Business trip overseas 7 weeks after BMX with TE?

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Shadie
Shadie Member Posts: 57
edited November 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi!


A newbie here!

I am currently slated for a prophylactic BMX with TE on Wed. Jan. 10 on account of my BRCA+ status.....and I am supposed to go overseas for work on March 1 or 6, approximately 7 (or nearly 8) weeks out for approximately 10 days--2 weeks. My breast surgeon would like to do a SNB as part of the procedure (that is this doctor's M.O.), but would accede to my wishes not to do it, since I know it would up my LE risk and I know it is not standard practice for prophylactic surgeries.

The current plan is for my relatives to take care of me for about 2 weeks post-surgery, or until the drains come out. I hope to return to my (desk) job 3.5 weeks post-surgery, on Monday, Feb. 5.

None of the various doctors (breast surgeons and plastic surgeons) that I consulted with before selecting my surgical team seemed worried about the timing of the business trip--they all said I should be fine by then. Based on your recoveries, is this possible, or am I crazy?

To add to the mix: 1) I am going overseas to attend several specific events, which cannot be postponed to accomodate my schedule. 2) Due to the flow of my work responsibilities, I have limited windows during which I can do non-emergency surgeries and take off from work for any period of time--it is either now or wait til the summer. 3) The relatives who would take care of me post-surgery for several weeks are available in January, but their summer schedule is up in the air.

Thanks!

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited December 2017

    Hi Shadie, I am sorry you have to plan this surgery. There is no good timing for it in anybody's life.

    With regards to your questions I first want to say that recovery is usually faster in women who are younger and healthier. You will get drains installed and how soon those drains can come out is hard to say. Usually, women with larger breasts have more discharge and have to keep them longer. I had BMX with tissue expanders placed during surgery. My recovery was mostly uneventful but I had to keep my drains for five weeks because of the amount of discharge I was producing. I went back to work two days after the last drain was out. I could have gone to work sooner if it weren't for the drains.

    This surgery especially when they put in expanders, comes with some risk of infection. That's probably the biggest risk that you need to consider. What to do on your trip abroad if you suddenly develop an infection? Another question is related to range of motion. It will still be very limited 7 weeks after surgery, so depending on what exactly you are expected to do that might be a limiting factor. Overall, I would say the decision to go or not to go depends on your risk tolerance and preparation. You should have a pretty good picture of where you are in the recovery process some 3-4 weeks after the surgery, so in the worst case scenario you can cancel your trip then.

    Speaking of relatives that would take care of you post-surgery I don't think you will need much care, so I wouldn't make this a decisive factor. You should be able to take care of yourself as long as you prepare properly (food for a few days, laundry, move stuff from upper shelves to kitchen counters, etc.)

    Best of luck with your surgery!

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  • Mammabear
    Mammabear Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    You will not be able to get your cabin baggage into the overhead locker, so I would make sure the cabin baggage can be placed under the seat in front. It will also be difficult to lug heavy bags off the baggage carousel so packing light will be important.

    Apart from that, if your recovery is normal you should be feeling much better by 7 weeks. The first 2 weeks were very difficult for me, and it will definitely help to have people around to assist you. I had trouble showering, dressing, and even cooking was difficult.

    I started to feel more normal at 3 weeks. I was driving and went back to work. After that it was a steady improvement and gaining strength. I went skiing at 8 weeks, but took it easy and had someone help with carrying the skis. By about 12 weeks I could do almost everything.

    Good luck


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  • Peacetoallcuzweneedit
    Peacetoallcuzweneedit Member Posts: 233
    edited December 2017

    Hi Shadie -

    I had a double Mx June 1st - immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders placed - a SNB on my left side and flew to Greece from Cali Sept 1st. In addition, my left tissue expander deflated and I had to have it replaced a week before my trip!!! Dear lord....that was....an EVENT!!! I had a compression bra, compression sleeve, and gauntlet. I met with a cerified Lymph Therapist before flying - about 30days before to get measured accurately and get my sleeve ordered...and followed what she told me. I took a script of antibiotics with me, because I had week old incision from the TE replacement....I was fine. I certainly lifted more than I should have but life went on..no probs from that. Boarding planes and changing flights and missing flights caused some crazy running through airports, an additional 7hrs on plane added to an already 13hr flight. I got through it. My docs were all very supportive in me going and said "You will be fine." It was me that added the layers of stress for all the different reasons that went through my head. I had my gyno on text and she agreed to take any messages from me and contact my PS and BS if needed, but all was ok. Thank God!!!!

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited December 2017

    I would think you'd be fine at seven weeks. I was chomping at the bit at four weeks to get off restrictions.

    Angelina Jolie had the blue dye put in for the prophylactic mastectomies. Apparently the dye can be seen in the nodes for a long time, so if something sinister is found they can go back and snag the sentinel node. You can read more about it here. https://pinklotus.com/powerup/breastcancer101/prophylactic-breast-dye-injection-pbdi-an-innovative-idea/


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  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 57
    edited December 2017

    Thanks for all your replies.

    Alas, my surgeon won't do the pinklotus drill, so it is either a SNB or nothing, and that is what I am leaning towards.

    Never realized that breast size would influence how long the drains stay in, but intuitively, that would make sense. And since I am a little on the larger size, that makes me more nervous....

    I will likely have an "in" at a top hospital in that country should I get an infection.

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  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2018

    Update: I went on my business trip at 7 weeks, and had zero issues, thank goodness! I got some nice people to put my bag in the overhead compartment (I traveled with only a carry on bag) but otherwise had no issue rolling my bag on city streets, taking it on/off buses and trains, etc. My worst problems were with the TSA, since my TEs set off the metal detector and the agents headed towards me with grabby hands--until I crossed my arms over my chest and told them not to touch me there, since I recently had surgery (they backed off!)

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  • ScubaMom24
    ScubaMom24 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    Shadie,

    Thanks for the update, happy to hear the trip went well and you didn't have any major issues. My surgery is April 30 and am hoping to take a dive trip to Bonaire in early August. I'm not going to count on diving (lots of upper body stress getting suited up and handling gear) but will be happy to snorkel or simply relax. Hope your recovery continues to go well!

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  • coclico
    coclico Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2018

    shadie, I'm due to go back to work (to a brand new job) 19 days after prophylactic double mastectomy with direct to implant. do you think it's doable? glad you went on your trip and any tips welcome! thanks community!

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  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 57
    edited November 2018

    Hi Coclico,

    My recovery was easier because I had prepectoral (above the muscle) surgery--and they could not determine for sure if I was a candidate until I was on the table (this is standard.) I think 19 days out--especially at a new job--is quite ambitious. You may still have your drains at that point!

    Good luck!

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