Timing of SAVI placement after surgery

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Mielli
Mielli Member Posts: 49
edited March 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello, I am new to this site today and have a question about SAVI placement that I have not seen addressed.

I was diagnosed with 3 types of BC on 12/18/17. I had a right lumpectomy with (4) sentinel nodes removed on January 24, 2018. This Tuesday, February 27, I am scheduled to have the SAVI device inserted. I will be 5 weeks postop (minus one day) on that date. My concern is that I have read on other sites that healing had already progressed too much by even 2 weeks postop sometimes, preventing placement of the device. I read on the SaviSisters site that optimal time for placement after surgery is 2-4 weeks. Mine is scheduled later than that because there was a bathroom leak in the building which had to be repaired before the surgeon could continue with office procedures. (Insert eye roll) I have called the office to ask what happens if he cannot insert it at 5 weeks after surgery. They assured me he WILL do it, even if he has to use catheters to enlarge the space where it will go. This makes me quite nervous, but I will also be upset if I have to start several weeks of external radiation after waiting so long for this short-term treatment. Anyone out there who had their SAVI placed at 5 weeks or more after lumpectomy? Or have most of you had your insertion in the 2-4 week period? Any information would be appreciated! Thank you!

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited February 2018

    Mielli,

    Sorry you find yourself on the BC threads, but you'll find a lot of help and comfort here. I never thought about it, but in counting the actual weeks between my lumpectomy date and the date I had the SAVI device inserted, it looks like I went over 4 weeks. I don't remember even having a discussion with the surgeon about it and probably wasn't aware of a normal time limit. I suppose it depends on how fast a person heals and other factors. I did not have a problem with the insertion or treatments and the rads actually reduced the seroma I had at the SNB incision. If you have access to a nurse navigator through your treatment center, it would be a good question for them.

    If you're interested, many of us have discussed tips and SAVI treatment through other threads--just do a keyword search for SAVI by clicking on the Search box in the upper left corner.

    Best wishes for your treatment. The time will go fast but you'll be glad when it's over. Hope they've figured out how to let you shower--when I had mine, I couldn't shower until the device was out, but that was over 3 years ago and things do change! Again, in other threads we have discussed keeping clean, washing hair, etc. which might provide you with ideas.

    Ceanna

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  • JKL2017
    JKL2017 Member Posts: 437
    edited February 2018

    Mielli, I had my SAVI inserted nine days after my lumpectomy. In order to insert it my BS had to drain a seroma that had formed, but it was painless. Have you spoken with your RO about the delay? In my case, my cancer was larger than originally thought & when I asked my BS whether I was still eligible for the SAVI, she called the RO to check. (Why she hadn't already done that was a mystery to me but it appears that the doctors on our treatment teams don't always communicate.) If I were you, I'd make sure you're still a candidate for treatment BEFORE insertion. If your RO is comfortable doing your APBI five weeks after your lumpectomy, I'm sure it will be fine.

    Good luck & keep us posted.

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2018

    Thank you, Ceanna, for your reply! I have been browsing the SAVI sites and see that you have much comfort and advice to offer. I do not have a Nurse Navigator; I wish I did! I sent an email to a person at the place I am receiving care who said she was a Breast Health Navigator, but it was returned to me. The address must be incorrect or outdated. I plan to ask in person when I go tomorrow to have the SAVI placed. I also go to Rad Onc to have the CT scan(s) and measurements (?) and whatever else they do prior to my treatments which are supposed to start the next day, Wednesday. I was very anxious all weekend; doing a little better tonight by doing everything I can think of that I can't do the next 8 days because of lifting restrictions. Unfortunately, still no shower for the 8 days! Wow. I can sit in the bathtub, but unsure about washing my hair yet. Thanks again for your reply! I will be back on this site often, I'm sure.

    Sharon

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2018

    Thank you, JKL2017, for your well wishes, and I'm sure I will return to this site to update my status and probably ask more questions! Yes, it's quite amazing to me that I have 3 new oncologists who refer to and communicate with each other routinely (I am told), but it does not feel that way! I will ask the question of the BS tomorrow morning before insertion. I really hope to find a Nurse Navigator also. I need one person who can answer questions from any of the 3 areas if available! Again, I appreciate your reply!

    Mielli (Sharon)

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2018

    I'm sorry I did not see this before I sent my other reply. If you still had a lumpectomy cavity after all that time, I should not be worrying. Best wishes to you on this journey none of us chose.

    Mielli

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  • JKL2017
    JKL2017 Member Posts: 437
    edited February 2018

    Mielli, indulge yourself & schedule a wash & blowout or two during radiation. You can manage showers if you use a handheld attachment (or just take shallow baths) but there's no easy way to wash your own hair while the SAVI is in. Be sure you have a small pillow for support (I used a moonlight pillow & carried it with me everywhere. And check with your doctor about whether they will provide you with a bra after the SAVI is inserted. Because you will have gauze covering the catheters, it may be difficult to wear the bra you arrived in. I went home from insertion braless & it was not very comfortable (the weight of my breast made me very aware of the SAVI). The bra my RO later provided made it easy to access the catheters for radiation but provided almost no support so I actually wore a second, much more supportive bra over it during the entire week.

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited February 2018

    Mielli, I hope your surgeon visit today went well and also hope that the device placement is not too uncomfortable. I remember a feeling of pressure but not really pain. Let the nurses show you how to change the bandages since it sounds like your placement will be over the next weekend when you probably won't be having treatment. I used a breast binder my treatment center provided and did not have to wear a bra--soft fabric rectangle with a Velcro closing in the front. It kept all the wires and breasts in place and allowed me to just open my fleece jacket and binder and not fully undress during treatment in a cold room. Take it easy and let others help you as needed. I found I could do most anything in the kitchen and around the house--just skipped the heavy work. Ask away if you have questions. Those 8 days will go fast and it will feel so good when they remove the device and you can hop in the shower again!! All the best. Ceanna

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2018

    Hi Ceanna!

    How nice to hear from you again! My surgery visit and insertion of SAVI was SO much better than I imagined. My doctor is very experienced, and I watched as he smoothly found the cavity on ultrasound and placed it without problem. I did not feel pain during the procedure, nor for about 6 hours after when the numbness wore off. I did have pain then, about a "6" on a 0-10 scale. I took Norco left from my lumpectomy surgery, and then another one a few minutes ago for the night. The set-up for radiation treatments took longer than I thought, but everyone from doctors to nurses to radiation technologists were wonderful. They gave me a soft fabric "surgical bra" which does what you described, and dressing change materials for the weekend. My appointments are 8:15 and 2:15 each day, and I'm calm about those, now that today is over! How nice it will be to be finished with radiation by Tuesday afternoon! I have a kitchen full of dishes to clean up now, so I'll say goodnight and check in again after a few treatments! I hope I can keep from sleeping on that right side! How kind of you to offer your experience and tips and reassurance!

    Mielli

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  • Dustien
    Dustien Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2018

    Hi All.  Thanks Mielli for starting this thread.  It's helped me to push for a fast placement of the Savi.  I've already asked my BS to, hopefully, push to have the Rad contact me soon to schedule this thing.  I'm one week out of surgery, and am waiting to hear from the Rad team for appointment.  I hope to get it placed two weeks from now (which will be 3 weeks out of surgery).  I just really want this all done by the end of March, since Spring is my favorite time of year and I hate missing any of it!  I want to get out there..hiking, boating, walking, video taping wildlife, hunting driftwood.  So ready for winter and breast cancer to be over!

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited March 2018

    Mielle, I hope the treatments have gone well so far and the weekend caring for the wraps by yourself is manageable. Soon you'll be done and in the shower!!!

    Dustien, hope they can schedule you in soon. All the best as you begin rads.

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    Hello Dustien,

    I hope your SAVI is inserted when you want it to be, so you can complete radiation treatment and move on! My worries about having mine placed 5 weeks after surgery were needless, though. My BS easily found the cavity on ultrasound and easily inserted the SAVI device! Good luck with your treatments!

    Miell

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    Thank you, Ceanna! Treatments are 60% complete! I have mild pinkness of skin and some “twinges” of discomfort and soreness. Nothing to complain about! My daughter helped with the dressing change today. Mine is placed where it would have been nearly impossible to reach and wrap myself. Best to you; thank you for being there for us newbies.

    Mielli

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    My radiation treatments are complete!. SAVI was removed 2 days ago, 1st shower 24 hours after (almost to the minute!). I asked for my SAVI, to keep as my "trophy." They were very kind and sanitized and gave it to me. I have minimal soreness around the insertion site and generalized mild breast tenderness, but that's it! Well ... except for the fatigue, but that's another subject. Best wishes to all on this site!

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited March 2018

    Mielli, glad it all went so well for you. Ahhh! I remember that first shower!! Keep wound clean and wrapped and I hope the wound closes quickly for you. I looked at but did not keep the SAVI device. Fortunately it did not feel as big as it looked!!! The feeling of fatigue will past and it's not unexpected to get a little nerve pain and twinges as the breast heals--I did, but it to passed. Onward to complete healing!! Thanks for letting us walk the treatment with you. Pass on your story to others facing rads, and keep us updated. Ceanna

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    I will be around for a while, I'm sure. Femara (letrozole) is next, and I've seen some stories ... Hoping for the best and wanting to do everything I can to prevent recurrence! My SAVI wound was steri-stripped - with lots of strips! I was suprised, as everyone I knew about said the wound is left open. I hope it drains if it needs to! I can always come up with a new worry; trying to break this habit. : )

    Mielli

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  • Mielli
    Mielli Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2018

    Thank you, KB870! So far, I've had no choice but to listen to my body. Lol. If I sit down, I'm out. Today I went to a movie and ordered a coke, although I usually avoid caffeine (side effects) - so I wouldn't fall asleep and embarrass myself. It worked. Thanks for all the encouragement!

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