February 2017 Surgery

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Hahlyn
Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
edited August 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello

I have completed 6 TCHP and have started on Herceptin only every 3 weeks until September. I met with my BS and my lumpectomy is scheduled for Feb 27.

Just wanted to.see if there is anyone else who is scheduled for surgery in February.

Thanks

Rebamacfan - BMX no recon Feb 15

Pamela - BMX w/recon Feb 15

Hahlyn - lumpectomy w/node removal Feb 27

Candles1 - BMX w/recon end of Feb

Bvh230 - BMX Feb 6

LoveandLightinLA - SNB Feb 3 MX w/nipple sparing .Feb 13

Mary Jane - Double MX Feb 16

Bluebied - Lumpectomy w/sentinel node removall Feb 2

Sr2295 - scheduled surgery Feb 7

Sunmer fl - BMX w/future recon Feb 15

Shaz1970 - Lumpectomy w/SNB Feb 13

Nayda985 - Double Mastectomy Feb 24

9lives70 - Double Mastectomy w/recon & SNB Feb 28

Heartfull - BMX w/skin sparring & recon - Feb 21

Krma - Double Mastectomy- Feb 2

Yvonne M - mastectomy- Feb 14 moved to Mar

Hopeful1212 - BMX Feb 28

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2017

    My first freedom day is Feb 15th! BMX w no recon. I plan to be a citizen of Notataland for the rest of my life.

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  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    Hi Hahlyn,

    Thanks for starting thread.

    Like Rebamacfan123, I am also scheduled for Feb. 15. But will have an implant when it is all done.

    It has been helpful to follow the Jan 2017 group and see how people are doing.

    Wishing you both the best. Hard to get my brain around how different I will feel in two weeks. I feel fine! But soon wont be able to pull a shirt over my head, and who knows what else. Experiemces really vary, it seems.

    Pamela

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Rebamacfan & Pamela

    Hi Ladies sorry we are all apart of this group.

    I too have been following the jan 2017 board its awesome and has provided me a lot of insight. I will tell you i have a lot of anxiety about rhis surgery but it has to happen.

    Praying for good results for all of us! Ready to put this behind and move forward.

    Hahlyn


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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited February 2017

    hi ladies, popping in from seven years out with love and encouragement.

    2/2 marks the anniversary of BMX in 2010. I opted out of reconstruction and don't wear prosthetics. Going flat isn't for everyone but it works for me. After all this time, I'm no longer self-conscious. I wear pretty much what I want (I do avoid clothes with bust darts) and no one really notices.

    Tip: bring a small pillow to use in the car to cushion your chest from the seat belt.

    Following the Jan group and gathering here are great ways to get reliable first-hand information and support. Best wishes and gentle ((hugs))

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  • Pamela_2016
    Pamela_2016 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2017

    I also have anxiety anticipating surgery. Who wouldn't? Arleast so far for me I find that it comes and goes. Yoga and other exercise helps. I can usually get distracted by time with friends.

    It helps me to think about my surgeon and how routine this is for her. And it helps me to read these posts and see how many people are doing better five or six days out. And even better to hear from you, badger, seven years out! It does seem the first few days are very rough.


    I find that I almost always feel better after yoga or other exercise. I never imagined I would have to wait this long for surgery. I've been dealing with this since Christmas.

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2017

    Congrats Badger!!! Thanks for popping in and providing encouragement and the tip, never would have thought of that.

    Pamela I can only hope I am doing better within days like some of the women. I hope the surgery wont be as bad as i have conjured up in my mind.

    My pre op is on Feb 21 have some questions i forgot to ask BS hoping can be answered like how long is the surgery will i stay overnight. Common questions i should have asked BS but i frazzled that day. Will write questions down this time.

    Have a good evening.


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    1. candles1
      candles1 Member Posts: 77
      edited February 2017

      Pamela, I hear you. I feel this whole thing has taken far longer than it had to. Due to a myriad of scheduling delays at my facility, my BMX/reconstruction isn't happening until the end of this month. I was diagnosed in early November. Seems like I keep getting pushed to the end of the line because it's "just" DCIS.

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    2. Hahlyn
      Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
      edited February 2017

      Hello Ladies

      I too felt the same. I did chemo first in order to shrink the tumor. I was diagnosed 8/8/2016 chemo didnt start until 9/21. I thought they would get right on it because I am her 2 positive and grade 3 (aggressive) but nothing doing.

      I finished my last chemo on jan 4 and still my surgery isnt until Feb 27. I just have to trust my team knows what they are doing.


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    3. EastcoastTS
      EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
      edited February 2017

      Hi, guys! I have now joined the Jan/Feb/March sugery lists! LOL. When I started reading, there was no Feb -- so I'm all over the place. I'm scheduled for 2/27 for either UMX or BMX. Leaning BMX but not sure. Maybe I won't be sure when they wheel me into the OR. Idk. These are crazy times -- but I'm doing okay. Hope you are all doing well, too.

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    4. Hahlyn
      Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
      edited February 2017

      Hi EastcostTS!

      I too have been reading the other boards especially jan 2017 that is an awesome board with lots of information.

      Sorry you have to be apart of this group, but glad you joined us here.

      You and I will be having surgery on the same day Feb 27 I will be having lumpectomy.

      Have a great weekend.

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    5. EastcoastTS
      EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
      edited February 2017

      Hello, Hahlyn:

      Thanks for the welcome! I'm sorry to be here as well -- but we have to take what life throws our way, right?

      I considered lumpectomy initially, too, but my 2nd opinion MRI review saw another possible area of issue (7mm, same quadrant I believe) in the "bad" breast and that was it for me. Ultrasound radiologist in session after the MRI reassessment could not see a thing. Comforting. (Not. And provides some of my reasoning behind my decision-making -- that they cannot see this stuff!) This was actually empowering or at least made the decision for me. One I didn't have to make myself. It was either have another biopsy 3 weeks before surgery or just UMX it. So...

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    6. Bevmomduck
      Bevmomduck Member Posts: 94
      edited February 2017

      I'm popping in, too. Been and will continue in Jan 17 group and totally love it, so encouraging and informative. I'm scheduled Feb 16 for BMX, sentinel node biopsy (and whatever else might have to happen then), expanders. Dx of DCIS grade 3 this second time around. Had 2 lumpectomies and radiation about 18 months ago and it returned 6 months after a mammogram with a lump I easily noticed, so off they go and feb 16 can't come soon enough! I've been nesting and getting ready as much as I can but really, it's just the wait. The wait, the wait.

      Every bc lady I've encountered has been so supportive, there have been 7 in my church in the last 2 years! But every one of us has what it takes to power through, difficult days and all. So glad to meet you all. Here we go ➡️

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    7. bvh2305
      bvh2305 Member Posts: 7
      edited February 2017

      Hello Ladies,

      Sorry we're meeting under these circumstances but so much appreciate this website. In the last two months I have received a crash course on BC. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, Feb 6th. I have elected for BMX since I have two tumors in one breast and my sister has had BC. I noticed most of you have ductal, I have lobular. Mine was found during a routine mammo. Yes, I am very anxious! I have been cleaning house and laundry today to get ready for Monday and grocery shopping tomorrow. I always thought someone with BC would at least feel bad, and I don't! Wishing you all a speedy recovery! Let's beat this thing!

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    8. Hahlyn
      Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
      edited February 2017

      Bvh2305 - thanks for joining us albeit wish it too were under different circumstances.

      Sending you prayers for Monday! You got this!!! We have all been thrusted into this unfortunately but we have no choice but to push through and we all certainly will.

      Enjoy the rest of your weekend try and get some rest as well.

      Bevmomduck - Thanks for popping in. The waiting period is the worse. Isn't it nice to have support like you have at church and like we have here on this site. My husband and BFF have tried to discourage me from this site thinking it is depressing me and I tell them No! The women on here encourage and uplift and provide information without this site I don't know where I would be mentally. Even with that said theystill dont agree. Oh well!

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    9. LoveandLightinLA
      LoveandLightinLA Member Posts: 80
      edited February 2017

      Hi ladies,

      I just had surgery yesterday - a nipple delay procedure and sentinel node biopsy. It was a long day at the hospital. So glad to be home and resting.

      I'm hoping I have a quick recovery.

      I will also have a nipple sparing mx with direct implant reconstruction on 2/13.

      And yes, I too felt like I had to wait forever to get surgery... I was diagnosed on 12/9/16. The waiting and the build up of anxiety and stress is the worst!

      Wishing you all the best with your surgeries!!! :)

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    10. Mary-Jane
      Mary-Jane Member Posts: 4
      edited February 2017

      My surgery date is Feb.16.Seems like forever. I'm having a double mastectomy.Just reading about some other women going through the same worries makes me feel less alone, but it does seem like sooooo long to wait

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    11. Bluebird1013
      Bluebird1013 Member Posts: 33
      edited February 2017

      hi Hahlyn,

      I was interested in corresponding with you as your diagnosis looks similar to mine. IDC Er-,pr-,hers+

      I found out on January 17 about left breast. Had a lumpectomy with sentinel node removal on Feb 2. I find out on Tuesday about pathology and what treatment will follow. It looks like you had chemo first. They are talking herceptin and radiation. I wonder how they decide treatment on each patient. They said my tumor was small.

      I'm 2 days out and pretty sore but don't feel bad. I know you're surgery will be fine. You seem to have a great attitude! Take care.

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    12. Sr2295
      Sr2295 Member Posts: 34
      edited February 2017

      hi everyone

      I'm scheduled for surgery on Tuesday 2/7.

      Wishing everyone the best with their surgeries

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    13. summer-fl
      summer-fl Member Posts: 3
      edited February 2017

      hello all. i am scheduled for bmx on feb. 15 with recon 3-4 weeks later. i was diagnosed the monday after thanksgiving so i've been waiting a while. i really want this to be over and of course wish it wasn't happening at all. i hope all goes well for each of you.

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    14. jinmo
      jinmo Member Posts: 82
      edited February 2017

      Hi all,

      Just popping in from January thread with encouragement for you all. I saw some of you over there and wanted to say hi!

      Reba & Mary Jane, I had my Notataland citizenship "ceremony" on Jan 17th and am feeling fine.

      The January thread has been amazing, and I'm so happy that you guys are going to have a group too!

      jinmo

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    15. Hahlyn
      Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
      edited February 2017

      Hello Ladies and Welcome to.all thd newbies. Sorry we are having to meet under these circumstances.

      Bluebird - I too am ER/PR - Her 2+. My treatment plan called for me to have chemo first. My tumor was large unfortunately and both my MO and BS felt chemo first would be best to try and ahrink the tumor. I started chemo TCHP (Taxotere cardoplatin, herceptin, perjeta) I had 6 cylces every 3 weeks. I started sept 21 and I completed this regimen on jan 4 and now I have started receiving herceptin only every 3 weeks until September.

      There were some tuff days during chemo. I was hospitalized after my first treatment in September due to severe dehydration. You can almost never drink enough water. My MO scheduled me for hydration twice a week for 1 week after my treatments which helped. I lost 25 pounds (albeit i needed the pounds off) but not this way.

      Everyone side effects are different my worse of course the hair loss and diarrhea since September to date. Make sure if this a side effect you ask for hydration and prescription anti Diarrhea pills. That otc immodium does nothing. Even though chemo was brutal I made it, through Gods Grace and Mercy I made it! and so will you an anyone one elss who has to go down this road.

      I'm glad to see your doing okay after your lumpectomy it gives me hope.

      Happy Sunday i will be watching football today. Cowboys fan but will be rooting for the Falcons today! Enjoy your day ladies!

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    16. Shaz1970
      Shaz1970 Member Posts: 42
      edited February 2017

      Hi all, I'm having a Lumpectomy on 13th Feb with sentinel node dissection, I don't mind saying, I'm scared, really scared now, trying to stay busy, I'm so glad ive found this board, other people in a very similar boat to me.


      Good luck for tomorrow bvh2305 xx

      Shaz1970

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    17. Mary-Jane
      Mary-Jane Member Posts: 4
      edited February 2017

      Hi Everyone. I am very new to this group. I just joined yesterday. I haven't heard anyone mention anything about previous breast implants. I had them for 22 years, but had them removed because they just weren't comfortable anymore. That was about 3 years ago. Since then my mammograms looked ok, but they mentioned a lot of scar tissue each time.In Dec.2016 I saw my PCP for a routine physical,and she found a lump in my left breast. She sent me for a biopsy,and it is IDC grade 1.She said she could barely see it on the mammogram herself because of the scar tissue. She could have had a better look,but I can't have an MRI because I have a type of pacemaker, and you can't have an MRI with any kind of metal in your body. This makes things a little more complicated.She also says both breasts have massive amounts of scar tissue.So, I have opted to have a double mastectomy.Before I found all this out, I would have probably had just a lumpectomy and radiation. I really do think I've made the right decision. At leastI hope so.I still have to see a radiation oncologist.I really, really hope I don't have to get that too. My surgeon thinks I won't.I just felt like sharing this since it sounds so different than other stories I've read. Thanks for being there.

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    18. Hahlyn
      Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
      edited February 2017

      Bvh230 - Good Luck tomorrow. Sending prayers your way. You got this!

      Hahlyn

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    19. Mariangel43
      Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
      edited February 2017

      Mary-Jane, hi. What about a PET scan? It functions in a different way. I am sorry you have a IDC. If you have clean margins and no positive nodes, I don't think you will need any radiation. Of course, the RO will advice you to have it but consult it with your MO before acting. Did you have your Oncotype or Mammaprint? Those are tools used to decide on whether you will need chemo or radio.

      Talk with your physicians and be honest with them. Don't be forced to do something you don't want.

      Good luck.

      Maria

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    20. Mariangel43
      Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
      edited February 2017

      Shaz1970, I had a mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy. I selected my breast surgeon and since he was a very receptive doctor, I went to surgery with trust. He still is giving me follow up. Are you prepared? Did you talk to your surgeon? Do you have a support circle of friends/family?

      I felt pain with the sentinel biopsy procedure but not everyone does. I didn't feel pain after the biopsy or the mastectomy but everyone is different. Try to stay calm. It will help you better than getting anxious about something you can't control. If you trust your doc, ask him/her what you need to ask. There are a lot of videos about lumpectomy so you can get a knowledge of what is going to happen in the OR. Anyway, it is easier than a TE or implant surgery and less painful too.

      Good luck and keep in touch.

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    21. Mariangel43
      Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
      edited February 2017

      Hahlyn, this is strange to say but ever doc works differently. I was sent to chemo and rad by the surgeon who made the biopsy. But I changed doctor. The BS who made the mastectomy before the surgery gave me an AI that reduced the size of the tumor to half the size. From 9 x 6 x 3 it reduced to 4 x 3 x 3. It was a blessing. However, to minimize the risk of recurrence, we both decided that a mastectomy was better.

      I am having my first six month follow up. So far, everything is fine, Thanks God. Hope you get better from chemo.

      Maria

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    22. Mariangel43
      Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
      edited February 2017

      Ladies in this room, I read your comments about your anxiety and tardiness of surgery. However, most of you have been in the OR about three to four months after Dx. All my procedure lasted eight months. I had my biopsy on April 28 and the positive results three weeks later (that was one of the reasons I changed doctor). I went to see the BS on June 1 and the MO on June 2. The BS gave me Arimidex to reduce the tumor for 26 days and I was operated on June 27; I was sent to RO en July 12. The RO sent me to PS to get TE or implants. I saw PS by the end of July and he sent me to OR on August 4. Since I read that implants get damaged by RT, I decided to get TE and leave the implants's surgery after RT. He sent me back to RO on October and back to OR for final implants on Dec. 8. Not finished yet. The transplanted nipple skin died and fell out. Not scared. The rest of the skin is fine. Ps is checking every two weeks.

      By the way, if I have a recurrence on my right breast or if I get a lump in the left one I will be getting a mastectomy on left and will ask PS to take out the implant on right. The TE surgery was so painful I won't pass thru that again. I got capsular contracture on TE and it seems to be coming back with implant. So I prefer to get it out than to be on the OR every six to eight months to be cleaned and get a new implant.

      Maybe I was a little delayed on every procedure. Since I live alone I had to check on every aspect and see it covered. I needed to be sure what I wanted and looked for the information. I didn't want any regrets later on so I could not have any haste. I left my work finished before any new surgery. I was back on the job by Dec 24 but it was half holiday so I didn't have to go.

      One of you asked if she needed hospitalization after surgery. After MX, one night (that's what the health insurance plan authorizes). BS will put the JP drainage and send you home the day after if no complications arise. With TE, the PS will also use JP drainage and will hospitalize one night. Strangely, with implants no hospitalization even if one has drains.

      Every one of us has a different threshold for pain. I didn't need pain meds for biopsy, Mx, or final implants. As I said on a previous comment, you need a circle of friends or family to help you with everyday's chores. You need your food be supplied and someone to help you with hygiene since you will not shower until the doc says so. You will need to exercise after Mx or lumpectomy when the doc tells you. And last but not least, get prepared emotionally for your change in appearance. I didn't get depressed but sometimes I feel sad because I lost one breast. Still with my implant (left breast is bigger than the implant and I still feel lopsided), I feel differently and things have not got back into normalcy. The amount of medical appointments has decreased to an average of one per week though I had to add an orthopedic surgeon to my list of specialists because of fracture of right foot. Still having physical therapy.

      Our lives will be quasi-normal but it won't go back to what it was. As EastCoastTS said, we have to deal with what life brings us. So, dear ladies, God's blessings and best wishes for every one of you. Wishing you the best experience and the least discomfort to those undergoing surgery on this and following months.

      Maria

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    23. candles1
      candles1 Member Posts: 77
      edited February 2017

      Although I've never had a mastectomy and don't know anybody personally who has, I've had a good many surgeries over the past ten years (including lumpectomies, various laparoscopic procedures, and a hysterectomy).

      I've learned to prepare for surgery as though you are preparing for an athletic event. I train, train, train. I get in the best possible physical shape. I run and swim every day. I eat only healthy foods and keep my BMI low. I work out; and for this particular surgery, I'm focusing on core and legs since the arms won't be of much use afterwards by all accounts.

      I'm also focusing on vitamins for immunity and taking a mega probiotic every day (and yogurt). Starting about five days before surgery, I double my water intake so that the veins will be plumped up for easy access, and so that I will be really well hydrated despite the midnight cutoff for fluids.

      Starting two days before, I begin taking colace to ease the post-anesthesia constipation (and will take it afterward as well, along with mega Metamucil). I continue to double the water for a week afterward to flush out the anesthesia. Also starting two days before, I sharply limit my food intake, and eat a low residue diet so as not to have much intestinal activity going on anyway.

      I find that in addition to making me physically healthier, this type of training is mentally and emotionally therapeutic. It gives me something to focus on and makes me feel like I'm doing something productive instead of just waiting around.

      In the past, I've always bounced back very quickly from surgeries by being in tip top shape going into them. I'm hoping to do the same this time.

      What do you all do to prepare for surgery? What works for you?
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    24. jbdayton
      jbdayton Member Posts: 700
      edited February 2017

      Many prayers for everyone going through surgeries in the next few weeks. Not to worry anyone but I want people to know things can go wrong even with a great surgeon. My surgeon has performed over 2000 flap surgeries with a 1 % complication rate. Things can be fixed but take time and may not be perfect but livable.

      I am scheduled for February 20th in San Antonio for a final revision surgery. I will be using a doctor at PRMA. My original flaps were performed in Houston. This will be my 6th revision following a flap surgery with complications. This time we will be adding some fat volume to the upper chest area to hide the animation I have from my flap being put under my pec muscle (not usual but that is what I got). I also lost my fold under the second flap breast so it is about 2 inches lower than it should be. They will try to move it up but only about a 50% chance of success. They are also going to remove fat from the side under the armpit on that side as well. I am about 2 inches wider on this flap than my other side. Finally I am going to have my abdominal incision modified and fix a hernia or weak muscle as well.

      This will be my last surgery.

      I already had nipples reconstructed and tattooed last year.

      I went to the gym and worked with a professional to strengthen my abs and the conclusion is my abs are great it is the connecting muscles that we could not rebuild. I can no longer do sit ups, or roll over in bed without lifting my side off the mattress, or squat and get up without getting on all fours. My abdomen is as hard as a rock and I look 4 months pregnant most of the day. I decided to try one more fix for comfort. Hoping they find what is causing this while fixing my abdomen.

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