May 2018 Surgery Support Group
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I had a lumpectomy and SNB last Friday May 18. I'm 40, the tumor (.5mm) was found during my first routine mammogram. It was caught so early the doctors have suggested I might just start taking Tamoxifen and avoid radiation and/or chemo. Recovery from surgery has been pretty good, but I'm waiting on pins and needles for my post-op appointment this Thursday. It was scheduled for the afternoon but they called and moved it to the morning. I'm trying to convince myself the move is to accommodate my surgeon's schedule and not because the results are not what have been hoping for and we need to get moving on treatment after the appointment!
This is my first time posting but the site has been so helpful over this past month+ that I've been working through the diagnosis (emotionally and physically!). My best to you all!
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eiscorbic- so glad yours was caught so early! Wow, 1st routine mammogram!
Try not to worry about the appt change. It likely is due to another scheduling conflict. I too, am waiting on the pathology report post surgery. My appt was TODAY. When my surgeon called, she had to track down my report, only to discover that pathology needed more time to complete it. My appt is now moved out to Thursday. Hoping that doesn’t mean anything alarming! So you see, schedules change. Could mean anything,or nothing. Relax and let your healing commence. :
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Hi, guys. I had my BMX on April 25, but figured it’s so close to May, that I’ll be allowed to join this exclusive club. Compared to my back surgery 3 years ago, this one was easier, although much scarier. Since the nerves were cut, the pain, while annoying, wasn’t excruciating. I was thrown out of the hospital room in the morning of 26, and had a nice walk in the park around 1 pm. Then, of course, I collapsed until the following morning. The drains are a pain in the neck, I couldn’t milk them by myself and was nosiated every time I saw their contents, so my wonderful hubby and daughter managed them for me. Today is my 4 weeks anniversary, and my arms are moving much better. The excercises really work nicely. Yesterday was my first day driving a car (sadly, to pick a wig in preparation for chemo), and today was first shower without sitting on the bench. I only take Tylenol after my breast pumping appointments. A new journey starts for me next week - chemo. This one I am very scared about.
One positive node and LVI were the nusty surprises, which precluded chemo for me.
Good luck to you all
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Hey, y'all - very happy to say that the pathology from the lumpectomy shows ADH, the same as the biopsy - nothing hiding. I have a follow-up with an MO since the ADH moves me into the high-risk club, and I need to complete my genetic testing, but my 6-month follow-up is already scheduled, and he's hoping not to need to see me before then. Phew.
Still trying to process that this was the best possible result. I feel like this last month has moved me into PTSD territory.
Hoping that all of my May surgery sisters who've already gone under the knife are healing well, and for those of you still on the schedule, hoping for steady hands, quick healing and good pathology.
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Finally got my pathology report! Left side pappiloma was completely benign. Right side was DCIS only, not invasive at all, very clear margins and no node interaction! She did say there was no estrogen receptor so I'm assuming that means ER- ad PR- and HER2-? She said I may not be offered a hormone blocker but the MO will discuss it with me at that appt. So Stage 0, grade 3 I know for sure. I meet with her on Friday to look at the incisions and we'll go over it in more detail at that point and make all my other appts.
I am so relieved to past this part of it all! On to radiation!
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Hi Everyone -
I am late to the party. This is my first exposure to this group and my first post. I am 45 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in March during my annual mammogram and my 1st MBI. I had SNB and BMX without reconstruction on May 14th. Lymph nodes were clear and final pathology report is scheduled for next week. I have been told no chemo and no radiation which I am thrilled about.
I was only in the hospital for 1 night and managed fairly well with 2 pain bulbs and 2 drains for the first week. Everything was tight and uncomfortable, but I attributed it to all the tape, dressings, and obvious recent surgery. Pain bulbs were removed and all dressings taken off this past Mon (6 days post surgery), but I was dismayed to find that I do not feel any relief of the tightness or pressure around my chest. It feels like I have a tight ill-fitting bra on that I cannot adjust and it has been my undoing.
It is hard to explain simply, But I have Sensory Processing Disorder and one of my most pronounced symptoms is not being able to handle the tactile sensation of anything around my chest area. I have altered my wardrobe to not wear a bra for decades now. My surgeon has been supportive of understanding this. My decision for no reconstruction was due to SPD.
For whatever reason, I did not anticipate the "bra" feeling and it has caused me to take several steps backwards in my recovery and have anxiety that this is permanent.
Drains come out tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it as the pain bulb removal did not go nicely. I am going to research throughout the forums, But this seemed like a good starting point.
Thinking of you all!
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spdgirl: I understand the spd, I go braless most of the time for the very same reason. The new sensation had me a little freaked out too. What I tell myself is that, it’s temporary. Things will settle. Things will adjust. Soon your new normal will be just that, “normal.” The brain can handle disequilibrium for so long, then it must readjust out of survival. Whenit does, and when your body settles into the new normal, it will be easier!
Hugs.
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The pre-op EKG that turned up abnormal ended up okay. The nuclear stress test and echocardiogram verified that there were no blockages and no evidence of current or prior injuries to my heart muscle. I'm just one of those healthy weirdos with a scary looking EKG. That was a huge relief, obviously.
Last stop today after the cardiologist was lymphatic mapping in preparation for surgery. It's not as bad as it sounds, at least for me.
My double mastectomy for invasive mucinous carcinoma (right) and ductal papilloma / sclerosing adenosis (left) will happen as planned first thing tomorrow. No reconstruction as I'd rather go without the extra surgery and radiation that would be required for lumpectomy / reconstruction.
All the medical people I've dealt with so far have been wonderful. Very compassionate, knowledgeable and nice. That matters a lot during such a stressful time. This community too has been great for keeping my spirits up, so thank you all.
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FaithsMama: Thanks for the encouragement. It has been hard for me to feel optimistic that this is only temporary. Did you get any drains out yet?
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FasterPussycat: You have been through the WRINGER on your way to the surgery. Congratulations for getting to the big day with your sanity intact! (more or less) Good luck tomorrow. We are in your corner, cheering loudly!
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FasterPussycat: Thinking of you tomorrow!
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SPDgirl; One drain out today!! Hoping a week from now, drain two!
Fasterpussycat: hugs, prayers, and good vibes your way! Congratulations for making it to surgery day, with your sanity. The waiting, truly is, the hardest part.
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finally home ladies!! My surgery took almost twice as long as they thought and I did have to go the tissue expanders route (but that will be better in the end) I ended up staying two nights in the hospital because I got out of surgery so late, and it was a process to get released yesterday. Getting a visiting nurse set up was not an easy process! I’m still on the strong pain meds every 4-5 hours and hopefully I can wean off those this weekend, ive taken more pills in the past 3 days than I have in the last year but I guess I better get used to it! Over all I feel good, trying to rest but get up and move some too. Glad to finally be home
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SLL101984- you made it! Congratulations! And I would not have turned a second night in the hospital down! I have TEs as well and while they aren’t the most comfy things, I can live with them. Give yourself some grace with the pain meds. I have been on them for 8 days now and the best I can do is space them 6 hours apart. I’ve tried skipping a dose and the pain is too much for me. (And I have a high pain threshold.) I am on Percocet and I talked to a pain specialist who said I can’t get addicted. After reading so much about the opioid crisis, I think many of us are wary of taking what we’ve been prescribed. I knew this recovery would be hard and even so, it has been very tough. I pity the first friend who congratulates me on getting new boobs.
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ReadyAbout: Haha...on the friend comment😂
My sister had breast augmentation many years ago and keeps comparing our situations. Drives me mad!
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ReadyAbout, FaithsMama - I’ve heard plenty of those comments! People just don’t understand. I guess they just want to make us feel better. I was even asked whether I get to select the shape of my new boobsand if yes, which one do I prefer. I almost threw a cup of tea at the person’s face, although I do recognize she meant well.
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good to hear re: pain. My dr made it seem like many of her patients skip home on Tylenol and I’m over here dying if I’m an hour late on the oxy 😂🙄
Nerves are waking up too so I’ve experienced a bit of that sun burned tingling.
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yes I’ve got some tingling going on too, and while it feels a little odd I know that’s good I can feel it. Trying to keep food in me, not much of an appetite but if I don’t eat I know that won’t help the healing process.
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I started this surgery month with - May 1st lumpectomy and 3 CNB (all 3 negative !!) and 2 weeks later I went to a CLS (certified lymphedema specialist PT) to get a baseline measurement of my involved and uninvolved arm. She found no current edema problems and she was very helpful and now, 3 weeks post-op I have full range of motion and I am starting strength training with a very gradual progression on weight increase. BTW the DVD Strength and Courage - Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors was very helpful to me. ...I get no endorsement benefit I just think its great!
Today I had my port placed - on the opposite side of BC - at the hospital and I am preparing for chemotherapy in less than 2 weeks. I just want to encourage all who have been or are preparing for surgery, it is so important to have a good support system and LOTS and LOTS of prayers!...I know this has been challenging but God really does see us through the touch times.
ReadyAbout - you are right that it is so important to keep the pain under control and preferably under 5/10 on the 0-10 pain scale. Drinking fluids and staying active, enjoy nature, get out side ( shield your skin against insects and sun and protect your involved arm - SO crucial during recover). I want to thank you for facilitating this great support group too!
The sweet nurse who prepared me for the port implant this morning reminded me that recover during the beautiful spring/summer/fall seasons is preferable to cold,dark and miserable weather in winter months. Things to be thankful for!... Every kind word and supportive statement means so much to all of us during this trying time.
Best results to all of you!
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Just got my genetic testing results....negative!!!
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All done, nodes clear (pending actual path report), now resting at home. Drive thru surgery FTW. I feel like I did way too many pushups so I guess my pecs are all spazzed. It only gets better from this point.
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My surgery was Tuesday--it's two days later now. Went home Wednesday. My husband is an RN and he's amazing about figuring out how to manage my pain. Unfortunately, I also had a huge amount of nausea yesterday. We had Zofran and also Phenergan suppositories which turned that around. He's alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen each time w/ the opioids. Ibuprofen gel caps, slit a bit, can be suppositories! Since I couldn't take any oral meds yesterday afternoon and evening due to huge amounts of vomiting, that was a make-shift and okay pain solution. I'm finding the cyclobenzaprine to help a lot with the pec muscle spasms, and so I'm using that in between the oxycodone doses. Nausea has been my Usual after surgery. Alas! Wow, SO much edema in right armpit where there was SNB, but the drains will probably eventually do the trick on clearing that out. Drs and my husband nurse say to sleep upright. Helps my GI issues and also helps w/ draining edema into surgical pouches. Thank heavens for many shapes of small pillows, including a bed wedge + a neck c-shaped travel pillows. Those are my main tips to pass along/
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My lumpectomy surgery was 2 days ago on May 22. I feel pretty good but have been taking Advil regularly. I think I need to rest more, but honestly, I feel good. A bit tender, of course and it's hard to not raise my left arm more than 45 degrees. And my breast does not look too weird. My surgery only lasted 1.5 hrs, which is a good thing 'cause it started about 2 hrs late. The surgeon took two lymph nodes, 1 was the sentinel, the second looked slightly larger than the other nodes. My follow up appt is on June 1st, which is when I'll get the pathology reports. Glad I joined the May club and didn't have to wait til June.
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A month after the BMXI am still sleeping in my recliner chair. Plastic surgeon said today it will take another 4 weeks or so to be able to sleep on the sides. Oh, well..
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Just got my path report too...my surgeon took 5 nodes, all negative!!! Only ended up being the one tumor which turned out to be 2.4 cm so I made the right choice of mastectomy because that would have been my whole boob to get clear margins!!! So glad to have some good news today!
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8 days post bmx and today I finally started feeling like myself again. The most bothersome thing (aside from drains) is a hematoma I have under my armpit from the lymph node removal. It feels like I'm trying to smuggle a small lime past TSA. It doesn't hurt, but it is very uncomfortable since it's so big. The BS did an ultrasound of it yesterday and said that she could try to aspirate it, but it's full of coagulated blood and not very much would come out, so I passed on her generous offer. My path report came back with all good news so I will do leprechaun kicks as soon as I feel up to it!
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ready about that’s great news re: path. Still waiting for mine. My underarm where they took a node is swollen and sore also. Not quite a lime but some grapes action for sure.
Where are you ladies sleeping? I’m having a hard time getting comfortable anywhere and have been in my recliner downstairs but am really tired of it and looking forward to getting back to my bed. I’m a side/tummy sleeper so this is particularly torturous.
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SLL-
wow you got yours back so fast!! I’m hoping mine turns up soon also but theytold me to expect into next week. Glad that’s all they found, and I heard the genetic testing was negative so that’s great news for kids. Hope you’re feeling good!
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Heading out for my SNB & BMX, taking strength from all of your stories. Thank you, so grateful for this format. Will report back from the other side...
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Marena- you got this!!! Go kick some butt today!!!
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