January 2020 Surgery Group
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How is everyone doing with exercises to regain range of motion?
I'm slow and steady. It seems like I'm not progressing but I've been marking the spot on the wall that I can reach with my wall crawls and it shows I'm able to do an extra couple of inches a day.
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My ROM is not good on my left side. Right side is much better. Can't wait to go back to PT next week. It really helps. I haven't gone in a few weeks since exchange surgery.
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Good to hear LiveLoveLaugh. What does the PT do to help you?
Can I also just say also that it really sucks to be stuck at home recovering in the dead of winter? It has been snowing all day where I live and I'm afraid to even go for a walk in case I slip. My overworked/underslept friends think I'm lucky to be at home watching Netflix all day but after 5 months the shine wears off. February is going to seem like the longest month....#endlessbummer
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I was home too...but like you said all not fun (sorry friends). I had really bad pain with TE's so I wasn't able to do much at all. Started seeing PT and she works all muscles by rib/underarms. And I can now move how I should be. Anyone with problems with ROM, reach out for help. It's so worth it.
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Today go to have LOCalizer inserted right breast in preparation for surgery next week. Not looking forward to another invasive breast injection. Oh well, if they get all the cancer then it will be worth it.
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LOCalizer inserted without a hitch. Hurt less than breast biopsy. No tumor on ultrasound so they did it under mammography. Just hope next week just as hopeful. This tired me out being that I didn't sleep last night for this procedure thinking all the worst scenarios. Ice to right breast and have to take it easy. No YOGA for me in the next few days. Just want this surgery done and over with
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Martaj glad all went well. Good luck with your surgery next week!
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Bone scan tomorrow. Apparently bone is the most common site for ILC if it metastasizes. I had ILC in both breasts. Surprisingly, to me, the cancer they found in the right sentinel node was ductal. How can this be, when the three cancerous breast lumps were all lobular?
I had a bit of a scare today. I am now two weeks post surgery, so decided to take the stairs at my pre surgery pace... it felt great, then I did it again, as I had forgotten something, then I came close to passing out at the bottom. Got into a chair with my head below my knees. I'm back in bed at the moment, vowing to take it a little more slowly next time.
On a completely unrelated note... I have lost nine and a half pounds since surgery. Does anyone know how approximately how many pounds you can expect to lose from removal of both breasts?
Take care everyone
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Neamster - I had a double mastectomy and lost over 12 lbs. Surgeon stated I had very large breasts. 🤷♀️
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I just found this site and board and can already tell it is going to be a great help! I had surgery on 1/13/2020 - lumpectomy on left side. My HER2 FISH results had come back equivocal twice before surgery, so my surgeon sent in the entire thing after surgery and the result came back negative. Oncologist preferred to do oncotype due to conflicting reports, so I am currently in the waiting stage for that. (I hate waiting.) After the comes back, I'll finally have a plan in place, which is really what I need right now ~ just to know what the next step is.
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I just started PT yesterday and agree w LiveLoveLaugh, it's awesome. I saw a lymphedema PT specialist even though I don't have any lymphedema symptoms and they did some great massage and fascial stretching that felt great. Really glad I did it! She founds some lymphatic cords that I hadn't noticed myself and massaged them out.
I am 4 weeks post b/l mastectomy and drove myself to an appt yesterday. Felt liberating but I hurt really bad last night afterwards. Sometimes it feels like 2 steps forward, 1 step back...and I feel like these tissue expanders are the pits!!
My chest was so angry yesterday after the drive/PT, I couldn't make it out for my sons band concert ): My 10 year old said yesterday "Breast Cancer sucks!" I completely concur!
Su
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Su glad you started PT and that it's helping! It really does make a difference. Especially when you find one specifically trained to help us BC ladies. (Mine is awesome and glad I found her!) Can't wait for my appointment next week.
I totally understand those dreadful expanders! Mine really bothered me and caused me pain for two months. Sorry you missed the concert. Try to take it easy and I totally agree with your child!!
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How are all the January ladies doing? Hope everyone is recovering well!
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livelaughlove- generally recovering well! I've been fortunate to not have any major complications following my surgery. I feel really good and am happy with my direct to implants so far. They're not perfect, but I don't mind them. I feel so good that tend to over do it at times. My youngest is 13 months and it's hard to not pick him up and do the caretaking. My husband has been great, but he needed to go back to work (for many reasons) and works overnights, which is fine until the 13 month old wakes up before he gets home...I've gotten pretty savvy at getting him out of the crib by hoisting my leg over the side, having him crawl onto my knee, and lifting him out on my leg. I'm sure it's just ridiculous looking haha. How is your recovery? How is everyone else doing? I start chemo on Wednesday so I anticipate that crushing some of my energy and recovery momentum
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Hi everyone - I'm in a bit of a funk. Physically I'm feeling okay after my BMX almost two weeks ago but I've developed skin necrosis on my previously radiated breast. I don't see the plastic surgeon until Tuesday so I managed to get in quickly a few days ago to the general surgeon and that was his diagnosis. I'm not sure if I'll lose the expander or if I even care at this point. I want my old life back! I also met with my oncologist and the good news is the three nodes taken are clear. However, the final pathology surprised us all with a tumour just over 3cm. Oncologist has sent my tumour off for Oncotype scoring and he's expecting a low score to follow. This is all foreign to me because I was triple negative 10 years ago and needed chemo for a tiny tumour. I was so upbeat before my surgery but am really down in the dumps right now. This will pass though
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sorry to hear about your funk Sugar77. I fear that rads (I will have mine done this summer when I finish 6 rounds of chemo) will change/ impact my completed reconstruction. I guess time will tell. I’ll send some prayers and positive vibes that your Oncotype score comes back low and that there are no surprises! I didn’t get an Oncotype from my understanding. Since mine was triple positive and 3mm on a sentinel node is was an auto recommendation for chemo, rads, and hormone therapy.
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Hi ladies. I am almost 3 weeks post DMX and yesterday was the first time my discomfort got to me. On my left side, I keep getting this twinge of sensitivity. At first I thought maybe I ripped an internal stitch, but feels more like a quick electric jolt. It comes and goes quickly, but the fear of feeling it has me basically laying still doing nothing.
I suspect that it is nerves trying to do whatever they do when they've been impacted by surgery, but the sensitivity is making me feel nauseous. Any tips or thoughts?
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Ajminn - I'm glad that you are recovering well. I can only imagine having a little one, almost impossible not to pick the baby up. But I'm glad you have found some unique ways to get it done lol My recovery is going well, some pain and discomfort but otherwise fine. Good luck with your chemo next week. I hope you do well and have no horrible side effects.
Sugar - I'm so sorry to hear about the skin necrosis and unexpected pathology
Sending you hugs and praying for a low oncotype score/speedy recovery.Fairy - Same thing happened to me after DMX. Every once in a while you'll get those twinges/shocks of pain. I was really nauseous as well. I just tried to stay hydrated and eat small meals. (I wish they had given me anti nausea meds as some days were really bad).
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Hi ladies, I’m 4 days post DMX with diep flap reconstruction. I’ve had some tough moments...my first day home I shed tears over the pain & the fear that I’ll never feel ”normal” again. The drain sites (4) & back pain from not being able to stand up straight are probably most of my discomfort right now. Not sure what to think of my unfamiliar, swollen & stitched up body. I know everything will get better with time. My first follow up appointment will be Wednesday.
So thankful for the help of my husband & mom for myself & our 3 kids. You ladies who are recovering on your own are super heroes in my book.
I got confirmation that chemo isn’t recommended from my oncologist. I will start tamoxifen in a month. We can do this ladies....one day at a time!
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Hope everyone with pain and discomfort is doing better today.
I had my post op last week and all looked good. Still a bit tender.
I am up in the air on radiation until the Oncotype comes back. I am supposed to have my initial rad appt on Feb 19 but the surgeon's NP said that I may need to postpone that appt. I don't see the oncologist until Mar 6 and I don't know if they will call me if they get it sooner or will want me to wait for the appt to get the Oncotype. I hate all this waiting!
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ajminn3 - I'm so impressed at how well you're doing. I'll be thinking of you this week. Chemo sounds rough, but you sound like someone ready to take it on.
Sugar - sorry to hear you're down. Totally understandable in this situation when things don't go as well as we hope, or even when they do. It's a tough road. We're thinking of you.
Fairydragonfly - I only had the one side done, but I have had similar electric jolt feelings, and have thought nerve pain, too.
Momofboys3 - I can relate. The feelings of what has happened to my body are pretty intense. I'm glad you've got good hope and no chemo on the horizon. One day at a time, for sure.
Moxie32 - The waiting is THE WORST. I hope it comes back early and you don't have to postpone anything. As bad as this all is, I just want to get through it, as I'm sure we all do.
I can't remember if I posted here after surgery. I had it 1/30 and it took twice as long as anticipated, due to how extensive the cancer was. But recovery has been great. The On-Q pain ball meant no narcotics after surgery, and I've mostly just had discomfort since taking it out. Got my drain out Wednesday (and really it was ready Tuesday), less than a week after surgery. I expected that would give me more comfort and feel like a good step forward, but strangely my mood plummeted Thursday and Friday. Been working hard on daily walks outside, giving myself some limited space to be upset, and finally after weeks of begging every health professional I could find, I started some anxiety meds. I had to wean my youngest for surgery, and I'm really sensitive to hormonal changes, so it's just been a real rollercoaster over here. Oh, Thursday the main reason my mood declined was because my surgeon's office refused to give my pathology over the phone, even though the surgeon acted like they would... which was very much like when I was diagnosed. So, results tomorrow. It's also daunting to think that just as I'm turning the corner on this surgery, I'll throw myself into a bigger one for reconstruction. Oof. You reconstruction ladies are giving me hope.
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Sorry to hear of complications for some, but glad others are doing well.
I'm 34 days out from lumpectomy/SNB. If not for the hematoma that decided to drop in, I'd say I was 100%. Had a little tingling on the arm side, but I think it's my homie the hematoma. It's shrinking, at least. SNB incision has not been a problem despite the location, and only pulls a bit at maximum stretch (old gymnast; still flexible). Lump incision, though fairly long (2-plus inches), just sits there quietly and doesn't bother anyone, kinda like me as a kid.
I still have a re-excision to come March 3, so I'm otherwise on hold. Pre-op mammogram in 2 weeks may be exciting though!
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First.... I am so grateful I found this thread! I had a bilateral mastectomy on January 16th (my 49th birthday)
I also chose reconstruction so I am working through that fun process of getting “fill ups".
I had 2 nodes on the left & 3 on the right side removed. A 4cm tumor IDC & DCIS (SITU) in my left breast and found a benign small tumor in my right side just before my surgery via a MRI. I chose not to have a biopsy so had to have the sentinel nodes removed.
After reading through this entire thread.... it has answered SO MANY questions I've had. You have all made me feel normal!! I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I have been literally sitting around recovering for 3.5 weeks wondering what my new normal looks like & now I know. I feel like I am healing well & I have a huge family support system and 2 grown children who help me tremendously so I felt like I didn't need to “join a group"
Thank you for changing my mind. I will continue to read and follow this thread & although I am by no means an expert on any of this, I am happy to share any information or suggestions!!
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Welcome to our community, T-Dahl! We hope you find this to be a place of support and encouragement during your recovery, treatment, and beyond. We're all here for you!
The Mods
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I've been reading this thread for awhile but finally feel it's time to jump in.
January has been a month of torture. I had the right breast removed on January 9,which seemed to go ok. And then i had my expander placement on the 20th. At one of my follow up appointments that i thought i was going to get the drain removed at - my blood pressure was super low so PS sent me to the hospital to be monitored. They thought maybe i was septic so they kept me over night and the following morning the PS did a washout and exploratory surgery to remove any infection. While he was in there, he took swabs. Then three days later he calls and says the type of bacteria in there was only going to get worse and he recommends removing the expander. So later that day, in i go for my 4th surgery in under a month.
I have been an emotional wreck for the last two/three weeks. I just can't stop crying. I'm so ready to start feeling better. And part of what really sucks is that PS doesn't want me moving my arm much but if i don't, I'll loose my range of motion. So every time i move my arms, I'm reminded that I'm struggling.
I am glad to be a part of this group now, it is nice to see that what I'm feeling is normal and I'm not the only one crying.
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I'm glad you've found this site as well T-Dahl. That's quite the birthday event huh? I get what you're saying. I have a big support system as well but it's so nice being able to talk to people who can really relate and understand exactly what you're going through!
Deanders I'm so sorry that you've had to go through all of that. Being in this situation is tough enough to begin with and now you're having to deal with all of these complications on top of everything else. You have every right to be an emotional wreck. I hope things get better.
Sending hugs to you guys.
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I have a group question.... is experiencing nausea/ queasy most of the day normal? I've asked my doctor(s) and they have all said just eat smaller meals a few times a day. But honestly... nothing helps. I am nauseous or queasy throughout the whole day & evening? Is this a side effect of having both breasts removed. My surgery was almost 4 weeks ago & I have been off any pain meds for about 2 weeks and I start my tamoxifen today? So what else can it be? Hormones?
If anyone has any suggestions about how to help this subside.... I'd love to hear what has worked for you. I've had ginger, ginger tea, crackers not eating, eating small meals. How long is this going to last? I feel bad even complaining about this because everything else about my surgery has been fantastic and I am so grateful that I won't need additional treatments. Thank you for your help!
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T-Dahl- sorry to hear about the queasy stomach. I’m not much help. I didn’t have much stomach problems beyond being anxiety related during my waiting times. Maybe the doctor could give you some meds if all else fails? Seems like you’ve tried a lot of stuff to try to stop it! I feel like it’s so hard for us to pinpoint what is causing our symptoms because of having so much going on (surgery, chemo, hormone treatments, and not to mention and other meds or diagnosis!).
Deanders- I’m happy you found us. This is all so tough. I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure so many surgeries. It’s not fair. Despite having an easier recovery myself, I can say I have cried, and cried, and cried throughout this process. It’s such a long, slow recovery. However you feel is okay. It’s hard to want to get back to normal, yet you “can’t”. It’s so frustrating. Cry as much as you need, but also reach out if you feel like you need something to help with mood/anxiety/panic/whatever. I have found some meds have really helped me feel more level and Xanax has helped tremendously when I literally had panic attacks or was continuously crying so much I couldn’t even sleep and was getting headaches. Sending you lots of hugs
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Tdahl I was the same way and tried everything you did. I was even so nauseous and dizzy before discharge and they gave me one last dose of Zofran and sent me on my way. I was told they don't give anything for nausea. So I hope the nausea passes soon!
I too had many days of crying. This is tough. Definitely see if you can get some meds to help you through this time.
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Thank you Ajminn3 & Livelovelaugh2020!
I haven’t had any crying spells & really everything has gone remarkably well for me. My PS is an amazing doctor. I am blessed to have been put in the right place. Other than learning it’s okay to just be exhausted and the daily nausea I think I’m doing pretty good.
I am going for a big fill up tomorrow & I might push him for some meds to help with the nausea 🤞🏽
I think it’s just my hormones being out of whack. I’m still open to some natural suggestions though too. Thank you again for all of the support! 💖
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