializes in microsurgery for breast reconstruction and definitely seems to know her stuff! Very thankful to feel like I'm in good hands during such a scray time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    GoinCrzy, definitely the stress of worrying about the surgery is worse than the surgery itself, in my experience.

    I was so, so worried about the radioactive tracer, and it was nothing. They used such a small needle that I didn't even feel that going it. They said that they learned how to give the shot without pain - something about going deeper than before, and changing the mix, and limiting it to one shot.

    The tracer and blue dye led to only 1 lymph node, so that's all they removed. My BS said it looked fine - not swollen or anything, so that's good news so far. (I know cancer could still be in it, though.)

    I had a wire put in for my lumpectomy on the other side, and that wasn't bad. A little worse than the tracer but very manageable.

    They wheeled me into the surgery room, and I thought - hmmm... this is a big room, with lots of people in it, and wondering what would happen next. And the next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room and them asking me if I felt nauseated. And yes, I did. So they gave me nausea medication - but it didn't work, so they gave me two more doses and it finally eased off. They said I don't react to nausea meds the way most people do (it knocks most people out).

    The nausea was the worst part of the whole thing, and I had a touch of vertigo, but they gave me a patch for that and it helped. My nausea is mostly gone now.

    The pain isn't bad, but I have to keep on top of it. I was about 4 hours late on my pain meds this morning and I felt it, but only when I moved. After I got back on schedule, it's very manageable.

    I was surprised they let me go home on the same day. I'm so glad they did because I got much better sleep last night than I would have at the hospital.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Thinking about RedemptiveSufferer and tlgio17. Check in when you can!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Welcome, AmazonQueen! I added you to the list. I'm sorry you have to be here with us, but glad we can support each other!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmazonQueen
    AmazonQueen Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    Thank you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Armecia
    Armecia Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2016

    NorthBrooklyn, yes the quality if the pain for me has morphed over these few days. Mostly the pain I've had has been intermittent. It can be burning. And I have the phantom pain like others have disc ribbed; a shooting pain in the nipple that I no longer have. Weird. But the Percocet keeps it controlled. Today I've had a sensation like a rippling touch. Again weird.

    Frankly, a lot of the pain and discomfort I have had are related to the compression bras that I have to wear. It is riding up in the front and back and just generally feels bad. My incisions are long and extend under my arms (to deal with the side boobage) and the bra almost hits them. I have a puffy area of edema up high in my chest because the bra didn't cover up that high. So today, I switched to a sports bra. We'll see


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Armecia, my issue now is itching. Not hives or anything - just itching here and there. I'm not certain what's causing it, but it's driving me crazy. (But I'll take it over the nausea any day.)

    About an hour before the next dose of my Percocet, I can tell the pain is waiting for me. If I don't move, it's fine, though.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NorthBrooklyn
    NorthBrooklyn Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2016

    Oof, yeah, Ameicia, the compression thing. Mine wasn't an actual bra but two bands that wrapped around--a "veronique" I think they called it? I took that off after 48 hours. Now I just have the bra with the loops for the drains.

    My worst pain is my underarm, where I had all the lymph nodes removed, and then the side of my inner arm where I think the compression band had been rubbing, maybe making the nerve pain worse. The strange thing is my other arm is actually bruised almost to my elbow, but doesn't hurt. But there's no bruising at all on the one that hurts. The human body is a weird, weird thing.


    Hope you're doing okay!


    PS Just sneezed for the first time--went okay! (Was paranoid it was going to hurt like hell/explode all my stitches.)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Armecia
    Armecia Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2016

    NorthBrkln, you are too funny about sneezing! Hope your Wed is good and tomorrow even better.

    I am celebrating getting out of the recliner and back into my own bed for a good nights sleep! Used a wedge pillow and reminded myself (out loud) to not use my arms or elbows to help move. It worked.

    I am also taking a break from the d@#m compression bra. Heaven.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2016

    LADIES, I had my surgery yesterday & it wasn't bad. Honestly. Like myjourneys I didn't feel the radioactive tracer at all. I was told they changed the material that's used and it's breast specific and they have far fewer complaints. Will go home this afternoon. Northbrooklyn I hope your pain subsides soon!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited December 2016

    RedemptiveSufferer glad to hear you are doing good. 2 more days for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    RedemptiveSufferer, I'm so glad you checked in and that everything is okay! Post more details after you get home and get settled in (and feel like typing!)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    tlgio17, how are you doing?

    dccancer, today is your day. How is it going?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited December 2016

    How are you doing MyJourneys? Im crying a lot today. Need to get myself together. Yesterday last day of work. Getting grandkids and daughter comes home today.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Goincrzy8, I was very emotional several days before my surgery, so I think what you're feeling is normal. The morning of, when they were walking me back to do the radioactive tracer and put the wire in for the lumpectomy, I almost started crying. I stopped myself before they noticed, though, because I wanted it all over with and was worried they'd delay it if they thought I wasn't mentally ready for it.

    I'm doing pretty well now, but I have to stay on top of the pain. Make sure you take the pain meds as often as they say so that doesn't add stress. Get your prescriptions filled before your surgery (today if you can), so they're waiting for you when you get home.

    Cry all you want to now - it will relieve stress and you'll feel better once you're there and know it will be over with soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tlgio17
    tlgio17 Member Posts: 191
    edited December 2016

    Hi ladies, just got home this afternoon and very happy surgery is over. My radioactive injection hurt but subsided quickly. I am not having a ton of pain w masectomy and have been taking Tylenol since this am. I do have Rx for Percocet if needed. Drain is ok just a lil annoying. Praying for all of us who are healing and for calm for those w surgery to come.

    RedemtiveSufferer, so glad to see u posted too and are doing well so far!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    tlgio17, it's so good to hear from you! If you have someone with you who can get the Percocet filled, consider doing that tonight so you'll have them if you need them. If your surgery was like mine, they bathe the area in a numbing solution that will wear off in 72 hours. At that point, Tylenol may not be enough to stay ahead of the pain. I feel great as long as take two of the Percocet/Tylenol combo pills every 6 hours.

    I'm sorry your radioactive injection hurt, but am glad it went away quickly.

    My husband does my "drain work" for me, and everything else. He's pretty much spoiling me. ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2016

    DCCancer, I hope all went well today! You had the same surgery as I did. Update when you're able.

    Traci, you are the woman to simply be on Tylenol!! I don't have A LOT of pain but am afraid not to take the Percocet in case the pain intensifies and I won't be able to get on top of it. But I'm hopeful that soon I can take tylenol during the day and reserve the Percocet for night to help me sleep. I'm sorry the radioactive injection hurt...but at least it was short-lived. I was practically dreading that more than the surgery because of how some women described how painful it was. lol! Do you just have one drain? I have 4.

    MyJourenys that's a good point about them bathing your chest in a numbing solution that wears off. I completely forgot the PS told me that. So... I can see how what may not be too painful now may hurt more after another day.

    Goincrzy8, you are going to do amazingly! You're having the surgery I had minus the TE, which I would think would make you bounce back even quicker! Because I was given morphine immediately after surgery I didn't feel a thing. Praying you feel peace over these next couple of days and that it all goes well, because I believe it will!

    Welcome Amazon Queen! This is probably the last place you ever wanted to find yourself, but you'll get so much information and support here.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2016

    Curious...for those who have already had your surgeries, did you get results back regarding your lymph nodes right away? I thought that would be the case going into surgery. I think I had read that they're frozen and taken immediately to pathology during surgery and then results are given to the BS so he/she will know if more lymph nodes need to be tested during the operation. However, I was told just today that many surgeons are getting away from that. So...I won't have results until Friday or possibly Monday. What are your experiences with that?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda0628
    Melinda0628 Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2016

    Hi

    Glad you are doing well after surgery. I had my surgery on a Friday and my BS called me the following Tuesday with my pathology report results.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2016

    thanks, Melinda0628! More waiting then... How are you feeling now? Seems like a good thing that if you must do chemo, at least you won't start it until after Christmas.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jcn16
    jcn16 Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2016

    Redemptive Sufferer, I just received my pathology results this afternoon, 5 days after my surgery and my nodes are clear! So happy to share this news with all of you.

    NorthBrooklyn, had my first sneeze yesterday. Ouch! Mostly on the abdomen where they took the flap. Won't be doing that again any time soon if I canhelp it.

    MyJourneys, itching started today on my abdomen scar. Not bad, but if it gets worse I'll talk to my PS's nurse for a recommendation on on topical treatment.

    Regarding pain management, I'm alternating Tylenol and Advil every 4-6 hours with the blessing of my oncology surgeon. Had to stop the pain killers because of constipation that wasn't resolved with stool softeners and laxatives (my system is sensitive). I have Oxycodone if needed.

    Wishing you all a restful night's sleep!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda0628
    Melinda0628 Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2016

    I feel pretty good, just sore. Waiting for drains to come out so I can get back to work. Yes i start chemo on 12/30 at least that's the plan. Im going every 3 weeks for 8 rounds. PET Scan came back clear ( Thank God).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Redemptive, I keep checking every few hours to see if any of my pathology results have come in. They'll post them in my online chart. I have a feeling some of the pathology will start coming in tomorrow.

    I'm waiting for a lot of things – lymph node results, and grading/staging info because with all my biopsies, none of the samples were large enough to grade/stage. They were able to determine that I was estrogen positive, but that was it.

    I'm also waiting to see the pathology of the lumpectomy on my right. Due to lobular being sneaky, they may not have gotten clear margins. If they don't, they most likely will want to do a MX on that side, too.

    For those who had BMX, I don't know how you manage with both arms being affected.

    Jcn16, I'm so glad to hear your nodes are clear! How many did they take? They only took one of mine because all the dye and tracer went to only one node.

    I haven't sneezed yet, thank goodness. Coughing bothers me, though.

    So glad to have all of you here – such a great support group!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tlgio17
    tlgio17 Member Posts: 191
    edited December 2016

    Hi RedemptiveSufferer, I'm glad you asked about lymph results was wondering how long myself. I'm nervous about it all. Slept ok w help of half a Percocet. Tylenol this am so far. Most of my pain is from the drain. I only have one on right side. Sorry your dealing w four. Do u have home health care coming at all. Mine is coming today to check dressing etc.

    I feel tired today so just resting and healing.

    Hope your doing well today!!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2016

    MyJourneys, I hope you get the rest of your pathology report soon. Mine hasn't been staged either. It's my understanding that tumor grades, etc., can change following surgery when the pathologist has more to work with. Hope we all get more answers soon.

    Tlgio17, Goodness, I woke up early at around 1am and had to take pain meds and then again at 6am. Otherwise I slept ok. I'm glad your pain isn't too severe and you're able to control it w/Tylenol. The hospital asked if I'd need help at home and I replied "no" because my mom is here to help and my husband is working some from home. I feel like I have plenty of help and I am SO THANKFUL for that. Like MyJourneys said, I don't know how people do it who have a BMX. I'm not sure that I'd be able to leave the bed. But I am trying to move some...but it's probably not enough.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jcn16
    jcn16 Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2016

    MyJourneys, thankfully they only took two nodes. I wasn't brave enough to check online for results and decided to wait for my surgeon to call. The hospital had told me not to expect the pathology report before Friday so I didn't have time to worry. You are so very right - I cannot imagine how much harder this must be for our friends who had BMX. Hope today is a good one for us all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kattis894
    Kattis894 Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2016

    Hallo all,

    So today I met with the surgeon and all is decided. Surgery date moved forward 2 days to the 19th. I am greatful, really want this lump gone.

    I will remove the entire breast and not do any reconstruction at this point nor breastreduction on my healthy breast. My cancer is aggressive and has not changed in size during the entire treatment before surgery so they are not sure if I would need more chemo or can do radiation directly before the pathology report. I find the risk too high to go ahead with a breast reduction at this point since it takes longer to heal, even if it would feel better. They would then have to wait with treatment in case I need it. My decision felt pretty easy. I want to deal with the cancer before dealing with reconstruction or the "look" of my breasts. I would never forgive myself if waiting a few months would "kill" me in the end.

    Of course I am scared and hoping the pathology report will show that my lump is almost dead or completely dead at this point...if not, well the saga continues with more chemo. I am planned to start radiation and hormon treatment in January as of now, but of course this might then change. They can do the reduction on the healthy side after radiation (so in about 3 months) if things go ok. For the reconstruction on the other breast I have to wait almost 2 years.

    This certainly is not a sprint but a marathon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MyJourneys
    MyJourneys Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2016

    Kattis, it must be a relief to have a plan that feels right. I updated your info. Keep us updated.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories