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January 2018 Surgery group! Please see updated list in thread!

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Comments

  • maggie2
    maggie2 Member Posts: 240
    edited January 2018

    Houmom, your suggestion of nightshirts sounds good. Luckily, we already have a recliner. I’ll just make Hubby give it up for awhile. Unfortunately, no hospital or sleep number type bed

  • houmom
    houmom Member Posts: 102
    edited January 2018

    We had already planned to buy the bed, we just did it a bit sooner. It is great for sleeping but not practical to spend all day in, because of the height. We only had a manual recliner which means I have to have help to get in and out of it. A power recliner is probably better than the power bed

  • Judeshome
    Judeshome Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2018
    Hi Jo, we found a power recliner for $220 reduced from about $900 because of a small flaw and it was after Christmas at our local furniture store Brenners(which has a bargain basement.) I didn’t get a rocker because I found them hard to get out of at the store, they moved too much when I was trying to get out of the seat. Didn’t find any deals at lazyboy but craigslist always has a few used ones. Ours has 4buttons on the side and is electric. When I press the button it reclines slowly until I feel comfy, 2 of the other buttons are for the headrest but I don’t feel the need to change that. The recliner is a godsend, don’t think I could sleep in a bed.....only problem is that I am competing with the cat who also loves the recliner!!
  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    Hi Jude. I didn't even think of Craigslist. I'm going to check it out when I finish work today. Thanks

  • ibis
    ibis Member Posts: 56
    edited January 2018

    houmom...glad you got 3 drains out! If anyone is still looking for post op bras, I got a Playtex Women's ZipZip Hooray Wire Free Racerback #4886..I see that it is on Amazon. It's worked well for me. For drains, my PS gave out adjustable elastic belts that could hold four drains, so I did not bother with anything else for the drains.

  • MayDayMelK
    MayDayMelK Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2018

    The surgeons office just called and they want me to come in next week to talk to them, not sure if they'll want to try to do biopsy then or not. I was surprised that they called and asked me to come in tho, usually everyone puts stuff off lol. I have been writing down everyone's tips and thoughts so I can have that info if I need it. This site has helped my anxiety a LOT.

  • LoveCanada
    LoveCanada Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2018

    Another good place to look for recliners at a decent price is Wayfair. I bought one last year to see if we’d use it enough to get a nicer one and we haven’t upgraded because it’s been great. It was inexpensive, super easy to put together, and is comfortable.Usually my husband uses it more but I’ve pretty much lived in it since surgery.

  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    Thanks. I didnt have any luck on craiglist. I will try Wayfair.

  • 1-greenmom
    1-greenmom Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2018

    So happy to see so many people healing! I was so worried about going under little did I know that would be the least of my problems.

    When I got into my room my pain was off the charts, they tried everything but nothing would help. About 8 hours after my surgery I told my mom I felt sick and hot. She went to get the nurse and they brought a fan for me. I remember feeling odd. I kept hearing the nurses call out emergency in room 636. As I sat there the room just started spinning and I passed out. My mom who was in the room said it was horrible and she was so scared.

    They got me ready for surgery and headed down to the OR. I went in for another surgery this time only 3 hours, I had a hematoma that was causing the intense pIn. I remember none of this. I ended up staying 6 day vs the 3 days I was scheduled to stay in the hospital I guess they had to watch me since I had super low pressure. Usually I’m normal.

    I hated being in the hospital. I couldn’t sleep and was in constant pain . They tried everything to no avail. I now know what real pain feels like. They finally discharged me and has found a medication combo that worked well enough. It was amazing being home and in my bed surrounded by family.i don’t mind doing my drains. He took 2 out At my last appointment!

    I’m feeling all sorts of odd pain. I go and see my surgeon tomorrow to go over pathology and what the next steps will be. I hope they will refill my prescriptions. I take walks during the day but that’s about all I can dob for now. My co workers started a meal train that goes into mid February. That has been a huge help. I highly suggest it if you have younger kids or not a lot of help. I teach kindergarten and it’s so sweet seeing the compassion from my student past and present.

    I hope everyone is doing good and praying for those who will go in for surgery soon!

    Kristie

  • rdeesides
    rdeesides Member Posts: 233
    edited January 2018

    Hi everyone. I had surgery on Tuesday, a nipple and skin sparing right mastectomy. I had TE’s placed as well. Honestly my recovery has been very easy. I am only taking Tylenol and am able to get in and out of bed and chairs. Today I went out to brunch with friends. Keep in mind, I only got one side done so that probably makes it all easier. I’m hoping you all have easy recoveries as well.

    Rebekah

  • ToughCookie101
    ToughCookie101 Member Posts: 119
    edited January 2018

    Glad to hear from everyone!


    Rebekah, thanks for the update. Was your expander over or under the chest muscle? I am going in for the same surgery Feb 1st and am starting to get a bit anxious. Mine will be under the chest muscle. So glad to hear you are healing so well. If it's ok I'll stick around this group. :)

  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    are any of you staying or have stayed two nights for a BMX and SNB? Is there a standard?

  • Judeshome
    Judeshome Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2018
    Hi Kristie (greenmom) so good to hear from you and so sorry you have had such a difficult and painful time. Glad for you to have such a supportive community and family to help you through this difficult time.
    Rebekah, I am like you, mostly just taking ibuprofen at this point and hoping to get rid of the drains soon...they itch!
    Always happy to see new posts, feeling like we are all helping each other get through this and that no one really understands unless they’ve been in our shoes! Jude
  • May07
    May07 Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2018

    hello everyone, made it through to the other side! I’m staying in the hospital 1 night, pain is manageable from the tissue expanders and I woke up with 400cc in one and 375cc in the other! I just have some soreness of the pec muscles and some numbness in the armpit and the underarm from the sentinel node biopsy.(2 nodes taken and Clear)!!. has anyone else had this numbness in the underarm area happen? Does it resolve?

  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    so happy to hear that you're doing well.

  • rdeesides
    rdeesides Member Posts: 233
    edited January 2018

    ToughCookie, my TE is over the muscle.

    R

  • RedJo40
    RedJo40 Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2018

    May07 I had one SN removed in July. My arm was sore or would feel like someone was pinching it for about three months. I went to a lymphedema therapist, she worked wonders. Full range of motion and no swelling and insurance covers it. 7 months out now, no swelling or pain. Glad to see so many healing and doing well. The flu is in full swing in my area and praying I stay healthy, I don't want surgery delayed. Any tips would be appreciated since I can't take vitamins before surgery. I'm drinking lemon water with honey and getting plenty of plain water as well.

  • miranda2060
    miranda2060 Member Posts: 207
    edited January 2018

    jo6359, thanks for sharing your similar situation. The recliner I bought is small and not a power recliner -- that would probably be better, since this one takes a little effort to make it recline. I guess my husband will have to help with that. At least it's nice-looking furniture for after my recovery. Wishing you the best. When is your surgery?

    Judeshome, I bought a very nice mastectomy pillow from pinkpepper, and also a sweatshirt with drain pockets inside from Kelly Bee, both on etsy.

  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    Hello Miranda I finally found a narrow power chair from lazboy. It was much more than I wanted to spend. The sale price was $858 plus $100 for delivery. I checked online but the problem with ordering the chair online it most of them take 4 to 8 weeks for delivery. My surgery is January 29th. I'm also going to the Pink Pepper site to order a mastectomy pillow. Thanks for the information. Good luck

  • Nifer
    Nifer Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2018

    I wish I had a power reciner for the first week after that it' ok on my own. I was ok with my hubby or kids helping with that.

    I did want to pass along a shirt that I found it was cheap at kmart but so perfect. It is fuzzy and warm and a zip up hoodie. It has pocket on the inside perfect for the drains. Basic Editions is the brand be sure to get a size up.

  • MayDayMelK
    MayDayMelK Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2018

    I'm thinking about altering some of my scrub tops if I end up needing drains or further surgery after biopsy. I like to sew but even if I didn't want to do in-depth altering I have kam-snaps so I could make some tops with snaps or velcro if I didn't want to fight with zippers. I don't work in the medical field anymore so it wouldn't be a loss. :) I have a cheap recliner we got at a yardsale and I thought about moving it into my bedroom because I'm having a really hard time sleeping. I always slept on my side or stomach but with this lymph node so inflamed and breast pain- sleep has been awful lately.

  • miranda2060
    miranda2060 Member Posts: 207
    edited January 2018

    I'm sure you'll enjoy the la-z-boy, jo6359. Mine was more than I wanted to spend too, but we deserve it.

  • jo6359
    jo6359 Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2018

    Miranda - So true. We do deserve it.

    MaydayMelk- It must be very difficult for you. There doesn't seem to be any comfortable position for you. I am so sorry. I wish I had some good advice but I don't. Hoping your pain goes away soon.


  • MayDayMelK
    MayDayMelK Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2018

    Thanks Jo. Is it sad that part of my thought process is that if they have to do surgery, at least it'll be a nap? Snooze

  • houmom
    houmom Member Posts: 102
    edited January 2018

    I had SNB 3 weeks before the BMX/DIEP, I was only just starting to sleep again by the time I went back in! But not having to deal with that as part of the recovery from the second surgery has been a blessing.

  • veeder14
    veeder14 Member Posts: 274
    edited January 2018

    Could I please be added to this Jan surgery group thread.

    I am having a lumpectomy on Jan 26th.

  • Judeshome
    Judeshome Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2018

    Post a reply

    DEC 29

    AnnieTater

    JAN 2

    over70

    Talley76

    JAN 3

    D1974

    1-Greenmom

    JAN 4

    Lovelife4

    Valntine

    JAN 5

    Hopfull2

    MoniThor

    brenbren1113

    JAN 8

    houmom

    nifer

    JAN 9

    Debcesq

    Boobolympics

    JAN10

    shadie

    blessedmomma

    Rockcity

    LoveCanada

    JAN 11

    Kyates

    JAN 12

    arkansasgal

    JAN 16

    rdeesides

    Dskvarla

    Judeshome

    JAN 17

    Sfrankie

    JAN18

    HollyDolly

    Sherribee

    May07

    JAN 22

    Kmajor

    Miranda2060

    JAN 23

    Savedbygrace197

    Philaflash

    JAN 24

    Marlena17

    Zoisite

    Dm39

    JAN 25

    RedJo40

    JAN 26

    Quiltingnut

    Veeder14

    JAN29

    jo6359

    JAN30

    Maggie2

    Spazcat

    JAN31

    MayDayMelK

  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2018

    I am glad to hear about recoveries going well, and I pray that those in pain are in a better place....soon!

    I want to second Nifer' s suggestion re: the Basic Editions zip up fleece (but velour-like) hoodie jacket from Kmart--bought 2 for $25, and have been living in them!

    I have also used a drain holder scarf-like thing from flowerpotz.com, as well as the Elizabeth bra (they gave me 2 in the hospital.) I have been mixing it up re: how I walk around with the drains--some days I like having them under, and with the scarfy thing, I can wear them over.


  • MayDayMelK
    MayDayMelK Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2018

    Houmom, I wonder if they'll do that with me. I have a lymph node between my breast and armpit that has been painful and swollen since my symptoms started. At this point even if it's not cancer I wouldn't mind that thing being out. I can't sleep partially due to it.

  • maggie2
    maggie2 Member Posts: 240
    edited January 2018

    Shadie, what is an "Elizabeth" bra?  Sorry if it has already been discussed, but I don't remember reading anything about it. I have my mastectomy preop on Wednesday and they said I'll be fitted for a surgical bra. It is the same thing?

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