January 2017 Surgery Group
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oh my goodness, but yes I am with you on wanting the team to be in tip top shape. At the same time though , it is definitely a let down! Hang in there. Have a good weekend despite the setback 💪🏻💋
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DcisinAZ - so sorry for the delay!!! But you do want the Dr that is trying to make you beautiful at their best! I hope that you are able to reschedule very soon!
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oh my god, I'm so sorry!! Jeez, from ps getting sick and cancelling to chipped teeth the night before to poop prayers - if it weren't all so personal it would make a funny book. Maybe we should start a new thread of bc bloopers??!!
Stay strong dcisinaz
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3bears: I think it will be a shock for you. Look at some photos online before you do it & remember, what you see is the worst you will ever look! You have a lot of healing to do. After my first look, I force myself to look every day to get used to it & believe it or not, it's working...if you need to shed a tear or 2, we'll be here to give you a hug. I haven't shown my husband which is much more about me than him. I just feel like once you see something, it can't be unseen. I'm obviously having some issues about this bc I know with all my heart that he loves me & only cares that I'm healthy. I expect as I get more comfortable with my new body & how it's progressing (which is slowly happening with each passing day) I'll get more comfortable with the idea of him seeing me..
xoxo.
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FightingGMA, I think I left you out yesterday with my best wishes for surgery today! I thought it was only DCISINAZ going in but of course I wish you the best and we will be waiting to hear from you post-op! ❤️️
I'm feeling a little sad this morning ladies. I have to return to work on Monday and mentally I'm not ready! I did not take a single day from my diagnosis off until surgery and this week has been all about recovering and appointments to prepare for the next round of battle. I love my job but I don't why the thought of returning Monday is awful. I was actually at work when they called with the "news" so everybody knows. I believe I had mentioned previously that I have mentioned I've been much more open about my dx and find it helpful to talk but I agree it's a personal decision on who you share with and what is comfortable for you. Sharing with my family were the hardest conversations of all so I pray for strength for all who still need to make those tough calls.
Elam, oh no! I hope you feel better soon.
DsMom, I know the feeling with a snoring husband! Oh the nights I have thought about shoving him right off the bed and onto the floor! 😁 I hope you continue to stay ahead of the pain and what a great idea to set a timer! The pics are awesome too...I want to be at the beach right now!
3bears, I hope bandage removal goes better than you think. I did not have the same surgery so I'm sure one of these ladies will have better words/encouragement for you but know that im thinking of you.
Does anyone know if they will be doing brachytherapy? I think many of those with mastectomies don't always require radiation but some of the lumpectomy ladies may. I'll be meeting with radiologist today to see what that's all about. Ironically, I realized last night I will be in the same building that DCISinAZ is having her surgery today.
Continued healing, love and light to you all today
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DCISinAZ - OMG! So sorry you have to be rescheduled and on a Friday, at that. Hope you can go to the blue water scene and breathe.......sending lov
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DCISinAZ, oh my!!! I'm so sorry to hear but what a great attitude...you do want your team at it's best. I'm sure this was a tough one to take, I think I would have lost my mind.Please keep us updated. ❤️️
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fightingirl: I understand how you feel. I'm going to start working from home on Monday & physically I know I'm up to it but mentally no way! My ability to concentrate on non-BC issues is seriously impaired right now! Maybe I'm just not ready to be back in reality yet! Maybe I should've taken more time to pamper myself. Haven't really done any good binge TV watching yet! Like you, everyone at my job knows & is very supportive and being open about it has worked for me. What I love about our group is what we have in common is so much more strengthening & bonding than our individual differences...let us know how your radiologist appt. goes...
DCinAZ: A "we plan, God laughs" moment. How frustrating! Hope your PS has a quick recovery & you don't have to wait too long...
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DCISinAZ - oh my goodness it is Friday the 13th! I am so sorry. Hang in there.
I seem to be more sore today than I have been and my sutures seem to of leaked blood yesterday and last night. not a lot just spots. Good news is my breast surgeon called last night and the OncoDx score that was on my original biopsy was for the same tumor (15) so she doesn't think chemo will be necessary!! Whoop whoop happy dance for me. I still have one nipple that is very dark blue. She wants me to call her acupuncturist to see if she can try a blood circulating procedure on me. I say it's worth a try.
To those struggling with the first look - I hear ya. I feel like I came off the set of walking dead when I look at myself. However we are healing and at our worst! It is going to look better and the advancement in plastic surgery is amazing. I have to say for me being flat chested is just fine! Now I look down and see my gut! Oh lord I need to diet and this will be the kick myself in gear moment that I need!!!
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Leftcoastie: I'm soooo thrilled for you! I can only imagine your feelings of joy & relief! I'm Happy dancing for you too! I know what you mean about your gut! My boobs used to hide it just fine but not any more...I'm motivated too!
Hope your nipple gets better!
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oooh, pugsmommie, that is soon! So you just took 2 weeks off? Good luck. I work from home too, so I'll be interested to hear how you do. I worked last week but was super distracted and slow and spent more time on this site than working!!
And about that belly, I asked my ps preop if he wanted to give me a tummy tuck. He was like 'first things first', but I think that's going to be my gift to myself after all of this. So long, belly pooch.
My glue on my incisions is flaking off slowly. I feel like a lizard. My rt baby boob is looking pretty good but left seems a bit dented. Still swollen and bruised though. The great thing about a reduction is bye bye boob sweat! I thought I would lose 10 lbs with the reduction but I gained 4
. I guess all the ifeelsorryformyselficecreams haven't helped. I have to wait another week to see my ps. I'm itching to get back and do Pilates. Its been raining here so no long walks. I feel a bit cooped up and I want to exercise. I suppose I could do squats in my living room, but I like classes. What if anything are you girls doing? (Mastectomy ladies you get a pass on this question. You are tangled up enough in your drains!
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sorry for no update this morning! I typed one in but it doesn't look like it posted.
So far my recovery is very easy... Between the ice packs and the majorpain medicine I actually don't feel a thing. Not seeping or bleeding or anything. Thankfully the biggest problem is that the pain meds are making me dizzy. My arm seems to be moving great as well.
I probably won't get the pathology report until Monday because I was so late in the week for surgery.
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Questions ladies. I'm just trying to plan out my life. Find myself laughing at that because I have cancer. Obviously things are no going as planned. LOL. How soon did you go back to work after your surgery? How long did they say it was until you could drive? I'm have a lumpectomy with reduction on both breasts. Obviously those with just a lumpectomy right now would miss less time and those with a mastectomy would need longer off. Just trying to get an idea. Today was my last day of work before my Tuesday surgery.
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hi cowboyup I suspect it has to do other your comfort level. My doc said that my plan to return to work Monday after a late Thursday surgery was no problem if I was comfortable (and I am a taekwondo instructor). She only suggested I try to not get hit there...
Hopefully someone that also did breast reconstruction can like in with their thoughts.although the very best plan is to ask the surgeon directly - you can probably call them on the phone, or ask in the pre-op visit.
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cowboy, what kind of work do you do? I'm just in front of computer but had surgery Thursday and was working by Sunday. And that's 3 lumpies and reduction. I spent first nightt in hospital but then home the next day and really only needed Tylenol for pain, and mostly just at night for sleep. I think a few days just to get that anesthesia out of your system should be okay if you have a mellow job. If strenuous or lifting involved I would take a week off. Good luck! I can answer any reduction questions. Happy with decision so far
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What a busy Friday! I'm just now getting caught up. DCISinAZ, dang! to be prepped and ready to go and have that happen! You are so right about wanting the surgeons at their best!
Fightgirl, I will be so glad when my fairy stops checking in...oh the places that girl takes me...you get it!
Pyrrh, so glad you are doing so well!
Hope that FightingGMA checks in soon.
Annoyingboob, my parents are in their 80's as well. They have lost 2 children out of the 5. My sister just passed away suddenly (pneumonia and a insulin pump failure, she only had it 2-3 weeks!) August 2015 and she was 51. The same age I am right now. When my sister died I watched my parents fall apart. These 2 individuals who always support everyone and do so much for everyone else were helpless. My mom got really sick from the stress. My Daddy was so nervous and he has always been so grounded. I ran myself crazy trying to keep my house and their house together. Plus put dinner on both tables every night. We live 3.7 miles apart so to hide everything will be difficult. We go to the same church and talk daily. I will have to tell the about the surgery. I had a fibroid removed in 2005 and I will tell them and everyone else that I am having the same surgery. I allowed myself 4 days with that surgery. The only difference was that fibroid was not cancer and it was close to the surface. My right boob truly is my annoying boob! It's slightly bigger than the left, had mastitis in it, its bumper than the left and now has cancer...Annoying it is!
To all you ladies returning to work, hope that its a smooth transition back. I will take as little time off as possible. I to work from home and will tell the office I contract will as little as possible!
Have a good evening!
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Annoyingboob, I work on the computer too. I've been watching your posts because I am having the same surgery as you. Did they tell you how long until you can drive?
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Cowboy-up. I've been driving since2 days after my lumpectomy, but it often has to do with whether or not you are taking pain meds... meds = no driving.
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Hi girls!
Pyrrh, I'm glad you are doing so well. Still remember to take it easy! Praying for good pathology report.
Annoyingboob, you crack me up! I've only been walking for exercise this week but hoping I can get back to my yoga classes soon. I'm in AZ so i guess I picked a good time of year to get cancer...I'm able to walk outside without 110-120 degree heat. Yuck! I haven't noticed flaking of my boob glue yet but I think I'm a day behind you.
My mind is totally spinning again. Had my radiation consult and now need to pick between brachytherapy and whole breast radiation. This cancer biz is the pits! I tried to do a little research when I got home and feeling more confused than ever so I'm going to let it be for today and maybe the weekend and let it marinate. So many decisions to make and nothing comes without risks. I'm still curiously if any of my fellow lumpiness have been offered brachytherapy?
Pugsmama, I thought I would get some binge watching in and never did either. I need another week!! I hear ya on the concentration issue...I try but my brain is almost entirely consumed with cancer thoughts/decisions etc. I know you all understand which is what makes this site keeps me from losing my mind altogether.
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cowboy, they said a few days to a week to drive. I drove the day after surgery, a 2 hour round trip, bc I wanted to get my dog to snuggle with. It's a little uncomfortable, but doable, and I have a mountain road with lots of twists and turns.
Honestly I was impressed by how good I felt for the recovery. I'm 47 and pretty healthy. I would say count on 3 days postop of taking pain pills and being gentle on yourself and pooping, lol! Then you can ease yourself into daily life. I'm a week and a day postop today and drove around running errands all day and I can lift my 30lb dog with no pain. Incisions are healing well. Glue flaking off. Today is last day of antibiotics. I would say I'm pretty back to normal but haven't been cleared to exercise yet or get in a hot tub. The sides of my annoying boobs are sore still. Not painful, just sore. I can sleep on my side propped up on a bunch of pillows. The incision goes all the way around my nipple, then vertically down, then a big smiley face incision along the inframammary crease. Look at online pics to prepare yourself. Also, your boobs will feel ginormous right after surgery and you will think they weren't reduced, but now at a week, the swelling is almost gone and I think they are nearing their final cute little size.
The anxiety leading up to surgery was the absolute worst. Exercise as much as possible preop. Take lorazepam for a few days before. Pray. Meditate. Whatever works. Then surgery and recovery are easy. Then waiting and analyzing path reports will give you jitters again. My bs told me one week for results then called me after 3 days, so that was nice. Expect a week, then you won't be freaking out every day.
My top tips: ask anesthesiologist for scopolamine patch to reduce nausea associated with anesthesia, bring some kind of throat lozenge to hospital bc your throat will be sore from the intubation and ice chips are boring, bring a hat or scarf so you don't have to worry about bedhead - I pulled mine over my eyes to help me sleep, write down your nurses names so you remember, and have ice cream sandwiches and soup ready for you at home. You won't be too hungry but it's nice to have something to ease your throat. Oh, and get those round little ice packs to stuff in your bra.
You will do great!! I sent my nurses thank you cards today. They were all wonderful angels and I felt so well taken care of.
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annoyingboob, I don't remember dis you stay over night? I'm supposed to be outpatient. I know that things do not always go as planned. Did the BS suggest a reduction? I'm 36DD but the girls aren't in my way or do I have any back or shoudler issues. I have a wide base of support (translation Baby got back! Lol)
So many questions! So many worries! Thank goodness for this blog! REAL women who get it!
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normally lx/rdx is out patient. I had an afternoon surgery and stayed overnight bc I live far from hospital and I'm a single girl and didn't have anyone to care for me since I kept this a secret. It was kinda great bc they took really good care of me and I just left first thing in the morning. If I were home alone I would worry that every little symptom was some big monster coming to get me. But when I left in the am I was feeling good and ready. I vaguely recall doing the miss America wave as they wheeled me out, lol!!
My reasons for reduction? I've had huge boobs all my life, but I'm a tall kind of slender gir. I crammed them into a 36dd but I was prolly more of an e or f, just in denial. I wanted to get lumpectomy path before deciding about my next step. Since my boobs were big and droopy, the ps said we could do a reduction/lift now and get my nipples in a more normal place. Then they can heal and vascularize so that down the line if I do choose mx, I might have the option for nipple sparing. Plus if I did mx I would have to tell family, and they are vacationing end of Jan, so I was really just buying some time.
My path came back with 7mm dcis on the right, int-hi grade with necrosis and er/pr pos. Bs says 'yay, now just get xrt and take tamoxifen for 5 years'. I don't want xrt or tamoxifen though, which gives me 23% chance recurrence in 12 years. Or do dmx and don't need xrt or tam.
My crazy mind is thinking, well you just took out most of my breast tissue, since I got reduced to a cute little b cup, so maybe I'll just wait it out for a bit and get mammos every 6 months and hope for the best and if I get new calcs, then go to mx. I know for those of you with more advanced bc this must sound really irresponsible and reckless. I get that.
I am taking a week off of thinking about boobs and then I'll meet with ro and mo and see what they say. Apparently I have about 4 weeks to make up my mind, so there is time. But enough. I really just want to get back to my life. Call it denial. Call it cancer fatigue. It is what it is.
Sorry for the long post but that's my story in a nutshell.
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Jan. 4 Lumpectomy and SNB of left breast, excisional biopsy of right breast
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Hi ladies. I'm a bundle full of nerves tonight - the shit fairy has visited and I really wish she would leave. I thought I would come here to read some encouragement.
DCISinAZ - I cannot imagine how that would feel to be so ready to go and then have to reschedule. That being said, you definitely want your PS on his (or her) A Game. That's what I told my PS yesterday as he was leaving - I basically said "bring your A game to my surgery" He laughed and said he always does and I said "yeah, but up your game just a little when you see my breasts!" I think he'll remember me!
I'm still waiting for my sx to get scheduled. I was told it would be in 10-14 days earlier this week and they are trying to move things around - now I'm just waiting. I've called my PS and surgeon and they promise they are working on it. Patience is not a virtue I have. I went from finding out last week I have cancer to ready to get these toxic, killer breasts of mine removed. Of course I'm extremely worried about this process and knowing it's going to be painful and such a long road really depresses me at times. I'm running a 5K tomorrow morning just to get out and stop thinking for a while - hoping I can visualize myself doing it next year with healthy fake boobs.
Everyone keeps telling me I'm strong, I'm healthy, and I appreciate that - but boy do I feel so vulnerable right now. I really would love to hear from some who have had a BMX and help me with level-setting expectations. I'm also a bit confused about the TE - prepectoral versus sub. Pugsmamma - I think you posted some links earlier. Now I need to go back to my PS because I think he said it's sub pectoral and that sounds like it has a lot of post-surgical pain, etc. It's like I finally feel like I have a grip on this and then I'm completely confused.
Anyway, thanks for reading my ramble. I've read all the posts from the beginning and it's helped so much. I'm humbled to be part of this group.
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Wonderful news! My BS called me today and told me I am clear! All my lymph nodes are clear! Even the one they thought had cancer in it! She said this almost never happens and it must have been all the prayer I received. I can plan on my reconstruction in 6 weeks as I don't need any radiation. I feel so happy to be cancer free. Like the nightmare is finally over. Except my chest isstill flat. Only for a time though...
DCISinAZ-- cannot believe you were that far and got cancelled! Insane! You're right though. You want everyone tip top for your surgery
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Shellybeans, I have not had my surgery yet and when I do it will be a lumpectomy. I to am having a shit fairy night. I just really want to scream....NOPE I CAN NOT DO THIS!!! Like we have choice right? Anyway, I am of no help to you with any of your questions. I can relate to the feelings and doubt about all the decisions we are making right now. Then throw the future in the mix and BAM! Come on over shit fairy!
With all that said...I just put my pjs on and had a bowl of moose track ice cream. Now I need to decide if I want half a Xanax tonight or not. (that's something I never thought I ponder)
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3bears - congratulations! Woo Hoo!!!! That's wonderful news.
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Vargadoll - I'm so ready to ask for a rx. I'm not taking anything but I think it's going to be necessary. I'll probably have a glass of wine soon. I'm home alone as my daughter is on a school camping trip with her dad that I was originally going to do but asked him to cover as I just couldn't do it. So now me, the cat and the dog. Maybe I'll watch a couple of episodes of Veep. I'm holding on to them for post-op recovery binge but I could use a laugh..
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3bears....YAY for good news!!! Rest well tonight!!!
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Great news 3 bears!!!!
Annoyingboob, you crack me up. Love your advice. I am 46. Our surgery and even are age are close. You are helping me go into in very positively. Thanks so much. Hope I get all the same good reports afterwards too!
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