Bilateral mast 12/1

Jilly · Regular Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 13

Hi all,
I thought it was time to post and share that my surgery went well on 12/1. I ended staying in the hospital for 4 days as the morphene did not like my stomach much! Once they changed meds, I started doing much better. My blood count went down a bit, so stayed in a day longer to wait for that to improve, but other than that it wasn't too bad.

I was surprised to wake up to no drains! I had explanders placed immediately and just wrapped up with ace bandage. The doc seemed to think that the pressure was enough to move the fluid along. I had just a bit of swelling, but after getting up and around, it went down quickly. The next surprise was that I was gathered up with stiches where the nipple will be eventually with reconstruction. I expected long scars across the middle!! The doc basically cut off the nipple, scooped me out, then gathered me up! I'm expecting no scars to show as the stitching is where the new nipple will be. I am quite sore, tight and get tired so easily after being up for a couple of hours...but feel pretty good! I do advise that any of you planning this surgery, to be sure to take your colace/stool softener as that is a problem...drink prune juice/other juices and eat other fiber/fruit to keep the bowels moving!! Lots of water too!!

My first fill is next week, so I'm nervous about how that goes...but will share with you as well. Also, the final pathology should be in by my next followup on Tuesday. I'm so curious to find out what all was in there!!

Best wishes to everyone on their journey,
Jilly

still39 · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Bilateral mast 12/1

Thanks for sharing, Jilly! I'm having bilateral mast. next week. Besides prune juice and/or colace could you give a few other pointers? What's most comfortable to wear, do you need a lot of physical help (I live alone), is it difficult to get in and out of bed, etc.

Jilly · Regular Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 13

Still39,

Best wishes for your surgery next week!! I am still living in sweats, button front shirts (flannels for warmth!!). I was fortunate to have a friend come stay with me for a week after surgery. I do think you might need some help for a day or two (?) I have not tried sleeping in bed yet....I have a comfortable recliner and it seems easier to lie at that angle. My friend who recently went through this surgery used one of those wedge type pillows with other pillows propped up for support as well. From what I've read, you may have to deal with drains as well (I was fortunate to not have any at all!!), so I think if you prepare to wear things that will allow you access to that and mostly be as comfortable as possible! It's really not that bad, especially if you take the pain meds as needed!! If you have easy, nutritious things to eat and drink as well...I think quick little snacks that will help you regain your energy etc..will be best. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick recovery and great prognosis!!!
Let us know how you are doing after surgery!!!

Also...I did receive my pathology report yesterday and thankfully the nodes were clear!! There was a small invasive portion, so I was reassured that the bilateral mastectomies were warranted!! After reading so much about LCIS being just a marker and not cancer, I worried that I was being too aggressive. Now, I just feel total relief and glad that I trusted my gut instincts. I trust God was nudging me in that direction!!

Take Care~Jilly

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