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January 2014 Surgery Sisters

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Comments

  • Swimmom2
    Swimmom2 Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2013

    http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=919955092

    Hi January Sisters-

    I had my BMX with TE & SNB on 12/6. I'm coming along nicely, but wanted to share a link of these old navy hoodies I've been wearing non stop since the surgery. They are t-shirt weight & super comfortable. 

    Just thought I'd pass it on. Best of luck ladies xoxo

  • Swimmom2
    Swimmom2 Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2013

    Hi January Sisters-

    I bought these hoodies from old navy, and want you know what a lifesaver they have been after my BMX with TE and SNB on 12/6.  So comfortable and they are the same weight as t-shirts. I promise I get no kickbacks from old navy :)

    http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=8&pid=530414112

  • Tam178
    Tam178 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2013

    I'm 36 - well will be 37 on surgery day; I'm having my pre-op clinic today since my surgery has been scheduled for Jan 8th, given they shut down all non-emergency surgery for 2 weeks over Christmas here in Ottawa, Canada :( Otherwise they would have done it sooner!

    I have no family history, nor previous issues other than mastitis when breast feeding. My invasive ductal carcinoma was 10x10x12mm at first imaging with ultrasound. 4 days after core biopsy that may have "distorted its shape" it was 19x17x15mm on MRI. I am having a lumpectomy + radiation with a sentinel node biopsy (with radio-active tracer) on the right. It's going to have been 6 weeks from biopsy to surgery and I am very scared that this will "bump" me to at least 2cm+ size since I feel the lump has grown a lot while waiting already, and still have another 3 weeks. I think I'm most freaked out about the tracer, given I'll be awake and the numbing needles for the biopsy took 3 attempts and my husband heard me scream from the waiting room :S

    I am generally healthy - and had been eating much better and lost weight for the last year, although I did exercise regularly. I have two small children (2 and 4) and work full time; since being diagnosed I've got a swimming membership and have gone twice last week and once today; I've cut out all simple sugars, reduced carbs, especially in the evening. Eating Almonds or macadamia nuts for snacks - doing everything I can to fight this!!

    It's sometimes hard to stay positive, but I think it's the only way to do this, right?? Looking forward to sharing with you all as we win this battle!!

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2013

    Hi, Tam, welcome! Good to have a positive outlook, it helps tremendously.  Good luck for clear margins and no nodes! The tracer shots for me were a bit painful- 10 seconds of pain,-- squeeze the nurses hand thru it, it helps alot. Then its not painful after that.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 126
    edited December 2013

    is anyone who did chemo first going on hormonal medicine before surgery?

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    Good Morning All

    Im not sure if it is even appropriate for me to be posting here...Im relatively new to the site but I am scheduled for PBMX on January 3rd.  Thanks to everyone who has posted such great suggestions.  I am very fearful of the post op pain and nausea.  Historically I have a difficult time waking from anesthesia. My first BS was not comfortable performing the nipple sparing MX and referred me to a big hospital system.  Although the new BS skill set is the best I feel I have lost the emotional connection I have with my original BS.  I know that I made the right decision in going with the "expert" BS. I am so that person who wants someone to hold my hand and tell me everything is going to be alright.  Silly I know.  His job is to do surgery not be my shrink. Ha! 

  • graceb1
    graceb1 Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    HVV -  My MO said we'll wait until after surgery and radiation to start the hormonal meds. Chemo really beat me up - I think it's a one thing at a time mind set going on.

  • SC60
    SC60 Member Posts: 403
    edited December 2013

    hi HVV!  

    No one has mentioned starting hormonal meds to me, however I am HER2+ and will continue my Herceptin infusions without skipping a beat into next summer. I am sure I will be put on them at that time. 

    It's been a rough December for me.  Dad (FIL) died on December 7th and a fellow teacher died yesterday.  Damn cancer! While I am not looking forward to the surgery, I will be relieved to have mine surgically removed!  ( I had chemo first, however it did not get rid of the tumor or the cancer in my lymph nodes.). 

    Wishing you and all January sisters a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!  Susan

  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 27
    edited December 2013

    Good Evening Ladies! I'm just joining and I want to thank all of you guys for the piece of mind you've given me! I was diagnosed in mid-November and needless to say it's been a WILD&SCARY roller coaster (as I'm sure that it is for everyone!!). I'm having surgery (a mastectomy) on January 23rd. Reading all of your posts has really helped me. It's hard for other people to really understand what we're going through. People are great but unless you've been through it....Anyway, just wanted to see if I could join your January group. And, again thanks. All of the posts have helped me since I didn't have clue#1 what was going on!

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited December 2013

    Jackiegray - My surgery is Jan 3rd, too.  I think I'm still in denial about it.... if I think too much about it I freak out.  I've been through 8 chemo treatments, have no hair, eyelashes or eyebrows, so I definitely look different, but I know that's all temporary.  Losing my breasts is pretty darn permanent.  <sigh>

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    lighthouselady I'm sorry you are having to go through this. ((Hugs)) will you do reconstruction? I will have TE placed same day as MX

  • LeanneF
    LeanneF Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2013

    Hi ladies. I would like to join the group. My surgery will be January 6 - the Epiphany! I've decided to have the mx now and a prophy mx later- at recon time, so I will have nipple sparing on the prophy. I thought I would try to have a more rebellious/celebratory attitude about getting rid of the breast that is threatening my life, but the closer it gets the more afraid and anxious I feel.

    I keep trying to remind myself of all the brave and beautiful women who have already gone through this. That and prayer are my only strategies so far. Anyway, thanks to all who have shared so far. It really helps me to connect with others facing this.

    Be strong, sisters!

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited December 2013

    Jackie - I am having TEs put in at my mx, too.  I'm not sure if I'll need radiation or not, so any reconstruction will be put on hold.  At my initial consult with the plastic surgeon he said I didn't have enough extra tissue to do a flap, but then at my last appointment he said if I gained 10 lbs he could probably do it with some fat grafting, too.  I'm not sure.  Whatever I do, it will be months down the road so I have time to think about it.

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2013

    Hello Lighthouselady and Jackiegray- I will be joining you both on January 3rd for my bmx and TE's put in....45 years to the day that my mom had her first breast cancer surgery.  I was diagnosed on Nov. 17th and it seems like an eternity since then.  The anticipation of surgery sets me into panic attacks.  I so want to get this cancer out of me but yet I am so petrified for next week.  I try to stay strong but sometimes it is overwhelming.  The support on this site is tremendous - my friends try to help me but they cannot relate - only my fellow sisters on this site can and I am so grateful for each of you.

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    hi Dancermom1999

    My mom too had breast cancer. I can relate to the panic attacks. Feeling grateful for Xanax to take the edge off. I hadn't slept in weeks. Finally asked the doctor for some help. I'm even more grateful for the support of this site. I spent all morning stocking the pantry with groceries for my kids and husband. I'm worried today about post op pain and how long will I really be down and out of commission. I'm sure tomorrow will be another worry...

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited December 2013

    Jackie and Dancermom - wow, three of us having the same surgery the same day!

    I guess since I had chemo first, I have had more time to sort of come to terms with this whole thing.  I was diagnosed on Aug 1st and did 8 rounds of chemo.  When I was first diagnosed, chemo seemed to be the bigger hurdle.  I dreaded it and pretty much put surgery in the back of my mind.  Well, I made it through chemo better than I ever expected I could, and now surgery is next week.  Usually I research things to death (and that helped me find a LOT of tips to help get me through chemo as well as I did), but I had to stop myself from doing that with this surgery.  I've never had major surgery (or any surgery other than my port insertion) and the idea of going into the hospital and waking up 8 hours later with no breasts is so upsetting to me.  I was diagnosed at Stage III and I'm BRCA + so there really is no choice.... but still I'm already mourning my breasts.  I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I first see myself after surgery.   

    One positive thing - both my best friend and her mother went through this in the last few years, and both of them said they didn't have much pain at all afterward.  Nothing like they thought they would.

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2013

    Oh Jackiegray I so worry about that too!  My family depends so much on my job and I cannot be out of work for too long.  My BS said that the first week would be hard but by the second week I could work part time.  I am so hoping he is right.  From some of the posts I read I get concerned that I will be out a lot longer than I anticipated.  Maybe I am still in denial of this whole "experience". 

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2013

    Hi Lighthouselady - I have never had major surgery either and the thought of it scares me more that when I was told I had cancer.  A week from now everything will be so different - I am trying so hard to stay positive but tonight it is very difficult.  I so hope your best friend and her mom are right about the pain!

  • Char66
    Char66 Member Posts: 35
    edited December 2013

    Hi ladies-I guess I will make it number four for Jan 3rd! Have been researching the thread and any article can find since June. Dxed with LCIS and ALH and picked the third option, BMX. The high risk waiting and chemo was not an option I felt I could do.  I know what you mean by BCO sisters understanding what we are each going through. Seems like everyone else thinks it will be like breast augmentation-don't think so! I'm sorry we all have to be here but so glad to have "new understanding friends".  Char

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2013

    Lots of ladies for 1/3! Be assured that many of us will have you in our thoughts and be pulling for good outcomes.  DAncer- I dont know what your job is but the concept of doing anything work related after 1 week is shocking to me.  It sounds like you have to balance recovery with work, but you also have to let yourself recover enough so that you dont do damage to range of motion, infection, and lymphedema.  Not meant to scare or anything, because I know you will come thru with flying colors- just please dont over estimate what you will be able to do so soon.  Most of us couldnt drive for several weeks, and were on pain pills for awhile- let alone be able to do normal things with your arms.

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    @Char66: Welcome to our unfortunate club. I am blessed to be surrounded by friends and family who are supporting me.  However, there is no one who could give me the support like the lovely ladies on this site.  I have been incredible fortunate to have a private message buddy who has literally held my "electronic" hand since November.  I find it very hard to wrap my head around the fact that there are so many of us on the same day.  It sure feels like breast cancer is an epidemic in our nation! 

    @lighthouselady and dancermom1999 I have had more major surgeries in my 42 years on this planet than I care to recall.  The most "intense" was 7 years ago I had a brain tumor.  It was surgically cured however the recovery was horrific! That being said my advice to you both is a few things...

    1. Be very honest with the anesthesia team (ie. whatever you are fearful of, me I worry about not waking up (super silly thing to worry about) I worry about post op nausea (the last thing you want post op is to be vomiting and in pain).  Ask for anti-nausea meds long before it gets to the vomiting stage.

    2.  Talk to your surgeons before hand tell them what your pain tolerance is normally.  Make certain they have anti-nausea meds written for you while you are in the hospital.  If they don't have it in the "system" the nursing staff has to call them to get it okay'd meanwhile you are getting increasingly more sick. 

    3. If you are lucky enough to have someone stay with you in the hospital have them be your voice to the staff.  I have found that being "ahead" of the pain makes it much more manageable.  That being said if you are able to receive pain meds every 4 hours take them for the first few days.  After my brain surgery I was in incredible pain!!! After the doctors finally found a cocktail of pain meds that worked I was able to sleep.  Well I slept through the "next dose" of pain meds.  When I woke I was in the worst pain of my life!!! When my husband questioned the nurse why she did not give me pain meds on time her response was if your wife was comfortable enough to sleep she was not in need of paid meds.  I understand her philosophy BUT trust me when I say it is very difficult to "catch up" to the pain after it gets that bad.  Your body has already exhausted all of its own natural pain killers.  

    4. Get up and get walking as soon as you possible can.  Even if its just down the hall a few steps and back again.  You will feel so much better so much faster.  

    5. I try to do a lot of thinking of a happy place when I am being wheeled off to surgery.  It is a very lonely feeling those few minutes before you are asleep and you are now separated from your loved ones.  Start thinking now about the one place or time in your life that made you happiest.  Concentrate on the sights, the sounds, the smells that were around you.  Your mind is a very powerful tool to use.  If your are spiritual person like myself I pray like crazy if I cant find my happy place or I do a combination of the two.  

    @dancermom1999 I sure do hope your surgeon is right about being able to work part time week 2 post op.  I have seen 2 breast surgeons and 2 plastic surgeons, all 4 plus their nursing staff told me the lumpectomy is far more painful than the mastectomy.  I am having a hard time believing that because I like you have read so many posts about the pain being quite intense. That being said though I have to believe that the surgeons would know what to expect it is after all their jobs to know. Still  I think that part of this is the worst for me...I am a total type A personality, constantly running around doing this that and the other thing.  My husband travels every week for his job.  In fact he is leaving 4 days post op to go to Mexico for his national sales meeting.  My mother is coming to stay with me and the kids.  

    @lighthouselady my first reaction was to mourn the loss of my breasts.  I stumbled upon someone else experience and what she had written hit home for me.  Maybe it'll will help you as well. She said 3 things. 

    1st your breasts at this point are nothing more than a liability.  They are a loaded gun you are playing with.

    2nd if you were told while boarding an airplane you had a 80% chance of crashing would you get on that plane? obviously the answer is no so why would you risk holding on to breast tissue that you know is going to "crash"

    3rd The process is ongoing but it is also temporary.  Reconstruction can be done and this will be nothing more than a memory.  

    @leanneF hopefully we will all have more information for you before your surgery.  I sure know I am hoping to be up to reaching out to all of you soon after surgery. 

    Where is everyone having their surgeries? Or is that taboo to ask? ugh I don't know the rules, sorry.

    Thinking of all of you....

    Jackie

  • Char66
    Char66 Member Posts: 35
    edited December 2013

    Jackie-thank you for ALL the great info and encouragement. I don't think I am as worried about the actual surgery, as have also had past surgerys (the worst an open gallbladder and ilieus), but just want the pathology report (negative would be just fine thank you) ASAP and put the dang worry behind! Being a RN, I am NOT looking forward to putting my life and care in some one else's hands. Am used to doing the "caring". Also rather independent, will have DH at home but usually just get whatever needs done by myself. This will be a long week I am afraid-the waiting is hard. I don't know if info can be shared about where surgery is but guess they will block it if it is-mine will be Phoenix, AZ. Char

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2013

    My husb was home helping me first week or so. We ate scrambled eggs 3 times a day for 3 days til I finally begged him to stop Nerdy

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    @char66 I too am very worried about pathology. When I was referred to the surgical oncologist (bc he is a specialist in our area for nipple sparing mastectomy). He insisted on a MRI. The results came back with an enhancement in the right breast. He then ordered an ultrasound with biopsy. However the radiologist could not find the area with Ultrasound. The oncologist said pathology will look at that area more closely. The waiting for pathology is torture in my humble opinion. 

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2013

    HI Jackie:  I think it is part of my still being in denial that I think I can work right away.  I definitely will be putting myself first and my recovery.  I thank you so much for your advice and words of encouragement.  I have my happy place already picked out - I just hope I don't freak and panic and cause all kinds of commotion.  When I was having my daughter - she was a scheduled C section due to a large fibroid - the minute they gave me the epidural I freaked and they had to knock  me out - I missed her birth...UGGG

  • Dancermom1999
    Dancermom1999 Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2013

    Aviva - thanks so much.  As I said to Jackie - I think part of me is still in denial and I am hearing what I want to hear.  I have a great support system in my family and friends - and my new BCO friends, that I know they will not let me overdo this.  I just want this fear to be in my rear view mirror.

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2013

    Im still in denial and I was dx in July. I totally get it and what Ive been thru until I remind myself its CANCER

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited December 2013

    hi ladies....I have a question and I hope someone can answer. I finished chemo on dec 12,2013. My next phase is surgery. In the past few weeks I've been interviewing plastic surgeons. My problem is that the final PS I have yet to interview did not have an appointment opening until Jan 21st. I hate to wait until the end of January to make my final PS decision. This, of course, will then delay  surgery. It takes time to coordinate the schedules of the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. I feel like I should not wait that long for surgery and throw my treatment timeline off track. Does anyone know the guidelines for when is the window of time to do surgery after chemo? Maybe I should just forgoe meeting the last PS????

  • Jackiegray
    Jackiegray Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2013

    @dancermom1999 I freaked out at my lumpectomy. They gave me Versed its a wonder drug. I was awake and knew what was happening yet I was oddly calm. I promise you I will be asking for it as soon as I check In. 

    I'm sorry you missed your daughters birth. I too had scheduled c-sections. I think that "freaking out" is quite normal. You are numb from the breasts down and KNOW the doctors are literally cutting a child out of you. 

    If you are feeling anxious ask for medications to help you. That's what they are there for. It's going to be a long day with a lot of activity of different doctors and nurses coming and going asking a billion questions.  At least that's how it was for me during the lumpectomy. 

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited December 2013

    Girlstrong - Can you talk to your med oncologist or even your surgeon?  My surgeon said she likes to do surgery 3-6 weeks after final chemo, but preferably 3-4 weeks.  My surgery is 4 weeks PFC.  Do you feel comfortable with any of the PS you've interviewed?  I'm actually intrigued by that.  My BS recommended a PS and that's who I'm going with.  I guess it didn't even occur to me to "shop around".  Have you had a favorable response to the chemo?  That might be a deciding factor, too.  If your cancer responded to the chemo or not.

    Jackie - thanks for all of the advice.  

    My surgery will be in Dallas.  

    What's everyone doing as far as prep for surgery?

    - We have a power recliner (hubby's) that I'll be taking over when I get home.  I've heard it's easier to sleep in a recliner because it can be difficult to get up from a laying position at first.
    - I have two post-mastectomy camisoles that have pockets for the drains.  I don't know what my surgeon(s) will want me to wear, or if the hospital provides one or not.  I also ordered "Pink Pockets" to put in my clothes for the drains.  I don't want to deal with safety pins.  
    - I bought button-down pajamas to wear, and several button down or zip-up shirts/sweatshirts to wear as I've been told it'll be difficult (if not impossible) to lift my arms over my head.  I'll also bring a pair of comfy lounge pants in case I just wear the hospital gown while I'm in there.
    - I have small, soft pillows that a volunteer at my surgeon's office gave me for the car ride home.  You put them in between you and the seat belt.  That will come in handy since I have a 3 hour drive.  Also we are borrowing my friend's vehicle because my mom will need my car and it will be too hard for me to climb into hubby's truck.
    - I plan to bring slip-on shoes to wear, too, so I don't have to deal with bending over to get them on.  
    - I was also told to pack throat lozenges, chap stick and lotion.

    Anything else?

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