March 2017 Surgery

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited March 2017

    washed my hair this morning! I am adjusting to the sports bra and survived sleeping in it without discomfort. I really feel like I turned a corner today. Glad you are all doing well.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited March 2017

    Bareclaws. . .I never lost the feeling in the center and I've had some feeling come back around my foobs over time. Some of those nerves got cut again with this last surgery. You might try asking your lymphodema question on the LE Board LE link ( hopefully this works). I have truncal LE and it caused swelling and additional nerve pain, but your early twinges could be regenerating nerves or just ones that are looking for the connection and not finding it. Sounds like you're doing great with your exercise. I was disappointed today to be told no walking for another week although it was not unexpected.

    Raven . . .kudos to you. I can't live without my showers. Even my former PS let me shower with my drains two days out from BMx. I am on heavy antibiotics though.

    Scottie

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2017

    Raven, I was like you on the shower, doc said I could, I said nope. Then I put on my shower coat and showered then and now I shower with it like a rain shower and not directly on it.

    Molly, yay!!!!! Cheers to clean hair!!

    Today has been my best day. You know what I have learned through all this so far, attitude... I have been tested on it a lot today and I applied it (good one) in each and every situation. I am not letting some grumpy pants or impatient person steal my joy! Go ahead cut me off, go ahead be snotty, I am going to smile and be happy I am alive and feeling great!

    Question for those of you with your drains out; are yours still draining? I am 8 days after drains being out and one of them is still pouring out. I have the maxi pad nailed down, but just wondering if any of you are experiencing this. My Onc didn't seem to be bothered by it and said I looked great.

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  • bareclaws
    bareclaws Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2017

    Yvonne, I had drains out yesterday and just have a bandaid over the holes in my chest, so no more drainage that way to speak of.

    After I took the ace bandage off for a shower and then rewrapped it, the arm twinges stopped. I think the nurse had done it too tight.

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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    bareclaws, I'm glad the twinges stopped. Remember if you get wrapped standing. When you sit it will be tighter. I got a great compression vest/sport bra, seemed to fit at the mastectomy shop, but today it is SO tight, I went back to the ace wrap.

    Sorry I have nothing to add about drainage. Hopefully it stops soon.Did you ask your surgeon?

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  • Xtina78
    Xtina78 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2017

    Hi, everyone. This is my first post. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction (nipple sparing) on March 15th. Everything went well, and I've been home since 3/18 recovering. I saw my PS on the 22nd, and he removed all four of my drains and gave me a compression garment to wear for a week. I see him again on April 3rd.

    My path report looks good, tentatively. Still waiting on my oncatype, but it looks like I'll be able to avoid IV chemo. I'm also waiting for the results of genetic testing. I see my BS on the 28th, but she won't have the results to either of the pending tests yet. She's recommended a complete hysterectomy and five years of Tamoxifen. I haven't seen an oncologist yet.

    I think my recovery is going well. My main source of discomfort is the center of my chest where the surgeons apparently cut through cartilage to connect the blood supply to my flaps. It isn't unmanageable though, and I began weaning myself off prescription pain meds today.

    My PS is Dr. Scott Sullivan with the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans. I cannot say enough about what a positive experience this has been, breast cancer diagnosis aside, of course. This place is a dream. I'm so excited about the second stage surgery in three months. I honestly think that is helping with my recovery - knowing that this is just the first phase and having the second "fine tuning" surgery to look forward to makes the discomfort easier to bear.

    I'm nervous about Tamoxifen because of the weight gain SE I've read about. I had elective weight loss surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy on 7/21/14 - which I'm still paying on, incidentally) that resulted in a 100 pound loss. Gaining the weight back terrifies me! Hopefully I'll be one of the lucky ones for whom weight gain isn't an issue.

    I'm grateful for this forum, and to have the opportunity to receive and offer support from our shared experience. I joined a similar group following my weight loss surgery, and it has been helpful - I'd even say instrumental - to my success. I look forward to chatting with y'all.

    Christina

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited March 2017

    Hey everyone:

    molly50: I washed my hair too yesterday for the first time in two weeks. Isn't it a wonderful feeling?

    hey bareclaws: hang in there. I find my mastectomy with TE side is very numb. Its almost dead. LOL. PS and BS told me its likely permanent. I do get these weird itchy feelings though from time to time. Apparently there are "phantom' pains or something. Not to bothersome.

    xtina78: Welcome to this wonderful site. I am happy for you that you like your team in New Orleans. It helps the whole experience be more tolerable for sure. Good to hear your pathology is not too bad. And chatting with everyone here and their wonderful support is instrumental in recovery that is for sure.

    Today I slept alot. Its just over two weeks out from surgery. I am healing very nicely. i have some pain in my TE side because they filled it a few days ago, but its tolerable. Fatigue is still over the top so I do most things need doing in the morning when I have most energy. I need to remind myself its only been two weeks. It feels like a life time ago I must say.

    wallan

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2017

    I'm having surgery on Monday (3/27). Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. It is my first surgery ever and I know it is minor compared to what a lot of you have had but if anyone has any advice about bras or clothes or food to buy this weekend in preparation I would appreciate it. How soon will I be able to wear an underwire bra after the sentinel node biopsy? Will it hit where the incision is? Sorry if anyone has already asked these questions here.
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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    LAW193 good luck on monday. I had the exact surgery last nov. If I recall, I got a Bali bra that was soft cup. And about a week or two after my surgery I was able to wear it. It probably depends on where your incision is. I had a 5 pound lifting restriction for 4 weeks after surgery. I made meals that I could freeze, and friends brought meals, whatever else we needed. Hydrate a lot this weekend and you will recover quicker.

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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    LAW193, let me clarify. I never wore anything but an underwrite bra, and the one I found after surgery was the Bali Comfort Revolution wireless bra. It surpringly had enough support for everyday activities. Wait till after surgery to see of you need to buy something new. Also, I was about a half cup smaller on the lumpectomy side. If that bothers you, you can buy filler pads to even you out. I was originally ticked off that I want even and then found out I had endometrial cancer as well as needing a MX so I adjusted to the idea pretty quickly!LOL

    Glad you are here. Welcome to the group. I can't believe it's late March already!

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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    Hi everyone, I've been reading along. I had my BMX Wednesday and came home Thursday evening. The PS was hoping to do immediate pre-pectoral implant reconstruction but said he would be prepared for other options in case it wouldn't work. My breast skin was too thin so I ended up with TE's instead. So far doing pretty good. I find the hardest thing is trying to sleep....my back gets sore, not a big deal, but any tips are welcome. :) Good to read how everyone is doing. Glad to read that those that have been waiting for so long have finally gotten their TE's or exchange surgery and that everyone seems to be recovering well. Hi and welcome to the newcomers! Jadacrimson, this is a great place to reach out, get encouragement and know you aren't alone. There's strength in numbers. I hope you are recovering from your BMX, yours was the day after mine. Thinking of all you ladies, and praying for you. Hope you have a great weekend.


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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    Scottiemom11 - I see you are a writer/photographer - I'm a photographer wanna be. :) What kind of photography do you do?

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  • Xtina78
    Xtina78 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2017

    Hi LAW193! Good luck on Monday! My surgeon said no underwire until I'm 'completely healed' which I think they interpret to mean 4 weeks post-op.

    Clothing for me was loose button down pj's in the hospital and then really nothing once I was home but a robe thrown over the bra and panties the hospital provided. Now I'm in yoga pants and t-shirts with neck holes wide enough that I don't have to raise my arms over my head to get them on.

    I haven't been too terribly hungry since surgery. In my post-op instructions it was suggested to eat carbs in the beginning for easy digestion and transition to protein 4-5 days post-op to aid in healing. Whatever your diet, plan to take stool softeners immediately after surgery and have some gentle overnight laxatives on hand. The anesthesia and pain meds really backed me up.

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  • bareclaws
    bareclaws Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2017

    Ten days post BMX and I walked three miles this morning, then back out with the dogs for their short walk. It feels so good to sweat!

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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited March 2017

    Law, welcome. Ask your BS what you are allowed to wear post op bra wise. Mine didn't have a preference but some do. I wore a soft bra I could step into until I was allowed to raise my hands above my head. I had a drain so nothing tight and my axilla incision hurt. Ice packs will be your best source of pain management and have button down shirts and easy pull up pants for the first few days. I returned to work once my drain came out. You will have lifting restrictions for a few weeks.

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  • lrwells50
    lrwells50 Member Posts: 254
    edited March 2017

    I had two drains out last week, but the last two are still draining a lot, so I'm betting I don't get them out next Tuesday like I'd hoped. I'm guessing as much as they are still draining, that without the drains that would translate into swelling, which I have plenty of anyway. I'm 17 days post BMX, and PS says I can't take a shower until the drains are out, and I'm REALLY tired of sponge baths and washing my hair in the kitchen sink.

    I live two hours away from my docs, and plan to drive myself to my appointments on the 28th. I don't think I'll have any issues, but can rest at my daughter's before going home if I need to. Really hope they take the drains out - it will make dressing so much easier. If they are going to leak, though, I'd rather keep the drains.

    Good luck to everyone who is about to undergo surgery, and speedy healing to the ones recovering from surgery


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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2017
    Thank you so much 2Fun! I guess I will wait to see what I need (so far breast cancer mostly seems to be about waiting for more information...). Thanks for the tip about hydration - I never drink enough water so I will try to do that this weekend. I'm glad to hear that the wireless bras have support - I always have an underwire and was concerned about that.
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  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited March 2017

    Irwells, have you tried cutting down on your activities to slow your drains down?

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  • lrwells50
    lrwells50 Member Posts: 254
    edited March 2017

    I really haven't been doing a lot, but maybe I'm reaching too far for things, like clothes in the dryer. It doesn't hurt when I do it, but maybe that's it

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited March 2017

    Xtinna. . .welcome. Sounds like you're having a great recovery from BMx and diep. When my PS tried to convince me on the diep, she told me me 10 days in hospital and 3 month recovery. When you see your MO (onc) you should get all your Oncotype and other results. I got them a month after BMx during first MO visit.

    Sitti. . .so good to hear that your surgery went well. Use lots of pillows to prop yourself up, both your back and arms on either side. Hopefully you have a muscle relaxer or Valium with your pain meds. My PS had me take them round the clock for first two weeks or so. She wanted me sleeping and comfortable. Take care.

    Sitti. . .I do special needs photography, senior and prom photos, sports action and lots of nature photography. My pix is one of Atlanta's Meihem Panda twins from 2015. I can't wait to recover and start photographing our new panda twins.

    I do not have a good attitude right now. Overdid things going to post op yesterday and pharmony for script refills today. Need a major attitude ajustment. Maybe I should stream Disney on my tablet. Lol.

    Law193 . . .Prayers and hugs for Monday. I got cotton stretch bras that hook in front from Walmart. When I have to go out,m I wear Dh's button down shirts.

    Bareclaws way to go with the exercise. Check out the exercise board (Daily Exercise). The ladies are great support.

    Trying to catch up on all the posts and praying for everyone recovering.

    Scottie

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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    scottiemom, thanks for admitting you need an attitude adjustment. I feel the same way. I'm having a hard time imagining the end of treatment. I know I'll get there but I'm not happy about the process.


    Re: drainage. Both of my surgeons and the studies I have been reading say the old convention was that the more you used your arm, the more drainage you would have. They now think there is no connection. Some people drain more than others. FWIW

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  • KimE
    KimE Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2017

    Hi All:

    I'm new to this site and I'm currently scheduled for my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on Tuesday. Getting a bit anxious to say the least.

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  • lovepugs77
    lovepugs77 Member Posts: 296
    edited March 2017

    Hi Kim!

    My lumpectomy/node biopsy is on Tuesday, too. I'm right there with you on the nerves, so I'm keeping myself busy doing things around the house. I figure it is good to go ahead and clean up...no idea when I'll feel up to it after surgery, and I can't stand the idea of my mother or MIL coming over while it's a mess. Keeping busy is helping me, anyway.

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  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited March 2017

    ScottieMom and 2Fun: Perhaps we should start a club cause I need an attitude adjustment too.

    I'm almost 6 weeks PFC. 3 weeks ago I was hospitalized for 4 nights for an abscess on my colon (possibly chemo related). Then just last Tuesday they discovered a blood clot (DVT) near my port and now I have to give myself blood thinner injections (lovenox) 2x a day for 3 to 6 months. Apparently blood clots are common with chemo/cancer patients.

    I thought when I finished chemo the worst was over, but it wasn't. Now I'm wondering what else is going to go wrong. My MX & SNB is this Monday the 27th. I really need to go to surgery with a better outlook on life.

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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    bellasmom. What is PFC ?

    What a drag about the abscess and dvt! I totally feel for you. I had IDC dx, then found DCIS in ssmple, my dad almost died, then fond out I had endometrial cancer, after hysterectomy had alergic etc, then had MX b/c the likelihood of rad was next to nothing, and now I'm looking at rads b/c my margins were too narrow. Blah , blah, blah. Im sure you can all tell your own story.

    This entire thing is a major inconvenience. I guess all we can do is decide if we are going to push through, and if we do, I guess I will try to learn something about myself. I was in a really good place before this happened, so I guess I will be even better a year from now.

    Good news, my son has gotten into all the universities that he applied to, so now he needs to decide.good choices.

    Don't worry about what will happen after MX, b/c you can't control that. You have a good surgeon, and you will do well, and then you will deal with the next step when it happens. Let us know how surgery goes when you feel up to it.hugs!

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  • raven4mi
    raven4mi Member Posts: 562
    edited March 2017

    Regarding drainage.......I just had someone from another board recommend Bromelain to help decrease bruising/swelling. She says when she took it, along with increased Vitamin C and Zinc, the length of time with the drain was shortened, vs the time she didn't take it. I'd never heard of it but will try anything so picked some up on my way home tonight.

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited March 2017

    Bellasmom. . .we'll be in good company in our club. These boards are incredibly supportive. So sorry about the DVT, I did not know that it could occur from chemo.

    Twofun. . .you have been through alot.

    Luvpugs. . .I straightened up the house before surgery and kids have trashed it again this week. Had a lovely couple from our church bring over dinner last night and I half heartedly apologized for the mess including folded laundry just sitting on my couches. Oh well.

    I did at least manage to help ds with his power point slides for his science project today. Had him email it so I could help edit on my tablet from bed. And who knows. . maybe the sun will come out and tomorrow. . .

    Hugs to all.

    Scottie

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  • KimE
    KimE Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2017

    lovepugs77 - wishing you the best on Tuesday!!

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2017
    Thank you also xtina, molly and scottiemom! I bought some bras and button down pajamas at target so hopefully they will be okay. And I have ice packs and the laxative if I need it. I appreciate all your advice.

    Lovepugs and Kimelliott - good luck on Tuesday! I'm having the same surgery on Monday so maybe I'll be able to give you advice Monday night. Or maybe I will be too sleepy...I've never had anesthesia before so we'll see. But I'm with you in feeling anxious this weekend.
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  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 956
    edited March 2017

    I know I was very anxious before my lumpectomy, and in retrospect it was a breeze. I got done and was home 5 hrs later, and wondered why I was so wigged out. I'm not telling you ladies that you have no reason to be anxious, just wanting to let you know it wasn't too difficult. I didn't need any pain meds at all.

    Sending healing thoughts and prayers for a restful sleep. Prayers especially for DIV, I hope you are doing well!

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