Finally, Surgery on Friday!!

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sherria49
sherria49 Member Posts: 126
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My double mastectomy surgery is almost here! I'm scared, excited, relieved, nervous, and exhausted. They will be putting in expanders & port at the same time.

Any last minute suggestions?? Things to take to the hospital? Things to ask surgeon, plastic surgeon? Things to ask nurses, hospital? Any and all help, and/or suggestions needed and welcomed.

If it wasn't for all the supporters here on the boards, I don't think I would have made this far and still been sane. Thanks to everyone for everything. I hope to one day be able to give back at least a fraction of what I have received from this site.


Hugz ~ Sherri
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Comments

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #2
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    Hi Sherri
    I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't give you information on your surgery. Sorry :(

    But, I certainly want to wish you good luck with your surgery! I wish I could offer some comforting words to help you to relax. Just know that we are all here praying for you and waiting to hear that you are home and recuperating.

    Post when you can and let us know how you are doing.

    Sue :)
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #3
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    Ritzy said:

    Hi Sherri
    I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't give you information on your surgery. Sorry :(

    But, I certainly want to wish you good luck with your surgery! I wish I could offer some comforting words to help you to relax. Just know that we are all here praying for you and waiting to hear that you are home and recuperating.

    Post when you can and let us know how you are doing.

    Sue :)

    Sherri
    Sherri,
    I had a double mastectomy in February and I took button front jammies and zip front sweatshirts, good books and things like that.
    Don't forget you own slippers.

    Good luck with your surgery-you will be in thoughts and prayers.
    Let us know how you are when you can after surgery.

    Hugs,
    Margo
  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #4
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    Hi, Sherri
    Good luck with you're surgery. I know you'll be fine. I'm sure it's very scary but something necessary. BC is a challenge, but we'll all get through it. Prayers are with you!
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #5
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    Just wanted to wish you well
    Just wanted to wish you well on your surgery. Let us know how you doing when you can. Take care.
  • chickad52
    chickad52 Member Posts: 497
    #6
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    SHERRI
    You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure you are scared,but it will soon be over. I will be having surgery in the near future, so I will be interested in what other have to say also. This site sure is a Blessing! Hugs, Diane
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #7
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    chickad52 said:

    SHERRI
    You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure you are scared,but it will soon be over. I will be having surgery in the near future, so I will be interested in what other have to say also. This site sure is a Blessing! Hugs, Diane

    Good luck Sherri
    Just want to wish you good luck with your surgery. We will all be praying for you!

    ♥ Noel
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #8
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    I can't remember if you had
    I can't remember if you had chemo first or not but when I went in for surgery I didn't have hair (I had 4 cycles of chemo first) and I wish I had taken my cap with me. I ended up wearing the green cap thingy they put on you for surgery. When the surgeon came in to check on me that night he said I could take it off. He didn't realize that I was wearing it because I didn't have anything else. I couldn't wear the hat I wore to the hospital because it had a brim and you can't lay down in one of those. Good luck. Also I'd have someone bring you breakfast from the outside because the hospital food they gave me tasted like cardboard.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #9
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    Marcia527 said:

    I can't remember if you had
    I can't remember if you had chemo first or not but when I went in for surgery I didn't have hair (I had 4 cycles of chemo first) and I wish I had taken my cap with me. I ended up wearing the green cap thingy they put on you for surgery. When the surgeon came in to check on me that night he said I could take it off. He didn't realize that I was wearing it because I didn't have anything else. I couldn't wear the hat I wore to the hospital because it had a brim and you can't lay down in one of those. Good luck. Also I'd have someone bring you breakfast from the outside because the hospital food they gave me tasted like cardboard.

    Good luck on Friday with
    Good luck on Friday with your surgery. I didn't have a mastectomy, I had a lumpectomy, so, I didn't stay in the hospital or anything. I am sure others will be able to post helpful hints for you.

    Leeza
  • jikaras
    jikaras Member Posts: 58
    #10
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    surgery
    I had the double mast. in January. The front zip up hoodies are a necessity. Wear sweat pants, or pull up pants, as you won't want to fiddle with zippers or buttons on pants. Slippers are a must. Leave your bra at home-won't need it when you come home. You'll have the special corset bra to wear for the next couple of months.

    Remember to rest after surgery. I was in the hospital for 2 nights after my surgery so that my body could get use to the pain medication.

    Relax, everything will turn out all right!

    Best wishes - Jill
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #11
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    jikaras said:

    surgery
    I had the double mast. in January. The front zip up hoodies are a necessity. Wear sweat pants, or pull up pants, as you won't want to fiddle with zippers or buttons on pants. Slippers are a must. Leave your bra at home-won't need it when you come home. You'll have the special corset bra to wear for the next couple of months.

    Remember to rest after surgery. I was in the hospital for 2 nights after my surgery so that my body could get use to the pain medication.

    Relax, everything will turn out all right!

    Best wishes - Jill

    Prayers and positive
    Prayers and positive thoughts for your upcoming surgery.
    Stef
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #12
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    fauxma said:

    Prayers and positive
    Prayers and positive thoughts for your upcoming surgery.
    Stef

    Sherri
    ♥
    I also want to add my good wishes and prayers to you for your surgery on Friday.

    Love, Jeanne ♥
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #13
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    fauxma said:

    Prayers and positive
    Prayers and positive thoughts for your upcoming surgery.
    Stef

    Duplicate post sorry
    .
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #14
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    Best Wishes for Friday
    Sherri -

    Hope your surgery goes as smoothly as possible. There are a lot of folks out here rooting for you :-)

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • sherria49
    sherria49 Member Posts: 126
    #15
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    Thanks!
    To everyone for their well wishes, thoughts, and prayers!! Everyone here has been so supportive.

    Also, thanks for the item list for clothing, never even though about zippers and things!!

    I will update as time allows.

    Luv & hugz to all

    Sherri
  • sherria49
    sherria49 Member Posts: 126
    #16
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    Marcia527 said:

    I can't remember if you had
    I can't remember if you had chemo first or not but when I went in for surgery I didn't have hair (I had 4 cycles of chemo first) and I wish I had taken my cap with me. I ended up wearing the green cap thingy they put on you for surgery. When the surgeon came in to check on me that night he said I could take it off. He didn't realize that I was wearing it because I didn't have anything else. I couldn't wear the hat I wore to the hospital because it had a brim and you can't lay down in one of those. Good luck. Also I'd have someone bring you breakfast from the outside because the hospital food they gave me tasted like cardboard.

    Thanks Marcia!
    No, didn't have chemo before, and not exactly looking forward to that day/days either. My hair has always been long, curly, and thick! I know it's just hair and that it will grow back. I have been dealing with everything very easily so far, since "I don't look or feel sick". Obviusly the mastectomy will be the first real sign, and then the hair loss.

    I'm actually looking forward to getting things underway! Does that sound bad??? I have so many emotions going on, not sure which one will take over next!! Luckily, I haven't really had any of the "O woe is me" attitude.

    Thanks for your thoughts!
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #17
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    sherria49 said:

    Thanks Marcia!
    No, didn't have chemo before, and not exactly looking forward to that day/days either. My hair has always been long, curly, and thick! I know it's just hair and that it will grow back. I have been dealing with everything very easily so far, since "I don't look or feel sick". Obviusly the mastectomy will be the first real sign, and then the hair loss.

    I'm actually looking forward to getting things underway! Does that sound bad??? I have so many emotions going on, not sure which one will take over next!! Luckily, I haven't really had any of the "O woe is me" attitude.

    Thanks for your thoughts!

    Looking forward
    Sherri,

    My surgery was very different from yours, but I just wanted to say that no, it doesn't sound bad or weird at all to want to get thing underway!! One of the happiest days I've had in this journey was the day (only one month after my diagnosis, but man, it felt like a year) I finally got to sit in the surgery scheduler's office and hear her say, "Your surgery is scheduled for June 11th."

    As fearful as I was about the surgery, it felt so GOOD to finally stop all the tests and exams and decision-making and just GET ON WITH IT, already! So I'm very glad for you that you're also able to move forward and get that much closer to moving on with your life after breast cancer.

    We'll all be thinking about you on Friday.

    Traci
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    #18
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    sherria49 said:

    Thanks!
    To everyone for their well wishes, thoughts, and prayers!! Everyone here has been so supportive.

    Also, thanks for the item list for clothing, never even though about zippers and things!!

    I will update as time allows.

    Luv & hugz to all

    Sherri

    Sherri
    Will be thinking of you Friday. Hope everything goes well for you.

    Hugs
    Jadie<3
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    #19
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    Hi Sherri
    I had a single, simple mastecomy on 9-11. It was considered outpatient and I only spent one nite in the hosp. But I was amazed at what little pain there was. The drain is the biggest pain. I found sleeping in the lazyboy was the best as it didn't disturb the drain and I was comfortable. You will do well. And I know exactly how you feel, I could hardly wait to "get on with it".

    I just got fitted for my prothesis today and it is wonderful! I've got my "girls" back.

    I will be thinking and praying for you to come thru your surgery easily on Friday.

    Hugs, Judy :-)
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #20
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    good luck on your surgery
    Sherri, all good wishes for the very successful surgery. I did not have a port installed or reconstruction until after, so I can't help with that. Just wanted to wish you good luck!
    Cat
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537
    #21
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    Hi Sherria
    I had double mastectomy and a port placed. Expect a couple of drains, and some soreness but you will get thru it...and you will be sooooo glad they are placing a port. I didnt want one initally but I am really happy I have it.

    Hang in there and you will be in my thoughts and prayers...remember...you can do this
    Hugs
    Linda t

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