January Mastectomy

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  • binga
    binga Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    Paula, Just add that to the list of stupid things people say.  I am in my 30s and don't have kids so it can be a little upsetting if I dwell on that issue but I just don't however it is kinda unprofessional to not know that about a patient.

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Binga:  I hope that my talking about it didn't upset you, I just thought it was ridiculous that she didn't know what I was having my surgery for...  Anyway, I do hope I didn't upset you in any way...

    Have a beautiful day!

    Paula

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  • binga
    binga Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    Paula- You absolutely did not upset me.  I just think sometimes it is ridiculous the things medical personnel say.  What in the world is a chart for if they don't even look at the dang thing!  Happens to my sister all the time.  She takes the birth control pill that you take for 3 months on then 1 week off and everytime she sees her primary care physician and they ask the lovely question when was your last period and she says 2 months ago they automatically start assuming she is pregnant.  She has gotten to where she just lies and says 2 weeks ago rather than have to explain.  Why do they not pay attention?  Oh well, it really is a little thing in the grand scheme of life so no reason to fret I guess.  But no you didn't upset me at all.  I hope everything goes well and will be thinking of and praying for you Friday.  I get to have mine Monday and I can't wait.  These TEs seem tighter everyday and are driving me nuts.  I am ready to go to the next step and move on!

    I did have a beautiful day today.  I am at the beach in Destin, Fl and it was a gorgeous sunny day.  The white sand is beautiful however the water is still way to chilly for me-LOL.

    Hope everyone has a great evening!

    Becky 

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited April 2010
    I too have been busy working too much.  But I had to say a big thank you to faithandfifty for her beautiful link!  Your daughter plays beautifully too!Smile  My daughter loves daisies and I had to send the link to her too!
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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Morning Ladies !

    I am leaving for the hospital in a few minutes.  I find I am not nervous at all this morning for this surgery, but am actually a little excited.  I'm not real happy about having to have my ab incision opened for the new drain, but I am happy about everything else PS is doing today, so that balances it out. 

    Brenda, I hope you are feeling well after treatment.

    Paula, good luck tomorrow.

    Hugs to Team Januaray,

    Sally

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2010

    I'm too late for you this morning Sally, but I have trust that everything is going to go exactly as it should!  You're going in with such a positive attitude how could it not?  I'm happy you're sprinting towards the finish line!:)

    Paula...have a good day today, and that you sleep well tonight.  Just think...Yippee Squishey will be here before you know it! 

    I'm praying for us all!
    Have a great day
    Kat

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Oh Sally, I got so wrapped up in trying to get everything organized for my surgery that I totally forgot that anyone else had anything happening!  I'm so sorry!  I will be thinking about you all day and praying for smooth operation and quick healing and little pain!!!!  Let us know how everything turns out when you can!  Have a great day (if you can)!

    I need to clean house today which means I should stay off the computer today!  So have a great day ladies and thanks for the well wishes, I am sooooo excited about Yippee Squishies, I haven't even really gotten nervous about the actual surgery.  Well, except last night when I was signing my life away and agreeing to basically not sue them if they totally screw it up, that's always a little unnerving signing all of those paper, sometimes I just sign and don't read it all the way through, nothing like putting negative thoughts in your head.  But I did read it through pretty good last night, just want to make sure I know what I am doing... like I have a choice but to go through with it, not going to walk around with these coconuts the rest of my life.  So, I signed and now I am going to focus on the positive!  Yippee Squishies and nipples!!!  Whoohooo!!!!!

    Oh, forgot, I mowed our entire lawn yesterday (3 acres) nothing like feeling normal!!!!  Of course, now another surgery to put me out of normal again for a while, but it was nice!

    Great Day Ladies!!!!

    Paula

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited April 2010

    Sally and Paula:  Hope all goes well for you two today!  I meet with my PS for eval this morning and hopefully schedule exchange for June.  I find I'm nervous about this appointment since my TE has shifted and I hurt my arm quite a bit rushing to get dressed earlier this week and heard muscles "pop".  Hopefully all is ok with everyone in our group!

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Thanks bc, mine is actually tomorrow... I hope that everything is okay with your arm, that's crazy!  Let us know how your appt goes!

    Paula

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited April 2010

    SALLY- Go Girl!! You will be fine... You have been my inspiration since I first signed on this place.... You have a positive attitude... Good luck with NO SE....Keep us posted.

    Paula- good luck tomorrow..... It must be exciting and nerve wrecking all at the same time... But It's time my sisters to move ahead and do what we need to do..... Heal.....

    For all my other sisters, who are going to their DR app. Treatment and making final decisions. I wish you well and I am sure that we make the right decisions for us....Please have a week with little SE.....I am praying for us all.

    Donna

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  • sunsnow
    sunsnow Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2010

    Oh, no. I've been remiss as well!

    Sally: I hope your surgery is uneventful and your recovery speedy. You have such a great attitude that you deserve nothing less!

    Paula: I hope you're accomplishing everything you hope to today. I have to say that I am euphoric over how I feel since the exchange on Monday. I haven't taken even tylenol since yesterday morning and I feel fine. Whatever discomfort I feel from either the surgery or the 24/7 (23.5/7-Kat :-) bra is far less than the discomfort from the expanders. I hope yours is equally as easy. I know it's different for everyone, and I hate taking pills, so often don't, but with what you've experienced from the fills, this has to be better! I can't wait to hear how it all turns out. You must be so excited!

    I'm sorry this is so quick, but it's a busy morning around here. I hope you all have a great day!

    Maura 

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Maura, that is so great to hear!  In my mind that is what is going to happen, it just has to be better than the TE's!  And the look, how do you feel about the look?  Is it good?  I am sooooo excited!!!  Can't wait! 

    Back to cleaning!!!  I keep getting distracted by this beautiful day, I'd rather be out working on my yard!

    Paula

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  • sunsnow
    sunsnow Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2010

    Paula,

    I'm still holding off on any opinion about the look. Ok, not quite true...I LOVE the way they look in clothes. I was going for a smaller look and that seems to be what I've gotten. SInce I'm in the bra all the time, they look kind of squished. Also, because of the extent of the pocket work he did, I'm pretty swollen. I don't think it would be fair to form an opinion yet. See how rational I'm trying to be, because I want to like them?!?! Enjoy your beautiful day and just get done what you need to in order to rest comfortably when you get home tomorrow. Any other projects will be there later! Good luck tomorrow! Maura 

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Sally I hope your exchange went beautifully today.....I hope you feel well and heal quickly :)

    Paula good luck tomorrow!  I love to mow the lawn...three acres wow!  Hope all goes well...look forward to hearing from you and Sally :)

    Maura.....love hearing how good your feeling.  My GP (who had bc, a dmx and then exchange) said that her new implants really made her sad at first...she was expecting instant loveliness......but within a few days they started to look more natural and after a 2 weeks they were beautiful :)  So don't worry....your going to feel much better soon :)  I was very relieved when my GP told me about her experience....now I know not to freak out when I first see my implants..... 

    Wishing everyone strength and healing,

    Laura 

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Yowza !!!

    Surgery is done, and everything went fine.  A couple of unexpected things when I woke up...first I have 2 ab drains...second, he ended up opening my ab incision the entire way, hip to hip.  He spoke to my DH after and explained everything, my DH response to me is "Uhh, I don't know".  Should have taken my mom with me.  The areas that had lipo do not seem sore at this point, nor is the areas that were fat injected.  Of course ,they may actually hurt like hell and I wouldn't notice because of huge slice across my abdomen....ouch !   I think I may have to take percocet before bed today, and definately going to have to sleep on back again and probably a little propped up.  I can not see my breasts, he has bandages on them and I can not remove them for 48 hours.  I can see my hips though, and they look great. 

    All in all, I'm doing well.  But can you believe it...2 !!! drains !   I think I am going to be the queen of drains :)

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  • sunsnow
    sunsnow Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2010

    Awwwww, Sally, Bummer on the dreaded drains, but it's great that you're through it and on your way to putting it behind you. My husband provided about as much feedback as yours after he spoke to the ps. I think he was just so relieved to hear that I was fine, that the rest of it went in one ear and out the other.  It sounds like you have a lot more healing to do than I do, but I know I'm much better prepared mentally to deal with this recovery. No pathology, major tissue removal and nerve damage to adjust to. I hope you sleep well tonight and aren't too sore in the morning. P.S. I'm jealous of your hips! 

    Laura: Thanks for sharing what your doctor told you. It helps to keep it in perspective. It's only been 2 days, so I have to be patient. Speaking of 2's and patience, aren't you having your exchange in 2 weeks? I hope the time flies by for you.

    TIme to help with homework. Poor kids are working hard to get the work done, rehearse for Spring Musical, take AP exams and SATs, while at this moment the teachers take a strike vote and the board of trustees refuses to negotiate. UGH!!! Ok, deep breath, now exhale...... 

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Hi all!  Good to hear that you made it through Sally!  I don't know why the doctor's talk to DH's, they should just wait for us to wake up and tell us, no one ever tells you everything...  OH well, that's how it is!  I finally got the house clean and everything ready...  Now I just have to go to sleep... feeling a little hyper so I don't think that'll happen anytime soon.  Oh well, I can drink water up until midnight, but I'll probably be up all night going to the bathroom.  I am very excited!!!  Which is why I can't focus, I'm sure that I planned to type something else..  better read through again...

    Oh yeah, good to know about taking time for the new girls to settle in, I have read that on other threads, but of course, I know that deep down I'm really expecting to love them, oh well... time will tell!  At least they won't be coconuts!!!  Okay, I think I'm going to have some ice cream and not think about it (yeah right!)

    Good night ladies!

    Paula

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited April 2010

    Sally:  Sorry to hear about your drains.  Hope they come out soon!

    Paula:  I hope your surgery goes well tomorrow with no complications!

    I had my measurment appointment today and to decide on implants and schedule.  I was happy that when it is all over with that he says it won't be sitting up so high on my chest.  He also thought my whole arm thing has to do with the lymph nodes that were taken out and he wasn't too worried about it. 

    I am getting the new "gummy bear" implant!  I'm excited about that one!  I got it all scheduled and then got into work and realized it was my boss' birthday the day I had scheduled and she won't be there (you'd think after working with her for 15 years I'd remember that!) so I have to be.  Now I have to get re-scheduled for another day.  Waiting for a call to come tomorrow.

    I hope everyone has a nice night!  Enjoy your ice cream Paula!

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    bc:  that's great about your appt... sounds like it went well!  Hope that you are able to get it rescheduled to your liking!  The new gummy bear implants, huh?  That's cool!  Can't wait to hear how you like those. 

    Well, I'm sitting here at 4:30 am Surprised ready to head off to the hospital.  I feel pretty calm and very excited to finally be getting towards the finish line.  And YIPPEE SQUISHIES!!!!!  yay!!!  So, I'll try to post later to let you all know how it goes, if not today, then tomorrow!  Now I have to wait for DH to finish his breakfast (don't you think that he should wait until later and not eat in front of me?!  haha, just kidding!)

    Good day ladies!!!!

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2010

    Prayers to you today Paula!  Can't wait to hear your good news at the finish line!:) 

    Sally, glad to hear your surgery went well.  Sorry about the ab incision + drains...I hope they come out very soon. 

    I have my PS appt today (in the middle of a million things going on)  I'm actually looking forward to a week or so off for the exchange.  Now that's bad!  I just hope we can set a date today!:)

    Thinking of all you Team January today!
    Kat

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Morning all,

    Sally so glad your through it :)  Hope your drains are short lived and that you feel better and better with each day.

    bc sounds like your on your way...and gummy bears....all sounds wonderful :)

    Paula....can't wait to hear from you....hope your yippee squishies feel wonderful! and your healing is fast comfortably.

    Kat best of luck with your PS....I know it's a big day for you....hope you get your date!!! 

    Maura hope today feels even better than yesterday :)  and yes, my exchange surgery is coming up fast....10 days!!  Monday the 26th :)

    I thought I was very relaxed about the exchange until I had a dream two nights ago when I woke up from anesthesia with Dolly Parton boobs!  I was trying to hide from everyone and couldn't stop crying.  So I guess I'm still pretty worried about the final choice and appearance.  No matter how much I feel like I can control this...when it comes down to it there is a huge leap of faith! This is true for all of us.  Geeez my dream boobs were soooooo big :(  Deep cleansing breath...deep cleansing breath.........breath........happy place....happy place :)

    I finally saw my oncologist yesterday.  Apart from going over the particulars of my cancer she also said that she wants to have the lab rerun my estrogen neg. levels just to be double sure about my results...she said it was nothing to worry about...it's just a precaution.  She said that being a triple negative was very unusual with DCIS and LCIS 4cm. (neg. estrogen, neg. progesterone, neg. HERC2)  The good thing about all these negatives is that none of the medications they have would help me.....the very good thing about this is that I caught the LCIS very very early so the surgery caught it :)  

    The Cancer and Wellness Center at my hospital also offers lots of freebies I was unaware of. They have wigs for people who need them (how nice is that), free nutritionist, free pilates, yoga and acupuncture...amazing.  When I recover from the exchange I think I'll take advantage of the gentle yoga and nutritionist.  Smudge and I are still walking and that is my best therapy and recovery program ;)

    I got the Anti-Cancer book by David Servan-Schreiber and like it very much.....very user friendly. 

    Best hopes for all the challenges of this day.

    Strength and healing,

    Laura 

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited April 2010

    Paula:  May surgery be wonderful today and everything you expect! 

    Maura:  Ditto for the 26th!

    Laura:  That is so funny about your dream! LOL!  Thanks for sharing! 

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited April 2010

    Sally- so glad to hear you are doing fine...

    Paula - good luck today .. I said my prayers for all of us.

    Maura- happy to hear you are on the mend and enjoying your new you.

    Kat- Good luck with a date......

    To all my other January Sisters... I wish you happiness with what ever you are doing.

    Today  I feel a little better mentally...Had a bad rough 2 days . dreaming of my mother who is gone now 8 years, and just wishing she was here. I guess it all has to do with the result of the BCRA test results that I am waiting for........Not looking forward to the results.. I"M SCARED....It is what it is.

    Enjoy your weekend ladies.. Hope everyone heals quickly.

    Donna

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  • Azhelenmo1
    Azhelenmo1 Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2010
    Hang in there Ariesrottie its the waiting that makes it hard, I cant believe how time has gone by , I had my bi lat mast in Sept of 05, and finished reconstruction in Feb 06, ( pushed hard got fills weekly) We all can do it, hang tuff.    Laughing
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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Well, I'm home....  pain is much better than the BMX, but still in some pain.  Can't really tell the difference from the Te's as far as pressure because he put me in a very snug surgical bra, so there is a tight feeling, but it's different.  Of course, I am having the same issues with nausea and pain meds, so that makes it rough... will probably take them still tonight but switch to Tylenol tomorrow. 

    Of course, I'm all bandaged up and in the bra so looks wise, I have no idea, but again, will not know for sure for a few weeks.  They are definitely squishy!  That is the cool part, it kind of freaks me out every time I touch them.  They feel soooooo small though!  My DH keeps telling me that it's because they other ones were so big, but I'm nervous that I'm not going to be happy with the size, but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about it and give it a chance.  I'll be able to get a peek tomorrow morning when I take a shower.  

    anyway, just thought I'd check in and let you all know that I made it through!

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Yeah Paula, I 'm glad things went well for you. 

    I have spent the entire day on the couch sucking down percocets.  My abdomen incision is very painful.  I didn't have this much pain from the BMX, but of course at this point in that recovery, I was still hooked up to a morphine drip and had a pain ball in my tummy incison.  Percocets help, but they make me feel fuzzy.  I am hoping I can switch to Tylenol tomorrow.

    Sleep well ladies.

    Sally

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Glad your home Paula....sleep well look forward to hearing more :)

    Sally sorry about the abdomen pain...I had a abdominal hysterectomy 3 years ago and it HURT! Hope your feeling better soon :)

    Ooooofffff.......my last fill today.......I swear my TE's are up under my chin =o\  Will be sleeping with valium tonight.  I only want to be a B....I can't imagine how full my fills would be if I was wanting to be a C or larger...the mind boggles....My ps is happy with how I'm looking and ready to meet me a week from Monday :)  I'm anxious and happy at the same time.  I told him about my Dolly Parton dream and he laughed telling me please don't worry....I'm not going to look anything like Dolly ;o) he did think it was pretty funny.Kat - hope all went well for you today ;) Strength and healing,

    Laura  

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2010

    Hello gorgeous girls!

    Donna...I'm praying for neg results on your BCRA test.  Put positive energy out there!

    Sally...I'm so sorry your hurting from your surgery....just think though, it is just about the finish line...you're doing it!

    Laura, thanks for being a sweetie!

    And Peabow (that's how I say your name in my head:) I am so relieved you came out with flying colors!  Don't worry that you'll be too small!  You're going to be smokin' hot!  I know this because I met with my new PS today and I too am going to be smokin' hot! :) 

    I am so happy with the new PS I could just cry!  This man is a breast man!  He knows what looks good and how to get you there without being conservative....Whoohoo!  I had a 100cc fill today and next Friday I get another 100 cc (to top it off)  I am ginormous right now.  Two huge hard rocks.  He said I was a small B before this afternoon and after next week I'll be a perfect C. 

    He also doesn't mess around with waiting for the exchange date...he explained that letting the TE shape the capsule is backward thinking...let the lovely round gel implant shape your pocket...he promised to clean up my inner skin flap and also give me some more cleavage.  He doesn't think I'll need any plication (side pocket work) and he's going to some fat injections to the upper pole divots.  He said that my BS removed every iota of glandular tissue so I don't have to worry about estrogen near the nodes..and he does the peanut injections to them.  It's very exciting that I'm going to be filling out my clothes again!  He did say if you gain or lose weight, the fat injections would respond in like. (that could be interesting)  He's going to take 2 sizers in the operating room (yay) a 550 and a 600 and see what looks best.  The whole appointment was just a huge weight lifted off my shoulders! 

    And, get this...I am so enamored with this guy that I'm letting him talk me into nipples!  Oh my goodness!  I don't know.  The good news on the nipples is I still have time to change my mind.  I can do that outpatient right in his office.  I was worried about the recovery and work clothes but he said no worries...he'll wait a couple of months and he'll do it then.   

    I am hoping to have a date by next week.  Definitely by Friday at my next fill and he's thinking early to mid May.  He promises no drains and that I can go in on a Wed and be back at work on Mondy.   I'm getting excited now...mostly for the damn yippee squishy!  I didn't get that whole concept until right now that these little darlings got as big and hard as coconuts.  Oh my!

    Oh and hey guess what?  My husband ordered me a Hooters tee....I told him Paula and Marianne had one so he got me one on Ebay.  Too cheesy!  HA!  Love it though. 

    Here's to a wonderful pain free night ladies!
    Kat

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Kat - I am so glad things went well at the PS today.  What a difference it makes to have a dr you trust and like.

    My DH has been teasing that he is getting me a Hooters shirt also. 

    Donna - When are your BRCA test results due ? 

    My sister and niece are coming in to town tomorrow sor a visit.  We are going to firm up our team for the Race for the Cure in Columbus on May 15.

    Sally

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Whooohooooo Kat!  So glad your appointment went well....sounds like your new ps is all you hoped for and more :) Your whole post resinates with happiness!  

    My ps also is also keeping my exchange just 10 days from my last fill....no weeks of waiting :) Your going to have a yippee squishy date before you know it....I'm so happy for you Kat!  You are going to be gorgeous :)

    Oh..welcome to the coconut club..oooophhhh! ;) 

    Happy day,

    Laura 

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