January Mastectomy

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  • ReginaR
    ReginaR Member Posts: 287
    edited April 2010

    Oh Paula, Thanks I just found it on your tube & I am listen it to it for the 2nd time while I am typing, (with tears in my eyes) Thanks so much for inspiring me. I really need that today, I am in a boo-hoo moodd. But after hearing this song, Iam holding my head up high ! Thanks xox

    I'll try to copy & paste ,hope it worked!

    YouTube - Bomshel- Fight Like A Girl

  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Gina, I know, right!  That's why I had to share....  I also love this one, it has been my theme song since my dx  I'm Alive by Kenney Chesney

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B56UjiLuWkk 

  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited April 2010

    Hi Girls! Just heard from the genetics Dr. Brca1 is negative, Brca 2 is inconclusive with variations.... Don't know what that means..... Any one have any idea?

    Sally- hope things are better. Feel good

    Laura- My prayers for you today

    Paula- So happy that you are doing ok. Great FIGHT LIKE A GIRL.

    Wish everyone good thoughts, good prayers...and Happiness.

    Donna

  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Donna,  It is good news that you are negative for brca1.   Keep us updated on brca2, will you be speaking to the genetics counselor?

    I am feeling much much better.  My ab incision is healed and no longer causes any pain or pulling.  My drain site is doing better also.  I finally found a position for the tube that doesn't cause me a lot of grief when I sit and sleep.  I taped the tube into that position so things are doing better.  I am still above 20cc per day, so I will have the tube a while longer.  I am NOT complaining :)

    Laura, update us when you feel up to it.

    Sally

  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited April 2010

    (((((((((((((((Donna)))))))))))))))))))))

    (((((((((((((((Laura))))))))))))))))))))))

    Hugs to all of team-Janurary in need.

    BTW: our twinsies pictured above, include one boy & one girl. LOL.

    The pretty little boy is in blue stripes & has some cute curls goin' on.

    No toddler in our family has ever had any 'curl' to their hair. His mommy is thrilled: CURLS.

    When I tell her that he was mistaken for a girl, she may reconsider her curl-love.

    Made me smile.

  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2010

    oops, I thought they were both girls, too, Debbie....

  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited April 2010

    Hi Robin.

    How are you doing lately?? Long time, no see.

  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited April 2010

    Hey there...same-O, same-O.  Ups and downs, Downs and ups....but I keep on going :)

    No news to share....the prosthetics make me swell up and causes fluid to build up.  I'm thinking I may have some lymphedema issues, maybe?  Some others on some other threads are encouraging me to contact my BS and get a consult.  In fact, the onc. I saw last week told me to as well, so I guess I will.  The crazy thing, though, it's my "healthy" side where only one node was taken that has been causing me the most problems.  Like today I put on a shirt and it was so tight around the right armpit area.  I have never had a problem like that before.  So I only wear the forms when I feel I absolutely must....

    So, when are you coming through L'ville???

    blessings...robin

    p.s. hello and greetings and salutations to everyone else, too!!  happy for all the exchanges and squishies!!

  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited April 2010

    Ditto, Robin about the swelling on the "healthy" side - I've had the same problem.  If it gets bad, I do a couple of things - wear a compression shirt - Skins, Zoot or Underarmor, do manual lymph drainage and/or jump on my rebounder (little trampoline).  These all help some or a lot, depending.  Good luck.

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Morning January ladies :)

    I'm doing great!  I was in surgery by 1pm and home by 4pm :)  I have peeked at my new girls and they are looking a little strange...I can't use tapes so I woke up with a bra full of gauze cover the stitches.  I spent the late afternoon and evening with Dilaudin and a benedryl chaser :) This morning I'm trying to use just tylenol. I want to get off narcotics as soon as I can bear it :)  

    So far I'm feeling some tenderness where PS did a little pocket work.  He dropped each pocket down a wee bit and I think he may have done something under my left armpit where my TE used to sit.  

    All in all I'm fine....no drains! and the yippee squishies feel so much better that those coconuts! My arms feel as good as they did when I went in yesterday...I don't think I lost any mobility :) 

    Funny story....I think the dilaudin made me a little giddy.  I was sitting on the couch last night and said to DH that I still felt like I had a bra on....not as bad as the TEs but still there.  Then realizing my mistake I started giggling (something I don't do very often) realizing that I did have a bra on ;)  My PS sent me home with a very comfortable bra with a simple hook closure in front.

    Here's the info on my implant - it's a Mentor Smooth Rnd Moderate Plus Profile Gell [Ref] 350-6001BC....I'm not sure what size he put in, I'll find out today when they call. He was talking about putting in a 500 or 550...but the time surgery came I just asked him to put in whatever would fill out the pocket best. :)

    So I feel very lucky this morning. So happy to have it behind me!  DH is still in bed...I think the stress did him in ;)  My coffee tastes sooooo good!

    I wish all those with transfers coming up all the best!

    YIPPEE SQISHY!!!! 

    Strength, healing and courage,

    Laura 

  • binga
    binga Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    Laura, Good to hear all went well.  I know how you feel about the bra.  Sometimes it feels like you still have the iron bra but then realize oh yeah it is because I am wearing a tight bra.  The good thing is at least you can take off the bra for a moment of "freedom" whereas with the TEs they weren't coming off!  

    Robin, Sorry you are still having issues with swelling.  I am sure it is annoying to be dealing with problems still.  Hope you get some answers soon.

    Debbie, How are YOU doing?  The kids are cute and it is so good to see evidence that life goes on and we learn to balance this hand we have been dealt with all the good things in life.  

    Hope everyone has a good day!  I see the PS at 2 today and am hoping he has some answers for me as to the strange pain I am having underneath my right breast.  I really need to get this resolved and get back to work.

    Becky 

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Quick follow up...the docs office just called....my implant is 600....it's hard to believe that on me that should be a full B :)  

    Best to all,

    Laura 

  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Wow, Laura, 600 cc!  Rock on!  That's what I wanted!  Oh well, in 6 months!  So glad that everything is going well!  Can't wait to see pictures!!!

    Talking about the bras, I cheated last night and slept with no bra!  It was heavenly!  I was so tired, stressful day and I didn't get my normal 2-3 hours of cheating time with no bra, only about an hour before bed, and I just couldn't bear the  thought of putting that bra back on, so I just didn't!  And I think I am just fine this morning.  Still haven't put it on to be honest!  Still walking around in my robe... I don't think I'm going to put the foam pad nipple protectors in today though, I think that I am done protecting these things, I want them to shrink a little more, right now the headlights are always one and I wouldn't feel comfortable without a bra on in public, so maybe if I stop protecting them they'll shrink a little more.  My PS will probably be angry with me, he wanted me to protect them until my appt on Monday, oh well, we'll see!

    Great day ladies!

    Paula

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    Hi Paula and all,

    600 on me is not so huge....I have a very broad ribcage...37".  I am narrow when you look at me from the side but broad from the front.  My whole life I have had to buy larger shirts just for my shoulders....even in the good old days when I was skinny ;)

    I guess once these implants drop and fluff we'll see the whole story :)  I'm going to try to photo them every few days for the record...not up to it quite yet ;)

    On your petite frame 600 would be as Judy says Vava Voom ;)

    Glad to be on the other side of it....so much more comfortable.

    Health and healing to all,

    Laura 

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

    Paula:  Be careful!  You sure don't want to do anything to put your healing backwards. 

    Gosh, I haven't worn a bra at all since my mx other than an hour or two and I can't take it any more.  Too much swelling from the TE and the muscles being pulled on my sugi side.  I'm kind of looking forward to wearing one at some point again and might not take it off for a month except to bathe!

  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    bc, I'm still wearing the support now, I'll probably be good and wear it at night until he says I don't have to, but it just cuts in where he did all of the pocket work on right side and by the end of the day I can't stand it anymore, but I usually take it off right after we put the kids to bed at 8:00 and then back on by 11:00.  But last night my DD had a little accident and had to take her to urgent care right at dinner time, then my son and his fiance and kids were waiting dinner for us (family dinner night), so we finally got done eating dinner at 9:00 last night, got the kids to bed and son and family didn't leave until after 10:00, so no early relief for the girls.  Anyway, it feels so weird right now, I put on my sports bra, minue the foam nipple protectors and nursing pad that I normally have on and then a tank and then a t-shirt and you can just see the hint of nipples, makes them look so much more real with that nipple there.  I know what you mean about not wearing bras after BMX, I didn't wear one at all with TE's and I loved it!  Now I have to wear one 24/7 and it's driving me nuts!!!  I'm hoping that I'll get to the point that I don't have to wear one again, although with these nips, I'm not sure.  But I'm not sure how a real bra is going to fit these girls, they just don't have the projection, they's wide enough for a C cup bra but they don't fill it in at all... of course, that was a few days after my reveal, so I'll wait and see how they fill in.  Anyway, glad everyone is doing well!

    Great day ladies!!

    Paula

    Oh, and Laura, VaVaVoom sounds awesome to me!!!!

  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Laura, glad to hear you are doing well ! 

    Robin, good to hear from you.  I hope the swelling issue can be figured out. 

    Debbie, Your grandbabies are beautiful.  I love the curls and it looks like his sister is a red head.  Two of my DDs have curls and one is a red.   Are you in town still?  We are going to have to meet.

    Becky, good luck at PS today.  I hope you get straightened out.

    Paula, I'm glad to see you are happy again.  Your posts always give me a smile :) 

    I am going to a class today on lymphedema at one of the local hospitals.  It is 2.5 hours long and will cover prevention tips, early signs, massage, etc.  I had 7 nodes removed on the one side, so my risk is not super high, but I want to know what to watch for.  They advised us to wear a cami or shell with a sweater over it, so that we will be able to remove the sweater for measuring our arms.  I think most of these ladies attending this will be in my general 'time frame' so we could have quite an assortment of recons and stages.  Should make for an interesting meeting.

    I hope you all have a wonderful day !

    Sa

  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited April 2010

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

    Quick Report.

    Just home for a few moments from my long-awaited PCP appointment. I am SOOOO happy!!!

    Turns out I'm not outta-my-gourd.

    This from a reliable M.D.

    Long story short. She is going to refer me to a new BC surgeon here in town. She feels like I do indeed need a 'new' specialist to take the helm. She wants me to have a second-opinion & new long-term relationship with new surgeon.

    SHE LISTENED TO ME.

    (I knew she would, but still, like gold that she did.)

    a.) she doesn't think i'm nuts!!

    b.) she doesn't think i'm depressed!!

    c.) she thinks i've done an admiral job of navigating thru these last several months

    d.) she thinks having my "happy pills" to take when things get unreasonable, is a very reasonable way to deal with all of this: Atavan, my prescription of choice

    e.) she thinks the fluid build-up, since my infection resolved, needs evaluation by a new set of eyes; she can see what restriction my body is under & can imagine the pain i must be in & she doesn't think that it's reasonable to ask my body to adapt in the next 12 months (as per the opinion of the original surgeon)

    [And I never even told her the whole chapter of losing Saint in the midst of all of this]

    My evaluation by LE specialist is on Thurs.

    In the meantime we leave for Cleveland momentarily, where tomorrow I will 'perform' for a couple hundred young children at a time, many/most of whom have special needs.

    --- note to self: do we all have special needs?? is this why i get along with such a crowd?? cuz i have special needs??

    Bookart: what are these compression garments you speak of? Must know more. For general public? Or BC special??

    Sally: Whirlwinds for next couple weeks. Which hospital are you going to for the LE overview. I sooooo need to attend that. Get me all the details, please. PM me some specifics.

    I am so thrilllllllllllllllllllllllllllled to have some hope on the horizon.

    Thanks to everyone for keeping the fires lit here for team-January.

    Robyn: gentlest of hugs. Bookart: you too.

    I'm concerned for our Lynbob and Maria. I see Lynbob on FB & know she makes bits of progress. Lynbob, I hope you know we want you back in our club, just as soon as you are able.

    Has anyone heard from Maria??

    And Regina: My heart is with each of you who have encountered set-backs along this road.

    And all of our chemo gals...... so many more issues for you to have undergone. I fear I have not been very supportive, not having had that experience I haven't known how to reach out. Please forgive.

    Please know that my silences have not been because I don't care. Probably because I care too much (if that is possible.) In any case, now, as a I return to my 'real' life, more & more, week by week..... I am working hard to find some sort of balance.

    Not having been on the reconstruction road, I have felt you speaking a foreign language to my experience and have felt 'left-out' (not exactly the right description, but sorta accurate in my haste.) Yet the common denominators of this January experience are many & deep.

    I am so grateful that we still have quite a few who have remained here together.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited April 2010

    Well, I think I'm done with my fills!  These coconuts are crazy.  Went in yesterday and asked the PS what she thought about how they looked on my frame...I told her I wanted to be a C, and she said I was there.  So, yea!  I don't want to look top heavy.  Right now, I would guess I'm a 36C-need to go try on bras.  It looks good on me with my height of 5'10".  And my hubby likes them, which is a bonus.

    Not in as much pain as I was with the previous fills-at least I can stand up straight this time and take a deep breath. 

    I am so jealous of those of you getting your exchanges already!  I can't believe I have to wait until September or October-ugh.  They totally get in the way of everything-sleeping, carrying groceries, playing with my kids.  Thank God they're still semi-numb or I would be in serious pain all the time from bumping them.

  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited April 2010

    Kim, I am so sorry that you have to wait so long.  That totally sucks!  But at least you are at a size that you like, but I totally feel your pain as far as how they get in the way!  Wow, go to hug someone and wham!  Yep, the numbness definitely helped, I would've so been in pain.  Just know that the implants are sooooo much better!  Time will fly, summer always does!

    Paula

  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2010

    YaY Laura!  :)  I'm so happy for you.  It sounds like the perfect size for you....I was thinking when I read 600...whohoo...you go girl!  I love the full ROM to the arms and the no drains!  Praise the Lord for your successful procedure!! 

    Do you have to sleep propped up on all the pillows again?  Can you shower and wash your hair? I'm glad your pain is under control too.  I imagine it must feel as close to your original natural self...especially since it was taken so abruptly from you and then replaced with these hard coconuts and then back again....aaahhhh.   

    So what are you filled at now Kim?  I'm so sorry you have to wait but I'm glad your husband is on board for the temporary ride. ;)   On Friday I'm getting my last fill to 620cc.  My exchange is due on May 13th and I'm terrified he may extend it because my incision didn't take to a 100cc fill as well as it could... Plus I'm afraid to get another fill on Friday...not only will I be ginormous but I'm certain it will stress my skin integrity which is already showing some signs wear and tear.  He said it's worse to go into an exchange with a dehiscence. (incisions pulling apart)   At my most lateral portion my skin is very thin but at the medial/cleavage I have thicker and more of it.  I may post some pictures later.  No one's home, that's always the best time to do that. 

    I can't imagine wearing a bra again...I'm a spanx girl.  I love these spanx cami's.  PS taught me a trick with a panty liner to hold in the spanx and keeps my bactriban in the right place and my skin free from bandaide irritants.  They are looking better every day.

    I'm still vacillating between a 550 and a 600 and I'm afraid if I tell him that I want him to use what fits in the pocket best, he'll use a 600 because he really thinks that's what I want when I really don't.  On the other hand, I'm afraid to say I want a 550 for fear I won't fill my clothes out like I used to.  I just really want it over with!

    Work has really been hard on me physically...It's been so demanding that I'm looking forward to surgery just to get 5 days off!  How sad is that?  Plus, since I've been back, I found out about 2 other women I've known for some time, one is a 5 year survivor and the other had a MX a week ago!  It's like someone just knocked the air out of me. 

    Well, everyone have a wonderful evening of healing and rest...I hope it is a quite night...I have been on call since Sat and last night I was up until 0100....Sleep is calling me now at 7pm! 
    e-gads.

    Night all!
    Kat

  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    The LE class was very helpful.  I learned a lot of things to do/not do to hopefully prevent LE.  The therapist also gave me some exercises and breathing techniques to help with my abdomen fluid.  I was able to sign up for a LE prevention 'water therapy-ish' type of class also.  It will meet twice a week for two months.  It's all free, sponsored by Komen.  They also had some special exercise classes, but the times won't work for me.  I am going to go back, they will do individual meetings that go deeper into you specific needs.  They have a nutritionist that will work with me, so I definately want to go and see her.  Debbie, I will send you the specifics.

    Debbie, I'm glad dr listened to you.  Hopefully, you will be able to get some relief.

    My youngest DD (7yrs) told me today that her teacher pulled her and a little boy aside in class yesterday.  Apparently, the little boy's mom was just diagnosed.  She was talking with the boy and letting him know he could come to her for any help.  She also let him know DD had just gone through this with me.  My DD said she can help him, because she " KNOWS " how it is .  My middle DD (12yrs) was making signs for the Race for Cure to take to school for donations.  She wrote it all out herself and had herself in tears twice with the words she wrote.  BC sucks, but I have noticed that it has made my girls more compassionate people.  On the box for the donations, she was writing words, that to her, symbolized the road we are on.  The first two she wrote, side by side....Strength  and Courage....smart little cookie I have here :)   

    I wish you all a wonderful night. 

     Kat, I hope you are asleep already and getting the rest you need.  Take care of yourself !

    Sally

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2010

    Laura congratulations on having the exchange behind you, it must be such a relief. I didn't have the TE's so can't relate, but it sounds like you gals have had to endure a tough couple of months with them.

    Paula, I am so sorry that you are not happy with your result, but hopefully as things settle, they will be closer to what you are hoping for.  You so deserve to have what you want.

    Debbie it sounds like you have found yourself a gem in this surgeon.  They obviously have made you feel much better and that is so important.

    I have just returned from a very spontaneous trip to Disney. After I had the pelvic ultrasound and felt like my world was about to turn upside down again, I decided there is no time like the present and took my spouse and kids to Florida.  This past year has been so hard on all of us, and I found myself, once again very scared. It is so sad to say, but alot of the time while we were away, I couldn't help but think is this going to be my last trip? or sunset? or to experience the magic of Disney? While watching the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and they talk of making "Dreams come true", my dream was/is to be here for my children. As we watched the fireworks, I hugged my daughter with tears streaming down my face, you shouldn't have to dream like this.

    When we got home there were several messages from my doctors office. I knew this would be the results from the pelvic ultrasound. Are they calling with good news or bad news? I was so afraid to call back, but thankfully the news was good. So now I can look forward to having reconstruction surgery. I was starting to wonder if the surgery might not happen and this was also making me very sad. I guess this is all part of the "New Normal". Each time you have a test or scan or whatever that those awful thoughts will be there to haunt you. Hopefully someday, as this gets farther and farther away, it will get easier? or will it?

    So 2 weeks today, I can throw away the prothestics and the fluffy things.  I can't wait!

    Have a good night

    Take Care

    Cathy

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2010

    Sally your daughters sound very special, just like their mom!

  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010

    Cathy, I'm glad the US had good results.  Is it only 2 weeks away for your diep?  What is the actual day for the surgery?  Do you fly in the day before, or do they need you earlier than that?  Don't let my phase 2 complaining bother you.  The phase 2 stuff wasn't bad, it was the sernoma/scar tissue removal that caused me the problems.

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

    Faithandfifty:  {{{{{hugs}}}}  It is wonderful you are starting to get on with a "normal" life, like any of us can go back and be same after this. :)  Just because you didn't choose reconstruction doesn't mean you didn't have the same emotions involved.  I was tortured with the decision before my surgery and almost decided against it up until the day before surgery.  I was fortunate enough to not have chemo or rads, which so many do both too.  I try to remember how blessed I've been with this awful disease....and I've also been able to find all of you! 

    Cathy:  Glad you have great news!  You deserve it!  I need to find a GYN and get one scheduled, but just not ready to deal with that yet.....you'd think I'd know better though!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2010

    Sally my surgery is scheduled for Tues May 11. I will go to Toronto on the Monday. I don't have to go an earlier for pre op stuff because I just came back from there at the end of my Florida trip to do the pre op stuff. I have to say, that was the most thorough pre op I have ever had. They put me in a room at 9:45am and did not leave until 1pm. The whole time, there was a steady stream of people who came to see me, pharmasist, nurse, bloodwork, ECG, MRSA/VRE swabs done, anesthesiologist, interns. They also sent me for chest xray and Catscan. I have been asked to participate in another clinical study. This one is for types of reconstruction. I asked if there is a limit to how many clinical studies you can be in because this is my 3rd.

    bcincolorad, please do make sure you get US done. I know as much as we hate all of these tests, don't put it off.

  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited April 2010

    Debbie - the compression garments are shirts that are available in sporting goods stores - they adverstise compression on the tag or packaging - athletes use them to help circulation? I guess but they work fine for LE.  They are usually "wicking" so they are cooler than you would think for a long sleeve garment.  They are helpful for trunkal LE.

    BTW - I had "normal" TV ultrasound and pelvic results, so I'm pretty happy 'bout that!

  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited April 2010
    Today is my 20th wedding anniversary !  Good golly, I've been married half my life. Wink
  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2010

    akkk just lost a huge post >=o(

    Kat thanks so much for the Yay! I only needed to be propped up the first night because of pain meds.  I have only needed tylenol since yesterday.  I am sleeping on my back while stitches heal..with a little sleeping slightly to the left and right.  I can see some bruising where some pocket work was done but it's not bad....  I am tender where the pocket work was done but it is sooooo much easier the second time around :)

    I can't believe I have 600cc in me.  I was so clear with my ps that I didn't want to be bigger than a full B.  In the last moments in the pre-op room I said I trusted him to pick the best implant to fill the pocket successfully.  So I'll wait for these "puppies" to drop and fluff and hopefully I will not look like Dolly Parton ;)  I thought I would wake up with 500cc or 550cc.....so just have to wait and see.  I may face the camera today...begin documenting this last stages.

    What is this spanx secret you use?  tape is sure not my friend :)  Hope your fill goes well on Friday Kat....your exchange will be here before you know it! :) 

    Kim glad your fills are finished....sorry you have to wait so long for your exchange....has you ps told you why you have to wait so long?

    Cathy so glad you had good results...and you too bookart!

    Congratulations Sally....20 years! happy day :)

    Healing and strength to all,

    Laura 

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