Had a visit with my onc surgeon yesterday and we both agreed that instead of shrinking, the tumor is growing, She wants to get it out now…the sooner the better. My unofficial surgery date is July 7. It may happen before so I am a reg whirlwind today trying to pull together in a weekend what I had planned to do over 6 weeks, once chemo was done.
So good news is I am off chemo. Bad news is I am going to have a modified radical mastectomy, right breast. It will include nodes since they found 1 node affected. When we asked how on earth a cancer could be resistant to 3 types of chemo, the response we got was that some cancers have cells that are like chameleons. They mimic the healthy cells around them. It is only about 2% – which I think is really hysterical. I knew I was stubborn but… Has anyone ever heard of this or something similar?
Last time I was in the hospital was to have my kids, 30 years ago. I am almost as afraid of the anesthesia as the op itself. I have already had pre-op at the hospital in case I get rushed in.
I went online last night and bought 2 cami’s for post-surgery and two other cami’s for daily use. Don’t know what type of Ms bra I will need yet. Anyway, have a few things to wear when I get home.
I’ve scoured the threads re surgery. What can I expect with drains? How long does it take to recover from them and really how long did it take you to recover from the operation. Is there any advice you can offer, or perhaps a thread you can bump up that I might have missed, that gives advice? I would appreciate all and any comments.
This is happening very fast; but I am very glad to be rid of the cancer within me. It can only get better from this point on.
I love this forum; it has been such a great source of reason, fun and information.
Whilst you await responses from your fellow forum users I thought you may find the Breast Cancer Care booklet called ‘Your operation and recovery’ helpful to read, you can do so via the following link:
Dear Emily I think the forum loves you as well. I did not find the op or the following few weeks afterwards very difficult just uncomfortable. I remember the anaethetist saying to me that although the op emotionally is so very big the actual procedure was not, This gave me confidence.
I pray that it will go well for you.
Love Margaret
Sorry to hear things have taken a radical change of direction.
The only time I had ever been in hospital was to have my kids too so was very nervous but the theatre team were amazing. They just talk to you all the time and they dont hang about with you, you’re through the doors, wired up, something going on with you hand and thats it, next thing its all done and their waking you up.
I only needed a WLE but had full node clarance so had one big drain that was definatley uncomfortable. It was in for the max number of days [5 or 6 I think] and I certainly new it was there but had some strong pain killers and slept a fair amount in the first few days anyway. I was glad to get it out though.
Your pj’s need to be ones that dont go over your head to start cos you’ll struggle to lift your arm high enough, i had very attractive [not] pink button front ones that looked a fright but were easy to get on and off. Real passion killers, not that you’ll be bothered about that for a while.
and thanks AJ - I will take you up on that drink. Hadn’t thought of the PJs…that will be done tomorrow. I am sure I can drum something up.
will also be asking about pain killers. They are telling me it should only be one night…OMG. We will see.
I am getting happier and happier that this is happening. Out with you, OUT!!!
When I was being prepped for surgery I said to the lady putting the sticky pad things on me “when they get it out will you stamp on it for me” she said she would
Hi Emily,
I’ll tell you what happened when I had a mastectomy and sample of nodes taken;-
In on Friday Dec 14th at 7 a.m., big arrow marking the right breast which in my case was the left !!
Off to theatre at 10 and back by 1.30, drip into right arm and two drains on left. Had a late lunch and even managed to get to the loo with all my attachments, was offered the use of a camode, but thats not me.
Didn’t buy PJ’s but wore a nightie which slipped off the shoulder when necessary - sexy or what?.
Again being me, I also took in a pair of jogging bottoms and a zip up fleece top and two clothes pegs.
Each day I headed for the bathroom, washed as best as I could, washed my hair and got changed into my day clothes, .
Many hospitals provide draw string type bags into which to put the drains so you can carry them around, you could always take in something similar if you have one.
I used the clothes pegs to peg the bag onto the waistband of my jogging bottoms - HANDS FREE and ready to face the world.
Left without drains 4 days later and would have gone back to work 5 weeks after surgery but rads were on the cards, and don’t forget that you have had chemo so it will take time. Had a hour or so’s sleep in the afternoon for a couple of weeks
As soon as possible after surgery start the arm exercises - brushing hair movements with the affected arm, I soon got into a routine of doing arm exercises after each meal - 3 times a day and probably a good idea to have the pain killers first.
If any of the above is useful then brill. if not ignore it.
lots of love
M x
never thought of the pegs…we call them clothespins…but great idea
and was wondering about pants…or something…those hospital gowns are treacherous
and really, this is my least sexy self EVER
Oh Emily
I am up late its nearly 2 am here,have not been on for a few days,but wide awake, We have been on the same regime,and as you know my tumour shrunk on AC and started to grow on taxotere so my last chemo was cancelled.Like you I wanted the cancer taken away.I had a quarter of my lower breast taken and I know I made the right decision for me.
On the op side, again the only time I have been in hospital was too give birth, so I was terrified,as I had never had general aneasthetic but they where really good and let OH come in and walk to theartre with me.
Mary-
Thank you. We have had such similar experiences - its amazing. How could we be so resistant to Tax? Once I slow down here and am ready if they call, I will have to do some research on this. How can anyone be resistant to something as strong as chemo. Now that’s frightening.
I am hoping you are up because you are packing for your honeymoon. No doubt its been a very busy week for you. Are your treatments all done?
About the hospital, my OH has already told me he would stay the night if they let him. I hope they will be as kind to us too. Take care and ENJOY THAT TRIP!!
Lucy:
Thanks for posting the booklet regarding the hospital stay. As usual, it is very thorough. I’ve read it cover to cover already, but will brush up on it tomorrow as I pack.
Have I ever told you what a wonderful Forum you have here…many hugs to you too!
Another thought - you may have been told to take in cream for the affected arm - E45 in our hospital - I put it on 3 times a day linked to exercises and then onto the surgery site and scar line as soon as you are allowed.
I have tried various creams - Aloa Vera and Vit E and now use Aqueous.
I am sure its the massage and creaming that works rather than the type of cream.
6 months on I still massage the area with cream for a couple of minutes twice a day.
Sorry your going through a tough time. like others have said wear Pj’s, they are easier when it comes to dressing and undressing. i felt the drain was not as bad as i thought it would be - i would forget that it was there. the physio came to see me and gave me exercises to do so keep doing them. your a really nice person and please try and not worry about the surgery. i’ll be thinking of you. sending you big hugs.
I am so sorry about you having to have your surgery done so soon. Like others have said, you are well loved on this forum. You have contributed to it so much - I love all your games that you have created. They are a wonderful distraction and so much fun, so hurry up and get better and think up some more for us!
Seriously, I was very scared of the anaesthetic. It was my biggest hurdle as last time I had surgery was yonks ago and not a good experience. This time, I can truly say that it was so easy. I can’t even remember being sent off to sleep and no sickness afterwards. The drains are a pain in the sense they are a bit disabling for a few days, but thats it. What a good idea, Magsi, using pegs to fasten it to you. I had a little shoulder bag thing, but it kept slipping off and tugging at the drains whenever I walked. I had a WLE and was back in action very quickly.
What a rollercoaster we are on!! The wonderful thing is they are working so fast and monitoring you so closely, which is so reassuring.
It is a shock to all of us when they “change the plan” but on a positive note how wonderful to get rid of the dreaded lump!!
I am so fed up with trying to assess if mines getting bigger or smaller, started tax last week and completely knocked me off my feet hope the next few days improve!
I also asked, lumpectomy or mastectomy and I too will definately have mastectomy , so chin up girl, your my inspiration, we WILL get through this together.
We haven’t chatted much on here but I was just wanted to give you my support. You will be fine…that’s a promise!!
I had a mastectomy in 06 and was in a terrible state pre-op but made it through easily. I had one drain fitted that was removed after 4 days which really was inconvenient rather than anything else. I didn’t have any pain killers either so it is honestly nothing to worry about.
I used to just remind myself that I had got rid of Tina Tumour and could now concentrate on the next stage
I wish you well Emily but I just know you will fly through this as I can tell you have terrific spirit.
I just wanted to offer my support and to thank you for the games you’ve posted here, they have been a great help to me. I’m sure all will go well with the surgery, keep hold of that positive attitude, best of luck, Nina
I wondered about aqueus cream, everyone seems to be talking bout it. I will ask.
It sounds as though it is more of a discomfort than true pain, so will tuck that into my mind too.
As Monday approaches, it’s like it cannot come fast enough, let’s get it done.
Before I had my very first biopsy, I wanted to prepare myself for it and went to John Hopkins Hospital bc site where they had a little video of the entire procedure. I may do that now to see what the drains are like.
Seriously, thank you for your kind words. Promise I will come back to start up more games. Westie told me last night that once she had her cancer removed, she thought of it as no longer having cancer, she only had cells. What a great perspective; I’m borrowing it!!!
I just found a really product so wanted to share with you.
It is called The Marsupial Pouch (edited by moderator)
Essentially a belt with pouches to hold the drains.
One can purchase them by getting just a set, or a double set, 2 belts, 4 pouches
since chances are this is messy
anyway, just Google Turner Health – in case Lucy takes the link out!
Have just looked at the site - why do they use a model who looks like she has no need whatsoever of the product?
However its certainly an interesting idea, probably quite easy to ‘copy’ , I did think of using what we call a ‘bumbag’ that goes around the middle but not big enough.