Should you start chemo if you are still having pain from the mastectomy?

sharkiejim
sharkiejim Member Posts: 16
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, all--
Thanks once again for letting a spouse join in on this wonderful support network. My wife, Dorth, is still a little shy about jumping in so I am asking the questions we both have. She had a modified radical mastectomy with removal of lymph nodes on Jan 9th. She has had considerable pain since then both on the incision and on the armpit/underside of her arm. She started off taking 10 mg of Percocet (Oxycodone) about every 5 hours and is now down to 5 mg of Percocet every 5 hours but the pain doesn't seem to be getting much better. Is this normal? She is scheduled to have a Mediport put in Jan 30th and then start chemo Feb 5th. What I am concerned about is whether she should start chemo if she is still in pain from the surgery (hopefully, the pain will be gone by Feb. 5th and this question is moot). I should mention that my wife is only 62 and was in good health before the diagnosis so she isn't frail, just in pain. How important is it to start chemo right away? Finally, any advice for a spouse whose wife is going to start chemo soon?
Regards, Jim (and Dorothy)

Comments

  • ohilly
    ohilly Member Posts: 441
    pain
    I don't know the answer about when to start the chemo, but as far as the pain: I had pain from my mastectomy for an entire month. It was horrible, but after a month it completely went away. So this should give your wife hope!

    Write again if you have other questions,

    Ohilly
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    Pain.....
    Bless your heart for inquiring about your wife, and especially for saying she is ONLY 62! I love that!!!

    Most of us start chemo 6 weeks post surgery~ her pain is typical and normal ( as normal as Breast Cancer and surgery are, anyway!) The pain gradually does abate, and chemo should be fine by February. I remember having a lot of pain as well, and wanting to turn over in my sleep, as I am a side sleeper. Not at all possible post surgery...I kept turning over in my sleep and Wham! Awake and sore in a NY minute! But one morning, I woke up...and I was on my side~ hallelujah! All of those things will also happen to your sweet wife as well.

    The port will be a god-send~ makes labs and chemo so much easier!

    We welcome both of you to these boards...I dare say you will be hard pressed to find a more empathetic, informed group of survivors anywhere!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    And advice for you? Avail yourself of these boards...vent, rant, whatever you need. As a loving caregiver you also absolutely need to keep yourself emotionally hydrated~ you are a nurturing sponge, so to speak, and dried out, you are of little use to you or your lady. Help her by letting her know she is beautiful and wonderful and YOURS with or without breasts/hair/energy...and when you can, it is vital to take time for you! If you generally meet with "the guys" on Mondays for pastrami sandwiches, keep doing that~ or, when your sweet lady is napping, get a massage~ or do sudoko, or practice your golf swing in the backyard...you get the picture!
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    Jim
    First, I'm sorry to hear Dorothy is in such pain. Moopy had her modified radical mastectomy 11/24/2008 and was able to wean herself off of the "hard stuff" pretty quickly afterward. After the surgery, we had weekly followup appointments with the surgeon, which included thorough examinations. There was no hard and fast date for the port to go in; the surgeon wasn't putting anything in until he was satisfied Moopy was over the mastectomy.

    The port finally went in on 12/29/2008; we got a second opinion out of town on 01/02/2009, and TAC chemo started on 01/08/2009. So far, so good: Moopy is snoozing comfortably on the couch with two of our doggies after having a very good day. We both hope and pray and trust that all turns out well for Dorothy and you. Please don't be shy about "pestering" your surgeon (or oncologist, or both) with your concerns about Dorothy's recovery from surgery. That's what they're paid for!

    As for advice - all I can suggest is that you be ready. Ready to run errands, give hugs, listen to complaints, tell jokes, look stuff up on line, answer the phone, and serve as morale officer: always reminding her of just how beautiful she is and always will be to you. But something tells me that you are already well prepared to go into action. I also suggest that you take care of yourself: eat right and above all, get all the rest you can. You can't be there for your sweetie unless you're in fighting trim yourself.

    Best,
    Joe
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    chenheart said:

    Pain.....
    Bless your heart for inquiring about your wife, and especially for saying she is ONLY 62! I love that!!!

    Most of us start chemo 6 weeks post surgery~ her pain is typical and normal ( as normal as Breast Cancer and surgery are, anyway!) The pain gradually does abate, and chemo should be fine by February. I remember having a lot of pain as well, and wanting to turn over in my sleep, as I am a side sleeper. Not at all possible post surgery...I kept turning over in my sleep and Wham! Awake and sore in a NY minute! But one morning, I woke up...and I was on my side~ hallelujah! All of those things will also happen to your sweet wife as well.

    The port will be a god-send~ makes labs and chemo so much easier!

    We welcome both of you to these boards...I dare say you will be hard pressed to find a more empathetic, informed group of survivors anywhere!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    And advice for you? Avail yourself of these boards...vent, rant, whatever you need. As a loving caregiver you also absolutely need to keep yourself emotionally hydrated~ you are a nurturing sponge, so to speak, and dried out, you are of little use to you or your lady. Help her by letting her know she is beautiful and wonderful and YOURS with or without breasts/hair/energy...and when you can, it is vital to take time for you! If you generally meet with "the guys" on Mondays for pastrami sandwiches, keep doing that~ or, when your sweet lady is napping, get a massage~ or do sudoko, or practice your golf swing in the backyard...you get the picture!

    Excellent points, Claudia!
    Especially that part about being "emotionally hydrated:" only a woman could come up with an idea like that, but fortunately a man can at least appreciate it!

    This afternoon Moopy sent me on a Taco Bell run and then unceremoniously booted me out of the house to drive around down by the railroad tracks and take pictures of trains. I used to work out religiously at the fitness center, but have given that up temporarily for sanitary reasons. Don't want to bring anything nasty home... and I'll be back.
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    Welcome
    Hi JIm, welcome to our site--Dorothy too. I had a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy so I can't speak to Dorothy's situation specifically, but I'll bet that by the time the port implantation comes around she will be feeling better. I know that they don't like to wait more than a month or so to start chemo because if there are any cells floating around they want to kill them asap. Not that there are any!

    As others have written, I would express your concerns to your surgeon and oncologist and see what they have to say. Good luck, we are here for you guys. Eil
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Exercise/stretching is great....
    As soon as my surgeon said it was ok, I started with mild stretching of my arm...'wall walking' was a favorite...at first it hurt like the dickens, but it got better and better...

    Welcome to you both! And I was 'only' 49....rofl...I LOVE your word 'only'...when diagnosed first with stage 3 colon cancer, and then stage 2 breast cancer 6 months later...

    Her starting good health is a great benefit! And some of this pain will be resolved by a 'tincture of time'. If they dug deep to harvest the lymph nodes, that is part of her discomfort. I still, 3 years later, have a twinge every once in a while.

    As far as advice....love her. That should be easy, you obviously already do. Be patient with her...she may turn her anger at her situation toward you. She still loves you, it's just hard to keep your head straight when you don't feel good. Reassure her that she is loved, regardless of her appearance thru the fight...my beau said to me, when I was feeling nuts, "I know it's so hard, but I also know that you are a fighter, and you WILL win!!!"

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133 Member
    Hi Jim and Dorothy,
    I had a

    Hi Jim and Dorothy,

    I had a sentinal node dissection (4 nodes) and mastectomy on the left and a modified radical mastectomy on the right in April '08. I had chemo first, but after my surgery in April they had to remove my port on the right side and put a new one in on the left side. I'm pretty sure that surgery was less than a month after my mastectomies. Then I had radiation to my right side only.

    I have no problems or pain on my left side now, but I do still have issues on the right side. Some of the pain is related to the radiation I had after the mastectomy and port removal. Some is ongoing from the modified radical mastectomy. Some numbness/tenderness in the underside of her arm/armpit can last for awhile. It may resolve, or it may continue (but diminish some). There's a nerve that passes through that area, and although your surgeon may not have nipped it/cut it in surgery, it was stretched. That's why the underside of your upper arm feels strange.

    It's important for Dorothy to continue doing range of motion exercises to her shoulder. Once the drains are removed, there are no restrictions (if they're still in there, she shouldn't lift her elbows or hands above her shoulders).

    Also, if pain continues past 1-2 months it is probably from the drains they use. Adhesions can form along the area where the tubes ran under/around the breast area and especially where the drains exit the skin. Once the drain holes have healed up, its a good idea to rub those every day. I saw a PT for that and she worked wonders.

    I do hope that Dorothy's pain will be gone. I do hear of many ladies who do not have pain after a month or so.

    Jim, something a friend of mine did was to get friends and family to send cards to her (for me). The night before my infusion she brought them over to my house with a note that read, 'to be opened during your infusion.' Those cards were a HUGE blessing to me and a nice distraction of all that was going on around me.

    As others have said, starting chemo as soon as you are able is best.

    Blessings,
    Chelle
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    Chellebug said:

    Hi Jim and Dorothy,
    I had a

    Hi Jim and Dorothy,

    I had a sentinal node dissection (4 nodes) and mastectomy on the left and a modified radical mastectomy on the right in April '08. I had chemo first, but after my surgery in April they had to remove my port on the right side and put a new one in on the left side. I'm pretty sure that surgery was less than a month after my mastectomies. Then I had radiation to my right side only.

    I have no problems or pain on my left side now, but I do still have issues on the right side. Some of the pain is related to the radiation I had after the mastectomy and port removal. Some is ongoing from the modified radical mastectomy. Some numbness/tenderness in the underside of her arm/armpit can last for awhile. It may resolve, or it may continue (but diminish some). There's a nerve that passes through that area, and although your surgeon may not have nipped it/cut it in surgery, it was stretched. That's why the underside of your upper arm feels strange.

    It's important for Dorothy to continue doing range of motion exercises to her shoulder. Once the drains are removed, there are no restrictions (if they're still in there, she shouldn't lift her elbows or hands above her shoulders).

    Also, if pain continues past 1-2 months it is probably from the drains they use. Adhesions can form along the area where the tubes ran under/around the breast area and especially where the drains exit the skin. Once the drain holes have healed up, its a good idea to rub those every day. I saw a PT for that and she worked wonders.

    I do hope that Dorothy's pain will be gone. I do hear of many ladies who do not have pain after a month or so.

    Jim, something a friend of mine did was to get friends and family to send cards to her (for me). The night before my infusion she brought them over to my house with a note that read, 'to be opened during your infusion.' Those cards were a HUGE blessing to me and a nice distraction of all that was going on around me.

    As others have said, starting chemo as soon as you are able is best.

    Blessings,
    Chelle

    Hi Jim & Dorothy
    So sorry Dorothy is still in pain, i know what that is like. I had Left-side masectomy Dec. 2nd 08 and port put in a week before my 1st chemo treatment which was on Jan 7th 09. I also am a side-sleeper so with the port being sore (only a few days) and my under-arms and left side incisions I had to sleep in a recliner with pillows all around me. That too passed. Now i've got through 1st chemo, hair-loss etc. and am on my way to my second infusion tomorrow. Things have slowed down a little, except i have to go back in for another colonoscopy in a couple of months since they stopped my last one because i had been under too long..(still got charged up the butt for it!!) lol.

    Dorothy's pain should be gone pretty soon, doing my arm and shoulder workouts in the shower and keeping my arm elevated at rest helped,

    Jim, my hubby reads alot of the posts on this board so he can also keep up on what is the next step and how will i react physically and emotionally. Your care and concern and support are so very important,,I myself make my hubby go to DQ after the biggest, thickest,carmel, fudge, brownie milkshake he can find and i drink it during my infusion...mmmm thats the only thing i'm looking forward to tomorrow!
    anyway keep posting and let us know how it is all going. This is a very kind and caring group of sisters (& hubbies) in pink. My best to you both.

    God bless,
    Jackie
  • survivor51
    survivor51 Member Posts: 276
    hey
    Jim and Dorothy,
    I had a bilateral mastectomy and yes it was painful. I did stay consistant with my pain meds because if you wait for the pain to begin, it is difficult to get a head of the pain. I highly recommend plenty of nice hot showers. A nurse in the unit had just gone through the year before and gave me lots of hints. She stated the warmth from the shower helps the pain. In addition, I found that my husband would take a hand towel, wet/wring it out. Pleace it into a microwave and then "careful" not too hot but place it right over the area. He placed a dry towel over that. The moist heat was great. In addition, for the stitchy area, there is a product that you can get at the drug store called aquaphor. The nurse told me about this and it is like a really good vaseline. It helped with the scabs from the incisions and the stitches. My stitches never did just dissolve. I found that placing a pillow under the mattress so she stays at an angle helps and to put pillows under each arm. She will walk like popiye the sailor for a bit until all drains are out and it is just more comfortable. I found that the showers really helped the best. Watch funny movies together, look at photos and have lots of laughs. Talk about dating, things that brought joy to your lives. My husband and I have been married for 31 years and he is my total best friend. It seems that the two of you have a really close relationship. I don't know if she is having reconstruction but I did and I am thrilled with them...as is David. Each person needs to make their own private decision on this issue but it is hard to tell I have even had a bilateral mastectomy if you can believe that.
    As to the chemo, it is important to begin when the doctor, oncologist, states. They know when it is necessary to wait so talk with them. They will discuss the type chemo determining the results from the surgery, how much, how many rounds, how often, and such. It is very important to keep hydrated with chemo. They have really come a long way and have lots of meds that can keep you from being so ill. We are here for both of you. Also, there is a 24/7 number for the ACS 1-800-227-2345 and a Y-Me 1800-221-2141. I have even called at 3AM for questions and there is someone always there. They don't needle you with junk mail or phone calls. It is a total support even if just want advise or to talk. Angela
  • sharkiejim
    sharkiejim Member Posts: 16
    Thank you
    Thanks again for all the great advice and caring comments. We're going to try the motion exercises in the shower and the warm/moist towels over the incision site today. I do think Dorth's pain is a litle less the last couple of days so I think things seem to be getting better.

    Regards, Jim and Dorth
  • dorothyt
    dorothyt Member Posts: 103

    Thank you
    Thanks again for all the great advice and caring comments. We're going to try the motion exercises in the shower and the warm/moist towels over the incision site today. I do think Dorth's pain is a litle less the last couple of days so I think things seem to be getting better.

    Regards, Jim and Dorth

    Hi Jim and Dorth,
    I had a

    Hi Jim and Dorth,
    I had a mastectomy on the right side with some lymph nodes removed in June 2008. The wall walking exercise, with my finger tips, help me also. I still have a little discomfort, but I'm able to use my arm much better without any severe pain.
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    It sounds like she is
    It sounds like she is progressing like most of us. Ask the Dr. and see if there is access to a physical therapist who can help with excersizes. Some facilities also have professionally trained massage therapists who know how to do massage for specific types of surgeries or injuries. I was blessed to have relatively little pain after my bilateral masectomy, but I did have limited range of movement on the arm where nodes were removed...still have more stiffness there one year after surgery. I also had difficulty finding a comfortable way to lie down and get out of bed, but that got better week by week. I have gotten a chaise lounge and a "bed chair" in preparation for my reconstruction surgery scheduled for June to make it easier to sleep sitting up.

    I agree with the others...take care of yourself too, so you will be able to keep on supporting your beloved as you have been.

    Best wishes, seof