January Mastectomy

ReginaR

 Pink glove dance for my Pink pals! click below to see. I hope it pump you up as much as it did me! Please click' Pink glove Dance"< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw>

Hope you all are feeling stonger ,  I pray for all of you & Hope all the Appt & treatments are going well. Thinking of you often, sorry I haven't posted much,  Now that Iam back to work & come home exhausted! I try to read & keep up with all of you daily, just havn't had the energy to post! But love reading  all the good news about Exchanges dates & every one starting to feel better!

 I see my Oncocgist tomorrow to get lab & make sure infection is out of my system, Then if it is we talk treatments! Ugh.

{{hugs]] Gina

frosty1

Burley -- I've been surprised at the number of people I told I was wearing a wig and they looked at me in disbelief.  I really think it is in my head that people notice.  It always feels like it is sitting just on top of my head ready to pop off.  Hope you are on the upward slope from chemo soon -- I'm on mine!

ariesrottie

My January Sisters- 

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Feeling good this week. But still waiting for the results....This is mental torture. But we been through this before.

Paula and Kat--- You go girls .. Keep up the good work. Yeah Kat- May 13th

Sally- I am happy that you are feeling better with the abd incisions... You must look marvelous.

I pray for all of you girls....Been busy with college stuff for my son...

I will be back later.

Donna

burley

Sitting here getting my chemo...white blood cell count was up to a whopping 1 from .2.  They said I barely made the cut off to get it today-whew!

Saw some old friends at my daughter's chorus concert last night.  It's always interesting to watch people try and not look at my boobs.  The coconuts looked good last night too in the shirt I was wearing!  Next fill is Monday.  I'm going to ask the PS what she thinks about the size.  I think I'll only be 400cc's, but they look about right for my frame.  I need to go try on some bras and see what I think then.

Hope everyone has a great day!

faithandfifty

Greetings team January.

We are on the road home from my Chicago-land adventure. Hubby driving. Me on my laptop hooked up to his phone. Pretty sci-fi for me.

It's been great to re-enter my life. The response yesterday was delightful. The reality is that I am not yet up to road-travel/driving/hauling/packing AND the actual presentation(s).

Thank goodness we are in a position where my DH can join my bandwagon for a while.

Speaking of husbands, I know that I have read a variety of posts where husbands/partners are less than supportive as the journey continues. The truth of the BC journey, is that it rolls on. It continues. It evolves. That concept is very difficult for even the most enlightened 'spouse' to grasp.

Last night I had a two hour workshop for about 100 teachers/librarians. It was wonderful to throw my heart into it. Only periodically did I mentally-pause to realize that my body was not quite capable of what it was a mere three months ago.

With my crazy shoulder, my 'recovery' period will continue to drag on for many more months ahead. I have 2 appointments next week, in the hopes of shedding more light/insight into my regaining 'myself.' Again. An ongoing journey.

Thank heavens that we have each other here. I seriously don't know how women managed before this support became available.

In any case, just wanted everyone to know that I'm sending out prayers for our team.

One step at a time.

Today, Earth Day is the birthday of our grand-twins. They are now two years old. Amazing. I have so much to be grateful for. Will spend the weekend celebrating their arrival.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

jizogarden

I have a question.....I hear some people talking about fat grafting to smooth out divits (sp?) and uneven results.  I also see that alloderm is used for similar procedures.  Is there a reason for one or the other?

Here/s a link on alloderm...http://www.breastreconstruction.org/InTheNews/AlloDerminBreastReconstruction.html

Tired after a day of teaching....wishing everyone comfort, healing and strength

Laura 

faithandfifty

Did everyone leave together for a chartered cruise?

Are you all off having a weekend retreat & forgot to leave me the map?

Where on earth did everyone go?

Haven't seen this crew this quiet, ever.................

It's Friday.

Hope to hear from folks over the weekend.

Prayers for the duration.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

neversurrender

Debbie  you crack me up !

 I am here....just hanging around being irritated with life.  DH is coming home tonight, and I am still mad at him.  I was talking with a friend of mine and she told me she saw DH last Friday (day after my surgery).  She was asking how I was doing/feeling.  He told her something to the effect of "she's fine, she didn't need this surgery, this surgery was elective...she looks good now, but is chasing the idea of being perfect"---WTF!!!!  This friend and I speak on the phone every day, so she knew how I was feeling, and knew what had been done in the surgery, so she was a little confused.  Removing the 'capsule' from my abdomen that was causing a sernoma.....elective ?!?!?  Granted, I guess the removal of dog ears, and the lipo/injections to try to remove divots could be considered elective...but OH, I am steamed.   This is all about him.  He is mad that he has to do more housework/carpooling while I am recovering.  For crying out loud, he is out of town 3-4 days a week. It's not like he is scrubbing toilets everyday !   

Gina...how did the dr visit go?

Laura, I don't know the difference.  I have had the lipo/fat injections, but no nothing about the alloderm.

Paula, how are things looking?  Are you liking them better? 

Maura, how about you?  How do you like the look?

Becky, how are you feeling?  Do you like your look?

Off to have dinner....I'll check back later.

Hugs

ReginaR

Hello Jan  girls, Hope you all have a great weekend. One good thing about weekends, No Appts & No Treatments. Thinking of all of you & enjoying the Post! Thanks for all the support!

I Saw my oncologist yesterday!  Had a check up & they drew 8 vail of blood . Got a few results back. Still anemia, Low on Iron,( no wonder cause they took all my blood-LOL) Good news White count is back to normal yea, Infection gone. But My calcium is still low ,after taken extra 600 mg daily!!  So on my day off today ( I work the weekend) I had a Dexascan done..(Bone Density Testing ). Sound so much fun for a day off!. I am suppose to be starting back on my tamoxifen  as soon as possible, But I am planning on waiting til after  Ky oaks Breast Cancer Survivor Parade on April 30, so I can Parade around the track with no Leg pains & no headaches, I am finally feeling good. so I think I can wait a week, I so dread those Side effect! But I Know it necessary! 

Thanks for all your prayers !

 Happy weekend! {{hugs}} Gina

Please click' Pink glove Dance"< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw>

KatRNagain92

Evening All!

Sally....I'm sorry your having issues with not-so-DH.  Don't forget to breath!  You should remind him that reconstruction is pretty much a 2 part process....whether you do tissue expanders or have a DIEP you have to respect the process. Try not to fight too much and send him on his way for his next trip..you can heal in peace and have beautiful results!  Maybe he's being insecure...I don't know about the rest of you but I have been noticing much more male attention lately and I think it has to do with being a strong woman is a survivior!....this is a trait that men seem to find very attractive in women.....just a random thought.

I'm still rooting for my exchange date of  May 13 but I don't want to make it official just yet.  I have a small pin hole in my left incision line.    I didn't get a fill today but will next Friday.  He says my skin is thin and he doesn't want to risk a non-healing wound.  This is a good lesson to the smokers out there...I have been clean and sober (well not sober...HA!) but smoke free for 4 years and am still paying the consequences.  dammit.

Well...hope everyone has a good weekend...I'm hoping to get my pic taken in my Hooters tee Paula...it will be fun to post!

Kat

neversurrender

Kat, I think you are probably right to some degree regarding DH.  Part of the problem is he doesn't want the extra work around the house, but another part is the insecurity issue.  DH is quite a bit older than I am, and he has always made "jokes" through the years about me trading him in on a younger model.  I think he worries a little about me having good boobs and loosing weight and looking better (still a long way to go).  You would think that after being married for nearly 20 years (our anniversary is Wednesday) he would feel like I'm here to stay.  I've never given him reason to think otherwise.  sigh

jizogarden

Sally I think you and Kat are onto something....hope your "not so DH" is able to relax, support you and manage a wonderful anniversary....20 years! congratulations

Kat I bet you'll still be able to hold onto your date....that little pinhole will probably close up with just a little more time.  Even if you need to push the date back a wee bit it will be worth having a good result with good healing

I can't believe I'm having my exchange on Monday....I'm excited and scared at the same time...but feeling good about getting through the last major step in this process. The pre-op nurse said I should be on the table at 1pm finished by 2-2:30pm and out of recovery by 3:30. It's hard to imagine walking out of the hospital on the same day.....but everyone is very reassuring that I'll be home and wanting a nap before I know it  Andrew will take the day off so I know I'm in good hands

Best wishes to everyone facing their own new surgeries and healing.

Strength and courage,

Laura 

burley

Oh Sally, your husband needs to be slapped!  Sorry, but that's my first thought.  I can't believe he said that to your friend.  She must have been totally confused.  Maybe it is insecurity, but it really doesn't give him an excuse.  I hope you're able to find some peace while he's home, for your sake.  I can only imagine how steamed you are!

Chemo was Thursday and I feel like crap.  Oh well.  I've got my niece's birthday party to go to this afternoon, but other than that, I'm just gonna lay around and recover.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

binga

Sally- sorry about your husband's insensitivity.  I think sometimes you really have to be in our situation to understand what we are going thru.  Everyone else wants life to just be back to normal and so do we but for us it isn't that easy.  It can't be back to normal until we feel like it is.  We deserve the chance to get as close to perfect as possible and some people just don't get it.  Hang in there.  And yes I am pretty happy with my new boobs so far.  I hope they don't change much- maybe a little drop and fluff but not a lot.  I am having some strange pain on the right side that I hope resolves soon but if not we will be addressing that at the PS on Tues.

Gina- Good to hear from you.  You have such a good attitude but I know you have been thru so much!

Laura-My surgery was at 4:30pm on Monday and I was at home before 8pm.  It was very quick and pretty easy compared to the BMX.  I hope you will be as happy as I am about your outcome.  

Praying for you all!

Becky 

pbebow

Hello Loveley Ladies!

Sally, I agree your husband is being a jerk, but here's my thoughts (I seem to think everyone wants my opinion these days) I think that as soon as he gets home you should tell him how you feel.  Let him know that he is hurting you with his attitude and words, and let him know too that you understand that this is hard on him too and that you appreciate the extra work he is doing around the house, but you really need him right now to be there for you, in body, mind & spirit and mostly heart.  And get it off your chest, if you just stew about it the whole time he is home, then it is going to make you miserable, and if he is like most men, he won't have a clue why you are so quiet and moody and so your stewing won't even hurt him.  You have to spell things out for men, and then YOU will feel better, knowing that you told him how you feel and that is the important thing, YOU!  I hope that you are healing well!

I am doing better, lots better actually... I ended up going back to the PS yesterday afternoon... I had some weird bruising in my pubic area and they wanted to see me right away, although I'm not sure why, because when I got there they told me it was perfectly normal.  All of the fluids and blood drain down and end up pooling in the groin area and sometimes ends as bruising.  And it is very common for your stomach and sides to feel bruised and swollen too from the same thing.  So I felt better about that.  I then talked to him about my right side, underneath being so painful (compared to the rest) and the right side feeling so much more firmer then the left.  And he felt and the places where I am feeling more pain and the firmness are the areas where there are sutures inside from all of the pocket work he had to do on that side.  It's basically a big U under and on sides of my right breast, so that makes sense.  And he talked about again about the size.  He said that between my last fill and the surgery my right side had migrated a lot more under my arm and he had to do extensive pocket work and that is why he wasn't able to put in the bigger implant.  But he still feels confident that he can get me there, after 6 months or so, let the these settle in and then he can go back in and put the bigger ones in and he talked about more fullness on the top like I want and that he'll probably have to do some fat grafting for my divots at that time too.  In the mean time they are settling in nicely.  I was just sure that when the swelling went down they'd be smaller but they actually do seem bigger.  He said that is because when the swelling goes down all around it gives the implant more projection.  So, lesson learned, don't judge too soon!

Kat, chin up!  You'll heal, and get your date and look hot!  Can't wait to see your Hooters pic!

Laura, Monday, Yippee Squishy!!!  Whoohoo!!  I am so happy for you!  It does seem so weird that you get to go home, I was kind of freaked out about that too, just couldn't beleive that I'd be up to going home, but I was.  My DH commented that I seemed so much better than I did after the BMX... so you'll be fine!  And it is so much nicer being home than in a hospital room!  My surgery was about 3 hours long, about an hour in recovery, then another hour or 2 waiting for them to find a wheelchair, then home!  You're going to love your Yippee Squishys'!!!!

Becky, I'd ask about the strange pain but I'll bet that it's where there was pocket work done or inside sutures.... that's what I have but it always feels better to know for sure.  

Gina, glad that you are feeling good, hope it continues!

Faithy, we're all here!  Isn't it funny how these threads come and go, sometimes there is so much activity that you can't keep up and then there is nothing!

Well, have friends coming over with their kids to hang out and have dinner and a couple beers, so guess I'd better get something cooking!

Paula

jizogarden

Thanks so much Becky and Paula  It's hard to imagine how it will feel...these TE's have been around too long

Sally I hope your husband finds some way to face the truth of what your are going through...it's hard enough to go through all of this =( 

I have just been reading more personal stories on the picture forum and read Marie51354, she shared her story of getting 3D tattoos and I have to say they are amazing!  I may have to book a trip to Arkansas when it comes time to decide on the finishing touches

One thing I'm learning here is that there are so many different journeys we all go through just trying to get back to normal.....

Strength and healing to all,

Laura 

neversurrender

Kim, I hope you are feeling better.  You are right DH needs a good slap  

Ok regarding my (not so) DH.  I did discuss this with him last night.  He was defensive and said that he really didn't mean any of it the way it sounded.  He said he was upset (for me) while we were at the hospital because I was in pain again and having trouble moving around and he was frustrated because I had been so close to being back to normal before this surgery.  He just felt overwhelmed that it was all starting over.   I explained my position on things and I think/hope he understood what I was saying.  He couldn't really explain away the "chasing perfect" comment, so I am just going to have to chalk it up to DH opening mouth before thinking and just let it go.    He did apologize and seemed sincere.   Today, we spent the whole day together at a soccer tournament and I didn't have the urge to strangle him, so I guess it will all work out     

Paula, I am glad things are looking better for you.  It seems unbearable to go through all of this and then not have the result we want.  I understand the comment about them looking fuller as the swelling goes down, even though it seems backwards.  I had fat grafting done to a portion of one breast because it looked a little flat to me.  The first few days after the surgery, I was disappointed because it didn't really look better.  I did notice though that on day 7, it wasn't flat anymore.  It is still not as rounded as the other, but it is much better. 

 Kat, I will be praying for the pin hole in your incision to close up so that you may get your fill. 

Laura - wow Monday ! 

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.  I love signing on here and seeing so many new messages ! 

Hugs Team January

Anonymous

Hi January gals

I just wanted to say hi and will try to catch up on everyone. ( looks like I have pages and pages to go through.

I had just posted a very lengthy post here and lost it. ugh...... hate when that happens

Can anyone tell me how to go about getting to the pictures on the picture site. I have signed up but having difficulty navigating around the site. Not good with these computers, although I should be for how much time I have spent on here.

Take Care and have a good weekend

Cathy

jizogarden

Morning all,

After exchange surgery do I go back to the beginning with everything...limited arm movement walking hands up the wall all over again...or does mobility remain as it is pre-surgery and I just have to resist lifting anything that may cause stitches to pull?  Does DH have to wash my hair because my arms won't reach again or will my movement still be good......please tell me that movement will be fine that I just have to be careful not to strain stitches for a few weeks...please

Getting anxious....will definitely take a valium to help sleep tonight

Healing and strength to all,

Laura 

sunsnow

Laura: I see that you got lots of answers over on Exchange City, but I'll add my experience too. I had no range of motion problems from the start. It's been two weeks and I have to remind myself that I'm still healing and not to overdo it.  I hope you're able to rest tonight and I'll look forward to seeing you post to tell us all how happy you are to be rid of the coconuts.

To All: I haven't been around bc.org much lately. I am working very hard to balance what I've been through with a future that puts this behind me. On top of that, the teachers in our district are on strike, so my kids have been home the past few days. I hope they settle this soon or I'm going to lose my sanity! Cancer's one thing, but bored teens is another! I hope everyone is tolerating treatments, healing and feeling well.

Maura 

KatRNagain92

Laura, you are in my prayers tonight and tomorrow. (and always but extra for tonight and tomorrow:)   I can't wait to hear how it all goes for you....it's very exciting about not having self limiting pain...Whohoo! 

Sleep well tonight and I"m so happy for you getting to put the TE part of this experience behind you.  One of those distant memories that you remember as being uncomfortable but can't quite remember.

Everyone have a wonderful night and good week ahead!
Kat

faithandfifty

Here's some silliness to bring a smile.

This is the earthday birthday of our twinzees turning twozies.

Anonymous

Good luck tomorrow Laura.  Here's hoping your exchange goes without any hitches.

Faith they are adorable!

Cathy

pbebow

Good Luck today Laura!  Yippee Squishy!!!

Also, I have complete arm movement, if anything it is better, because the right side that was migrating under my arm had a very tight muscle that made it difficult to shave and that is not there now, so it is definitely better!  Like you said, you just want to take it slow to let everything heal, but I washed my own hair, of course, I did after BMX too, so go figure.  Anyway, praying for smooth surgery and easy healing!

Faithy, BEAUTIFUL!

Paula

neversurrender

Good Luck today Laura !  

Debbie - Beautiful girls !!!!

jizogarden

Morning Kat, Maura, Paula and everyone

Thank so much for sharing your experiences....I feel so comfortable about going in today and getting rid of my coconuts  Recovery seems to vary greatly among so many who have been through exchange I'll just be prepared for whatever comes my way  My PS said it he thinks it will be pretty straight forward...maybe a little pocket work in one small area to allow one breast to move a little more towards my sternum and a little further from my armpit  There is one small divot that he will fill with alloderem.

Andrew will take tomorrow off if I need him around the house and Smudge will be with me and keep me in good spirits.

I'm not scared....looking forward to getting this over with and getting my yippee squishies =D

I could sure go for a cup of coffee =o\

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support and stories.....so much help! so many good wishes...it means a lot

Faithy...such cuties

Kittycat hope everthing goes well....crossing fingers and toes. 

Stength and healing to all,

Laura 

jizogarden

I just posted my coconut photos in Under Construction.  Beware - weird boob warning!

These TEs will be gone in a few hours so I thought I'd post my before pictures now and then my after in a few days

Bye bye coconuts.

Going to do some cooking and cleaning.....burn off some steam...

Healing and strength,

Laura 

pbebow

I just discovered this song, I'm sure someone else has already heard it, but I think it's awesome, thought I'd share the words, and here is a link to hear the song...

http://www.myspace.com/bomshel 

 Fight Like a Girl by Bomshel

Little girl alone on the playground
Tired of gettin' teased and gettin' pushed around
Wishin' she was invisible
To them

She ran home cryin'
"Why do they hate me?"
And Mama wiped the tears and said
"Baby, you're brave and you're beautiful.
So, hold your head high.
Don't ever let 'em define
The light in your eyes.
Love yourself, give them Hell.
You can take on this world.
You just stand and be strong
And then fight
Like a girl."

At 31 she was wheelin' and dealin'
Kept on hittin' that same glass ceilin'
She was never gonna be one of the boys, no
She coulda gave up on her ambition
And spent the rest of her life just wishin'
Instead she listened to her mama's voice sayin'

"Hold your head high.
Don't ever let 'em define
The light in your eyes.
Love yourself, give them Hell.
You can take on this world.
You just stand and be strong
And then fight
Like a girl."

Oh, with style and grace
Kick ass and take names

Ten years of climbin' that ladder
Oh, but money and power don't matter
When the doctor said "the cancer spread"
She holds on tight to her husband and babies
And says "this is just another test God gave me.
And I know just how to handle this"

I'll hold my head high
I'll never let this define
The light in my eyes
Love myself, give it Hell
I'll take on this world
If I stand and be strong
No, I'll never give up
I will conquer with love
And I'll fight like
Like a girl

Ooh

Go Laura!  Good bye Coconuts!!!  Rock on!!!  Yippee Squishy!

Paula

ReginaR

Faithy,Love the Pictures - Precious girls .It made me smile & started my week off great!

Paula, Love the poem,  I may share with my other Thread if you don't mind.Thanks for sharing it. It was awesome! The day of my mastectomy my sister got me a pin &  put on my gown that Says "Fight Like a girl" They made me take it off before surgery! I now have it on my Purse.

 Jan Girls,Hope all is going great! I enjoy your post so much.   Love reading, sorry I having had much energy to post!I am back to work after 3  months & 5 surgery, so when I am home from work I am exhausted, I worked all weekend, Off today & waiting to hear back from Oncocgist office about my labs & Bone scan & Dexancan. I probally wait all day & not hear back!

 Have a great week girls! Good luck with Treatments & appt . Prayers to all

Healing Hugs Gina

 PS Here's the Picture of my purse. That I working my out fit around for The Ky Oaks Breast Cancer Survivor Parade this Friday! Iam excited.I can't wait to show of my purse! Not sure what o  I am wearing yet, Most people get the outfit first, & then accessory, Not me ,I feel in love with the purse & I got a fushia hat that matches too. My friend is fixing up my hat ,she is putting  my Breast Cancer scarf (black with the pink ribbons), she incorpating the scarf & Lillys ( Lilly for the fillies  for Oaks) But I am still working on finding the outfit, but if nothing else I streak around  the Horse Track with my hat & Purse! LOL

pbebow

Gina, no problem sharing, but it isn't actually a poem it's a song by Bomshel just found it online when I was trying to download a new ringtone to my phone.  I love it!  You should listen to it, it's really pretty.  I too have the Fight Like a Girl stuff, I have a drink coozy that I use all the time and a t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt.  I bought the coozy and sweatshirt when my friend was dx with BC (about a month before me), I bought one for her and myself to support her, and then a month later, I was supporting myself.  Weird how that happens.  Anyway, I love my fight like a girl stuff and want more!  Try to take it easy and get some rest, you are still  healing!

Paula