Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi all!
My mastectomy (bilateral), and DIEP flap surgery are less than 48 hours away now.
Not nervous exactly...

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice about:
1. what to pack for the hospital stay
2. pain management
3. will my post op diet be restricted
4. self care

and...anything I'm too inexperienced to think of!

Thanks!
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

NEDenise....I will be thinking of you and praying for you. I hope all goes well... that your recovery is speedy and your pain very manageable. Fingers and Toes Crossed.

I will actually be beginning my journey into the reality of it all. I have my port place on Friday. Thinking how lovely a doorbell protruding from my chest will look.

Please keep us posted and fill us with good news about you!!

Hugs....Lisa

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I only had the mastectomy--no reconstruction--but the one piece of general advice I'd give you is to buy drain pouches. It will be a lot easier than pinning and unpinning them (which is what I did).

Here's an example, but you can google for many others, including camisoles and bras. There are even some for the shower:

http://www.tlcdirect.org/products/sk...__dept-35.html

As for the rest--I was in the hospital for a little over 24 hours, and I slept almost the entire time. I have no idea how long they keep you when reconstruction is involved, and that's what matters when you're planning what to take. What I've been told is that front-button shirts are a must, but I had full movement from the beginning, so that may not be true. Better to be safe than sorry, though.

I was not allowed a full shower until after the drains were removed (I had three), so a hand-held shower attachment made life much more pleasant. Afterward, my surgeon's APN said I could've showered and used a blow dryer afterwards, so be sure to ask.

Mostly, I just wanted to say good luck. I also wanted to say that you apparently live not so far from me, so if there's anything I can do for you, please feel free to call on me. It's actually easiest to get me with an IM to rhondalea@gmail.com, but (hope this isn't against the rules), you can also call me at 469-619-7553. I can't be there in a flash like someone around the corner, but I will get there.

My final word to you is that my anticipation of the event was overblown, and in the end, it was pretty much a big nothing. I hated the drains passionately, but only because they made me feel like the invalid I most certainly was not. Other than that, it wasn't a big deal, so don't let fear get the best of you.

Edited to add: On the pain management--just take what they give you, and be religious about taking it. One of the residents came in and said to me: "Don't let the pain get ahead of you." I didn't have much pain at all--it was more irritation than anything--but life was easier with Percocet than without it, so take it as directed, and if you need something stronger, ask immediately. There's no good reason to suffer when you don't have to. You can't drive with the drains anyway (well, you're not supposed to, although I did that too after the first week, but not when I was taking pain meds), so taking the drugs as directed won't stop you from doing anything you could be doing.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

A couple of things - pack shirts or pj's that button up. You won't want to pull anything over your head. Also, one of the things that helped me a lot (and it seems like such a small thing) was dealing with the drains. I had mine quite a long time because I was heavier at the time (60lbs lighter now). Someone told me to get a good length of ribbon and tie a knot in it and hang it in the shower. When you get undress there will be no where to "pin the drains"....so the little ribbon was perfect. Just pin those drains to the ribbon and shower away. I was allowed to take showers from the 3rd day on so it was several weeks of drains and my ribbon was wonderful. Also my husband did all the changing of the dressings which was emotionally difficult for me but he was wonderful. I also found a camisole/t-shirt type undergarment that velcroed up the front. Even my surgeon liked it better than the one she had been recommending. It had pockets for the drains and was so comfortable. You'll do great and we'll be thinking and praying for you.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I don't have advice as did'nt have this op but wanted to send good wishes to you for a quick recovery!

My friend had a mast and I remember her telling me she bought a long string of pearls so she could pin the drains to them to help with showers, not sure if that helps but it did for her!!!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I would'nt worry too much about packing. They will probably want you in hospital issue shirts that accomodate IVs, drains etc. and that are easy to change. I bought cute pjs and only got to wear them when I got home. Besides, you dont want to get goop on your nice clothes! Maybe just have easy slippers.
It would be nice if you could get Softee camisoles. They are made for post op and even have pockets for drainage tubes. If there is a prosthetics store near you that sells mastectomy garments, they may have some. else it is mail order. I wore them for a long time after surgery because they are so forgiving and comfortable. find them on line. You dont need to pull them over your head, they can be pulled up.
Yes, stay ahead of the pain. Dont say "it's not too bad yet". That is when you need to catch it. Being in pain affects our recovery time.
Not sure about diet restrictions. Right after surgery you will probably have liquids at first.
Regarding draining tubes, my husband was shown how to master them. He drained them a few times a day and said he just thought in terms of the hydrolic fluid in his car! Whatever works!
Most of your hospital stay you will be groggy and being under observation. you will probably be home before you know it. I was in for less than 24 hrs. But I did not have reconstruction.
Keep the faith. We are all with you.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

NEDenise,

Will be thinking of you and praying. Hope to hear from you soon.

Amelia

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I have no advice but wanted to wish you good luck with your new foobs. You will be in my prayers. You just keep getting closer to ending this chapter of your life. Go girl. I found my recovery after mastectomy very easy, never took anything for pain was home the same day and ready to go back to work as soon as drain was out but I did not have reconstruction. I did find the drain annoying and bothersome but it did not hurt. Your surgery is completely different than mine but you will do fine. You are a fighter. God Bless. Darlene

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Prayers for all to go well Denise. I stayed in the beautiful hospital issued gown after my DIEP. It's just easier. The ribbon idea for drains when showering is a good idea. I did that too and it makes showering much easier. As for pain management, I can honestly say I didn't experience much pain. I was given the "heavy duty" drugs the first few days but then started seeing martians (yup.....it's called percoset hallucinations) so told the nursing staff....NO MORE. It was Tylenol only then and I was fine. I walked a lot.

You'll do fine. Looking forward to hearing how it all goes.

Mary Jo

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Thank you to all my new HER2 friends!
I can't tell you how much comfort you've given me.

My head knows I'm going to be fine...not a single doubt or question. (I have a very pushy brain)

But I think today...my heart and my tear ducts are not quite as sure. (they're starting to annoy my brain, quite frankly)

Perhaps it's time to break out the ativan, before my brain gets violent! :)
Thanks! I'll post again as soon as I'm lucid again (don't want any stories about Martians to sneak in here...right, Linda!?)
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi Denise,

I just know you'll do great.

I echo what the very smart ladies recomended above.
Have lost of juices and drinks that you like at home.
Also you may want to have some Bran cereal, and fruits
( no bananas ) at home as pain meds are constipating. Rule of thumb if taking pain meds increase fiber.

(I actually enjoyed my pain meds while in Hosp!) Prayers going out. Let us know when you're home and comfy

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Here's my two cents:

Be sure to take a picture of your breasts today - you will want it for your scrapbook and to remind yourself that you didn't look that great "before". My surgery and reconstruction was relatively easy and trauma free. I didn't get the diep flap but my PS does an internal cellular matrix support thing that gives really natural results. I was in the hospital for 48 hours - the biggest issue was they wanted me on oral pain killers and off the IV meds and I had to poop (sorry if this it too much info). Surgery is SO constipating. I left with 5 drains which were a bit of a hassle but not painful. The hospital gave me a "Marsupial" pac which was great - its a velcro belt with pockets that hold the drains. Make sure you have some firm pillows for your bed so you can prop up when you rest or a recliner. You will be on your back for awhile. I am 10 weeks from surgery and am still required to sleep on my back - my PS feels with as much chemo as I had and am still having, that I may heal a little slower. Have someone to wait on you for at least a week. You will have limited arm movement which is hard to follow because after 3 or 4 days you will feel pretty good, probably be taking tylenol only and will want to be self sufficient. I learned the hard way that doesn't work - I had 1 drain that took 21 days to remove because I wouldn't stop moving around. One other thing that comes to mind - I occasionally had pec cramps - my chest muscle would sieze up and would be pretty painful. Keep tylenol on hand ALL the time.

You will do great. After chemo, surgery is a piece of cake and is one more thing to check off the To Do List.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

My advice is to schedule physical therapy as soon as possible. I went six days after surgery and I had good results, and i have full range of motion. I did not have reconstruction though. I wish you the best.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise,

Found an article about the subject: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=60418

The very last time I stayed in the hosptial overnight (after prophylactic hysterectomy/oophorectomy in Jan. 2010) I was provided with a 'rubber' keyboard for Internet use. My computer monitor was the TV screen in the room. That was a pleasant surprise - though I was too weak to stay on it for more than 30 minutes and typing on a rubber keyboard was awkward.

I guess my point is to not to be afraid of asking for assistance during your stay.

Sending you good vibes.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Its so different because my PS didn't want me to "disturb" my reconstruction with range of motion for at least 6 weeks, my surgeon wanted some side arm lifting where my nodes were removed but not enough to disturb my chest muscles. You'll also have the diep flaps to baby so you might be given totally different direction. I have no issue with range of motion at all now. My muscle tone in my triceps and biceps is crummy because I haven't been to the gym but that will all come back.

Just listen to your docs - they'll know what's best. And try to not stress - it is really NOT horrible.

One last thing - my surgeon ordered Emend to be taken the day of surgery and I think that really helped with any surgical nausea. And my plastic surgeon ordered 5 mg of Valium along with the Percocet for when I got home because the Percocet occasionally causes some people to get high strung (I'm one of them). I only took a few but it was great knowing I had them just in case.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise, I want to add something. We all understand your tears today. Cancer takes so much away from us but it will never take away your heart. It leaves us bald and disfigured and that is so much for an individual to deal with. My surgeon and my oncologist did not agree on a mastectomy, my surgeon said I only needed a reincision my oncologist wanted me to get a mastectomy. I still think about that alot and wonder but I cannot go back so I find that I tell myself that I did not lose a breast but the cancer inside of it and the tissue surrounding it. When it is all done and over with you will still have the same skin that was there before and it will look good. You will still be the same person you are now but without cancer. I remember you needing a pep talk and saying that you want to watch your kids graduate and get married. You will be able to do all of those things. Cry all you want but try not to look back after tomorrow it will tear you apart. I try so much not to wonder what if I had not done the mastectomy but I know that my oncologist is one trying to save my life and went with her recommendation. I wish I had immediate reconstruction but she also wanted me to wait until I was done with herceptin. I don't know why she just said that she did not want anything to interfere with herceptin but from what I know it doesn't at all. I will be looking forward to your post surgery post and hearing how it went. I know that you will breeze thru it. You have a loving husband (and quite good looking I might add) and children, who will still see you as there mother and wife. You have a strong faith. I know that you are praying every chance that you get. I will be too. You have touched me with your posts and I am your own personal cheering section. God bless you and please keep us posted. Darlene

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Checkmark....beautiful post! I wish we had the option to "like" posts that are really awesome.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Thanks everyone!
I guess I could get through all of this without you, but I'm so glad I don't have to! Your support and kindness are such a blessing.

It's a comfort to be able to ask questions, without explaining all the ways I'm not like all the other women who have BC. (people in my "real" world want to be helpful, but their frame of reference is so skewed) What you've all dealt with allows you to understand where I am, and what I need to hear.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom, and for being the kind women you are!

I'll be back to post how great I'm feeling, as soon as I can!
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I used the softee shirts also very helpful. Your diet with be bland soup, jello, oatmeal etc. They put a little patch behind my ear to help with the nausea after surgery, thing work wonders. I only know that because it fell off and I immediatly started to barf, put it back on and I stopped. I used a shoe string for showers to pin my drains to, and also used a wedge pillow for sleeping and pillows under my heals ( was getting pressure pain).
Hope all goes well, keep us posted.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hope you have broken out that Ativan if needed. That's what it's for.
I'm having cataract surgery tomorrow (feeling like it is CAKE compared to what you will be going through!) so will be checking in on you as soon as my one eye permits!
Keep the faith.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Good luck tomorrow, Bonnie!
"See" you back here soon!
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I don't have any advice. I just want to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery from your surgery.
Take good care of yourself.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise: I will be thinking about you and praying for your speedy recovery. One thing I loved was the pillow my husband got me. I had to sleep upright for weeks, and then after I got the ok to sleep normal, I didn't want to give it up. The sides helped to hold up my arm and sling the lovely drains out of the way. Blessings headed your way!!!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise, you are in our prayers to a speedy recovery. I did not go through a mastectomy myself however some of ladies I have met along the way have told me they LOVE their new boobies, lighter, perkier and they can wear some tops now that they could not before. Healing energy being sent your to you!
YellowTail - Marlene

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi Just returned to my computer and saw your post about surgery. My bi-lateral mast with reconstruction was Monday The 3rd of October. I obviously am late giving advice but sure hope you are doing well. Hope to see you up and posting soon..

HUGS

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi
We call those pillows "boyfriends" and I love them.
I'm in my hospital bed right now writing to you! Lots of pain in my abdomen, distension too...yikes, I look like I have a basket ball stuffed in my gown!
But I have to say, my new breast (what? did I get a uni-breast? like a uni-brow...no there are definitely two) look pretty good already.
All you ladies who did it in two steps...mamogram first , recon later are much braver that I am. (Okay, I admit mamograms are a bit uncomfortable sometimes, but I've never heard of anyone requiring reconstruction afterward...I think I meant mastectomy) I would never have agreed to being operated on twice. but I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
Thanks for all your kind wishes and prayers!
Denise

Marlene...LOVE the new avatar picture!
Twosenuf...you're an inspiration, all perky and posting after only a week!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise, so good to hear from you!
I used to have one of those pillows years ago for reading in bed. My husband hated it and called it "the Iron Maiden". But it is great for recovery support.
You are sounding perky and happy. Yea!!
Keep the faith.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise, I have been having computer issues but have been thinking of you often. So glad to see you are back here already. Hope everything is going well. And yes it is scary to think of having another surgery. It has taken me years to get to this point. Sounds like you are doing well!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi Denise, I'm very happy that you are through the op, and happy with the result. All the best with the healing, and I'll see if I can come up with an appropriate scrabble word to fit the occasion!
Cheers Marie

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi Denise,

You did it! I am so glad to hear you are doing well. I think you did the right thing. I wish I would have had a double mast. with immed. recon. I chose to do just one and I just had my 5th surgery 4weeks ago and it still isn't right! I am so happy for you!

Gods blessings to you, your husband and kids. God is good all of the time!

Your Friend,

Nancy

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

YAY. I knew you would breeze thru it. You go girl. Stay strong. The worst is over. Now it is just healing and getting stronger every day and closing this chapter of your life. Keep us posted. God bless. Darlene

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Denise...you are amazing....glad to see your post...heres to a quick uneventful recovery, and quick healing....just take care of yourself and let others spoil you for a bit!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Thank you, All my HER2 friends!!
I just went back and reread what I posted on Sunday. Oh my! If we ever want Congress to agree to anything, just slip them a little of whatever I had!!
I went back and edited it in red so you could see what I meant to say as opposed to what I actually wrote. And don't be kind...I proofread and changed things around on Sunday too...I thought it sounded fine then!! Like I said...good drugs.

I'm not getting to go home as planned because I have a bit of an infection. So, 1 they want to get that under control before I can go, and 2. I have to be afebrile (my cool new word of the day...means without a fever, but sounds so much more important!!) any way I have to be afebrile for 24 hours before they'll let me get my Herceptin. So I have my fingers and toes crossed for the antibiotics to kill the germs and calm that fever!!

Everyone here is very, very nice. And professional...I'm in good hands ---funny aside---because both of the surgeons who worked on me, also teach, they each brought several young doctors along for the surgery. At the beginning, there were 2 nurses, 1 nursing student, 2 fully accredited surgeons, 4 surgeons doing their fellowship under those surgeons, 2 anesthesiologists, and 5 other young doctors in various states of readiness to "cut" solo. (I asked the scrub nurse for a final headcount in post-op)

I forgot to check, but I bet I was the headliner on the marquee out front of the hospital.............

Ladies and Gentleman
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
is proud to present
DENISE'S BREAST SURGERY!
starring
Dr. Brian C & Dr. Joseph C
...and a cast of thousands!

Hmmm... on second thought...I'm pretty sure I don't have marquee insurance, so that would be out of pocket. They can't charge me unless I asked for it, right? I'd better check with Blue Cross.

Have a terrific day everyone. Once I heal from this, and get that radiation "monkey" off my back...I can start feeling like me again!!

Hugs all around!
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

You seem to already be feeling like yourself. No need to edit. We all probably understood the first time!
Keep the faith.

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hope you are afebrile ASAP Denise!!

Keep up your good sense of humour!

all the best
caya

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi there, so glad to hear that you were in good hands and helping all the up and coming docs and nurses along the way :) Take good care hope you go home soon!

Stay strong!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi everyone!
I'm home!!! Yay!
I can't tell you how touched I am by all your well wishes. You guys rock!

My new "girls" are healing nicely. This surgeon's reputation was not exaggerated! These are nicer than my original breasts...by far.

The infection in my "tummy tuck" incision is nearly gone, and I'm happy to report that I have indeed remastered the art of BMs. I never thought I'd see the day when that would be such a big deal to me! :)

My last day in the hospital was not as great as the others had been. However in hindsight, it's kind of funny. I've written up my last conversation with the surgery team...all 6 of them..in script form, and I thought some of you might enjoy it. (I know I have an odd sense of humor...but laughing makes me feel better!)

Note: the author has taken certain, slight liberties in paraphrasing, for effect. No actual medical professionals were harmed in the writing of this account.

Me: Why is my abdomen so swollen?
Dr 1: (Speaking V-E-R-Y calmly) Well, Mrs. Kasander, twenty-three Kumquats, and a mouse.

Me: Kumquats?... what do kumquats have to do with anything?
Dr 2: Mice love them (This young man seems to have joined the tour by accident...I have shoes older than him.)

Me: So... if I eat Kumquats, will the pain and swelling stop?
Dr 1: (Looking at other doctors, trying to let me down easy) No, what we're saying is sixteen normal and winter

Me: (becoming annoyed, and sad) This swelling can't be normal.
Dr 4.: (speaking v-e-r-y slowing because clearly, I am now a moron AND a whiner) Twenty- three with sixteen normal and scorpion, but not yesterday.

Me: (scratching my head, trying to make some sense of what they're saying) Okay, I think what you're saying is that pain is normal. I'll concede that. But this swelling, Dr. 1, you told the team yesterday that you'd never seen swelling as bad as mine.
Dr 2: It's pretty spectacular.

Me: Thank you, I've always been an overachiever. But how can I get the distension to go down? I'm having trouble breathing.
Dr 4: Staying here won't help that.
Dr 1: Time to go home.

Me: But I won't be able to breathe there either. (starting to cry, in front of people who are pissing me off) I like breathing, I'm pretty sure the literature I got from my oncologist mentioned that as being important in order to continue treatment.
Dr 3: (Not realizing that the next few word he speaks, coupled with his calming and condescending tone, will likely place him in mortal peril) Mrs. Kasander, it's important to keep a positive attitude.

Me: Attitude? Seriously? Attitude is causing me to have trouble breathing? Come on!
Dr 1: Of course not. spectre kumquatical mousing. The twenty-three will sixteen. You have to be patient.

Me: This makes no sense at all. No-one mentioned the "no more breathing and we're not telling you why" side effect of this whole mess. I wish I had never had this surgery.

(All doctors look from one to the next, stepping away from the bed so as not to be stained by such blasphemy.)

Dr. 3: (Now speaking very knowingly, and with certitude about my breasts.) Oh, Mrs. Kasander, in a few months, I'm sure you'll feel differently. (Clearly, this man has a death wish.)
Me: No, I won't. I don't need breasts. Air on the other hand, air I've grown used to, I'd go so far as to say I depend on it.

Dr. 2 : (puzzled at my emotional outburst) But...kumquat mice and winter? Time will tell. Keep your chin up. A stitch in time. Eat your peas.

Me: Whatever...just send for my chemo, and I'm outta here! If I can't breathe when I leave, I'll have my husband drive me straight to the ER at Jeff.

(Stunned that someone would speak thusly to their majestic personages, (they are, after all, plastic surgeons), and shocked that I would invoke the name of Jefferson (another prominent Philly hospital), right in front of them...they all wander slowly toward the door.)

Naturally, this is not exactly the way it went, but the real story isn't as much fun. In the end, Dr. 3, the one with the death wish, came back and explained the distension's cause in actual English words, and helped me figure out how to relieve it. And, I don't really regret having the surgery...I was just "off my meds" at the time. It's amazing what time, and a little Ativan, will do for your outlook on things. The good news is...I'm laughing now!
Thanks again for all the prayers and good wishes!
Denise

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

I want whatever you've been taking!!

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Hi Denise So glad you are home and I hope the healing continues nicely, What a great sense of humour (Canadian spelling ha ha)you have. As Bonnie says I will also have whatever your taking. Love Lois

Re: Surgery Friday...any advice?
 

Dear Denise

What a hoot!! You have such a great attitude - you've made me smile a mile today. I am thinking a mountain of healing thoughts for you.

Love all around.