March 2017 Surgery

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

    Sitti. . .thanks for bumping the list. Helps us keep up.

    BellasMomToo, Cse70, and Law193. . .Prayers and hugs for your surgeries today.

    2FUN. . .DS is 14. He is the size of a 10 year old at best but he's very bright and in advanced classes at school (small private school that caters to special needs including ASD kids like ds). PS retail therapy is awesome although ds has mostly banned me at the moment.

    Bluebird hang in there. MRIs are no fun. Mine picked up additional spots that BS wanted to biopsy. I said no more because we would get the results of all the breast tissue from the BMx (turned out to be LCIS all over both but clear margins). Prayers for you and hugs.

    Suburbs. . .I use a total body pillow which elevates my arms and legs . . .can wrap it around me as needed and then use gel queen pillows to elevate shoulders and head.

    I totally overdid things yesterday. I really didn't do much but apparently it was too much. Trying to behave and stay in bed with my tablet today.

    Scottie

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2017

    Sitti, thanks for the list. :) I can't believe how many of us there are, just for this month! Team March can do this!

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

    Hey ladies;

    I cannot believe how many ladies are having surgery this month. I can't keep up with y'all , but I pray and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

    I am almost 3 weeks out from my surgery. I stopped prophylactic antibiotics last Tuesday and still have unrelenting diarrhea.

    Anyone else get this?

    wallan

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

    wallan, have you contacted your doctor? Cdiff is a possibility and needs to be treated. Bluebirdgirl, my post op isn't until Thursday. I want these medicated strips over my incisions gone. I smell like a hospital. I will keep your MRI in my prayers. Good luck surgery gals!!!

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

    2 weeks of antibiotics is a lot. What r u taking? I would take probiotics, and eliminate all sugar and processed carbs. White flour. Rice, potatoes etc. That will help some. Talk to your Dr to make sure it's not something else.

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  • raven4mi
    raven4mi Member Posts: 562
    edited March 2017

    Back from a quick trip to the ob-gyn regarding the lump under my left laparasopic incision. He says it's likely "just" some fluid build-up that will go away by itself but, given my history of bad luck with infections, he put me on abx for a week. He said it may drain a little which would be OK, but imo if "stuff" can get out then that means "stuff" can get in - again, I'm infection-phobic, so will dutifully take the abx and keep everything nice and clean. Have also re-upped my Vitamin C intake just to be safe.

    Good luck to everyone having surgery this week. Yes, that list is long and awful. So many of us!

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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    raven4mi That's good news. I'm glad your dr doesn't think it is an infection, hoping that the fluid reabsorbs soon.

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  • tlj1973
    tlj1973 Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2017

    Hi everyone!

    I've been reading through everyone's posts tonight. I'm scheduled for surgery  this Friday, 3/31. Umx on the right side with TE. I just had lumpectomy on 2/27.

    It amazes me reading about everyone's treatment and how things are different for us all. When I was initially diagnosed in January I was given the option of Lumpectomy or Mx and that I would need radiation and Herceptin with either option. I chose the Lumpectomy with reconstruction and reduction, I was a 44 GG ,so I was happy with this option. 10 days later I got the call that there was DCIS scattered over 15 cm on the pathology report. None of this was detected on my mammo. Mx is the only option now. Here is the confusing part, BS says now I won't need any additional treatment after the Mx...I'm just taking things a step at a time because that's all I can do.

    I've been sleeping in the recliner, had been trying to transition back to my bed, but now my lower back hurts horrible. Guess I'll be back to the recliner anyway.

    The day I was diagnosed my work started a Biggest Loser weight Loss challenge, I thought what better way to start getting better was to join. I'm down almost 25 lbs after 2 months, granted 7 lbs was from boobs!! I have a long way to go but at least I got started, I was embarrassed when I couldn't have the stereotactic biopsy bc I was too heavy for the table, so had to opt for excisional biopsy. I guess what I' saying is everything has led me to change my habits. I was a smoker too, not since Feb 12th Happy!

    I've rambled on enough...today is my 44th birthday- it's been very emotional and I'm glad to have you all for support!


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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    Hi tlj1973, glad you found us. I'm sure your birthday had been challenging emotionally, I'm sorry. It sounds like you are learning to take one step at a time which is good. You will find encouragement here as well as practical help. There's lots of people in various stages of the processes to help you.

    Sending you hugs. And birthday blessings.

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2017

    I am home now. The radioactive dye injection part was no big deal. The surgery itself took three hours (not counting prep time) and we all thought it was going to be shorter than that so my boyfriend and parents got pretty anxious waiting. And I took my time waking up. But I guess it did go well, although I do want to know why it took twice as long as they told me it would. I have no sense yet of what it will look like cosmetically. For the SNB they took three lymph nodes. I got 5 oxyxodone, one of which I am going to take right now to try and sleep.

    Good luck everyone having surgery tomorrow! I will be thinking of you, Lovespugs and Kim!!

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

    tlj, we are almost BC twins! Only difference is HER . Same thing happened, I had small lump on mammo, lumpectomy done and the whole rest of the tissue was DCIS that was not visible on mammo. I suspect we both had 6cm DCIS because that was the size of the sample for a 1mm IDC! I also got a bonus endome trial cancer and hysterectomy. That's what DH call it. Bonus.Also, I was told I would not need radiation, and now that is up in the air b/c I have close margins. Don't get too much in your head of how it is going to go for your cancer journey,because it keeps changing.

    Congrats on your birthday and getting the motivation to make changes. I was in a good place before all of this and lost 15 of the 70 pounds I need to lose. Thankfully I have not gained it back. You are moving forward and doing good things for yourself.KUDOS!

    I just had my MX 2 weeks ago. And was a 40C. I was surprised by how much tissue is under my arm/side of chest. It's all the connective tissue that was holding my breast against gravity, and it kind of "re-coils " when they remove the breast. I am hoping that will be cleaned up after the exchange surgery.

    For those of you with back pain, try taking a bed pillow placing it the long way, one under each leg. Pull it up right under your butt cheek. That should support your pelvis (connected to your back) as well as your knees.

    I am teaching DS to drive, and he was trying to adjust the driver seat and pulled the electric cables out of the mechanism! LOL. I fell asleep at the car dealer, and when I got home an acquaintance had mad us a number of meals, and they were at the front door. All good healthy organic stuff!what a God send. My UTI culture came back resistant to the antibiotic I was on. I'm now back on what I was on right after MX . Need to get probiotics!

    Law, glad it went well. I think sometimes they dont think about how important timing is when you are wsiting for your loved one! They sent me home with 60 oxycodone. I used 3. I wonder why we have drug abuse problems!

    Hugs to all of us who are recovering, and peaceful prayers for those waiting!

    Anyone still feel like they are under anesthesia?

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

    Happy Birthday tlj1973.... its been a rough one this year for you. Hugs to you. Heres to many many more years of happier birthday parties. Good for you on the weight loss program too. You have grit and determination. Hugs to you.

    Law193: glad it went well for you. Hope you get lots of pampering and rest at home for recovery.

    2Fun: Sounds like you have great support.

    All you ladies amaze me at your stamina and grit.

    Thank god for these boards.

    wallan

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

    Wallan,you are pretty tenacious too!

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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    Lovepugs77, kimelliott65, gardener4 - thinking about you all this morning as you head to surgery, sending prayers and hugs. Check in when you can.

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  • BG46TN
    BG46TN Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2017

    HI everyone! I"ve been following your group for a while now, in preparation of my surgery....You guys have given me so much great information to help prepare me for this next step! I met with my breast surgeon on Friday and My surgery date is set for April 17th! ack...now that its planned it seems so close!! The good thing is I am off work (teacher) the week before for spring break so I have time to get ready at home, and get my kids all situated for when I return....

    I have to go in on Monday to have preop testing....and have to go in the day before surgery for the lymph node mapping (which will be Easter....hmmm wonder how that works...the hospital I'm having surgery in is about an hour and 15 min away.....I wondered if they would even do it that day, but the nurse said the hospital is alway open...so yup LOL (I knew it was always open, just didn't think they did planned tests etc on sunday, let alone Easter ha ha)

    I had my last chemo yesterday :-) yay!! My twin sister surprised me and showed up to sit with me (my husband had to get the kids off to school etc since my appt was early) it was so nice, made me cry, she showed up with balloons, a basket full of "pink" goodies, and pink donuts! Then we went out to lunch after to celebrate, the guy at the next table overheard us talking about my last chemo and he bought us drinks (offered alcoholic but since I can't drink lol I took an iced tea) there are some really nice people around...even our waitress gave me a hug before I left :-)

    now I"m going to start getting anxious about surgery...I've NEVER had surgery before and never been under anesthesia...so I"m a little nervous...

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

    Welcome BG46TN! I work as a PT in the schools, so I get where you are coming from re: work. Don't worry too much about surgery, your body will have a better time if you trust your team. Keep us posted on how u r doing.

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

    Becky, welcome. Your story was sweet and brought tears to my eyes. I guess your lymph node mapping will be your Easter eggs so to speak.

    Tj1973, congratulations on your weight loss and quitting smoking. Those are not generally accomplishments that go together or are for wimps! I had a unilateral mastectomy on the left after lumpectomy. I had extensive lvi and couldn't get clean margins. I just went back to work and didn't worry about the next surgery. It was too much to process. I assume you already have a plastic surgeon who did your reduction. As for further treatment, if you are HER2 positive you will have chemo. BS doesn't make that decision, MO does. My guess is BS means no radiation necessary.

    2f, sorry you need antibiotics. Law, glad you are doing well. Hugs to the upcoming surgeries ladies!! I am doing great. I am getting restless and want to go back to work.

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  • Bluebirdgirl
    Bluebirdgirl Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2017

    Welcome tlj1973!! Congrats on your weight loss! Sorry you find yourself in our company, but you are among friends here. Feel free to ask ANYTHING lol. Good luck with your upcoming surgery ☺️

    Welcome BG46TN! I had never had surgery either, nothing! Talk about taking the plunge your first time. Go big or go home I guess. Geesh. I was so scared, what if I don't wake up, etc. Let me just say, anesthesia is a wonderful thing. You will wake up in what seems like seconds and not remember a thing. Now, the brain fog sucks. I think it took me a couple months to quit scaring my coworkers! They probably thought I had early onset dementia! But it went away.

    Molly, you have the strips on the incisions too? Is that just how they do it Nowadays? They scare me. I'm afraid they will come off too soon and my incisions will open up. But I think that is just me in worst case scenario mode that cancer seems to put your mind in. Let me know if yours get removed. Mine are still on. Took a shower yesterday!!

    Raven4, good luck, I'm hoping no infection this time around. I've never had one but I do worry about getting one.

    2Fun, thanks, my CT will hopefully be in April. I'm calling my oncologist today and seeing if I can get it done before my visit with him on the 27th. Sounds like you have been through a lot of the scares with tests, scans, and you ended up having the "bonus" cancer. Ugh. My worst fear is they will tell me I'm in the extremely rare percentage of people who have dcis and get a freakin' met!!! It would be just my luck. But that's negative thinking so I'm trying to stay positive. Easier said than done as you are aware.

    Have a good day, everybody!

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    tlj1973:

    Hugs and belated Happy Birthday wishes!!!

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    2FUN:

    PROBIOTICS: Okay, even pre-C, I was a BIG probiotic proponent. I eat/drink a lot of probiotic foods (Kefir, kimchi, pickles (which MUST come from the refrigerated section of your grocery store to be truly fermented), miso soup, etc.. In any case, try those daily if your palette agrees. Also, my integrated oncologist just recommended a new probiotic (I take one daily but apparently it's basically useless LOL): VSL#3. Once a day or every other if you feel bloating. I just talked to the pharmacist and he said bloating means it's working on the gut in a good way. I had to go to a pharmacy to find but health food stores should have too. It will also be in the refrigerated section and you must refrig at home. FYI: it's not cheap. The pharmacist said clinical info is truly showing how good these are and in the larger (billions) for the probiotic. Culturelle, etc., he said is just not strong enough especially when we've been on antibiotics. I just finished infection round of THREE! Ugh. But due to food and even my shitty probiotic, I'm not having any issues.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited March 2017

    BG46TN:

    My BMX was my first surgery, too. And anesthesia went well. You'll do FINE!

    Advice I got from many ladies here that I will pass to you: tell them in your anesthesia interview or whatever you call it that you get nauseous easily. Even if you don't! I did and had zero nausea after surgery. Nada. And the stuff they give for nausea in the IV is harmless, I think. So it's can't hurt!!!

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  • Sjsparks
    Sjsparks Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2017

    Good Morning Ladies!

    Today is my last day of work before surgery. I woke up this morning so emotional. I really try to be strong and positive, but I feel like today I can't. I think my biggest fear is the pain after surgery, and my limitations during recovery. I some what wish I could stay in the hospital 3-4 days to get the bulk of the pain management under control.


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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited March 2017

    You didn't miss me, Sitti, because I haven't posted before this. I'm having a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy this Friday, March 31. My surgeon was able to schedule me quickly as my husband and I are flying to Denver on April 22 for our grandson's first birthday! He said I'll have radiation therapy but I don't have any details on that yet. I'm taking one step at a time! The biopsy pathology report says I have both DCIS and IDC; the surgeon said it's early stage as the mass is less than 2 cm

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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    BG46TN, it's good to hear from you again. I'm sure you are happy to be moving to next step, albeit with nervousness, BUT moving forward. How wonderful to have people reach out and do something unexpected for you. It just lifts one's spirits, makes me happy for you. And to have you sister surprise you, what a blessing. Keep us updated, we are here for you.

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2017

    Welcome to all the new ladies in our group!!

    I think I can say on this 3rd week after my mast.. both of my drain holes have stopped draining! I have a band aid on the one, just in case. The tape holding the maxi pad on was really irritating my skin, good to have that off. I meet with my BS on Thursday, hopefully to say "Well bye!" but I've learned to take it one day at a time and roll with whatever.

    I started taking Femara last week and now my cycle started, I wonder if the two are related. Yippee!!

    All of my Steri-Strips have now all fallen off and it's all me now. Here's another drawing of the new me in case you missed my first one --> ------------ Oh, I got one of the "Knitted Knockers" and I love it. Had to take out most of the stuffing because it was gigantic, but have to say it matches up pretty well with my uni boob and it's so cozy up against my ------------

    Gentle hugs to all of you!

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  • Sitti
    Sitti Member Posts: 230
    edited March 2017

    EastcoastTS, My daughter got me taking probiotics too (she makes Kefir & Cambucha) a few years ago. I have a question though, do you wait until you are off of antibiotics to start the probiotics?

    Edited to also ask, for those that have had a BMX/SNB, how long did it take before you could shave under your arms? And is it okay to use deodorant not quite a week out?

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  • bareclaws
    bareclaws Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2017

    Sjsparks, good luck tomorrow and don't go looking for trouble. You may not have pain. I had zero pain from BMX. Nada. Not even a Tylenol. I know everyone's body acts differently but pain is not necessarily a given.

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  • BG46TN
    BG46TN Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2017

    bareclaws!! its great to hear that you had no pain! I really hope I have a similar experience!

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  • Sjsparks
    Sjsparks Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2017

    Thanks so much bareclaws! I go for pre-op tomorrow. What should I expect for this?

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  • Yvonne_M
    Yvonne_M Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2017

    Sitti, I did a couple days after, no one told me otherwise. Just be real careful due to not any feeling there.

    Sjs, my preop was paperwork, questions, pregnancy test, blood work and then vitals or whatever it is when they put the little sticky things all over your chest and tummy. If you mean the preop just before surgery, well that is pregnancy test, lots of questions with a few people, putting the gorgeous hospital gown and socks on, getting the iv in (I have no veins so that it always a pleasure with them trying to find mine).


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