May 2018 Surgery Support Group
Comments
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- kandyhunt: I had the pain bags/bulbs too and found them so helpful! Mine lasted 6 days. Did yours go that long? Since this was my 1st rodeo I assumed they were protocol, but I have learned through this board that they aren't as common as I expected.
- FasterPussycat: that is great on your good prognosis! My sternum has also been hurting and I don't quite understand it. Feels like someone put a random iron rod in my chest that doesn't know what to do with itself.
- Marena: I am so sorry to hear about the pain of the drain removals 🙁 and your lack of good sleep. Although I don't feel comfortable, I have been able to sleep through the majority of the night with the help of a half tablet of low dosage Xanax. As Bella mentioned, I too started taking after diagnosis as the surgeon said I was severely sleep deprived and she wanted to get me in better shape before surgery.
- Bella2013: it sounds like our Xanax stories are very similar. I have had extreme night sweats since I was a teenager so although I slept, it wasn't really the deep sleep and at my 1st meeting with my surgeon she insisted on the low dosage of Xanax until surgery to get me rested. I did a whole pill for awhile (it eliminated my night sweats!) and went down to 1/2 pill following surgery to try and make the Rx last longer as BS originally wasn't going to give additional RX. Half tablet has been doing the trick at night. BS has suggested I try during day as well for a bit to relieve my anxious mind (the chest tightness really accentuates my Sensory Processing Disorder), but I have been afraid it would make me too foggy or sleepy, so I haven't tried. I attempted 1/4 tablet during the day, but didn't notice anything.
- Michi: I am not having reconstruction, so I don't have to have fills, but I can't imagine my chest being any tighter than it already is. I am so sorry for all the added pressure the fills bring
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Michi: The fills are difficult. I've had one fill since my MSX. It was just a week out of surgery. I'll be getting another fill next week, which will be 21 days post msx. For me, it's both numbness, lack of sensation and pressure in the chest are that are so difficult. My last drain was removed last night and I'm amazed how much relief it's given me!
Marena; Perhaps you should ask for pain meds? I've tried going cold turkey off of them and always have very difficult days when I do, with the muscle tightness and cramping, and pain. I have cut back considerably, but still am on 1 - 2 muscle relaxers per day, and at least one pain killer. The Tylenol did NOTHING to alleviate my pain. So, it's prescription pain meds for me still, day 18 post surgery. I've given up trying to tough it out. Now I am merely wanting comfort to get through this.
Fasterpussycat: I was having significant pain over my sternum as well. My ps says the bulk of the msx takes place over the sternum area. So that makes complete sense that you are having pain in that area. I hope you get relief very soon!
Kandyhut: What is the latest news on your left node? What did they find? I'm glad your daughter is helping out!! I would take your oxycontin as needed and just request refills as needed. I understand the crackdown, but when you NEED it and aren't abusing it, that's the purpose of the drug in the first place. I think the entire world is overreacting about this opiod crisis. YES< people ABUSE them. But, those who have had their breasts amputated, NEED them.
Readyabout: LOL "Two aluminum cans" How about a grapefruit that's been overripened! That's what mine look like!
EO2378: a MILE Of walking!! Congrats!! That is FANTASTIC!
As4me, I am 18 days post msx and am experiencing what my dr calls the post surgery blues. My mind is wanting to get back to the business as living, as usual. While my body is saying, "Wait, hold up a second, I need to catch my breath." I feel guilty if I am not productive at home, or if I nap too much, or lounge too much. I get tired, and sore when I try to do much of anything. I went back to work after less than 2 weeks posts surgery and realized that was toooo soon. So, back to working from home now. Which I don't mind so much. I am still on my muscle relaxers and pain meds. I find I am too uncomfortable to the point of feeling light headed and unable to catch my breath if I don't keep some sort of pain management under control. I believe it's the result of the TE more than the MSX. But, perhaps a little of both. Waiting for my onco type report and genetic testing. As it stands drs are recommending chemo, radiation and hormone treatments. Because I had two different types of cancer in the one breast, one of which doesn't respond well to chemo or hormone treatments, I'm reluctant to do either of those. But, time will tell. We'll see. I am very fortunate in that my BIL does cancer research. He just published a book titled Outside the Box Cancer Therapies.
I'll be staring some IV therapy at his clinic in Seattle, WA next week. Looking forward to it!
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Today I was able to have one of the three drains removed. I was pretty anxious about the drain removal expecting it to hurt and thankfully I had zero pain. Friday, I'm expecting to have the other 2 drains and the vac pack removed. My PS advised the drains should feel the same, very little discomfort. The vac pack is probably going to be a bit more painful and he suggested I take a pain pill before hand. Both anxious and excited about Friday!
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Michi- I just got my first fill today after serious thought about aborting reconstruction. I was filled with 360cc at surgery and got another 120cc today to put me at 480cc. Honestly I’m good with where I am now but he wants to do one more fill next week. Then I have 8 rounds of chemo to do before I can have my exchange surgery. Prayers of comfort for both of us!!
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Drains are out!! Huge pressure relief!! No issues or discomfort coming out but I did start leaking quite a bit out of one of the incisions that soaked my shirt and pants!! The pressure on my ribs is gone now but the incisions are still tender which I expected. Got my first little baby fill today with some air, I was left completely flat at surgery. My expanders only hold 350 so I will not be going large at all (I was a small b before this)but I’m sure I will get to that tightness feeling. My ps did say my nipples looked really good, I was a little concerned after I woke up a couple days ago with some blood on them. But she said it was definitely from my shirt rubbing the scabby skin off and that means there’s blood flow so that’s really good!Meeting with oncologist next Tuesday to find out what’s next.
Glad to see everyone is on the mend and doing well!
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So glad to hear SLL! Great news and a huge relief to have them out.
Joy, I’m with you, this maybe my last fill! Not enjoying this tightness at! Good luck with everything as well!
Faith, glad to hear I’m not the only one. While the numbness is annoying I can almost handle that over the tightness which is just so annoying to me and doesn’t seem to be helped with Advil, unfortunately my PS didn’t give me a muscle relaxer‘s only Ativan which she claims does the same thing, but for sure does not!
SPD- smart move, I am told The recon is the most uncomfortable part, I’m almost wishing I hadn’t at this point
And sadly after two weeks my path report still isn’t back, which has me in near panic but the nurse assures me this doesn’t necessarily mean they found anything worse but holiday, back ups ect can happen. Worse than most forms of torture I’ve decided! Ahhhhhh
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My stamina is improving. Today's walk down the hill to the clubhouse was way less tentative and slow, and the walk back up the hill was far less taxing than the last one yesterday morning. I think having the drains and steristrips gone has made a big difference.
That and the ice cream bar I refueled with before the trek home today lol.
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Hey Friends! It's SO GOOD to hear so many stories of people mending well/turning the corner! Woot woot! I think my nerve pain is improving as I took half the doses of Percocet today and felt ok. I am sad that I tried to wean myself off the pain meds last week when I was in such bad shape. My friends sent me some socks that said "I am strong" on the top and I looked at them one morning and burst into tears because "strong" was the last thing I felt. I guess I'll know for the next surgery, lol. I did a long hike with one of my kids today and had the best time - she is in college and will leave soon for Peru for the rest of the summer and I was so excited to have one-on-one time with her. I start PT tomorrow for the axillary webbing in one arm and I'm eager to get that ironed out as it is tough to straighten/use that arm. I finally called the MO to get my Oncotype score (long story) and it's 19. I was hoping to skip Tamoxifen but I have a feeling he will lobby in favor of it. I am sorry to hear about people having pain/issues with fills - I agree that it is so hard to be in pain and need the drugs but at the same time worry that you will become addicted or be perceived by your doctor as at risk of addiction. I will get my first fill one month post-op because I had issues with the tissue healing; I'm a little nervous about how the nerve pain will be but baby steps... I hope everyone continues down the path of healing and optimism. GO TEAM!
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Received my pathology report today. Pure DCIS - nothing invasive found! So no further treatment needed. They did find additional precancerous stuff on the bad side and the good side, so in the end, a DMX was the right call. And the size of the DCIS was so large a lumpectomy wouldn't have been the right call. Plus, it was on its way to invasive had I waited much longer.I see the PS tomorrow to discuss drains and maybe get my first fill. I feel such a huge sense of relief!
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Greetings from Vancouver BC.
I had my R Mx on May 1st, drains removed May 15th, and have had two fills.
I've checked the site from time to time, and have meant to post, but...life - 2 teenage boys, family and friends, and trying to give myself space to heal. I find writing difficult, and tend to put it off for as long as possible.
My surgery went well, my night in the hospital was awful, felt so much better to be home. I had a couple friends come over for the first 4 days and then was fine to be by myself w occasional help from boys.
My head is still spinning from all of this. I haven't seen an oncologist yet and feel like my life is still suspended pending further treatment info. I'm hoping to have my Oncotype info by end of June - and then a plan. Still stumbling around in the dark though.
I'm trying to go for long walks and listen to podcasts to keep my brain on track. Oprah's super soul Sunday series has been helpful: good, wise company for my walks.
Sending love and light to all you out there, xo
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Hi Everyone, I had a double mastectomy 5/10, expanders put in, 1 drain left ! the tightness and pain is tough. I think regret getting expanders and going for reconstruction. I have never had any tolerance to pain and no one tells how difficult this really is. I cry each day and I am not really sure why. My PS said that I can get expanders out and no reconstruction but could have a lot for extra skin/ scar tissue.
I am wondering has anyone else changed their mind ? had expanders out & not gone through reconstruction ? Are my feelings normal ?
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SLL101984 We are surgery and, as it seems, appointment twins. I, too, had my bmx on 5/21 and my first post-surgery onc appt next Tuesday. I'm so glad you got the drains out! I'm still walking around with one on my prophylactic side and it doesn't seem to want to quit. I'm a little nervous, though, because the stuff coming out of it looks funky. It's not entirely clear anymore like they want it to be, and I'm definitely having more pain on that side. I'm glad I have an appt today.
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Bella2013 Thanks for the input & support! And I appreciate the empathy from all of you! Heal well
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Smiles1 this is a long post, but may resonate with some of what you’re going through...
WARNING: I apologize up front for how lengthy this is & will stay brief moving forward! I stumbled upon thison Facebook & only know how to cut & paste!
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Many doctors assume a woman will need to reconstruct after a mastectomy in order to feel whole ... and they speak to her accordingly.
Why is this? I mean it sincerely. Why the assumption that a woman will need fake breasts in order to feel whole?
Why the assumption that a woman will feel less than whole without fake breasts?
I write this for myself, and the many women I know who are walking the flat path. Bucking society's expectations. Choosing function over form.
Reconstruction is no small undertaking. It often requires multiple (sometimes numerous) surgeries, involves pain and discomfort, and sometimes many infections and complications. It has the potential to permanently compromise strength and range of motion. Reconstructed breasts are frequently numb, and rarely look as good as the original. (If you think it's a "free boob job," you are sadly mistaken. Please go do some research, then come back.) I have no issue with women who choose to reconstruct - we each need to make the choice that is best for us, and I support all women in their choices. My issue is with doctors, and society as a whole, and how women's bodies are viewed.
At best, most doctors do not mention going flat as an option to their patients. Why not? I know women where it was assumed they would reconstruct, and they went along because they thought it was just what you did. And some came to deeply regret that choice. But can you even call it a choice, if you weren't presented an alternative?
Some doctors say downright horrific things, tell a woman she's making a mistake or following a "fad," refuse to make her flat unless she sees a psychiatrist, or tell her they need her husband to indicate he's "okay" with her decision.
There are doctors who agree to make their patient flat, but just don't do a very good job. Is it lack of skill? Time? Care? I've seen plenty of beautiful results, so I know it's possible. When a woman goes flat, that IS her reconstruction, and many of us choose this because we want to be done and get on with our lives ... not a round robin of more surgeries. It needs to be treated with the same thoughtfulness, care and attention as a woman who reconstructs. This is the body we live in. Just because it doesn't have breasts doesn't make it matter less. Doesn't mean we don't care how we look.
Then there are surgeons who decide in the operating room that a woman will "change her mind," and leave extra skin to facilitate reconstruction. (Which, by the way, is completely unnecessary. It's possible to reconstruct from flat, should one actually change their mind.) It is already incredibly difficult to lose your breasts ... hard enough to take off the bandages and see what has happened to your body. Waking up with loose, extra, puckered skin makes a difficult situation even more painful, and requires additional surgeries to fix (should one have the health, time, finances, health insurance, and wherewithal to do so).
This is just one more manifestation of a culture that believes a woman's body is public property ... that believes we do not have agency over our selves ... that believes we are incapable of choosing, deciding, knowing.
I am not an object. I am a person. Whole, multi-faceted, complex, smart, capable, and so, so much more than just my body. But because breasts are a "sexual object," our culture believes their most important job is to please the eye of whomever is looking at them, or the hand of whomever is touching them. The person they are attached to is often the least important part of the equation.
This makes my blood boil.
Most of my doctors assumed I would reconstruct because I'm "so young." They said it would help me feel "normal." Why? Why this belief that a woman without breasts is somehow less than? Why not present ALL the options, pros and cons to each, and support me in choosing what is best for ME? Thankfully, my doctors did not question or judge my decision to go flat, or require me to see a psychiatrist, or go against my wishes in the operating room. Not all women are so lucky, but it should have nothing to do with luck, and I shouldn't have to put "thankfully" at the beginning of that sentence.
At five weeks out, I am happy with my decision. I have almost full sensation in my chest, and - aside from some intermittent shoulder pain - any lingering discomfort is due almost entirely to the 13 lymph nodes that were removed, and a small area of swelling that my arm rests against, which makes it bothersome.
When I look in the mirror, I do not feel less than. I see a fierce, courageous woman who can't wait to be healthy and strong again. Who knows that her worth has absolutely nothing to do with whether she has breasts or not. Who misses her feminine curves, but is not willing to do what it takes to restore a pale imitation. Who wants to recover and get back to living life as quickly as she can.
The women who are making these decisions are going through some off the hardest, scariest times of their lives. For god's sake, don't make things harder. Doctors need to stop making assumptions. They need to stop ignoring the option to go flat. They need to stop treating a woman's body like public property. They need to stop thinking we are incapable of making this choice, that we will have regrets, that they know better than us.
Actually ... people need to stop doing this. People, partners, friends, strangers. I'm lucky to be surrounded by people who love me fiercely, and believe in my ability to choose what is best for me. And the one who didn't was shown the door. If you undercut my worth, or question my beauty, femininity or sexuality because I no longer have breasts ... you don't get to be in my life.
A woman's body belongs to her and her alone. She gets to decide. Believe her when she tells you what she needs in order to be healthy, happy and whole - and then support that choice, whatever it might be. Know it was likely born from hurt and pain and fear and rage and sadness, and it was made with her back against the wall and a knife at her throat, while staring death in the eyes. So accept her, support her, and love her. Love the hell out of her.
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Do what you need for you ❤️
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With you 100% Marena. Breasts are not an achievement. They are not required for life or health. Most other mammals do not have prominent breasts unless they are currently lactating.
Sexualization of breasts harms women and their self esteem. Naturally small breasted women grow up believing we are inadequate and unlovable if our breasts do not grow to "acceptable" dimensions. Clothing doesn't fit well, because it's styled to exhibit "correctly proportioned" breasts for public approval. Then we are pressured, even as teenagers, into implant surgery to make up for the perceived deficit.
It's just as bad, or worse, for women with large breasts -- we are perceived as stupid, promiscuous, or sexually available. Imagine how embarassing this is for a 13 year old girl, and it never gets better. Large-breasted women are pressured in high school to get reductions to participate in ballet, gymnastics, or cheerleading. When reduction DOES make sense to relieve pain and posture problems, insurance companies make us prove it's not just a cosmetic procedure.
Either way women receive unwanted attention because of the size of our breasts and we accept that attention as proof that we have failed as females unless we make an effort to conform, whatever the cost to our safety, health, and self esteem.
Breast size should NOT dictate our value as human beings. Even with a disease as horrific as breast cancer, we are still pressured to "normalize" our appearance after surgery, though reconstruction contributes exactly nothing to subsequent health, extends surgery and recovery time, and has a risk of complications in people whose well being is already compromised by cancer and its treatments.
I am fortunate that my surgeon did not continue to pressure me to reconstruct after I said I wanted to be flat after my bilateral mastectomy, and she accomodated my request for a smooth, flat chest. Now that the dressings are gone 2 weeks after surgery, I am pleased with the results -- no extra skin, no dog ears, and smooth incisions.
Even so, I still have a lot of swelling and bruising, notably in underarm areas where the elastic binder may have been too tight, plus a lot of blue staining from the SNB, and some dead looking skin on the cancer side that my surgeon assures me will regrow and heal okay.
Surprisingly, nobody in my social community who was not already aware of my diagnosis and surgery were even aware that I no longer have breasts until I mentioned it, even though I previously had prominent double-Ds. Everyone else has been very supportive and caring, and I've encountered zero negative comments about my decision not to reconstruct -- in fact quite a few women have said they too went flat, sometimes decades ago, and I Never Even Noticed. That's how important breasts actually are to everyone but ourselves.
Maybe it's because I live in a 55+ community where most of us have grown out of our obsession with breasts. Mostly, we're glad to be able to enjoy life, even with the health problems that come with aging.
I have complications healing from a simple mastectomy. I cannot imagine how much worse these complications would have been if I had opted for reconstruction. I just want this over with so I can return to a normal life.
If others have the stamina and fortitude to proceed with reconstruction, I won't judge you. For me, though, it wasn't the right choice for a multitude of reasons. I wish all of you good health and happiness no matter how you choose to make yourself whole after breast cancer.
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I am so in awe of you all that are going through reconstruction as I feel like I am barely making it through the healing without any of the extra stresses! I am so thankful that my BS was entirely on board and supportive about no reconstruction based on my sensory struggles. Most people are not familiar with this in adults and she was very attentive in learning about it and going out of her way to make my environment comfortable.
FaithsMama - Thank you for sharing your BIL's book. It sounds very interesting. I too am having the mind vs. Body struggles on what I want to do and what I apparently am capable of doing.
Eo and Michi - big congrats on drain removals!!!!! So sorry on Pathology Report delay, Michi. I agree that the timing probably has nothing to do with the content, but that doesn't make the wait any easier.
ReadyAbout - that is great about quality time with you daughter. I can't imagine hiking yet, but I wasn't super active prior to surgery 😃 I REALLY want to skip Tamoxifen, but I am worried that nobody is even going to present that as an option. MO appt isn't for 2 more weeks and don't have Oncotype score back yet.
SN75 - Wonderful news!
Smiles1 - thinking of you. I too have had lots of tears and I am not regularly a crier.
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recon is tough, and thankfully thus far I haven’t had complications, but going under the knife again and dealing with these fills is no small feat and I certainly understand those wishing to skip that. No matter the route, all of you ladies are so strong, and as a dear friend battling BC right now told me, the silver lining is you gain the perspective people would pay millions of dollars for. Life is short and there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so live everyday and do what makes your heart happy.
I want to thank you ladies for all the support over this past month, this forum has been invaluable for me navigating through this dark time with many unknowns. Thankfully, I finally received my path report and nothing invasive was found, just more LCIS/ALH.
Sending healing vibes to all
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Michi, I'm really glad nothing invasive was found. That's great!
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Inquiring minds want to know - do ya'll have any insight on:
- When we can shave our armpits? My doc said not yet...differences between side with lymph node removal?
- How/when does the glue comes off the incisions?
- Are we allowed to use heat on our backs or shoulder blades...differences on lymph node removal side?
- Are there different Oncotype tests?
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thanks Aussie Cat.. it’s been a huge weight off my back
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Smiles1: reconstruction with expanders is a big decision. I had my first fill today and my drains are still in. So far so good. In the end, it is your body and you do whatever makes you happy. You are the one living it! Those that love you will continue to do so, and I say screw anybody else who doesn't get it!
You mentioned crying each day. I have moments out of nowhere when I cry. Sometimes due to pain, sometimes sadness and frustration. I also think our hormones get screwed up losing all that breast tissue. I let myself have a good cry and don't hold back. It's a good release.
Sometimes the expanders sit funny and hurt, like they are jammed in my armpits. But the feeling of them there is ever present. For me it's a mindset. I know this isn't forever with them. We have all been through a lot, taking on something we never really thought would happen to us. But here we are! Stay strong. Keep talking about it and in the end you will do what is best for you.
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SPDGirl: I am 3 weeks post-BMX and just shaved my armpits today. If my PS gave me a waiting period, I don't remember it. I talked to a few BC survivor friends about how to do this because I tried to shave in the shower and then would check later and it looked like nothing had been shaved. They said to look in a mirror while I'm doing it - that due to swelling/TEs/implants, the angle will always be kind of weird. All 3 of them said they still have to use a mirror to shave. Also, there are two different Oncotype tests for BC: one is for DCIS and one is for invasive. They both have very different scoring ranges so you definitely want to be sure you've got the right test range for your score.
Also, FWIW, I was ambivalent about doing reconstruction and I might have very well been tempted to skip it if my husband didn't have an opinion. He would have supported me if I had not done reconstruction, but he said that if I was okay with it, he would prefer that I go for it. I am not sizing up or anything, so clearly he won't be ogling a new, supersized set. I pointed out to him that if 1 out of every 8 men got testicular cancer and had to get their testicles removed but could opt to leave the skin and meanwhile choose the the new shape and size of their fake testicles, and oh by the way, there will be no sensation or functional purpose to them now, very few would make that transition. My husband gets a chest cold and acts like he's in the last stages of tuberculosis. {...rolls eyes...}
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lisaroz- sorry to hear you still have to lug around one of those drains! Hope things went well at your appt today. Nothing is infected, you diss it looked a little funny?
I’m so nervous for this oncology appointment, I’m afraid they’re going to throw the book at me because I’m so young, they’re going to want to give me the best chance at many many more years. But of course chemo side effects/lasting damages don’t always outweigh any benefit I may get. Hoping a low onco score! Keep me posted how things go
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SLL101984: I hope you get a good report! I too am awaiting my onco……
Woo HOO Celebration!!! I took a FULL shower today!!! For the first time since my surgery. I full regular shower!!
I too am wondering about shaving my armpits. I don't think my incision site is ready. My node removal incision is very close to my shave zone and it's still swollen. So, I'm waiting it out a bit. Hate it though.How about deodorant? Can we use deodorant in that area?
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Marina and FasterPussycat- Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I have been following the message board, but haven't had a chance to post. I had BMX without reconstruction on May 2nd and I have gone through a wide range of feelings about it. I have a PALB2 mutation and a grandmother who died at age 43 (I'm 46) from breast cancer, so I really decided to get them lopped off to try and prevent this from ever happening again. I went without reconstruction because I wanted it to be one and done and I feel that I'm a slow healer, so the thought of keeping the process going for months made me crazy. I have to admit that when I first saw my breasts without bandages the massive incisions made me balk because they were lumpie and I had two large swellings on each side of the center that I call my "foobies". My breast surgeon said that they would probably get smaller as the swelling went down and thankfully I have noticed that they are getting a little smaller at four weeks post-op. In some ways I absolutely love being flat and yet when I put on a shirt that is cut for someone with cleavage I get a little sad because I can't wear it without it being noticeable that I am lumpie. I do think that being flat makes me look younger and it is a great incentivizer to work on streamlining the lower half of me!
I think that I might have the record for the most lymph nodes removed (I had 23 on my right and 1 on my left) and it has really done a number on my right arm's range of motion. Does anyone else have any issues like that? I'm meeting with a PT and she has given me exercises for it and to try and prevent lymphademia (dun, dun.....dunnnnn). I am experiencing periods where everything is really tight, like a band around my upper chest, and I don't know if it is a result of carrying too much when I went on a trip last weekend or from doing exercises that stretch parts I haven't stretched before. I do know that I am trying to not take Tylenol every day and I also wonder if this has something to do with it.
I appreciate everyone's sharing and advice and feel very fortunate to have such a great resource.
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missmelissa, I can definitely relate to your experience. 18 nodes were removed on my right side, and the right arm was definitely much less mobile then the left, where only 1 node was taken out with the breast tissues. Do your arm exercises religiously every few hours and use the insentive spirometer for the chest tightness, and you’ll be fine. Also, when you lift your arms to the shoulder height, don’t forget to turn your head from side to side gently. Apparently, it encourages lymph flow and stretches your neck muscles.
I am now 6 weeks post BMX, and both my arms are almost back to normal. I still do the moves at least 4 times a day, though, because I feel better when I do it. I had some cording at about 3 weeks, and was advised to push through the pain and continue with exercises. I did, and it went away. I do have TE’s, which are now filled to the C cup. Thank God I don’t have to go to the fillings anymore.
I have no body image issues post surgery. I opted for reconstruction because I had big breasts (34DDD) and always wanted smaller ones. People did look weird at me, but it didn’t bother me too much. I loved the low décolletage in the party dresses and didn’t care how I was perceived because of it. It was something that looked good on me and my husband loved it too. The rest of my clothes are business casual, and while they are definitely tamer, nothing could ever hide the size of my boobs, even when I was wearing minimizer bras. I have no regrets and am happy with my decision. Even the replacement surgery doesn’t scare me.
The only thing that I worry about is cancer coming back at some point, and compared to that, all other thoughts are just white noise.0 -
Oh, and my plastic surgeon let me use aluminum free deodorant at 4 weeks.
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ReadyAbout: Thank you for all the info on the shaving and the Oncotype testing. Just when I think I have a pretty rudimentary understanding of all that this cancer and surgery entails, I come up with something else that I realize I know nothing about. That is a GREAT point on how this might look if the situations were switched to men's bodies 😁 Thankfully, my husband was on board with no reconstruction.
MissMelissa90: it sounds like we had similar thought processes during our decision making. I am 45 and my grandmother passed away from breast cancer when she was 48.
My BS said i could start using "mild" deodarant at 3 weeks when I asked. Out of curiosity, how many of you have had your lymph node removals in your dominant side? I had 5 removed from my right side and I am right-handed.
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I just received my pathology reports and I have a clean bill of health, cancer free! Nodes were all clear no followup treatment for rads or chemo will be needed I'm feeling pretty thankful for the clean bill of health! Two more drains and the vac pack to have removed (hopefully tomorrow) and I will be traveling the road of follow up only.
I've been using essential oils for deodorant, diluted with fractionated coconut oil, and my PS and BS were okay with this 2 post op. I'm looking forward to a full on shower soon!
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I'm 2 weeks and 2 days past BMX with SLN and TE's. Final surgical pathology showed clean margins, and no lymph involvement in armpit or in breast tissue, and tumor size confirmed to be .9 cm. This puts me in a new category; these "good news" facts were better than expected, because my tumor is Grade 3. Therefore, my oncologist has ordered oncotyping, and results will be back in about 2 weeks, so that's how long before I find out whether I'll have chemotherapy.
My "good" side was found to have LCIS, which makes me feel good about my decision for a BMX.
Left side drain was clear-ish and low volume at about 10 days and was able to come out. Right side got a hematoma around 7 days after surgery, and drain bulb has been quite full still, and dark red, as it clears out the more-traumatized right side. My SO did the axillary excision through the breast incision, so I don't have an additional armpit incision, but the trauma inside my right breast area was extensive. Lots of bruising; still looks pretty beat up 16 days post surgery. Still plenty of torso swelling. Abdomen was swollen for a good 2 weeks, post surgery; probably from general edema + maybe also because of all the saline they put in, who knows! Right drain might take a few more days before it can come out. Thank heavens for that white surgical camisole, with its little drain-bulb holding pockets. My DH does a lot of laundry, including that item when there's leakage.
Pain, or serious discomfort, is rather constant across my chest. I don't think post-surgical pain was really there after about 3 days, but the pressure on my pecs of the TE's behind them is quite difficult. I quit taking Oxycodone during the day at about 1 week post surgery. I still use Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) 10 mg at night, and sometimes Oxycodone, and in the day I use 5mg Flexeril occasionally. I take 600 mg Ibuprofen once or twice each day. I find that an active day (getting up, doing a lot, walking 1-2 miles) has to be followed by a recovery/rest day! I'm usually quite physically fit, but repair and healing is taking awhile at age 60, so I'm letting healing happen at my body's own pace.
NOTE: My cancer in 2003 was considered Totally Cured (after lumpectomy, radiation and 5 years of Tamoxifen) by all of my doctors. My 2018 cancer has completely different markers and is considered a New Primary. My bad luck. Breast Cancer twice.
It's helpful for me to go around this site and find stories about how people feel several weeks, months, years after similar surgery and treatment. That puts my recovery in perspective.
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