Illinois ladies facing bc

Lynn27

I just read a post on the June 2012 Mastectomy topic and it led me to a question for you experienced folks:  do you ever stop missing the parts that are gone?  I know they were droopy and saggy and what-all, but damn my nipples and breasts were an important part of our pleasuring each other.  (I hope that's not TMI.) 

C-squared

Heidi~ You sound great!  Thanks for keeping us posted.  Rest is good.., especially after surgery, and I don't think you kept us waiting "so long".  Yay for you for being up & about and off pain meds so soon!

How sweet of your SIL to make you a basket full of comfort!  You WILL survive the chemo because you have the support and positive attitude needed to get through! 

All the best to you Heidi! 

 

mdg

Heidi - some of us had little side effects at all.  I exercised daily for an hour all through chemo - never missed a day.  I was a little tired or achy on some days but I never had any nausea.  I did lose the taste for food, but that was better than throwing up in my book! Think positive....maybe you will be lucky like I was!

camillegal

Heidi u read well--glad u'r doing good. And BTW the mouthwas SHOULD have alcohol in it. LOL But some sacrifices I guess have to be made. Use plastic utensils when u start chemo. (might work)

Lynn I ave never missed my boobs I feel free, just like I never missed my period. I ardly ever wear any kind of bra and it's comfort for me. But I sure can understand what u ean and unfortunately that's part of this whole stupid thing.

virginiab

HeidiK--

I'm glad your surgery went well. It sounds like you made a decision that was right for you and your circumstances. It's really nice to have people supporting you, like your SIL with the ChemoCare kit. Relax and recover for now. Then on to the next step.

lago

Lynn I actually didn't have droopy or saggy boobs. The combination of never having kids, dense tissue and they were small. I think because they were small it visually wasn't hard for me.

For a while though I did miss my nipples, especially righty. The area where my nipples were are numb. Also I now have bigger boobie prizes… maybe a little too big but I'm almost used to them. Right now I still don't know how to dress them. Because I was so small before I could wear very low cut tops. I had no cleavage. Now I just don't know what's appropriate. I don't have a "crack" but do have some wide cleavage. The few times I do wear something low I notice guys eyes going straight for my boobs… I've never experienced that before.

Heidi not sure what mouthwash your sister got you but the stuff for dry mouth is a must. My dentist told me about it but I also read it here on this siteThe name is Biotene (also alchol free) I got mine from Walgreen. It took me about a day or two (5 days after surgery) to post. sounds like you're doing great. Expect to be very tired as your body uses energy to heal.

Use plastic utensils if you get a metallic taste in your mouth. I bought some but never used them because although I got taste changes it wasn't metallic. I also sucked on ice chips during taxotere to prevent mouth sores. You may not that chemo but my taste changes were very minor. I wonder if that is why.

IllinoisLady

"Whatever is expressed is impressed. Whatever you say to yourself, with emotion, generates thoughts, ideas and behaviors consistent with those words." - Brain Tracy

lemondrop1967

Hi everyone! Wish I could join the Maggiano's lunch tomorrow, but am swamped at work right now.  Lynn, glad your SEs weren't too bad your first treatment.  I hope that continues! Heidi, so nice of your SIL to put the basket together for you!  I am happy your surgery went smoothly.  Like Lago said, try to not over-do, you need energy to heal. Lago, PMd you about ACS walk.  LisaMomof4 - so happy you found a job near home! Let's definitely have a lunch soon.  Hi mdg! Thinking of all of you, as always.

blackjack

Just a reminder that we are having a lunch get together Friday 8/10 for any one who would love to join us for some fun and laughter. We are meeting at Maggiano's in Schaumburg at 12:00 PM. All are welcome to join us. See you there.

Blackjack

bellamax

Hi Illinois Ladies!

I did not know that this forum existed!

Well, I live in Illinois, and had Exchange surgery on April 18th. All went pretty well, aside from a bout with cellulitis.

Here is my question-I just went back for a check up with my PS and he said he needs to do some revision surgery on my cancer side. I had radiation after lumpectomy and then BC came back within a year and I had a BMX/expanders/implants, etc. So, my skin on the cancer side has always been very thin around the incision site due to the radiation and scar tissue.

So, he wants to cut away some of the skin and then reclose. It will be done in the operating room.

Anyone been through that? What is involved? I just wasn't quite anticipating this, although I have noticed that the area keeps getting red and discolored.....Thanks!!!

lago

bellamax my neighbor had to go in and do something like that but a bit more serious. Her implant actually failed so she's in a TE (tissue expander) again. The thing with radiation as you probably know, more complications can arise and require a few more surgeries. I think in your case, since the radiation was done years ago you will have better success. I actually didn't have radiation but needed a revision on left because it was a bit too low. Is your PS doing any fat transfer?

Does your PS know about the redness/discoloration? If not I would call today especially if it's warm to the touch. I'm sure you're numb there so you might not even notice if it is.

bellamax

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, my PS does know-I actually just saw him today and that is when he told me about the need for revision. He does not do fat transfer. I asked him about it because I have some rippling that I do not like. He said that he used to do it, but that down the road it presents problems or can-lumps of fat necrosis that lead to unnecessary biopsies, tests, etc. and that long term he saw too many problems. I do like my PS a lot and he has a fabulous reputation. I am not that unhappy with the rippling and actually when my breasts are lifted with a bra on you cannot even see it.

I assume that the revision surgery is fairly simple and outpatient? 

lago

Mine was out patient and I had a lot of fat transfer too. The donor sites was what hurt not the revision site. BTW even with fat transfer (I had it twice) one of my breast has a slight ripple. Us gals with thin skin are always a bit challenged by this.

bellamax where are you located? We have a team walking in the ACS strides against breast cancer even October 20 in Chicago at Montrose Harbor. If you want to join PM me and I will send you the details and link to our team.

bellamax

Thanks, Lago!

I live in the McHenry area, although all of my docs, hospital, etc. are all down in Arlington Heights where I used to live.

So, Montrose Harbor is quite a ways to go and I am actually doing a walk up in the Lake Geneva area end of September. But I will think about it!

By the way, I would like to spread the news to all of the Illinois gals in the Chicago area that there is a fabulous place to go for post mastectomy bras and camisoles and also compression products if needed. It is one of the most special places I have been to. Small and intimate and the ladies who help you and fit you are so knowledgeable and kind and caring. I went there after my lumpectomy and then again after my BMX. Liked it so much and felt so comfortable there that now I am going to go to work there part time! It is called Benchmark Atlantic Image Renewal. The main location is in McHenry, but the owner travels to  Lake Forest Hospital, Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, and Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights where woman can be fitted and receive bras, etc. Check out their website which is BenchmarkAtlantic.com

Thanks again! 

kjiberty

Heidi:  I used biotene and had very, very few mouth issues.

For everyone else having lunch tomorrow, have a great time and don't forget to post pics! 

camillegal

Welcome to this post Bellamax--sorry u'r here but welcome.

Have fun tomorrow ladies and like kj said PICTURES --That's a grest restaurant too---well at least it always was haven't been there for a while.

kjiberty

Bellamax:  My sister-in-law moved from McHenry to Woodstock a few years ago.  Nice town.  

Just talked to my daughter.  Got her wallet stolen out of her purse tonight on the bus on her way home from work (she works DT Chicago).  Get this:  someone sitting on the bus saw the thief take it out of her purse (okay, my daugher is/was naive--left her purse wide open), and didn't say a word to her as it was going down, but mentioned she saw it AFTER the guy got off the bus.  How nice....

joan888

Welcome bellamax... We are neighbors. I am in CL just down the road. I use Benchmark and agree that place is wonderful. I have an appt there later this month to get fitted for a custom sleeve so maybe I will see you there.



I had radiation and developed problems with skin thinning and cellulitis on my radiated side. My PS is downtown at NW. I ended up having lat flap surgery to correct it. Things are great now, although I know my PS will recommend little revisions on that side when he sees me next month. I have had fat grafting before with no problems. He is more of a perfectionist than I am. We shall see, but I know that I will stall him off till next spring. I have had enough surgery for now. Need a break.



Hi HeidiK. Sounds like you are doing okay. If anyone asks you about that new little bump on your chest, just use Lago's answer.... It's your communication port to your mother ship! That will shut them up.



I paid a visit to my spine surgeon at NW today. All is well there and my hardware is staying put. Whew! Told hom that pain was no longer an issue, but a lot of tingling in legs and feet so he is increasing a med to hopefully calm those nerves down a bit more. And he is turning me loose now for 6 weeks with a promise to wear this dang brace as much as possible.



Looking forward to seeing some of you at lunch tomorrow.

IllinoisLady

Welcome bellamax....glad you found us.  I'm on late tonight...hope I don't doze off in the middle of this. Heidi...glad you are doing well....but rest if you feel you need too......you can be a powerhouse again after you are healed all the way.

Sounds like you have a GREAT start to your healing to Joan....yay !!!!  Good for you....getting to the lunch tomorrow.  

What a bummer about the wallet Kj.....I'd have yelled so loud Stop Thief....get your hand out of that girl's purse......there are times when I'm quiet and shy....this would not be one of those times.  I'd like to say what is this world coming too, but we all know how long it has been this way.  

Well, on to my recliner while I can still remember where it is........see you all tomorrow and hope you have a marvelous lunch.  Hugs to everyone.

Jackie

p.s.   spell checker won't turn on 

kjiberty

Joan--my SIL who lives in Woodstock (previously mentioned) works in Crystal lake.

IllinoisLady

"I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures." - Lao Tzu

bellamax

Hi Joan888!

Hope to see you at Benchmark-I am usually there on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Sounds like we have a lot in common besides just living near to each other. I have had 2 major spine surgeries, the last being 8 weeks before finding out that my BC had returned! So I am still recouping from that and doing PT. I also have the tingling and neuropathy in my feet and legs that you have-neurontin was prescribed for fibromyalgia and that seems to be the only thing that has helped the tingling.

Sometimes when I write this stuff I can't believe that I am writing about me! Sounds like I am a mess! But I really am not!

Have a good day! 

spunkyboobster

Welcome Bellamax-

Heidi-glad things have gone well so far-

Joan-Happy to hear things are going well

Spent the week in Baltimore (for work) glad to finally be home, sorry I didn't get home in time for the Maggiano's lunch-looking forward to seeing pictures though-hint, hint...

zap

Hi all:

 I did not take a picture at the lunch but I know one was taken so it should be coming.  It was so much fun.  I sat next to Joan and she looks and acts like the super star she is.  The topic of breast cancer is always welcomed and we did talk about that a bit ; but  mostly we talked about kids, grandkids, trips, jobs, food, marathons, runs, walks and it is very uplifitng to be among such wonderful survivors  of all stages and ages  We did not talk about books or movies....maybe next time.  I rarely could make these lunches due to work or other commitments.  Now that I am retired, I am able to partake and always walk away feeling like one lucky girl.  If you can attend a luncheon, do so.  Spunky, maybe next time!

Susan

zap

Hi all:

 I did not take a picture at the lunch but I know one was taken so it should be coming.  It was so much fun.  I sat next to Joan and she looks and acts like the super star she is.  The topic of breast cancer is always welcomed and we did talk about that but not  much; mostly we talked about kids, grandkids, trips, jobs, food, marathons, runs, walks and it is very uplifitng to be among such wonderful survivors  of all stages and ages  We did not talk about books or movies....maybe next time.  I rarely could make these lunches due to work or other commitments.  Now that I am retired, I am able to partake and always walk away feeling like one lucky girl.  If you can attend a luncheon, do so.  Spunky, maybe next time!

Susan

camillegal

Oh I knew u would have a wonderful rime--I wish I could have come-I wanted to meet as many of u as I could, but I couldn't make it. OK we;re waiting for a picture  tap, tap, tap--that's waiting 

joan888

Lunch was wonderful.  Wish we could have seen more of you.  JulieB was there but left before this photo was taken.

joan888

Sorry, I should have put some names on that photo:

Top to bottom:  Zap, Rene, Blackjack, JanClare, Joan888, Smerf

kjiberty

You all look beautiful!

camillegal

Thank u Joan --u all look great.