Reconstruction group-Nov-07

maryannecb

marina1        11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram COMPLETED

Katie             11/06 exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants COMPLETED

harley44         11/07 implant COMPLETED

Minz        11/7, expander exchanged for silicone and lift to otherside COMPLETED

sjoc                 11/09 expander COMPLETED

Sandyk             11/9 stage 2 DIEP COMPLETED

katie-nc            11/12 lat dorsi

nelliebelle0361  11/14 exchange

kcq                   11/19 mast/diep

Mary                 11/19 stage 2 DIEP

Alaina               11/21 stage 2 DIEP

Jackie               11/21  exchange silicone gel implants

maryannecb     11/22 lat dorsi flap

Geegee            11/23 DIEP reconstruction

mommytms2   11/27 bilateral DIEP

morgaine         11/27 mast/DIEP

TraciWalters     11/28 expanders

Laura T             11/28 double mast/expanders

Abby2               11/30 bilat diep

Deborah           12/4 DIEP/tram

2curvy              12/10 diep

Ahhh, nothing like your first shower post-op. Katie do be careful in public.LOL. Marina, if you end up doing chemo you will get a lot of support from others here. It is not easy but somehow you get through it .

Fists up!

Deborah

Hi All,

I love reading all of your posts. It is great hearing the support and openness. It makes this process less lonely and scary. Sjoc and Sandyk, it is pm and you two are so lucky that the surgeries are behind you. Marnie, your post was so encouraging. Your strength is amazing and as you said to be very agressive is the only way to be. You will kick this whole thing on its butt. Right now, I feel like I am slowly moving forward getting ready between work and becoming emotionally ready. My dh is not enthused, but it is out of concern. Best to all of you, to all of us. Debbie

maryannecb

Deborah, my husband is similarly not enthused. He is worried about a surgery which for him is not necessary. Then ,I remind him it is for me, otherwise I'd be getting him an upgrade not trying to recreate my tiny breast(34A)LOL. Ultimately he is supportive though as he wants me to do what I need to do to feel good.

Fists up!

SandyinSoCal

I'm out of the hospital and everything went very well according to my doctor. He did a lot of lipo, so I am a lot of pain if I'm not sitting down. So far, everything looks great, however, they weren't able to accomplish everything that was necessary, so I will have another surgery in 3-4 months when my breast skin is less tight. My tummy apparently had fat necrosis with a lot of scarring and swelling, and now that is all gone. I have a waist again and can't wait to see the final result! Thanks for all of the wishes and prayers!!

Anonymous

Hi all,

I didn't sign up here, because I was having recon in Dec., But after my meltdown on Thurs. ( you know the one....my expanders hurt, my hair is 1/2 in long and looks like crap and I want my old life back, cry, cry, cry).  Well went to see ps and he checked expanders and says I am having muscle spasms.  So, they offered to move my exchange surgery up to Nov. 29. Yeaaa!!!.  I can't wait to have them out.  They are in my armpits some what and look like hamburger buns.  I sure hope when they exchange them for the "gummy bear" breast implants that they stick out in the front and I get rid of all that thickness in the armpit.  Especially the one where the lymph node dissection was done.  Has anyone else experienced that?  Like there is a bunch of mush or fatty tissue in that side.  My other side doesn't feel that crowded.

I wish all of you good luck and God speed with your surgeries.

I will try to read back over all the posts to get caught up with all of you.

This thread is a great idea.  I am on the Feb. Chemo Cruisers thread and couldn't have made it through chemo without all by FCC buddies.

Hugs to all, Sammie Kay

Anonymous

Laura,

I had a bil. mastectomy last Dec. with placement of expanders at that time.  Since then I have had 12 rounds of Taxol and 4 rounds of FAC.  As far as the mastectomy, I don't remember anyone wiping my butt, but maybe they did.  I really don't think so.  My biggest problem the first couple of days in the hospital was getting up to a sitting position.  Mainly, they gave the oxycontin and for some reason it doesn't work on me.  When my daughter finally convinced them to change it to Norco, which is 10 mg of hydrocodone, I did much better.  I just needed someone to put their arms behind my back and give me a boost.  No butt wiping LOL.

My granddaughter goes to UNC in Chapel Hill.  I have been once to visit her there.  It is so beautiful. She is 20 also, and she is a big help with things.  I wish you good luck and God's blessings.

I have invasive lobular breast ca of the right breast, which was removed with a diagnosis of a small ductal breast cancer.  Then I got the big news a week after surgery that I needed a mastectomy.  I decided to have both removed.  I just couldn't see waiting for the other shoe to drop.  You know lobular often occurs in the other breast.  I didn't take radiation.  I was borderline for needing chemo as my tumor was 4.5cm and ER+,PR+ and Her2-.  Also, I am post-menopausal.  So I refused radiation.

I hope all goes well with the mastectomies. I had modified radical on right, the cancerous one and simple mast.on the left.  Theydidn't find any cancer in all of the tissue they removed.  Guess they got it all with the lumpectomy. 

I think you have made a very good decision and wish you the best.

Sammie Kay

MinAZ

Sammie Kay - I had my exchange this week. The expander had made a hard lump where the SNB was, and that is now gone with the silicone. So hope it works that way for you too!

Minz 

Anonymous

Since I am new I want to wish a speedy recovery to:marina1        11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram COMPLETED

Katie             11/06 exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants COMPLETED

harley44         11/07 implant COMPLETED

Minz        11/7, expander exchanged for silicone and lift to otherside COMPLETED

sjoc                 11/09 expander COMPLETED

Sandyk            

Thank you so much for sharing.  Katie, I am having the gel implants. How are they? I was worried about how soft they will be? I have read that the exchange is a piece of cake compared to mastectomy. What do you think.

Hugs to all.  Nurse Sammie Kay says take you pain med and maybe a stool softener too, if the pain med causes you constipation.

katie-nc

Tomorrow is the big day for me.  I am so excited!  I have everything ready I think...Fanny pack for the drains, zip up sweat shirt to come home in.  I got my medicine filled, so I don't have to worry about that.  My daughter is coming home on tuesday to help.  I am cooking and baking today, so I don't have to worry about that.  All laundry is done.  I am off to the gym for my last workout for a while.  I am so excited, I just can't stand it.  I have to be at the surgicenter at 6:15am, I don't know how much sleep I am going to get tonight, but I will try!!!  Wish me luck!

Harley44

Katie

Good Luck!  I will be thinking about you.

Harley

  

Deborah

Wow Katie, you are my hero. Your positive attitude (excited yet) is simply amazing. You are in my thoughts and I look forward to hearing from you and hear all the good news of your reconstruction as soon as you are able. The best of luck and a giant hug is yours. Debbie

katesf

Hi SammieKay:

I'm doing just fine. It's been 5 days since my gel implant exchange and I feel great. I have next wk off from work and I almost feel a little guilty because I could go, but I'm taking advantage of my accumulated sick time. Hope I never need to use it again. I actually wore a bra to church this morning! First time since July's surgery's. It feels nice after wearing camisols all this time. I need to start shopping for the bra's I heard about on this site that seem to work best. (J.C. penny & Victorias Secrets) I've been massaging away(haven't been arrested yet!!), as instructed by my ps. Don't want to take any chances with that capsilular (sp?) contraction stuff. I think once the steri strips come off, the scars lighten up and the implants settle in they'll be wonderful. My only complaint, which I've heard from others who've had their exchange, is the flatness in front due to lack of projection. I can see why having the nipple reconstruction will help with the visuals. I do love the fact that I can wear any blouse now.

Katie-NC, Good luck tomorrow!!! You do have a great attitude and that will get you through everything. You are so organized too! That will take so much pressure off so that you can take it easy and get all of the rest you'll need. Hope you had a great workout. You'll be back at it before you know it. I was on the treadmill yesterday and it felt great. I'm looking forward to getting back into my yoga soon once my stitches have completely healed. SO good for mind, body and soul.

SandyK, welcome home. You just take it easy and enjoy that waste!! How exciting. Rest, rest, rest. Hope you feel better and stronger each day.

God bless you wonderful ladies. Have a good day.

Katie (from Minnesota) 

  

bbmom

Katie-NC and Nelliebelle,

Good luck to both of you this week. Keeping both of you in my prayers.

This month is flying by. We'll all be done before you know it.

God Bless

katie-nc

That you all for your thoughts!  I don't know how I will sleep tonight, I am so excited.  Not scared, just excited...like on Christmas Eve.  I have waited a long time for this, and I feel like now I am ready.  I will let you all know how I am doing on Tuesday!!  If I can't get on the computer, I will have my daughter let you all know.

Yahoo!!

maryannecb

marina1        11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram COMPLETED

Katie             11/06 exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants COMPLETED

harley44         11/07 implant COMPLETED

Minz        11/7, expander exchanged for silicone and lift to otherside COMPLETED

sjoc                 11/09 expander COMPLETED

Sandyk             11/9 stage 2 DIEP COMPLETED

katie-nc            11/12 lat dorsi

nelliebelle0361  11/14 exchange

kcq                   11/19 mast/diep

Mary                 11/19 stage 2 DIEP

Alaina               11/21 stage 2 DIEP

Jackie               11/21  exchange silicone gel implants

maryannecb     11/22 lat dorsi flap

Geegee            11/23 DIEP reconstruction

mommytms2   11/27 bilateral DIEP

morgaine         11/27 mast/DIEP

TraciWalters     11/28 expanders

Laura T             11/28 double mast/expanders

SammieKay      11/29 exchange

Abby2               11/30 bilat diep

Deborah           12/4 DIEP/tram

2curvy              12/10 diep

Well Katienc you are next. You do sound psyched, that is good. Hope you wake up even happier.

KatieF, enjoy your time off.

Welcome SammieKay.

Fists up!

Eula

Hello,

New! I'm scheduled for unilateral mastectomy on 11/19. After extensive tests, not indication of problems on other side are indicated. At this point have decided against reconstruction as I don't want to complicate my life. Would appreciate any insight you all have regarding this issue. How is anyone making out with prosthesis? The p.s. I saw last week described a real commitmemt (time wise) if one elects reconstruction. I'm 67 and not that attached to the boob any longer, but I do still care about looking good in my clothes. Any insight?

maryannecb

Hi Eula,

I also had a single mastectomy. My surgery was 2 years ago and I was told to wait for recon as I needed chemo and rads. I am gald I did. I adjusted well to the mastectomy and have loved my prosthesis. I am sure it fools everyone. I wear tight clothing and my usual bras. Iam 34A so not large anyway.

What I have learned is that liefe goes on nicely after mastectomy. All aspects of my life are the same...except...I have a space where my breast used to be. And... I miss it. So..after much soul searching I am going to attempt to have it back.

My advice, don't rush into it. Get through your immediate crisis, see if you feel like your self, then decide. You will know what is right for you.

Good luck with your matectomy and any further decisions you make.

Fists up!

Mary-Anne

Anonymous

Hi all,

KatieNC, I hope you are home safe and sound and all cozy in your bed.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nelliebelle, Good luck and God speed with your surgery this week.

Minz, thank you so much for the information.  Gives me hope.  I will be so glad to get the exchange done and hopefully my chest will feel more normal.

Take care.  Thank all of you for being here.  Hugs, Sammie Kay.

Lucy1234

hi all

i am currently in hospital following bilat mast with lat flap recon with implants. i had the op on the 11.09

feeling very sore and swollen, like iv done 10 rounds with mike tyson!

im a bit of a wimp with pain though, how do you all stay so brave?

im sure my nurse is sick of me asking for pain relief!

poppy

xx

Eula

Thanks Mary-Anne, good luck with your reconstruction.  I think I will proceed w/none at this time and leave my options open for the future.

katie-nc

I had my lift on the left, and expander put in on the right, with lat dorsi, and was home by 5:00 last night.  Believe it or not, I feel really good today, and have gotten up, checked in on the office and have answered emails.  I slept pretty good last night, and feel bruised this morning and feel like a giant rubber band is around my chest.  I am going to the PS tomorrow to get the banadages changed, so I will hopefully see how things are.  I waited a long time for this, and was ready physically and mentally.  I did this for me, and was ready.  I am going back to take a nap, and will email all of you later.  Thanks for the support and prayers...I know that is what helped me get thru this!

katesf

Welcome home Katie! So glad you're doing well. Just take it a day at a time and rest......a lot!

Take care now,

Gentle hugs.....Katie from Minnesota

maryannecb

marina1        11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram COMPLETED

Katie             11/06 exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants COMPLETED

harley44         11/07 implant COMPLETED

Minz        11/7, expander exchanged for silicone and lift to otherside COMPLETED

sjoc                 11/09 expander COMPLETED

Sandyk             11/9 stage 2 DIEP COMPLETED

Poppy   11/9  bilat mast with lat flap recon with implants  COMPLETED

katie-nc            11/12 lat dorsi   COMPLETED

nelliebelle0361  11/14 exchange

kcq                   11/19 mast/diep

Mary                 11/19 stage 2 DIEP

Alaina               11/21 stage 2 DIEP

Jackie               11/21  exchange silicone gel implants

maryannecb     11/22 lat dorsi flap

Geegee            11/23 DIEP reconstruction

mommytms2   11/27 bilateral DIEP

morgaine         11/27 mast/DIEP

TraciWalters     11/28 expanders

Laura T             11/28 double mast/expanders

Abby2               11/30 bilat diep

Deborah           12/4 DIEP/tram

2curvy              12/10 diep

Katie, I am so glad you are feeling well. I am just starting to feel chicken about next week, so it is great to see you flew through it. I am only having the lat flap with no expander. I was told I'd be an inpatient for a few days or more...I'd rather be home, maybe I'll get out early too!

Nelliebellie, best wishes for the sotest new additions.

Fists up!

sjoc

Hi ladies - had my expander placed friday afternoon at 3 and was home by 6:30.  Felt really good when I got home.  Woke up Saturday quite sore and stiff though and it has lasted.  Spoke to my ps yesterday, told him I thought the mast was easier.  I only took a week off of work for the mast - I'm hoping to be back in the office Thursday, but not sure if I can manage that.  This recovery really surprised me, I thought I would breeze right through it like my other surgeries.  Anyway...my ps added a muscle relaxant to my pain meds, says he thinks I am having severe muscle spasms from placing the expander.  Kate-NC - glad you're doing so well; nelliebell - good luck tomorrow.  - Sandy 

jackiebrown

Thank you Mary-Anne for starting this group. I wish I had known about this site when I was going thru chemo, it's so wonderful to be able to read everyone's stories and advice, a great support!

I had a bilateral mastectomy in June with tissue expanders and then did 4 months of chemo AC/Taxol. I just finished 3 weeks ago and after a long discussion with several doctors we decided I could skip radiation (I only had a micrometastisis in 2 lymph nodes). My exchange surgery is scheduled for next week and I met with my ps today to discuss.

I'm having cohesive silicone gel implants, does anyone have an opinion on shape - anatomical vs round? Also, I assume it's an easier surgery to recover from than the mastectomies but how tiring is it? I have 3 children under the age of 5 and wanted to know what to expect in terms of energy levels so I can be prepared. Finally, how soon do you feel more comfortable and softer? I find the expanders really uncomfortable particularly under the arm area.

I have a bit of hair coming in but it is barely showing and I'm still hiding my bald head from my little boys. I hope my scalp gets fully covered soon. It's really odd being bald and big-boobed (thanks to overfull expanders) at the same time!!

Good luck to Katie-NC and NellieBellie!!!

Jackie

maryannecb

Hi Jackie,

I'll add your name if you know the date to our Ta dah and to do list...

Most in this group are just going through recon so we don't have too much experience about what to expect. When reading about others it seems the exchange is fairly simple with quick recovery.

It is amazing what kids will adapt to once you treat it as perfectly OK. I rarely wore my wig at home. One day this young neighbor, a 4 year old was collecting for something with her Mom. When I answered the door with my bald head she looked shocked then very thoughtfully said,"MAry-Anne you look like a rock star".  I bet you kids would love you just the same hair or no hair.

Nellie bellie, hope you got along well.

Fists up! 

Mary-Anne

maryannecb

SJOC, are you feeling any better?

Fists up!

Mary-Anne

2curvy

Congrats to Poppy!  I hope you will feel better soon.  Let us know how you are doing!

katesf

Hi Nelliebelle:

Hope you're doing well after your exchange. I had mine last Tues. Nov. 6th and I'm doing fine. Still a bit tight, but I'm hoping I'll soften up with some time. I get impatient......

Anyway, you let us know how you're doing when you're up to it. Hope all the other ladies are doing well and recuperating from their procedures from the past week or so.

Take care,

Katie

Anonymous

Maryanne,

I