September 2017 Surgery Group

Lots of people here advised me to tell the anesthesia team in my pre-op appt that I get nauseous (even if I was not sure I had before) and they'll go ahead with Zofran and the patch behind the ear. I had both for BMX and Exchange, no nausea. Didn't want to wait until I was actually nauseous.

Don't tell anyone you don't want to. My colleagues know, because I kinda had to tell something, some friends (limited). My neighbors have no idea. I mean, it's just very personal and changes perception (IMHO) and I did not feel comfortable inviting so many people into my deal. So you do what your gut tells you you WANT to do. And with some people, I find it super easy to talk about. Mostly those who have cancer...go figure.

Mobility was okay, actually. Lifting arms hard for me at first (putting arms into T-shirt, etc., impossible that I recall) but not as bad as I expected. I think I could brush hair and teeth pretty soon after without too much pain. And you'll only have one side. That is easier. Follow instructions from your doc. It's easy to do too much too soon. Get button shirts for first week or two. I'd also recommend Colace or something like this starting a couple of days before surgery. Many lists on BC.org detailing what to expect and how to prepare, but I'm sure you've found them already.

Good luck!

dazzlingeagle- my fingers are still sore from Taxol. My last Taxol was 8/16/17. I still have purple spots under my nails. One nail is still lifting but the antibiotics from MO took care of the ooze under that nail

dizzygirl- glad to hear from you and glad surgery went well.

Dark13, I agree. Tell whomever you want – or don't want – at your discretion and don't feel pressured into telling anyone anything you don't feel like. Personally, I blab everything because I don't care who knows and if it helps one person to avoid some of the problems I've had then I'm all for it. But that's me. I'd venture to say that most people are more discerning like you are.

DodgersGirl, glad your post-op appointment went well.

DizzyGirl, thanks for checking in.I'm glad you're doing OK.

AndreaLee, that's really a tough call. I took a couple of weeks off after my BMX last year but I probably didn't really need to. And I've seen people who have taken a full six weeks. As I have stated before with all of the chagrin I can muster, I found it remarkably easy to get my breasts cut off. Recovery wasn't really a big problem for me. I had a harder time recovering from the anesthesia sleepiness than anything else. And the emotional ups and downs are trippy too.

hello, everyone. Am new here and wonder if anyone can help with post surgery scarring problem. Despite using silicone tape and mederma products, I've developed painful keyloids and redness. Dermatologist suggested cortisone shots and laser treatment, but nothing has helped. Need to wear a bra or camisole since my breasts are uneven -- surgeon, despite his assurances, was unable to create balance between my mastectomy right breast and the reduced left. Have been trying to find a camisole or bra that evens things out for me -- maybe a compression type camisole without a shelf bra in it? -- anything with a band or bra lies on the scar and creates terrible pain and irritation. Would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. Thank

Don't be worried, Joyseeker. As I've said before, the drainage amount can fluctuate wildly. Could be that the drain had a bit of a clog that cleared itself up overnight. Be sure you are "stripping" or "milking" the tube several times a day. It's disheartening when that happens but try to remember those buggers are doing an important job.

Dark13, My surgery is Friday.   BMX, no reconstruction.  But maybe delayed reconstruction.  I will be staying overnight.   I feel exactly as you do.  I don't mind my friends knowing I'm having surgery, but I don't want them to know any details.  I also don't want visitors.  My husband is taking a week vacation to be with me the first week, so he is going to screen calls and answer the door.  I felt the same way in 2011 and my closest friends were completely understanding.  This is a very personal thing and not one that I share very often.  

Grandma V : we are surgery sisters on Friday! Sending love and good vibes your way !

Raven and East coast : thanks for the useful advice about time off .. I have told work 3 weeks but we will just see how it goes ! Like you Raven I do well with surgery but the darn anesthesia gets me ! After my 2 partials I was stoned for 3 days Loll!

Continued healing and positive vibes to all those in the group !

Wonderwoman I think I'm about a month behind you. Depending on pathology I likely start chemo in November. Beautiful baby in your profile pic

I’m an instant gratification kinda gal, I keep being told to “trust the process” but the process is going down the highway on fire at 80MPH with no difinitive path and that unknown terrifies me.

My baby is 5 months new. I found a lump 4 weeks post partum, my OBGYN was convinced it was a blocked milk duct but ordered an ultrasound “just in case” that woman saved my life.

From there I had to put my seatbelt on and start this wild and “unreal” ride.

Is anyone else still in some form of denial? Sometimes, even after having this extensive surgery, and seeing my new form in the mirror I still think someone is going to call and apologize for mixing up the test results, tell me this was all a big mistake and that I’m actually fine.

Dark13, I feel for you! I had BMX on Aug 31 and I was completely freaked out leading up to it. Fortunately my surgeon heard me when I told him that I better be stoned that morning...although I think the Rx for 300 Ativan was a bit over the top . I took 5. It helped . Then the wonderful anesthesiologist put me out with some gas at the earliest possible opportunity.

Tell who you want. I have told a limited group of people. There are simply not that many people I trust with this nor do I want to be defined by this disease.

I didn't want much in the way of visitors in the hospital or in that first week at home. I was sore, a titch crabby and the freaking drains were a PITA. It's difficult physically and emotionally.

My drains came out after ten days and things started to improve with mobility and general comfort after that. I started driving my six speed manual and went back to work the day after the drains came out.

I could do all my own self care immediately in the hospital. I am currently doing home exercises to improve my ROM and go to physio next week.

Good thoughts for you

Good early morning ladies!

OHeading to get my drains out today--Yay!!!

I think Raven has officially become our drain coach in this thread--& anyone that had over 110units of drainage Ina 24-hour period deserves such recognition! Thank you for encouraging us all, and reminding us of the important role these annoying tubes play.

Joyseeker-- I too was complaining how I though mine were leveling out at around 30-35/day for a couple of days and then shot up to 60-70 too.... but just as I complained, they drastically went down, and here I am 5 days later and output has been under 20 for past 3 days so they are coming out today!! And I appreciate your words regarding this fast train ride we are on. Each time my results have come back worse than we all expected, I think they must have confused my tissue with someone else's-- how is this all happening to me.... actually to all of us! I muddle over how BC is so rampant all the time. It baffles me.

Dogersgirl-- congrats on drains out! How are you babying your incisions? I bet it was great to shower and roll in your sleep! These are the little things I look forward to!

DazzlingEagle-- Thank you too for drain therapy! Yes, many little "blobbies" as we nicknamed them. And I do have ativan at home to take as needed for anxiety. It helps with emotions for sure, and i find myself taking it about once a week when my emotions get the best of me on this journey. I also found a therapist at my hospital that is part of the BC treatment team. I've always been a fan of therapy to help let emotions out. BC really stinks and it is nice to say it to her so I can stay more positive with my family. Definitely find someone close by.

Now it is that raw, burning feeling in my chest that has become more intense. I know this is all part of the healing process. Anyone been advised or have tried any warm compresses or other therapies to help?

Also wanted to welcome new ladies and wish them well on this journey and with their surgeries! Sorry for the looong message! Hugs to all

DodgersGirl- why hysterectomy and colonoscopy?

I have stage 3B but my team wanted to do surgery first. Like you I didn't think the drains coming out were bad, I had 3 drains and had them in for 15 days.

I have an expander on the left and just had my first fillyesterday. So much pinching below my armpit, sometimes burning.

Also I have this tightness and burning in my inner arm since surgery and limited range of motion, when I do range of motion and look in the mirror I have this hard cord like tendon? Ligament? I'm not sure but when I touch it while my arm is stretched out I feel hot poker fire at my elbow. Anyone else have this

My drains completely behaved overnight. 15cc. I go to day medical today so we will see what they say about removal. I'm betting a few more days. You ladies are my sanity. I am so grateful for you. On another note, I got a new cast yesterday. (Yes, that's my mastectomy arm above my head. Go me!!) surgeon says A+ for healing. Bone, incision and fractured blisters are looking "beautiful". This appointment restored my faith in my body somewhat. Still no weight bearing. He "might" give me a walking boot in two weeks if I behave. I also went across the hall to meet with my nurse navigator to do my medical history etc. She is expecting full pathology by the end of the week 💜. Love and care to you all today. Sara

LOL! The "drain whisperer". That cracked me up. It's only because I had them for so many weeks that I know what I'm talking about. Guh!

This time around the drains came out at my post-op appointment a mere 6 days after the exchange surgery - a record for me! And, for the first time ever, I had some pain when the right one came out - hurt like a mother, which has never happened before.