November 2018 Surgery Support Group

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  • Kstinekd
    Kstinekd Member Posts: 40
    edited November 2018

    Hi, all. I need to be bumped down on the surgery list. My blood work came back in terrible shape. I am very anemic, so they postponed my surgery for a tentative date of 11/29. I am meeting with a hematologist tomorrow (who luckily will also be my oncologist). I am guessing there are other bad things in my blood work since they set that appt up really fast for me. My B12 level is 1950. Normal is between 213 and 816. My white and red blood cell counts are low at 3.4. Normal is over 4. I was actually excited and ready for surgery...I had rides home from school lined up for my kids, I told my clients I was going to be "out of the office" for two weeks, I was mentally ready to let my 'girls' go and move on....and now I have to undo it all and continue the painful waiting game. :(

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  • HPFULL
    HPFULL Member Posts: 247
    edited November 2018

    Hi November Group. Well I thought I would be having surgery in November but I have a feeling it will be more like December. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow and the plastic surgeon on Monday the 12th. I need to decide if I should keep my nipple or not. I guess. Will know more soon. Looking forward to just getting the surgery over with.

    Dovely I hope your surgery went well today and Dyannha and Crossh I will be thinking of you and hoping the surgery and recovery are smooth.

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  • Dovely
    Dovely Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2018

    Hi Everyone, I got my implants yesterday (had a two week delay due to plans of DTI and my PS decided to wait two weeks using would vacs to strengthen skin and nipples). Anyway, she was super confident I could put them in yesterday and I was happy to wake up with them in instead of TE's. I'm super uncomfortable, but it's manageable. Seem to have less movement that after the BMX, and I have 4 drains. Oh well. Haven't really seen them yet because they are wrapped up right with foam and compression bra so I can't really assess their size etc. Hope you all are recovering well and good luck on the future surgeries this month!

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  • HockeyChick_CA49
    HockeyChick_CA49 Member Posts: 31
    edited November 2018

    Hi everyone, I am 1 week out from my UMX and ALND on Nov 1st. Stayed one night in the hospital. I'm doing pretty good. Better than I expected. I am taking morphine for pain which makes a big difference. I can move around more than anticipated. I just have to remember not to use my right arm too much. I can walk my dog and take care of myself/pets. The worst part is dealing with the drains (I have 2). They are uncomfortable and annoying to say the least. I've accidentally pulled on them a few times - ouch! Can't wait until they are removed!

    I have a home care nurse visiting my house every other day. I should have half the staples removed tomorrow and I'm hoping 1 drain will be removed as well, as it hasn't been producing a lot of fluid. The 2nd drain will be in there for a while longer.

    Pain is mostly in the drain sites and some tightness in the chest. Pain is at its worst in the morning, but I feel better once I take my pain meds. Some fluid retention or swelling under my arm. Armpit is numb which feels really, really freaky. Overall, I'm surprised at how well I'm doing. Thought it would be worse with respect to pain and mobility.

    Sleeping is a bit of a challenge. I bought an orthopedic pillow which props me up in bed. It helps a lot. It was expensive but worth the investment.

    Can't shower until drains are removed - ugh! Can't drive either.

    Good luck to everyone who has surgeries coming up. You can do it!


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  • Mariett
    Mariett Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2018

    I got my diagnosis on October 24th. I am now getting a second opinion , I met the new oncologist and am on board with her approach of surgery before chemo I now have to wait another week to see the surgeon. The waiting is killing me but I'm hoping the surgeon can schedule my surgery straight away. I feel like I'm gonna go from stage 2 to stage 3 if they don't hurry up....

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  • Sherylann987
    Sherylann987 Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2018

    It's official as of yesterday - I'm having surgery 11/20/18. I'm scared! I've had a number of surgeries in the past and was never nervous like this, but this one really scares me because my family has had such a terrible year in 2018 and I'm convinced the curse is going to strike me again. I lost my younger brother unexpectedly in February, my dad died in June, and my older brother just started hospice for lung cancer last month. I really don't think my mother or my kids could handle it if I die too. Trying to stay calm.

    Wishing all of you the best on your surgery journeys.

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  • JB1165
    JB1165 Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2018

    Add me to this month’s list. Lumpectomy and SNB on 11/13. Hoping to get all pathology back before everyone goes out for Thanksgiving.

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  • Giveityourall
    Giveityourall Member Posts: 71
    edited November 2018

    Sherylann987,

    Like you, I was scared. I was not looking forward to going under. Simultaneously, I could not wait. I wanted that dreaded thing surgically removed and permanently gone. Months later, I still find myself reining in my needless worrying or negative thoughts. Then, I remind myself that my worrying brings no benefits. It only drains me. Then, I remember that my kids need me and I need all the energy that I can get. So, I have used You Tube to learn meditation skills and I watch Ted Talks regarding positive thinking (https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUUnT6oDeKwE6v1NGQxug).

    You and your family have been through many ordeals....and I am not smart enough to know the appropriate words to use - ones that would provide temporary comfort or elicit incredible insights. I do know that I send my sincerest sympathies and wish you a better today or tonight.

    My best. Giveityourall

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  • RosieRed
    RosieRed Member Posts: 257
    edited November 2018

    I had my pre-op appointment yesterday with the PS. Now things are becoming real for me. As much as I want this done, I don’t want to have to do it, KWIM?

    Hope all of you are doing well.

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  • evily
    evily Member Posts: 63
    edited November 2018

    Welcome to the new November folks!

    Kstinekd, so sorry to hear your surgery is delayed! Nothing worse than wanting to get something over with and being made to wait.

    Dovely, it sounds like you are doing as well as can be expected after your surgery. I hope you heal up quickly!

    HockeyChick, glad to hear you are recovering nicely from your surgery. I am not looking forward to not being able to shower!

    Marriett, I hope you can get in for surgery ASAP!

    Sherrylann987, oh my goodness, you have had such a difficult year! (((hugs))) to you! I understand your anxiety about this surgery, but I am sure you will be just fine.

    RosieRed, I have my pre-op on Monday, and I have a feeling that's when it will become real for me too. And I am right there with you about wanting to have it done but not wanting to do it. It's just such a stressful thing! But we will be okay. :-)

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  • borogirl
    borogirl Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2018

    RosieRed - my PBMX is this Monday, and although I have had this scheduled since July, and have had lots of time to prepare mentally, physically, and around the house, today I find myself a little sick to my stomach and finding tears coming to my eyes. I KNOW I am doing the right thing, I am blessed to have had the warnings of risk and the opportunity to prevent cancer, but I guess it’s still sad to lose that part of our body. I’m having TEs and then gummy implants, but they’ll never be the same. I just keep repeating what God said to Joshua -“Be strong and courageous, I’ve got this in My hands”.

    Best wishes to my fellow Monday surgery ladies, SpiritedCharm and Christine 1975.


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  • sugarmaple
    sugarmaple Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2018

    Hi there! I just discovered this group...first post!...I’m also scheduled on 11/15, for a left mastectomy, with pre-pectoral reconstruction. It’s all been very fast (diagnosis in September of this year). Like someone here said, mostly I feel fine and every now and then I have a wave of sadness about the surgery (losing my breast)...I’m proud of all of us!

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  • boogirl
    boogirl Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2018

    Good luck Mon & Tues ladies, I'm up on Wed 11/14 as noted for BMX & TE's, and have had my pre-surgical testing and meetings with breast & plastic surgeons. It definitely gets v real v fast! I am also doing nerve block as borogirl is - highly recommended by both surgeons and no change to anesthesia plan, but rather a longer term pain management benefit for post-op that they find helps a lot. I hope they are right! I do nuclear prep on Tues for the sentinel node biopsy and that's the last of the pre-op. I continue to do a lot of pre-op pectoral and psoas stretches that I was told will help a bit at least with all those muscles will go through w TE's & eventual implants.

    I would say the information and color given on what to expect have been really good from my medical team, plus all I've learned from this community, but the anticipation is still very hard, especially of the pain, the drains, and the immobility / dependence for awhile. Also of whether the TE's will be as uncomfortable as some say they are. The rules have been emphasized a lot for the best outcome, and quickest recovery, so I'm planning to be as compliant as possible (not a normal trait for me!). I think I carry 5 lbs every time I pick up my purse (time for an edit pre-op - a good weekend project & picking a tiny purse to force the point for the next few weeks whenever I finally am mobile again) and as for hair, no arms above head for 2 weeks should yield an interesting look - working on getting help with that. My PS is a no-shower believer while the drains are in, so that's 2 weeks also of less than optimal cleanliness - I like my showers and baths! Oh well. These pragmatic issues help distract from the concerns over them finding any surprises in the nodes, the realization this is actually happening now, and the nervousness over the way this all ends up aesthetically too.

    We all have a lot on our shoulders! Wishing everyone the best as this November group deals with the reality together.

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  • Dyannah
    Dyannah Member Posts: 52
    edited November 2018

    good afternoon everyone. I had my surgery on Friday. I got out of the hospital the next day. Today I am having really bad upset stomach. But I do have good news. My lymph nodes were clear of cancer

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  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    Dyannah, that is very good news. I am freaking at any signs of discomfort in my chest area, and my surgery isn't until the sixteenth. I want it over with. I have been having problems with gas, and drinking fennel-mint tea helps a lot, I have a cup right here. Just talked with my sister who is having knee replacement on the fourteenth.

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  • Dyannah
    Dyannah Member Posts: 52
    edited November 2018

    McBaker, it hurts me more to wear a bra than not. Lol

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  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    lol haven't worn one for a week, and much better for it. I don 't know about a surgical bra, but I supposed i will have to get used to it.


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  • BluGene
    BluGene Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2018

    Dyannah -I didn’t have any stomach issues, but I was told I could from the anaesthetic. It should hopefully pass soon.

    I also couldn’t decide if bra or no bra was better. I had to wear one for work, and them not moving felt better, but taking it off hurt worse. I currently have pains under my breast next to my ribs, so I’ve been going braless for a few days. Hurts a bit to raise that arm too, but I’m only two weeks out, so I’m putting it in the “still healing” category.

    I see my plastic surgeon on Wednesday, and I signed the papers for a DMX. I’m nervous, but so anxious to get this over with.

    How’s our mx people doing this month?

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  • evily
    evily Member Posts: 63
    edited November 2018

    Hi everyone! Just wanted to poke my head in and say hi before I head off to surgery bright and early tomorrow morning. So glad to hear those of you who have already had surgery are doing well. Looks like we had 3 surgeries today, so best wishes for a speedy recovery to borogirl, spiritedcharm and Christine1975! And good luck to everyone else going this week. We've got this!!!

    I had my pre-op today and now it definitely feels real. The nerves are starting to kick in a bit. The nurse told me to go home and have a glass or two of wine, which is the opposite of what another nurse told me last week. Of course I want to believe the pro-wine nurse, LOL, but I will probably play it safe and abstain. I've got my overnight bag all packed. So I guess I just have to get my butt out of bed at 5am and get this show on the road. I just want to get it over with.

    Hope the rest of you are doing well and staying strong. :-)

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  • Renee04
    Renee04 Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2018

    good luck Evily!!! I’ll be thinking about you!!! My big day is Thursday! Glad to be going through this with all the November ladies! Be strong... you got this!

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  • SarahNola
    SarahNola Member Posts: 47
    edited November 2018

    my surgery was moved up from the 30th to the 23rd. I am pretty much in total panic mode.

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  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    Odd that most of the November people are this week. My day is friday. I am busy stocking the freezer. Squash soup tonight. Spaghetti tomorrow, split pea soup wednesday. Then corn casserole thursday. MRE's for days when cooking is impossible. The freezer may be close to full. I also got a can of menudo for adventurous moments.

    Thinking about getting my suitcase down and putting stuff in it. That seems so final. I went to the grocery store, was without my CBD for a while.Then i was a bit panic y on the way home.

    My sister has her knee replacement tomorrow.

    Sara, you will do fine, and be glad to have it done with.

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  • CHB87
    CHB87 Member Posts: 31
    edited November 2018

    Hi all, night before my surgery (lumpectomy/reduction/node biopsy)!

    needless to say, I'm a hysterical mess. I've never had surgery so I'm terrified of that aspect

    plus I'll find out of I've had node involvement so terrified of that. trying to lean into the fear rather than fight it

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  • RosieRed
    RosieRed Member Posts: 257
    edited November 2018

    Thinking of everybody going through surgery this week. I wish you all the best. Surgery on Wednesday for me. It’s weird to face this and being nervous yet trying to assure my 14 & 10 year old boys not to worry about me. Trying hard not to freak them out when I’m freaking out. Tomorrow I’m planning to pack my bag for the hospital while the kids are in school. Also have to get my shots in both ladies. Not looking forward to that at all.

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  • sugarmaple
    sugarmaple Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2018

    Thinking of you today, Evily! I do hope all went well. 🌼 I’m also one of the gals having surgery this week-Thursday for me. Pre-op and node scan this Wednesday. Sending strength and continued courage out to all of us. And I’m finding ways to laugh when I can-it’s a great way to keep my mind from thinking about the upcoming change to my body.

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  • Debkap
    Debkap Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    evily and borogirl I am going to have the nerve block as well (11/21). Both my BS and my PS recommended this for pain control and to avoid the need for opiates.

    9 days to go and my nerves are frayed. I’m scared of regretting my decision to do the BMX, but more scared of the future possibilities if I don’t. My latest freak out is the loss of my nipples. I never really thought about how important they are visually. I know reconstruction can include some nipple options but that seems like so far out from next week. Trying to take this a step at a time and not worry so much but it seems like I’m more emotional and scared of the mental adjustment than the physical. Maybe I’m just displacing my fears, but I’m not particularly scared of the surgery itself or the pain/discomfort. However I’m increasingly terrified of how I will feel afterwards about the loss of my Breasts, including the nipples. I’m committed to my decision, but nervous nonetheless.

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  • borogirl
    borogirl Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2018

    Surgery was yesterday (took about 5 hours)and all went very well. Had the pecs 1 and pecs 2 nerve blocks and think that really helped keep from having nausea and major pain yesterday. Not much pain just sitting here in bed in hospital but boy, twisting or major arm movement is painful all around the edges on implant. I can tell there is swelling on the upper breast and it’s painful to touch it there. Only dressing right now is some gauze pads that are maybe taped down on my sides but not in front so I can pull them away to see incisions. They are around the top of areola and then out to lateral side. I see no unusual redness there so I guess that is all good. Dr always has his patients have catheter over night and they pulled it this morning and I have walked to the bathroom once to urinate. Hurt really bad to wipe from back so will need to wipe from front for awhile. They say day 2 is worse so I will make sure I get appropriate pain meds. Good luck to everyone else this week.

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  • borogirl
    borogirl Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2018

    Forgot to mention that PS was able start me off with 250cc in prepectoral TEs. Also just went bathroom again and it hurts to wipe from front too

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  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    One of my reasons for refusing bilateral. It will get better.

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  • RosieRed
    RosieRed Member Posts: 257
    edited November 2018

    Got a call from the nurse at day surgery. We went over everything for tomorrow. Then we talked about today’s injections and she asked if I wanted to take Valium. Sign me up!! Called hubby so he can drive me to and from the hospital.

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