March 2022 Surgery
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My surgery is scheduled tomorrow, Mar 15. My first breast cancer was 22 years ago, lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. This one is not a recurrence of the old cancer it's brand new. So mastectomy is the only option. I've chosen double mastectomy without reconstruction. (I'm 65 years old and the extended recovery period for the reconstruction didn't appeal to me. I'm nervous about the scars, not about being flat. I've been incredibly lopsided for years due to the surgery in 2000, so a single mastectomy wasn't something I am interested in either. How are you healing from the surgery? How did it compare to your expectations?
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thank you! Healing well. Still anxiously awaiting the results. Prayers to all on this board-you are all in my heart.
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My left breast was moved February 9th.😊 In at 6am for pre op. Met with my nurse, answered questions and put on my gown. Wheeled to the department in a wheel chair where the doctor injected the dye into my nipple in 4 places. Got back and my plastic surgeon came in to draw on my body. Never have i been so drawn on. Once Dr. Carrey was done, I met the anesthesiologist who covered the hazards and reasons for his service. I asked him if he has done it before and he said way to many times. Then the ob oncologist came in and said a few things and mostly gave me reassurance. The 2 surgical nurses arrived next, followed by my breast surgeon, Amy Polverini. I was wheeled out before 8am. I got in the OR an
It contained the tumor that started out as a 5cm, and shrunk half or so with the 12 weekly chemo's and 1 of the red devil. Then my low red/white/platelet numbers told the doctors i was done. I started a chemo targeted pill and that did the same to my blood after 27 days. I was diagnosed with Brca2 at the City of hope the day i was to start my 4 does of the red devil. So, a mastectomy's was my next option. My breasts were never big enough for a lumpectomy, so I took the what i knew to be the right choice and said take it. On this same day, the gyno oncologist felt it best to take my ovaries and fallopian tubes this day as well. Going under anesthesia's has risks and both surgeries are often done. 2 slits on the side of my tummy and the belly button in the center were the cuts or entry points. Less entry points for BRCA2 mutated genes to come in and create tumors.
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Hope everyone's surgery went well, and they are recovering nicely. Went for follow up to both surgeons at two-week mark yesterday. Both were happy with recovery, but my hope for removing the second drip was squashed! Still draining quite a bit, so (at least) one more week. I only took shower once in two weeks, which was no fun at all with drips hanging around me, so keeping up with sponge bath until drip is out.
I slept in bed after coming back from hospital for couple of days, but was very uncomfortable. Then I started sleeping in recliner and that helped a lot. I got a mastectomy pillow as a gift. That helps a lot too while sleeping. if anyone has young kids or pets around, this pillow will save you lot of hurt.
My biopsy results are back, margins and nodes are all clear. Now I have oncologist appointment next week to decide on chemo.
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My flat closure BMX was 3/9 (day 0). Anesthesiologist came in and introduced himself, explained process and his experience, and showed me a pic of three little girls on his phone. Said they were the center of his universe, but for the next 6 hours, I was. Made me tear up and trust him with my life! Surgeon said good morning and did her drawings and off we went. Took 5.5 hours and included 4 sentinel lymph nodes.
I was concerned about nausea and put on patch pre surgery. None even on long car ride home. I was wobbly till I removed patch day 2. That can be a side effect so I might have removed sooner.
Sent me home 1.5 hours after surgery. Able to eat some dinner in my reclining lounge chair and walk with assistance (due to wobbly, not pain). Started alternating Advil and Tylenol every 4 hours. No localized pain, just occasional shooting nerve.
Day 1 overdid walking around and moving my arms as I think my chest block was in effect for a loooong time. Late day 2 post surgical site pain and nausea appeared. Took a Percocet and got hold of it. Then again able to manage with OTC meds for 3 days and now just take Advil in AM as very tight when I wake up. Only four stiches (to hold tubes) so able to shower daily after 24 hours. Got help soaping and drying initially.
Day 3 stayed still in my zero gravity lawn chair (where I was sleeping). Woke up with the next day with pressure sores stage 1. Should have been moving (from my seated position) every two hours.
Day 5 crashed hard with no energy. Incision looks OK but output cloudy and maybe a little swelling above incisions? Surgeon said to call if feel "different" so I did plus sent pics. Now on antibiotic and energy level still really low. Can sit up 3 hours then reclined and napping most of rest of day.
Not impressed with my energy. I was so focused on the cancer removal that I under-estimated the possible impacts surgery. I know we are all different but take it easy out there!Drains kinda high tech and easy to operate. I am still at 60 ml daily output so not close to having them out (2 days of 30 ml required).
Heading to docs today. My final pathology hasn't dropped into MyChart so they will access preliminary. So caught up in post surgery symptoms that I can't raise any nerves over the great reveal!
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olympicmtgirl, I am surprised they let you go same day from hospital! I am not allowed to use my left arm/shoulder for 4-6 weeks. I started using little bit, but only elbow and hand part. You learned your lesson hard way, now please take enough rest. Everyone needs to take it slow. Mastectomy is no small feat. Part of your body has been cut out. Give your body ample time to recuperate.
From fourth day onwards (two days after coming home), I started walking 5 minutes a day twice a day. Now at two weeks, I walk 15-20 minutes three times a day, albeit at a slow speed.
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DMX tomorrow morning with flat closure. Great to read all these post op posts. Feel better all❤️
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Hello all,
Hope everyone is doing well. My surgery was Mon Mar 7, mastectomy on left breast with DIEP reconstruction. My sentinel lymph nodes tested positive so my surgeon removed all left axillary lymph nodes. My plastic surgeon was able to do lymphatic bypass to reduce the risk of lymphedema. I was in hospital for a week and just came home 3 days ago. I was discharged with 1 drain (3 were removed after 6 days), and the last one was removed yesterday. I purchased the 'shower shirt' so was able to shower independently, which means the world to me. Havin the nurse help me shower in the hospital was humiliating. I know they don't care, but I do! I find the pain quite manageable with the right painkillers, but because I did DIEP, walking has become difficult because the tummy sutures are very tight. I can't walk for more than 10-15mins (slowly), with out getting back pain. With a binder, I can do a little more, but not much. This is the part that is affecting me the most, as before my diagnosis, I was very active - running, tennis, yoga. This is a humbling experience.
For those of you who may need to come home with a drain, I can't give enough praise to those mastectomy shirts with built in pockets for drains and tubes. It gave me so much independence, which to me was paramount.
Because I did neoadjuvant chemotherapy, after this recovery, I am looking at radiation. That appointment hasn't been made yet, right now just focusing on recovery from surgery.
Sending lot of positivity and healing thoughts to everyone here. Big hugs to all.
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beginagain22 - I’m thinking about you and sending strawberry lemonade jellybean wishes for great results and speedy healing your way. 💕🍓🍋🍬
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Hello, Thank you everyone for your very informative and heartwarming posts … I just had surgery 3/3/22 wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy 3/4 nodes, positive margins so now require a mast, right and will most likely have immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction. Not sure what I will do yet with nodes - have to decide everything quickly as I'm trying to secure April 14 re-surgery date. I've been in neo-adjuvant HT and targeted therapy for 1 year prior to 1st surgery, was hoping 1st surgery would be it, but always knew the mast was likely possible. Will most likely require radiation therapy following mast and reconstruction…
Any information or experiences with mast, immediate DIEP reconstruction and then radiation following, I'm concerned radiation may damage blood vessels and delay healing reconstructed breast.
Sending light and healing energy -wherever you are in your journey …
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Dear cando111,
Welcome to the BCO community. We are so glad that you joined us and reached out to share your story with our members. While you are waiting for others to offer their experiences you may want to check out this link for those Considering Reconstruction. It offer links to other topics as well as information from our main site that may help you with your questions. Feel free to private message us for more assistance in navigating your way around the discussion boards.
The Mods
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Hello everyone
I had my right mast 3/11 and the first week post-op went really well. My drains and steri-strips were gone on Monday this week, but I seem to have more pain now. I think the axillary nodes area is the worst.
Sadly, I had 2 positive axillary nodes and one had mets outside the lymph node capsule. I also have lymphovascular invasion so that apparently has changed the game for treatment plan. I now face chemo instead of nothing or radiation which were the pre-op plan. Since I am not having reconstruction they were able to take my entire breast and axillary tail with clean margins.
Does anyone else feel exhausted after surgery? I wonder if it is just the healing or again, the mental exhaustion with the regionally advanced cancer.
I pray for everyone going through this process and regret having been so loose with mammos given I had negative BRCA tests etc
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Sarahmaude, I made it through! My surgeon and I spoke before surgery and I told her I really didn't want to spend the night. She said I would get more rest and have a lower infection risk if I went home and she would change the orders to release after surgery. If I didn't feel well that could be changed. My sentinel node was positive which put me on the freak out train pretty hard. My cousin was my person for this surgery so we headed home but I was worried about my dogs taking me down because I was really unsteady. We grabbed a hotel room for the night and stayed up gabbing until 3am. I felt so well rested after anesthesia, lol. Went home the next day and have felt great. Very little pain. I had a bone scan and CT scan on Tuesday. The surgeon called today and the bone scan and CT were clear thankfully. She took 10 additional lymph nodes when the sentinel node came back positive during surgery. 1 had a macromet, 1 had a sprinkling of cells (less than a macromet?). All others were clear. Now I wait for the info type test and see the oncologist 04/12 to see what the next steps are.
I hope you are doing well as well as our other sisters here. So nice to be able to get back on the site.
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Beginagain22, I'm so glad to hear you are doing well! I've thought about you all week as the boards have been down. Tried to PM you, but the profile pages are crashing when I go there to add you to my favorites.
What a surprise on the nodes. Yuck. And now you wait for more pathology and analysis for next steps. Sigh.I'm also still in the waiting game. Go back to my local surgeon tomorrow. Will update afterwards. I'm very ready for a plan, or at least something definitive. Even if it's that she is referring me out or declining to pursue my surgery.
I've been taking anastrozole now for 2 weeks with very minimal side effects. She will check to see how she thinks it's going as far as buying time for my DVT to heal and if my tumor has shrunk. I get a baseline bone scan on Tuesday to monitor for any density changes from that med. I'll see the MO that morning. I'm going to see if she has any more thoughts on my DVT. I'm quite frustrated with this whole pass the SarahMaude game.
I'm glad you had your cousin and could avoid any dog collisions your first night. That's actually one of my worries. I've got a 60 lb
love machine/boxer mix that just loves to smother me with hugs.Good decision on getting some safe sleep without beeping machines and bright light. I may copy idea that even if I get to stay local for my surgery.
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So happy to be back on this site. Yesterday marked three weeks of my left mastectomy and I have been feeling pretty good considering since last one week. My second drain was taken out yesterday and got 100 ml fill in my expander. Did not feel anything then and after few hours, it feels like I am carrying 5 lbs of weight on my breast. Going to oncologist today to talk about chemo. Hopefully it will be on the lighter side.
beginagain22 and sarahmaude, best way to avoid pets and kids attack, is to wear a mastectomy pillow. I got this pillow as a gift, and it helps a lot when I am in the car with seatbelt or while sleeping. I don't have pets or young kids, but I can imagine what it feels when they are rushing towards you.
val1127, everyone feel exhausted. Its not only physical but emotional toll on your body too. Don't try to do more than you should. Listen to your body and your doctor. Hope you start to feel better soon. When I see people going out and about enjoying their days, facebooking their lives, I do feel 'why me'. But I know its not going to last, in a few months I would be with them enjoying. Until I go back to deal with right breast!
Sending love and good vibes to everyone for less pain and quick recovery
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SarahMaude,
Copy on the boxer love machine! I have one too and he loves to hug. Keeping him out of the drain tubes has put my inner McGuyver to the test. I hope you get a plan soon. I think all the hurry up and wait is the roughest part
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I have a plan!!!
Saw the BSO this morning. I'm having a lumpectomy on 3/31. So I'll be in the March 2022 surgery club after all. It'll be a substantial procedure, but I'm optimistic for a great result. I sew, so skinwise what she described is basically a dart in my breast. I'll be able to have some autologous fat grafting if needed at a later date, so as of now, I'm on track for a minimally invasive procedure. I'll have a sentinel node removed, and we'll go from there. I already know that my skin heals beautifully, so I'm not worried about looking too much like Frankenstein.
I think having her see my breast healed from all the biopsy pokes gave her a lot better feeling about the lumpectomy choice for me.
I'm so ready to be past this step!
Nipab, I was going to make my own mastectomy pillow. I sew, so it would have been a fun project for me. But with surgery less than a week away, I placed my order for the one you linked above. Thanks for the link! It was so nice to just click and check out.
Counting down...I stop my Xarelto (anti blood clot med) on Monday and start Lovenox injections. On Thursday, I wake up at 0530 AM and smear myself with EMLA cream and wrap up in saran wrap. 90 minutes later, I arrive at the Breast Center for dye injection and wire placement. Then I head to OR for my lumpectomy. She said it will be about a 75-90 minute procedure. I'll be discharged shortly afterward wrapped up like a mummy (extra cautious for bleeding risk). Sounds like I'll be cleared to go back to work just a few days later.
I kind of like roller coasters. I feel like I've been on one of those very slow climbs up the hill for the last 5 weeks. And my car has actually been stopped at times for maintenance. Now I'm reaching a peak, and while I know that I'm in for more waiting, I'll be glad for that first plunge to be in the past.
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Had DMX on Friday. Feeling pretty good. Worst part is the drains...ugh. Was told to walk and stretch right away but not to over do it.
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SarahMaude,
So glad you have a plan!! I will be thinking of you on the 31st, you are going to do great! Glad you are getting Elma cream before the dye. I didn’t and the injections weren’t too bad but the burning from the stuff they injected was not fun.Kk,
Glad you are done with the first hurdle. You will be feeling your old self in no time
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I know I’m going to do well. I keep thinking it shouldn’t be worse than the surgery I had to repair my fractured radius near my wrist where they actually screwed in a titanium plate. But her description of the surgery certainly makes me realize I’m getting a partial mastectomy and that the word lumpectomy makes the procedure sound less invasive than it is.
I’ll be losing a section of skin over the tumor that will be more than an inch in diameter. I know they will remove the tumor plus that benign fibrous tissue around the tumor as well. I know it will heal well. My arm only has a tiny white scar. I’m grateful for having this option. Not too worried, but the anticipation is heavy over me. I received my mastectomy pillow this morning. Found these neat round gel ice packs. Bought another 2 pairs of button front pajamas (not that I needed them, but I love PJs and I’m treating myself). Got 2 more sports bras that fasten in front. And I’ve got meals planned for the week.
I’ve got to go to the pharmacy and pick up my EMLA cream and Lovenox injections. (Because I have to discontinue my Xarelto for 3 days prior to surgery). I’ve never given myself an injection, but I’m confident I can. The NP told me they itch, and to avoid scratching or I’ll be bruised all over my belly.
Then, I have to work the next three days and be reasonably productive. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to use my busy week to distract myself.
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Kkubsky, I think drains are really annoying to a lot of people. Supposedly I won’t have any, but I’ll believe it when I see it. My only experience with drains was one of my dogs years ago. His were in his neck and I just had to wrap him with bandages or he would drip alll over the house. I hope you recover quickly and drains will be removed soon.
Beginagain22, I hope you are healing well. I am encouraged at seeing you active here.
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SarahMaude,
Feeling good. I overdid a little this weekend and I am sore today. Note to self: doctor recommendations are for you too…. I’m an idiot, lol.I hope you can avoid the drains, I give the 0 stars… can’t wait to get rid of them.
The surgery isn’t bad, just try not to be a superhero after (or wrestle with a 4 year old and the Boxer love machine) you will be sorry
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Just wanted to say hi! Been following this group but wasn't able to post due to tech issues. I'm joining your club. Lumpectomy was 3/22. Just got pathology back today and unfortunately, it wasn't the news we wanted. DCIS is invasive. It is small though, 6mm. Plus margins weren't clean, so surgeon is going back in... most likely next week, so I guess I can be a part of the April group too. He's also going to do SNB when he's in there. Anyway, you didn't know I was here, but been reading your posts, thinking about you all, and sending hugs!
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Alleycat,
Welcome to the club no one wanted to join! Sorry you are having to go back for more surgery. I could end up in the same situation. I did make the point that my surgeon can always go back for more, but she can’t put it back. I’ll remind myself of that if it comes true. Help me remember if income here to complain. Sigh.
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Welcome Alleycat,
This is not the greatest club but it has some pretty cool cats as members. Glad you can post and join the discussions. This has been a great resource for information and to be uplifted when feeling a little scared. Going back in to get clean margins is a hassle but you will feel so much better when you know it is out
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Thanks SarahMaude and BeginAgain! As I said on another post, I hate to be a part of this group, but so very glad it's here. SarahMaude, good luck with your surgery on the 31st! I have a sit down scheduled now for tomorrow morning with my surgeon and they're trying to work me into the schedule to do the re-excision to clear the margins and sentinel node biopsy on Friday. Fingers crossed I can get it done that quickly. I am not the best at waiting, but I understand it's a process and I'm working on having patience through it.
I welcome any advice on the SNB that anyone has or anything I should know about it.
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I made it! Surgery was today. I feel amazingly well. Snuggled in my mastectomy pillow on the couch right now. My love machine/boxer mix gave me hugs and the pillow was great protection.
Honestly, the wire placement was the most challenging part of the day. I ended up with 4 wires. Because of my blood thinners, I dripped all over the mammography machine compression plates and ruined 2 of their hospital gowns. (Or maybe they can launder them…I don’t know). The wires made me look like a voodoo doll. But it wasn’t painful. Dye injection was very easy. The radiologist was very happy with her wire placement and the surgeon was very happy with her cancer removal. I should get pathology results on Monday or Tuesday.
Incisions are all around the nipple, which still has perfect sensation. I can tell I lost a cup size or so, but I can address that at a later date. No stitches. No drains. I can take a shower on Sunday.
I think my brain is still a bit foggy from anesthesia, but I’m getting better and better. My 2.5 hour nap was very helpful!
I hope all is well with my other March Surgery Sisters. I’m thinking about you.
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SarahMaude,
You Rockstar!! Glad you are done and doing so well!! No drains?? I’m jelly! That boxer love machine will keep you company for as long as you want to snuggle on the couch♥️. I didn’t have any wires but your voodoo doll description does sound about right. Hopefully those gowns get retired, lol. Keep us posted on how you are doing and fingers crossed the pathology is nothing but good news
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sarahmaude, so glad your surgery went well. With lumpectomy, you don't get drains as they just cut part of your breast tissue. Recovery is very easy. You may not feel that way right now, but I know, I got that done in 2015 on right side and now got mastectomy on left.
keep up with liquid to get all anesthesia out of your system and protein to promote healing. Hope your pathology comes out all clear.
Hope everyone else is doing well with March surgeries. I am starting my first (out of 4) chemo next week. Doing as much research as I can.
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Nipab,
good luck with your chemotherapy! Keep us posted, we will be thinking of you0
