January 2017 Surgery Group
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welcome to the bar ladies!! restup!
this is pretty cool - http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/breast-prosthesis-program
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beachbabyK - my surgery from the 13th has been rescheduled for the 19th, so if you wouldn't mind updating that I would appreciate it! Back for sentinel node injection number two tomorrow afternoon. Then hoping to actually get it done this time when I go. I guess I had a dry run last week.
Having our dog die Sunday morning was hard, but at least it gave me something else to think about for a couple of days. Now it's back to reality of surgery on Thursday morning and who knows what path results.
My bs doesn't do intra operative path on lymph nodes so I guess I will just have to wait.
All you women are so inspirational!! I love this group and, even though I WISH I didn't have to be a part of it, I'm certainly happy I'm in this journey with you all!
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I was diagnosed with stage ll A breast cancer on Jan 14 2016 and had some questions is this the right place for questions ?
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GT1965 and Did-not-see-this-coming, thankful for the check in. Hoping you ladies get a good nights rest with no pain.
Pugsmama-another victory! Small celebrations bring great joy.
Annoyingboob, you always make me laugh. Making the best of a sucky situation!
Fightingirl, hope that armpit is better by morning. I just noticed that my dang auto correct was changing your name to fightinggirl. I need to proof read more.
I like many have stressed over the options available when it comes to surgery. I was told by PCD to expect a mx . If I went lumpectomy I would lose my nipple. What a surprise to meet the BS and out he suggests a lumpectomy and get to keep my nipple. I can only hope its th right decision for me. I am in pretty good shape for 51 and their isnt any breast cancer in my family. Now with that said, my vitamin D hs been extremely low for 2 years! I took a couple of round of prescription strength Vitamin D and was supposed o bee taking a daily dose but would always forget. I jut read all data on Vitamin D and BC yesterday. I could kick my own ass! Makes me wonder.
Its been another stressful day. I almost told someone I have BC today.
the couuldnt do it.
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Vargadoll - no regrets! You can't do anything about what is in the past. Don't even know if it would have made a difference so why bother? So just take the vitamin D from now on and don't look back. I still wonder "what if I had had my mammogram right at a year instead of 20 months"? Well. I didn't so I can't dwell on it. We can drive ourselves crazy playing the what if game. And no one wins it
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Dreamer - ask away! This board is mainly for people who are having surgery during the month of January but if we can answer your question we totally woll
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More BC freebies:
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Thank you ladies (Fightingirl, GT1965, jinmo, bccpa, PugsMama, and to anybody else I may have forgotten) for the warm welcome. It's hard to go through this, but nice to know I have a place to go for support. I have had a very rocky road during the past few years with other health issues before this. I almost bled to death in 2015 and had to have transfusions and needed an emergency hysterectomy. But before I could have that done, blood clots had formed in my leg. So from there I had to be put on blood thinners for the clot, then they had to implant an IVC fllter in me to help keep the clots away from my lungs and heart while they did the surgery. After a slow recovery from that, this breast cancer came about. I'm still on blood thinners so there are special preps that have to be done before my mastectomy on the 24th. I have got so much on my mind I am an emotional wreck, worrying about bills and other things. I know eventually things will work out. It's just hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now.
Thank you for letting me vent. You are an awesome group of ladies.
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RosaRosadaPinkRose, bless you! What a knock on your butt this is! I think we all have some struggle preparing for this road no one wants to travel but to have just went through your previous health issues is just not fair! (Only way to put it!) I recently read an article (on this site somewhere) about PTSD and BC and I truly never thought about PTSD after a diagnosis. Then I realized how real it is and that this anxiety and shit fairy visits (crazy thoughts that we have at night) are the exactly that....PTSD in the making.
You will find amazing support here. I haven't had surgery or actually much of anything other than a diagnosis and lots of fears! I have more anxiety about after surgery. I just want the crap out of my body and back to my so called normal life!
Hope all are feeling well and have small celebrations today. I might start my boon selfies today. I hadn't thought of that! Sending peace and healing vibes to all my surgery sisters.
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Vargdoll - I think you are on to something with the PTSD. I do think this is a traumatic event that will have lasting effects. We all have different coping mechanisms and different histories that led up to this point. It's been just one thing after the other for me over the last year from a personal perspective - throwing in an entirely unexpected health event has made this really difficult. This site and hearing the real-time stories from these wonderful ladies has been a shining light in what is an otherwise very dark space.
RosaRosada - I cannot imagine how scary it's been for your with the prior medical issues. Blood thinners are no joke so I know that must be making an already stressful situation so much more difficult. Know that we are here for you and this is a safe place to voice those concerns. May not have answers but if you read through all the prior threads, you'll see that this is a very positive place.
From a personal perspective, I'm trying to keep track of who had lumpectomy, UMX and BMX. Having decided to have a BMX was a big deal for me and I'm extremely nervous. Knowing both arms will be limited in terms of my range of motion and needing help - and the pain (which I'm really fearful of) I know I'm stressing myself out. I'm definitely asking about the thoracic nerve block - my BS said he does them but I was processing so much I didn't really follow up with any questions. I have a call into my PS on the TE's and the exact technique.
On a good news front, I'm closing on my new house this morning. I've had to delay moving in until end of Feb or March, but it at least gives me something positive to think about.
Happy Wednesday!
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Evening/morning ladies!
I had mastectomy to my left breast plus removal of Auxillary lymph nodes. Anyone experience excruciating pain at the drain site? I've had some discomfort in the breast and under the arms but the area where the drain is hurts so bad. I constantly check to see if anything is pulling at the drains. Sleeping is the most uncomfortable, open to any suggestions.
Thank you kindly,
Lillady0430
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So many surgery sisters checking in yesterday! Good to hear from you all
If everyone can keep updating their profile for latest treatments (surgery, diagnoses, meds, etc) it will help us all keep up with who had a masectomy vs lumpectomy, etc. Also you have to make it public. That keeps the signature part under our posts updated with the latest.
I taught my full, 4-hours of TKD classes last night. The adults heard me tell the kids I can't do weapons with them, and they were like "are you broken?" ...I'm so not telling an entire martial arts school. So I said "yeah, a little. Working on it". I think that is what stresses me out the most, reading all of the stories from people about lymphedema and what you can and can't do - I fully plan on using my arm heavily (sparring is my favorite part of martial arts) and the idea that even the "trauma" of blood pressure would be potential to kick me over into that condition is totally unacceptable. I know it's not fully in my control, but I hope that what my arm thinks is "traumatic" is a higher level than most due to my years of training. Sigh.
Talked to my surgeon yesterday and told her that I had taught a few classes the previous night, she laughed and said "how'd that go for you?". I got a grin out of it because I TOTALLY asked her permission. Twice. I told her it was fine, and so far it was.
Interestingly, she seemed pretty certain I would get a seroma and told me how to manage it and what to do if it got too uncomfortable. But she also stressed that having one makes the process of setting up the device for the brachytherapy easy. So she asked me not to work it too much with heat, so it wouldn't go all the way away when it appeared. LOL. "Take care of it, but not too much please!" I really like this surgeon. Practical and matter of fact.
Oh, and someone was wondering about drains - no drains here. But I was a small tumor lumpectomy, surgeon said it's a very small cavity. Do they often do drains for lumpectomies?
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MX ladies - how mobile did you feel after your surgery? I'm just trying to gauge what I am going to feel up to once I get home from the hospital. Thanks!
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To Vargadoll, Shellybeans, and all the other sisters: I appreciate your encouraging words. It does help. It is my hope and prayer that I can help somebody through this myself. This all has been a nightmare. Hoping I will wake up soon.
My heart also goes out to each of you, as well. This is a terrible way for people to have to meet, but at the same time it's a blessing and an answer to prayer.
In this together!
RosaRosadaPinkRose
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DCISinAZ,
I'm still here waiting to be d/c'd, but I think it has more to do with how the pain meds make you feel. I've been up for a walk and did my first set of exercises - while not great, you should be functional!! Good luck today - I agree with everyone before that it is such s relief when it's over
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DCIS/Shelley - I had a Mx last Thursday and I was very pleasantly surprised how much mobility I had after surgery. I had this perception that I would be really restricted which thankfully has not been the case. The biggest challenge for me is doing anything with the arm raised high (it is still challenging to gather my hair into a ponytail...I have to tip my head to the side to decrease the angle) but anything done at waist/chest level which isn't heavy (preparing food, washing myself, typing on the computer, doing a few dishes) is totally doable. I took a shower yesterday (day 5) and was able to use my "bad" arm to wash my opposite side....I'm just cautious. Yesterday morning when I woke up, still half asleep I reached for something on the floor with the bad side and it did hurt. Please take your meds...it's not about being tough or whatever - you need to control your comfort level so you can heal. If you don't start/keep moving you are doing more harm than good. I can imagine it will definitely be more challenging with a BMX, but other than reaching high or low, it "should" be doable within reason. I know everyone's experience will be different, but hopefully you will have good luck like I feel I have.
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Good Morning All! I haven't checked in with this board in a while, although I've tried to keep up with all the new entries. Welcome to all the newbies, you have found a place of kindred spirits - all of us are walking similar paths, whether it's lumpectomy or mastectomy, chemo or radiation.
I am 1 1/2 weeks post BMX with tissue expander placement. My drains were removed yesterday and I'm thinking this morning that this may have been a bit premature. I can feel the fluid collecting under the skin around the drain sites. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I was so happy to have them out yesterday.
Angie
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Good morning ladies. It's great to hear from everyone. I have been reading the board but have not had the will to write. I've had a rough couple of days and I suppose I've been having my own pity party. I am lifted by each of you when I read your posts. Thank you everyone.
Today is 2 weeks post op. My left nipple is still very blue/black and just doesn't look right. I have been second guessing my choice to have nipple sparing reconstruction. Who needs nipples anyway right? I am still draining regularly so I see no end in sight for removing these stupid things. Ok enough about me.
Welcome all the newbies. Sorry we have to meet here but please know this is an amazing support group and without all these amazing women I for sure would be insane.
Hope you all have a nice day. I really am tired of being a couch potato. Thank goodness it's winter, it does make it easier to just lay around.
I am out for the FB page as well. I like being annonomous and FB is just not that way.
Xoxoxo
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Doing much better today. Recovery was hampered by an upset stomach. They ended up removing 2 lymph nodes, so anxiously awaiting those results and the onco test results. My entire left side is black and blue and having two incisions is something I did not expect. I have been able to work from home but will hoping to get back into the swing of things next week! I know everyone's process is different, but I am wondering if I can keep up the 12 hour days when radiation starts! Guess I will take this one day at a time!
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I hope your surgery went well! I'm finishing up my taxol treatment and struggling to make the decision between Lumpectomy/radiation or mastectomy. I'm triple negative and my tumor is on my left side. When you feel up to it will you share what made you decide on lumpectomy & radiation? I'm really worried about the long term effects of radiation on my heart since it's on my left side. Ugghh! Such a tough decision.
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DCISinAZ - You have been updated on the schedule and will be our solo surgery on the 19th!
Dreamer - ask away and we will give you our honest take!
PugsMama - Thank you for posting the freebie link. For all of out MX and BMX ladies, I believe that Nordstroms have a program where they give you 3 free bras a year. Not sure what you have to do, but worth looking into!
Also MX sisters if you are having mobility problems, please ask for your Dr to prescribe PT. I have sisters that have benefited greatly and it's definitely worth asking about.
Stellamonsterr - I know it can be a daunting decision, but for me the final decision came down to what the BS & PS said the best possible outcome would be. I am large-breasted and apparently that can cause problems with reconstruction (seems like it would be better, but apparently not). The amount of tissue to be removed was not great and would not make too much of an impact overall. My BS in known for doing a great job in making the breast look good after surgery, so I trusted him. I am not thrilled about radiation, but I've spoken with people that have gone through it and know it is doable and worth the reduced risk of recurrence.
DocMama- There will still be some fluid buildup, but if they removed your drains, they feel that it is only as much as your body can handle... that certainly doesn't mean it will be comfortable! This lumpy gal is still so swollen almost 2 weeks after surgery that I almost wish they would stick a needle in there and drain it. I feel like I have at least a boob and a half on my surgery side.
I hope that everyone is healing well and improving every day!
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Pyrrh, fabulous idea with updating the profiles and making them public! We have so many people in our group now it's impossible to remember who had what! I just had to call my BS office about the fluid collecting in my armpit area from lymph removal. Perfectly normal but she did say if it gets really uncomfortable I can pop in and have them drain. This involves 2 needles so I'm hoping I don't get to that point!
Docmama, it's so good to hear from you...sorry you are having issues with that drain site.
Leftcoastie, also very good to hear from you! I'm pretty certain we've all had our fair share of pity parties and I'm sorry it's been a bit rough for ya. I know it's hard being a couch potato so much but I didn't get enough of that while I was out the week after my surgery and to be honest, I'm jealous of you! I thought I'd get tons of Netflix time and it never really panned out that way so if it's okay, you can do some time for me.
The new grocery store that just opened last Friday carries Tillamook ice cream but I was sad no moose tracks! I'll keep looking! I ended up buying a Moose Tracks frozen yogurt in another brand and thought of you. It's not the same as ice cream but it'll do.Vargadoll, we must be on the same wave length. I read an article a couple days ago about BC and PTSD and I can totally see why. The scare, the decisions, the treatments...I'm surprised they are just now beginning to recognize it in breast cancer patients.
Rosa and everyone else...my mom said something this past weekend that has really helped me. She said right now all this is very fresh in your mind...you remember every detail, you can probably state the dates that you did this appt or that appt and what was said but someday you won't be able to recall this clearly. It will be a memory. I was thinking how true that is...I can picture things in my life like a home that I've lived in but it's not as clear as it once was. I don't know why that really resonated with me but it did so passing along in case it hits something in someone else. Even as traumatic as this is currently, someday someone may ask something related to my cancer and I may have to say "you know I don't really remember that".
DCISinAZ, wishing you the very best tomorrow. Looks like you can polish off what's left at the cabana bar! Will be looking forward to your check-in when your able.
May the recoveries continue to go well and the bungalows get re-stocked and ready for next week!
I will post later today...meeting with oncologist at 3pm. Did find out my BS does not order the onctotype test though...if oncologist chooses to do this, guess what??? MORE WAITING!
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pyrrh, can you share the seroma treatment tips you were given? I don't see my ps until sat and my leftie has gotten big and boggy just in the past few days. So much so that I'm worried my incision might reopen, so the pantyliners are back on my boobs, incisions smeared with bacitracin, and paper tape trying to hold myself together. Whoever mentioned broken toys, that is def me today!!
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Docmama-- I had my drains taken out yesterday too and I was wondering the same thing-- if it's a bit premature. On Monday my BS saw me and said I'm not ready. On Tuesday my PS saw me and took all 3 out. I got blood on one of my two white camisoles. While I was dealing with that I woke up this morning with blood on my other camisole. I called the nurse, she said this is normal. Just put a gauze pad on it for awhile to protect my clothes. I hope I don't get that seroma thing. Let me know how you're doing. So I got all 3 drains out in 7 days.
Mary
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Annoyingboob - she told me I could put heat on it (warm wash cloth or a heating pad) and massage it; and to come see her if too uncomfortable. Nothing real groundbreaking as far as advice I'm afraid. I don't even have one, she just seemed fairly certain it was inevitible.
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FightinGirl - I like what your mom said. I think that's one of my biggest worries (among the other 2.5 billion worries); will I ever get to a point where I don't think about this every.single.blasted.minute.
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Good morning ladies. Day 2 since lumpectomy and SNBC. I know this will sound crazy but I feel too good and am waiting for the shoe to drop. Stopped pain meds and can't wait for this blue stuff to get out of my system. BS set results for 1/25 but it appears a lot of you received your results in 3-4 days so I'm going to try calling their office this Friday. I can't wait to find out about nodes!
FightinGMA - glad u feel better! Looks like we had the same surgery but you are 4 days ahead of me. Did u only have one incision for the lumpectomy and one for the SNBC? I don't have any black and blue (yet?).
Leftcoastie - from another leftie ( Washington) I have pity parties all the time, but then I come back to this site and I always feel better knowing that I'm not the only one going through this and find solace in reading others stories.
DCISinAZ - al kinds of good thoughts for you tomorrow - I'm sure you will be glad to get through this and you will have many sisters reserving you a seat at the bar!
Hope my fellow post surgery 17s are progressing as well as possible and with minimal discomfort. Hope you all are as relieved as I am to have that tumor out of your body!
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GT1965 - I felt good the next day too and only took meds the day of surgery. Just don't overdo anything by reaching or lifting too much on the surgery side. I only had one incision (MO says that's why I have more swelling - more digging around from one starting point), but got really purple and blue the 2nd day as the fluid built up and stayed pretty colorful for about 6 days. Peed blue for about a week. Don't fret if the results aren't in right away... I got mine at a post-op appt 6 days after. I am still pretty swollen, so don't worry to much if you are too. My BS says I can try compression to reduce the swelling, but trying to wrap up your boobs are not the easiest thing.
Quick healing and good news!
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Just got caught upnreading everyone's post. As usual, I am googling everything I'm clueless about. There are so many things to consider then worry about. Fightingirl, a dear friend had BC in 2009 so of course I messaged her to ask a few questions. She couldn't even remember her surgeons name!?!?!?!!! Her exact words were I was so mad that bc interfered with my life. I didn't have time for that! So your Mom is so right and by you sharing that gave so much power to the conversation with my friend.
I actually told someone that I am having surgery. No BC details just fibroid/small cyst removal. ( yes I lied) anyway, I dont feel any better about needing time off. I really hope to take 48 hours. Prryh, you give me hope that I can do just that! My job is unique and I love it.
Girls! We have got this!!!
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Hi all, just wanted to give a check-in and report on my BMX. I posted a really short message last night but I had to retype it several times just to get coherent English...I was a little out of it.
So anyway, now I am home. I did not choose any reconstruction, so my new scars will be straight and flat, I hope. They look pretty good I guess, but I really haven't gotten the courage up to do any more than a quick glance.
They measured my arms in the hospital for a baseline so we know if lymphedema is developing. So far my only puffiness seems to be from all the saline that came through my IV.
At the hospital, I had four drains put in. Two were removed this morning, from near the center of my chest. The other two, which are on the outer sides, more toward the armpit/node area, are still in.
My drains are cooperative so far, and DH and I have both learned to strip the fluids out. I have not felt any pain from the process other than a little stinging at the very top near the skin, where you first take hold of the drain with your fingers to start stripping.
I have a post surgical camisole now with drain pockets, but that was provided just before discharge. Before that the drains were kind of dangling and i had to be careful about not pulling them. A suggestion from one of the CNAs there was to just go ahead and put on my own undies, and then the drains can be held by the waistband. That worked fine for short term, so you might want to bring a pair of (sturdy, not flimsy) panties in case you need to do this too. Or you could bring some nice big safety pins and pin them to your gown. Be sure to bring some undies in any case since they will probably make you get up and walk the halls to keep your blood circulating.
I was glad I had my lip balm and lotion. Never even looked at the books and magazines I brought. Did a little playing around on my tablet & phone. And, oh horrors, I must admit that I did not brush & floss my teeth last night.
I had the sentinel node biopsy, and five nodes were taken. I will have path report on that later in the week. The dye injection for the SNB was quite painful but not unbearable, and I have lots of blue marks, even on my back from that stuff circulating around..
Let's see, what else. The doctor said I could shower tomorrow, which amazed me.
All right, that's all I've got. Hope it is helpful to someone!
Did not see, cowboy-up, GT and zookeeper, it looks like we made it. Congratulations and a toast to everybody already at the bar and those still on their way.
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