July 2018 surgery

My surgery is set for 7/16, BMX and Ooph. Just started the muciprocin goo up both nostrils today. Gross. Tonight I'll use a petit pois size lump and hope it's less disgusting. It's starting to get real. I've been glad to read others here that had positive outcomes (negative node findings and the like), hate to read about the negative outcomes. My wedge pillows (one for head, one to elevate feet) arrived yesterday. I have one more big project to finish at work (tomorrow!) and then can hope for two full weeks of absolutely no work disruptions (self-employed, no guarantees there). My aunt (26 year bc survivor!) will "babysit" the one time we know my husband has to be out for a couple of hours. Still not telling anyone really about this ordeal - I'm not ready to have people know. Upside of that: no risk of unwanted visitors. Downside: people keep telling me to enjoy my vacation next week and that they hope we're going somewhere fun! Anyway. To those that have been through surgery, thank you for sharing your experiences. It's comforting.

I've thought of a couple of questions.

1: I have what I hope is plenty of button-up shirts (oversize) for the next couple of weeks. I have button-up blouses that I hope will fit when I have to go back out into the community (job-related). I'm wondering how long it takes before oversize t-shirts, pullover tops or baggy sundresses are possible. My husband will gladly help if that's all it takes to wrangle a top onto me while range of motion is an issue. Is that all it is, having someone help?

2: I read, a lot - it's a great escape from the real world!! How soon before holding a book or Kindle is not uncomfortable? I've never done an audiobook and wonder if I should plan to download a bunch of those to make "reading" easier. I don't usually watch tv or movies.

Thanks to anyone who can venture an answer.

Vermonster, sbout the clothes- something with front zipper like a robe. Or stretchy dress that you can wear feet first! I wore robe at home and dress going home from hospital . Both items bought at tjmaxx

Vermonster, for the first week you can't lift your arm so consider wearing zipper front clothe or dresses. Second week you can start moving shoulders

And I love books too you can download books. Here is mine from kindle.

I was holding my cell 5-6 hours after surgery. Try slowly to hold or just prop the iPad on your pillow.

It’s doable you know!!

Thank you Bostoniangal25 - I have a bunch of button front shirts (out of hubby's closet!) and loose shorts/pants (drawstring) - so first week or two should be ok - I don't care what I look like at home! I'm fretting more about when I finally have to go out in public (my job often involves interactions folks where I need to dress "nicely") as to whether my summer teeshirt dresses (and similar dressy casual stuff) will work...

Thanks Bostoniangal25 - my husband will gladly do the buttons, I have no plans to go anywhere or any need to go anywhere (except follow up doc appts on the calendar in 2nd week) and won't need to drive myself for as long as it takes - so I guess I should be ok by the third week with loose blouses - if not, we'll cope I guess!

I have bras and a prosthetic I would donate. Never used. Bras very uncomfortable for me and prosthetic is just not for me.

email me: jcohennow@gmail.com

I have been lurking around the site for awhile and thought I would join in. I am scheduled for a DMX with diep reconstruction on the 18th. I had my lymph nodes removed on the 6th and they were clear. I feel like I am to calm right now and am afraid I will have a massive meltdown before the surgery.

I really appreciate this site and everyone's contribution, it had definitely helped to guide some of my questions with my surgeons.

Those who had DMX with expanders. Are you wearing a bra? If so what kind??

Hello all,

I'm 32, BRCA2+ and have stage 0 DCIS, grade 3. I'm scheduled for my DMX with pre-pectoral TE this Thursday 7/19. My mom had the same thing in 2003, which is how we first found out about BRCA. I decided then (at age 19) that I would have a prophylactic DMX (we have no history of gyn cancers) once I was done with kids. Fast forward to April, I'm done having and breastfeeding my kids and go in for my first baseline mammo when they found the DCIS. Because of the location of my DCIS, they can't save the nipples (and I don't think I'd be comfortable keeping them regardless) but my surgeons are going to do areola sparing. Just curious if anyone else has done this, or is planning to? It seems like a relatively new procedure, and cosmetically I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what I'm going to see. I'm barely an A cup now, but at my biggest while nursing I was almost a C, so that's what I'm hoping for with TEs, if all goes well. It's super encouraging to read all your posts and realize what I'm feeling is normal, and to get insight into the future! Here's to clean scans and healthy futures!

Yeah. I went home with no surgical bra and wearing nothing now. Will probably do camis later.

SLL101984: you said your skin stressed a lot...I had DMX on July 2. I was very purple after surgery especially the right side. It's gotten better but still discolored. They said I had a lot of bleeding in surgery on right side. How long was your skin discolored??

My skin healed well, and quick. No bruising. But my areolas and nipples got almost black two days after surgery. That lasted a couple days and it slowly started to heal, scab, and reveal pink underneath.

As far as sensations go I don’t have much feeling on the skin at all on my breasts. I have feeling still all around them so hoping it will come back some. I also didn’t not have any stitches just glue.