September 2017 Surgery Group

I am also having surgery September 1st, and I can't believe I am saying this- but I can't wait! I just finished 5 months of chemo and am looking forward to finding out how well it worked!

Joining in. Having final exchange surgery on 9/19 nearly 1-1/2 years after my initial mastectomy. I can't wait to have this all behind me.

just saying Hi to my sisters. Chemo is the hardest part if you ask me.

Wish all of you speedy recovery!!

Mimi

ElleElleBee, the fact that any of us is going through this is crazy. Unfortunately, it's also all too common. But still crazy. Makes your head spin sometimes, doesn't it?

Prior to being diagnosed, I had been rehearsing to be part of a play that we will be performing in September 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. After I met with the plastic surgeon August 4th, they said they would talk with my breast surgeon and schedule me "as soon as possible". So I figured I'd be able to get in within a couple weeks of that day at the latest and hopefully be able to be healed enough to be able to perform at the end of September. When they called me on August 8th to tell me that my surgery was scheduled for September 19th, I actually asked them to push the appointment one more week if possible. I figured if we've waited this long, I might as well wait one more week so I could perform in this play I've been working on so long. I've been very thankful to have the play as a distraction for me all this time and it would pretty much crush me if I wasn't able to perform.

I mean, given how cancer usually grows, by the time we figure out we have cancer, we've had it for years already at this point, right? What's one more week? Ha.

Wishing you all the best with your treatments, surgeries and recovery. This is day six post-op for me and looking forward to getting better. Luckily I should not need chemo/radiation- still waiting on pathology. I can completely understand that this process feels like it's taking soooo long. I was diagnosed on June 9 after 6 months of having symptoms and the 2 month wait until surgery felt like years. But please use this time to get everything organized that you will need. Stock the freezer, stock the necessities around the house, have a game plan for your return. Make certain that whomever is helping you at home understands your limits. My husband has no household responsibilities on a normal day, but he has learned. My nurses were very clear with him that I will not be able to do my usual chores. I've limited myself to slow dishwashing (we have no dishwasher) and very small loads of laundry picked up one piece at a time. He has picked up everything else. You will also need someone to help with your incision care. My husband cleaned and re-bandaged around the tube and incision- using my arms for that long and trying to do this by myself just makes life harder. Take is easy when you get home. If you've never had surgery before, you will be surprised at how tired you get by the smallest exertion. If doctor tells you six weeks, plan on six weeks. Again, hoping you all have great recoveries!

Hello! I'm a September surgery, too. I just got my date last week. September 5th I will be having a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I just finished my chemo on August 4. I am so nervous and anxious to enter this next phase of treatment but at the same time excited.

Hi, Eastcoast! So glad we're finally getting exchange dates!

Re: supplements - also increase your Vitamin C intake, as much as your tummy will allow.

I had a BMX on July 10 with tissue expanders. The right side was a prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy. I have to say the recovery was much easier than I thought it would be. I went back to work after four weeks but was feeling pretty good at three weeks. The worse part was the drains and just being so tired from the pain meds. I stopped taking them after a few days. Once the glue came off of the incisions, I was pleased with the way the scars looked. I start chemo tomorrow so on to the next thing. Just wanted to let you know that it wasn't too bad!

ugh...it didnt occur to me that I would have drains again after the exchange! they aren't as bad as I had expected, but I sure don't want to have them again. I am 15 days out of bmx surgery and will hopefully be getting mine out next week

pinkvictory, I agree with Eastcoast - I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority of getting drains at exchange, but my PS is a sadist as far as drains are concerned. I had them for 7 weeks after my initial BMX and I think they only took them out because I pitched a hissy fit about them.

I am also having a BMX on Sept. 1st. Though I'm only stage 1 and my tumor is very small, I made the decision for BMX because I am only 27 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job of staying positive with everything happening so quickly, how is everyone feeling?

Hi Ladies, wanted to wish everyone a speedy recovery for their upcoming surgeries. Being diagnosed was awful and now I'm learning to navigate through it one day at a time. I am so thankful for this community. I have learned so much and appreciate all the ladies who have gone before me and offered up some great advice. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 12, unilateral with recon using my own tissue. Praying that I won't need radiation or chemo.

Good luck, Littlebee72.

Good luck to those facing surgery!

I'm 9/7 but Exchange to implants. I had BMX in late Feb. If you guys have any questions, there are a couple of us on here who've been through BMX and maybe lumpectomy, too. We could try to help you prepare.

Also, there are some GREAT lists on BC.org with ways to prepare for surgery. This was very beneficial for me. What to take to the hospital, what to do at home before, things to consider (yuck but good idea: stool softener, etc., etc.).

Hugs to all.