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January 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    Sending {{hugs}} to everyone waiting for surgery.  The days leading up to my bmx were the worst.  I was actually fine the night before... but before that?  Forget it.  My anxiety and sadness hit the roof.  I'm thinking of you ladies and wishing you strength - you can do this!!!  And Joan is right - it is much better on the other side!

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    can anyone comment on what these new boobies are going to feel like once they are finished.  Mine are as hard as rock!  I had a bit of fill at surgery...like only 60cc.  I'm supposed to get 350cc.  I'm afraid that I may have chosen too big a size!  Will they be soft again someday?  Will I be able to sleep on my stomach or will these be in the way?  

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited January 2014

    Mine are about 400cc after exchange. One is slightly larger, but thats the average for both, silicone. They are harder than I expected but softening a bit after 2 weeks, one side at least settling down a bit. I can sleep on my stomach, but maybe am out of practice. Doesnt hurt tho! Side was fine during te, but never could stomach sleep with them.

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    Thanks Aviva.  Mine are a bit different....there is no exchange and I think they are filled with saline (?).  When they finish the fills they just remove the fill ports.

    But I'm happy to hear that they do soften up a bit.  Maybe they are still a bit swollen and everything is just stretched to max!

    Laurie

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited January 2014

    Well I attest to foobs,

    I had my augmentation 25 years ago.  While I had a bit of tissue, all gone now, my foobs were hard to begin with. After a while they got nice and soft...no one could tell I had implants. They even started to sag like a 57 yo lady. lol Now that all of my natural tissue is gone the implants still feel soft and look AOK.  So give it time and when it doesn't hurt anymore massage the heck out of them or have ,you know, someone else help.  Mine are silicone and my BS said No, you don't have to replace them every 10 years. If they are not leaking they are good to go. it did take a while to sleep on my stomach but I am a side sleeper so that could just be me.

    I am so grateful I was able to keep them, even though I look like I did when I was 14. I remember coming home after having them "done" my then 5 yo said "Mommy, you look different" so funny..he knew those boobs better than anyone.

    Now to get the dang drains out tomorrow. Please, please, please. One of the stiches is grabbing like mad. ouch.

    Have any of you had these mini waves of depression? I am not sad or teary, just feel out of sorts.

    My thoughts are with everyone, especially you ladies having surgery soon. Super big hugs to you all.

    Eve

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    thanks eve!  And yes My head is definitely not quite right.  I'm on an anti depressant right now....just started.  Hoping that will even me out.

    I think that it's ok that I'm not quite on track yet....not going to beat myself up about it.  It's all going to be good again!

    Laurie

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2014

    Sending gentle hugs to all of my January surgery sisters. I had surgery Thursday, Jan. 23rd (had right MX with sentinel node dissection-doctor says she took out 4 nodes that have been sent to pathology). I have a couple of questions and hope that some of my sisters can answer :-) . Do they numb u before they take the drains out? I know that i sound like a baby but i'm a little nervous about it hurting.

    When do they take the drains out? Week? Two weeks?

    And when did you guys start your arm exercises? I was going to start today (was feeling invincible and then next thing i know i was asleep! LOL!).

    Thank you guys for all of your sharing. Sending prayers and love to everyone! I just keep replaying Katy Perry's song Roar to get me through!

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    Trying - I was not frozen to have the drains removed...done at home by a nurse.  Uncomfortable but nothing too bad.  Take a pain med an hour before....it will help.  When I had my SND (earlier surgery) I had to go to the hospital and they put me out for 2 min to take it out.  It was stuck. 

    I had my BMX with implants on Jan 2.  I had 1 drain out after 7 days and the other after 9....but some have to wait longer.  All depends on how much fluid is draining.  They normally say under 20cc...but each PS seems to have their own ideas of this.

    So my PS still told me to do nothing as far as exercises.  She wants me to wait????  But I do reach for thing a bit further away everyday. 

    Hope that helps....I'm sure others will have different instructions from their PS.

    Laurie

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2014

    Thanks Laurie! I go to my PS Wednesday. I'm going to take pain med right before like u said (just in case). Sorry to hear that your node got stuck! You, i see, are definitely a fighter! Thanks for answering me so quickly (helped ease my nerves)! 

    Tisha 

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    tryingtostaypositive - They don't numb you when they take out the drains.  It doesn't really hurt... just a weird sensation mostly.  Two of mine I couldn't even feel when they pulled them, two of them hurt a little.  I got 2 drains out at my 1 week post-op, and the other two on day 20, so almost 3 weeks.  I was SO sick of them!  My surgeon said to not do the arm exercises until I got my drains out.  The nurse at my plastic surgeon's office said to start them ASAP.  I can tell you that my one drain was at 15 for three days.... I started the exercises and it went to 20cc and then up to 30cc... needless to say I quit the exercises until my drains were out!

    I have been on Lexapro for the stress/anxiety since about a week after my diagnosis (Aug 1).  I missed about three days of it about a month ago (forgot to put it in my daily pill container) and boy could I tell.  I was a moody, crying mess!  I was so relieved when I realized what was going on... I thought I was going crazy!  

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited January 2014

    Hi Trying,

    welcome to the other side!

    10 days on the drains for me...hopefully I can get them out tomorrow. My BS says 20cc also. But my measuring cup is broken down into mls.? have to get the ratio for that.

    anyhow I don't think the drains are painful to pull out. had one for a gallbladder removal years ago, it was much bigger and a foot into my body...it was like they pulled out a wet noodle. slurp and squish and done. lol sorry, trying to be funny.

    I started exercises albeit slowly the first day. just felt better stretching a little. If it hurts....stop.

    Thanks levassel...just feel weird, you know, like something is wrong but can't pinpoint it....I have taken anti-depressants in the past, just don't want to go there ....hate pills and SE's. oh well....I think as soon as I can get out and walk my dd....darling dog, I will feel better.

    peace, love and healing hugs to all,

    eve

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2014

    Thanks lighthouselady! So, i'm definitely not startng my arm exercises until after these drains come out! Ur right, they are a pain! i like ur idea about the anxiety meds too. I look forward to saying that i'm one week post op! Thanks for the quick respone! It's inspiring to read through your experiences so i can know what to expect. Sending u and all of my sisters a great big gentle hug and kiss

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited January 2014

    be careful trying,

    not doing any exercises can lead to a frozen shoulder.

    the drains staying in can be a good thing.... you don't want fluid build up if you get them out too early and have to be aspirated.

    my home nurse said back in the old days before drains women just had gauze over the incisions and had to change it many times a day...yuk. so drains can be good. Just my humble opinion...do not...not exercise . just because you want the drains out.

    Having said that...I want mine out asap...not because of the drains but because a stitch is pulling like crazy..it hurts a  lot. I have been moving and reaching as much as I can. I agree with lighthouse lady the more you move the more drainage.....but you want to get all that stuff moving.and a couple of more days with drains isn't all that bad. Also if the fluid stays in you , you are at a greater risk of infection.Again having said THAT...lol as always follow your docs advice.

    I personally feel better moving.

    love

     and hugs,

    Eve

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    Eve - I was definitely not advising NOT moving.  Happy  Even when I wasn't doing the specific range of motion exercises, I was washing dishes, reaching into cabinets, washing my hair (what little I have...LOL), etc.  I was just pointing out that my drain output increased dramatically once I started doing the exercises.

    My breast surgeon recommended shoulder rolls and something a physical therapist taught me a long time ago for shoulder issues.  Bend over and, holding a soup can or soda can in your hand with your arm hanging straight down, rotate your arm in small circles.  The extra little weight helps keep the motion in your shoulder without having to do any lifting.  It feels really good.

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2014

    Thanls Eve and Lighthouselady! Looks like exercises are in my future after all! Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm all over the place right now. Reading your replies truly helps

  • Jmenchaca78
    Jmenchaca78 Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2014

    I wish I would have seen this prior to my surgery, lots of good tips. I just had my dmx on January 24th so I'm in bed recovering as we speak. Having friends and family help out has been the best. I was too proud to ask for help but let me tell you how nice it is to have someone bring you and your family food. I haven't really experienced pain but a lot of pressure like an elephant is sitting on my chest! (Exaggerating of course) I will be honest and tell you that the hardest part and most emotional for me was removing the bandages for the first time. As much as I thought I was prepared, I wasn't.  It does get easier though when u stop and remember why it was all done. I hope this helps someone that will be going through this soon.

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2014

    Welcome Jmenchacha. U've come to the right place (sorry u had to join the club). I'm finding that this place is like a sanctuary! I wholeheartedly agree with everyone about the drains! It feels like something pinching my skin on one! The good news is that they're not here forever! Enjoy your night everyone. Sending u gentle hugs.

    And once again, thanks lighthouselady and momaton for the good advice

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited January 2014

    Wishing our January 29th surgery sisters much success tomorrow. I am a little over 3 weeks out and am feeling really good.  It does get easier everyday provided you do what the doctor tells you and not over do things.  Love and Hugs...Kathy

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    Anyone experiencing numbing or tingling in their shoulder arm or fingers?  I've had this sensation for a few days now.  I've been rotating my arm but nothing seems to help.  It randomly comes and goes.

    Laurie

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    We have a bunch of surgery sisters having theirs tomorrow, right?  Hope you all can check in when you get a chance.

    Laurie - I haven't had any tingling.... my first instinct is to say it's a normal surgery thing, but I would probably check with the doctor to be sure.  I know this surgery messes with so many nerve endings in there...

    Jmenchacha - I'm sorry you had to join us, but welcome.  {{hugs}} on having an emotional time with your new self.  I was prepared to fall apart when I saw myself the first time - I'm usually an emotional wreck anyway.  The nurse didn't make it a "big reveal" kind of moment, though... she just sat me in the chair and took my gown off to help me wash off a bit and there I was in all my glory.  LOL  I never had any bandages or anything, though, just tape on my incisions.  Are you having any reconstruction?  I have tissue expanders and I definitely have the pressure thing.... a lot of women on here call it the "iron bra" feeling.

    Today is my first day back at work.  I really haven't been here in over a month, because I didn't work when my kids were out of school for Christmas break.  I only work part-time, though, and my hubby is my boss.  Pretty easy job situation.  :-)   I don't know how comfy I'll be sitting at a desk for hours, but I figure even if I only make it a few, that's a start.

    Have a good day everyone!

    p.s. Speaking of the arm exercises..... some of them are so easy for me, even on my lymph node side, but some of them make me want to throw up they hurt so bad, and I'm not even stretching very far.  Yikes.

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited January 2014

    Laurie:  I believe I read that the numbing and tingling is a side effect of Tamoxifin.  I get that sometimes at night. 

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2014

    Thanks for the feedback.  I'm going to go to emerg today.  The last week I've felt awful.  Nausea and this tingling feeling.  Something just isn't right.  I've lost 7lbs in 7 days!  Not that I don't have the extra weight to spare....but still.

    Lighthouselady - good luck at work today. I've been off since sept and will return in March.  

    Laurie

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    Oh no Laurie - keep us posted.  Hope everything is ok!

  • Summerwheat
    Summerwheat Member Posts: 54
    edited January 2014

    Hi, here's a Jan 29 surgery girl ... thanks for the encouragement, that's so helpful. I am scared, but will stay busy today. I "test-drove" the Percocet last night and got the buzz of a lifetime, but not in a good way. I hope that I can come off those quickly, taking only one made my head spin. Got my pre-op appointments today and will bake Hazelnut muffins to distract me. Best wishes to the other ladies whose date is tomorrow, we will get through it. I will be signing off for now.
    Take care, Alexandra

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    Alexandra - try taking 1/2 a percocet.  I take that for my migraines and never have a problem.  I have never taken a whole pill!  Sending positive healing vibes to you for tomorrow  :-)

  • Summerwheat
    Summerwheat Member Posts: 54
    edited January 2014

    Thanks for the feedback, Michelle, I took a whole one ... and the doctor said 1-2; if I take 2, I will be flying high (but maybe that's a good thing). I had two C-sections and my wisdom teeth out, and I believe I took Vicodin after that. At least I did not throw up after the Percocet.

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited January 2014

    Sorry lighthouse lady,

    didn't mean to come off as a know it all. Loopy my bad.

    Trying.. had the evil drains removed an hour ago...didn't feel a thing. No big deal at all. I am experiencing little waves of depression, BS said it's because I've been running on adrenalin for almost 4 months and it will subside.

    THE DRAINS ARE OUT. Oh my goodness...I feel fantastic! I can move, well almost, and I get to sleep on my side. yippee.

    Have my path report...what a shocker. Multi focal and multi centric IDC. With DCIS every where else.  Thank you God that BS got it all. Thank you, thank you. Her2 is negative, so its looking like I'll avoid chemo, still waiting on oncotype. Ai's are in my future, still mulling that over.

    Jmenchaca...sorry you are here, we will get through this together.

    Thinking of everyone going for surgery tomorrow....love, hugs and a quick recovery.

    Laurie, I haven't had the sensations you are describing, could it be the tamoxifen? hope you feel better.

    peace, and thanks to everyone

    Eve

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2014

    No worries Eve  :-)

    I'm sorry about your path report.  Mine wasn't as lovely as I wanted either.  YAY for no more drains.  Such a wonderful feeling, isn't it?  Every time I take a shower now I revel in the fact that I'm not having to work around those stupid things.  Will the oncotype affect your chemo decision?  I hope you're able to avoid it.  That was no picnic!

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited January 2014


    Hi girls..checking in...my surgery is tomorrow!!!!!!  This biggest upset I have had (aside from losing my boobies :( ) is that my PS has just informed me that he is not a preferred provider with my insurance.  This was news to him and me!!!!  After lengthy insurance calls and physician calls, I am happy to say that my surgery is still scheduled for tomorrow (BMS with tissue expanders) but I now will be the happy recipient of out of network fees to use him.  If it isn't always something..right?  Small price to pay in the scheme of of things becuase I really do trust him.  My only wish now is that he reinstates his practice as a preferred provider with my insurance. I'll let you know how it goes, I am finishinig up at work today and then home to hug my kids, pack, and get everything lined up for tomorrow.  Prayers and blessings to you all. 

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited January 2014

    Hi Michelle,

    Actually according to my BS my path is pretty good because she got all the bad stuff. just such a big surprise. Turns out I am highly er+/pr+ and that is a good thing. ?? have to research that a bit more.

    Yes! to no drains...what a pain but there for a good reason.... and yes the oncotype will be the determining factor.  Things is it determines the risk for reoccurrence ....so if I had most of the tissue removed and 0 nodes...what is my chance for that to happen? Also, what screening is in all of our futures? No way can they do a mamo..so Ultra sound

    Girlstrong... you are in my thoughts and heart. Youv'e been through so much already, I know it will be a relief to get those puppies off and get the new and disease free ones. make sure you discuss a "self pay" rate with the PS. I do not have insurance and was able to get huge discounts from the hospital(75%) and my BS (25%). I will negotiate with pathologist, and any one else that pops up. I found out cash talks.

    Love to all,

    Eve

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