January Mastectomy

KatRNagain92

Afternoon ladies!  I just posted on the pic forum!   Almost 1 week post op.  YaY!

Kat

jizogarden

Hi Janurary Ladies

Cathy, I hope you surgery went well, and you are able to get comfortable and heal.  

Kat, I saw your new photos...you look wonderful!!!!!  You must be thrilled  I never did order silicone nips or tassels or anything I researched it for others who many not want to have permanent nips, but for me.....I'm still undecided about the final embellishments  Sorry people at your job are being poops =( 

I finally went to a little bra shop today...it was quiet and private with a nice young woman working there.  She was very helpful and very respectful of my privacy.  So I purchased and underwire.....put some photos on the forum. They carry high end and reasonable bras, Hanro, Freya, etc. I am 37" around my ribcage..which puts me between a 38" and 40" band and either a B or a C depending on the bra...hmmmmmm. I managed to leave the bra session without crying

Strength, healing and courage,

Laura 

KatRNagain92

Laura, I love your new bras!  Isn't it funny how initially, with posting pics...we would mail to them to each other with instructions to 'burn after viewing' and now we're just taking photos and posting like fools!  lololol  It strikes me as funny.  I'm glad that we're all feeling more at ease with it and can look this damn BC in the face and say HA!  I still look pretty damn good so take that! 

Can't wait to see your updates Paula!  I'm glad you and your hubby have fun with the process!

This measuring thing....my first PS actually told me that I should have been wearing a 40 band!  a 40 band!  He did the measuring from behind the back to over the top of my real ones at the time.  I should have switched then and there but I guess I did get the correct TE placement so I'm happy for that.  He was in the office on Tuesday and was kind of pouting.  I was standing at the desk laughing with the new PS and his nurse and he walked by without saying anything.  I certainly don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, I'm just glad I got from point A to point B with results I can live with!  I tried on my old bra of 36D and it's a little big...everywhere, so I think I will order a 34C.  I tried to lay out this afternoon and didn't fill out my bathing suit.  I'm not complaining mind you, I really do like my results and I love how they look in clothes.  I didn't want to be ginormous and I'm glad with the smaller set. 

Well, going out to dinner with some friends tonight.  I could have gone golfing for a while but I'm afraid of jiggling in the cart.  Maybe this weekend I will give it a go...for the sunshine and Vit D if nothing else.

Have a great evening Team January!
Kat

bcincolorado

Kat:  I sure went back to work way to early....less than 2 weeks post mx!  The day after my drains came out I went back full time and worked 9+ hours a day....and then got laid off this month.  Sure wish I had taken more time for me to heal and rest in January right after surgery.

Maybe we can all win the lottery and stay home and take care of ourselves!

KatRNagain92

Good Morning Gang,

bcincolorado, I remember when you went back to work so early...and then there was Brenda out doing job interviews just a week post op....You women are so unbelievably strong!  I couldn't even move my arms for 2 weeks, let alone go back to work!  You have my complete and utter admiration. 

I guess in the big scheme of things, when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.  I want so badly to determine if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.  Should I go back to med/surg nursing in the hospital and help women who are just having a BMX too?  I think I should have some sort of Ministry but I don't know what it is.  I will just remain open to the possiblilites and be in a constant state of gratitude for what I do have and hopefully the answers will come to me. 

Hope everyone has an awe inspiring day!
Kat

jizogarden

Kat, I was just thinking the same thing a few days ago.  You really helped me so much with that first sharing experience, so funny..."burn after viewing" =D  we sure have come a long way in a very short time  Fluff on  

bc...I can't believe you went back to work 2 weeks after your mx...I had planned to return after 4 weeks but then put if off until 5 weeks...and I still knew I was pushing it....mostly still so tired and anesthesia brain  I felt clear headed after 6 weeks...even my students said welcome back a second time...they said my first week back was just not like the "real" me =o) Sorry you've been laid off =(  Hope you find something you love.

Strength and healing,

Laura 

pbebow

Kat, I wouldn't be so quick to order a 34C....  I've seen your pictures and if I'm wearing a D-cup then you most certainly will be wearing at least a D.  From the way that Val and Deborah explained it to me, the cup gets bigger as your band gets bigger... so the cup of a 36C would be about the same as a 34D...  so you your 36D would be similar to a 34DD? I think...   And I don't know how old your old bra was but I'm sure that they stretch with time and that could be the case with yours.  I would try a 34D (that is what I'm wearing and to me yours look bigger then mine) and go from there.  Maybe before you order one just go somewhere and try on a few sizes.  I know that I am more comfortable in the 34 then I was in a 36....   anyway, that's just my thoughts, maybe check with Deborah and Val and they can help you, they're the ones that told me to try a 34D and I told them they were out of their minds that I wasn't a D but they were right.  And in the Freya bra that I ordered I had to get a 34DD if you can believe that!  I personally don't care for the Freya though, for me it is very uncomfortable (cuts in between boobs) and I doesn't look good under tanks or t-shirts, might be good for sweaters in the winter but not a summer bra for me...  Anyway, sorry, that's just my 2 cents, I'll stop now!

Have a great sunny day ladies!!!

Paula

pbebow

Wow, Kat and Laura, You both posted while I was rambling on about the bras, so funny when we all post at the same time.

I totally agree about the whole pictures thing.  If you had told me that I would let someone take a picture of my boobs 6 months ago, I would have told you that you lost your mind.  Now I am asking DH to take pictures and I am posting them on the internet for all to see!  CRAZY!!!!

And as far as work goes, I am a stay at home mom and I have been in awe of all of you going back to work... My brain fog is just starting to lift so that I can totally function as a human being, can't imagine going to work and having to really think...  Anyway, you ladies all rock!!!

Paula

TNgolfer

Kat,

I am sooo brown!  But I played a lot of golf between the bilat Mx and the exchange surgery.  I can't believe I actually played with those TE's!  In fact when I was getting ready for the ex surg the nurse asked if I had been on vacation....if she had looked at the color of my feet vs my legs, she would have known I had been golfing....love that my tan stops at the ankles!! 

I'm feeling fine.  Driving, running errands.  The left side feels totally numb and there is a lot of soreness there (due to all the pocket work), but they look wonderful.  Am sleeping on my side, though everytime I roll to the left, I wake up and end up going back to the right side.  That's ok -- it's better than what I remember sleep to be after the Mx.

Next visit with the PS is in 4 weeks and then schedule nipple recon for the rt. 

No golf or exercise for me for a while (this will be difficult for me).  The PS did a wonderful job and he said, "let's not do anything too soon to jeopardize the results".  He said I could walk (but no treadmill) and no upper body exercises.  He said I could putt but nothing else for at least 2-3 weeks.

Will try to post photo's later....but I appear to have my technical challenges!

I agree with your comment, Paula, about people.  Even DH (or just H at this point) seems to think once I am awake and on my feet, everything is back to normal (including my doing all the household chores).  Think it's time for a serious conversation.....If only I could communicate with him like I do with all of you....if only he understood.

To all facing surgery soon, prayers and thoughts are with you

Marianne

neversurrender

Paula, I have read some of the comments on the picture site regarding your bra size.  I have been trying to find a bra, post diep, that fits comfortably.  I tried my old size, and it seemed to be right, but cuts in a little on one side.  I just chalked it up to uneven breasts.  After reading your bra saga, I went and got a smaller band with a larger cup...and tada....it fits comfortably, with no cutting in, and looks great under clothes.  Probably the best bras I have had (fit wise) in a long time.   Duh...I was one of those dingy woman running around in the wrong size bra

All of you that go to an office/hospital/out of the house to work amaze me.  I just started back to work 2+ weeks ago, and with that I am just going to my friend's house and helping with the babies/kids.  I do not think I could have returned to work this school year if I had to have them all come back to my house.

pbebow

Marianne! That is so great that you are feeling good and liking what you see!  And tan!!!  I am jealous!!!  As far as the white feet, have you tried golf sandles?  I love mine!   You still get some lines but they are actually on the feet not the ankles.  But really, if it's what you love, who cares!!!!  You are awesome! 

Sally, I think that there are so many women out there wearing the wrong size bra.  When I was in the dressing room at JC Penney trying on bras a few weeks ago there were 2 ladies (mother and daughter, daughter in her 50's) in another dressing room trying on bras and they had a southern accent and they did not care who heard what they were saying, talking right out loud about EVERYthing.  It was all I could do not to burst out laughing and I so wanted to go and tell them to get a professional fitting because without even seeing them it was so obvious to me that they were looking at the wrong sizes.  Oh well, can't help everyone!  Glad that you found a good one!  What brand and size did you end up with?  I am getting very anxious to go to Victoria's Secrets.  I bought 2 bras at JC Penney (Ambrielle Smooth Revolution) and though they fit well and are comfortable, they are white and black and boring!  I had a very large supply of bras of every color and style before BC and I miss my fun bras!  I need my animal prints and bright colors!  

I am getting a little impatient about my fat grafting... I think that I am going to call PS office today and see if they've heard anything yet and maybe see if I should call insurance to move things along.   My divots didn't bother me a lot before but now with the warmer weather and wearing tanks and bathing suits they show soooo much and are really bothering me now.  I want the fat grafting done now!!!  I'm going to call!

Paula

TNgolfer

Paula,

Where are you in Michigan (in relation to Grand Rapids?)

Marianne

pbebow

Marianne, I am about 1 1/2 hours from Grand Rapids...  I would be northeast of Grand Rapids.

Paula

KatRNagain92

Marianne....  I soooo wanna be brown!  dammit!

I am sleeping on my back still but positioining myself on my sides for short periods of time starting last night.  Slept horrible but at least I'm trying it and finding out they aren't going to break!

Thanks for your bra insight Paula....I will order ONE bra..that is it:)  I'm really brand loyal to Spanx Bra-llelujahs.  I just want their wireless version (not the total hosiery version) but they don't come in D's.  PS said underwire after 6 weeks so I guess I could get one of the underwires demi cut I think.  That might be a good choice.  Since I'm only going to buy ONE should I just get black right from the get go? 

Off to the showers.  Have a good day everyone
Kat

pbebow

Kat, I'll have to check those bras out...  I personally would get black or nude... I hate my white one, makes me feel like I'm wearing my old nursing bras or old lady bras...   anyway, I posted my new pics, check them out!

Paula

burley

ok, I gotta finally ask...where are the pictures?  I want to see what everyone is talking about!

Feeling slightly better today-I told myself I would feel better today while I was in bone pain misery last night...and I do.  Although the pain is worse at night.  I am seriously glad most of you do not have to go through chemo-I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

faithandfifty

(((((((((((((((((Kim))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((Lola))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((Brenda)))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((Cindy)))))))))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((Jaclyn)))))))))))))))))))

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

faithandfifty

(((((((((((((((((((Maria)))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((((Regina))))))))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((((Lynbob)))))))))))))))))))

faithandfifty

Sally just asked me to track down a pic that I took from our Komen Race.

It is the sign that her youngest daughter made to pin to her shirt.

I think it will be OK if I share this with our whole team:

Here's another shot of some of her other team members signs:

I have even further pictures on my blog..... follow my tagline or click here

www.rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com

There was an uncanny--Heaven sent interaction with Saint&Faith that I wrote about at length.... and have pictures to document.

My blog has already rolled over to the next page, so to finish the Komen pictures you have to roll back one more page.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

pbebow

Debbie, Faith, I went to your blog and it was beautiful!  The pictures, the words, the feelings, just beautiful, you really do have a way with the words!  Thank you so much for sharing...  the part about Saint and the signs... wow, gave me goosebumps!  I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy that you were so blessed to have such a special person in your life.  And we are so blessed that you are part of Team January!

Have a great night ladies!

Paula

bookart

Darn it, I so wanted someone to answer Burley's question about the pics - I've looked, too, but I can't figure out where they are!  What are we missing?  I wanna see, too!

neversurrender

Kim and Elaine - You will need to send a PM to Timtam and she will send you a link and password to enter the picture site.

Debbie - I went over to your blog, love all the pictures.  Didn't you receive a business card from the Saints drumline that had a very fitting saying on it? 

Marianne, good to hear from you and that your exchange has went so smoothly.

Paula, Kat, Laura - I've been over on the picture site, you all look wonderful !

Cathy...How are you ?  Where are you??  Sending hugs and prayers your way.

{Lola} {Kim} {Brenda}

Donna - How are you feeling?  What is next up for you?

  

pbebow

So sorry about not answering the picture question... totally spaced that at, glad that Sally was here for you!

I won't be around posting today, I am going shopping all day with my mom!!!  It should be a good day!  I have some b-day gift cards to spend and a couple things to return and get something else for and some b-day coupons from Victoria Secrets and JC Penney!  Yep, gonna get me a sexy bra!!!!  Whoohoo!!!  Can't wait!!!  Talk to you all later!

Have a wonderful day ladies!!!

Paula

jizogarden

Hi January friends 

I went to see my bs for my first 3 month follow-up since my bmx.  She was happy with my progress and even gave me some FREE fake nips  She said to try them out and see if I liked them.....  She had gotten them at a Breast Cancer Conference she had recently attended. I told her I was allergic to just about everything so I would be a good guinea pig to see if my skin would tolerate them  I'll put them on for fun later and post pictures soon. I think they would be great to place before nip surgery to show you ps exactly where you want the nips placed Here's the website of the company that was handing out nips to the docs. http://www.amoena.us

She also told me my case had been presented because I have a fall into the a very small percentile.  I had both ductal and lobular carcinoma but I am a triple neg. She said only 5% of bc patients have both ductal and lobular bc without being hormone sensitive. So all the bc docs sat around and discussed my case and decided that there was no value in any other therapies for me other than what has already been done....the bmx. She said they tested my tissue samples multiple times.  So my boobs and lab results had their 15 minutes of fame

Ok......now I'm going outside!

Strength and healing to all,

Laura

Anonymous

Hi Everyone

Sorry to have been gone for so long. I have not had access to a computer in hospital and when I finally got home from Toronto,  my computer has not been working properly (will have to get that checked once I can drive).

My DIEP surgery went very well, although I would have to admit that the first few days were really really rough.  I am guessing that it is alot to do with the amount of anesthetic that they must have to give you for being out for so long. I went into surgery at 8am and was taken to recovery (I am told) around 6pm.  It is a really strange feeling to have been out for so long. They had alot of difficulty getting the IV in before surgery, so I am still black and blue from all of their attempts. I also really didn't like waking up to all of the extra appendages ie. 4 drains, 2 x IV lines, catheter, compression stocking and pulsating machine, oxygen etc.  Each day I would be to have something taken off, and one by one as things came off or out, helped.

I finally looked at my new breast the other day and I am so impressed.  It is absolutely incredible, what they can do. For the first time in a very, very long time I feel like I am on an upward move here.  I know I have along way to go recovery wise, but I am so looking forward moving forward and enjoying this and many, many more summers with my children.  It is so nice to not have to wear the prothestics.  I know for me, this was the best decision.

Thinking of and sending hugs to this great group of women we call team January.  I spent the past few hours trying to get caught up on everyone, so I will try to send another post right after this. (I had to take notes to try to keep up, lots going on in the past couple of weeks)

Take Care

Cathy 

Anonymous

Hello again - I know you don't hear from me for weeks and now you can't shut me up! 

 Back from May 10 and on:

Debbie what a beautiful family!  Sounds like the wedding last year was a perfect event, the kind of wedding everyone would love to have.

Jizogarden I am so sorry you had such a difficult day and trying to get through it.  Your garden looks so peaceful and tranquil.  What a special spot for you to feel Graham by your side.

Sally that is awesome! $1,000.00 that's great.

Frosty, sorry you had such a bad day. Wishing you better days where you are not sick in bed and can get out and enjoy the warmer weather.

Sally you brought tears to my eyes reading your 6 month milestone.  It is so true and we are so lucky for this great group of ladies. Here's hoping the rest is uphill from here!

Kim,lola and Brenda,Donna sending you hugs! Our ladies who are enduring chemo now after all of this, I truly send my warmest wishes.

"We must all see scars as beauty.  Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying.  A scar means, I survived ."  What a beautiful saying.  I have started a file for all of the beautiful sayings, poems, quotes etc. since I started this journey.  I have just now added this one. Especially because I have now acquired quite a few new scars from DIEP. 

Debbie, I just wanted to say thank you for putting all of our team January on your t-shirt. This is the second time now that I feel like I have been able to do something because of you. First time I felt like I was on a beach, now this time I feel like I was able to do a breast cancer walk, even though I wasn't physically able to do so.

Debbie and Sally I am so glad the two of you were able to meet.  I have to admit, I am also so jealous.  It would be so wonderful to meet up with ladies from  our team January. Here I am crying again.  Happy cry though.  The picture looks great! Next year sounds like a plan.  I'm not quite sure how far Indy is from me, but I feel like I can't be that much farther to anywhere, than I have been to Toronto, (apprx 1000 miles and have travelled there 14 times since September.  There is a Breast Cancer walk happening in Toronto in September that I think I am going to try to do.

Kat sorry you are having such a hard time with this surgery and hope that your recovery will be soon and quickly.

Laura thanks for the link on the nips.  That will be the next stage for me, so I will check this out. That must be comforting to know that you had all of these top docs discussing your case and for them to decide that what you have already done is the right thing.

Sorry if I have missed all of the different stories, experiences but you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Take Care

Cathy

neversurrender

Cathy - so good to have you back, and I am very happy that you are doing well after your surgery !!

burley

Thanks everyone for the hugs-it helps a lot.

Feeling slightly better than yesterday-probably by the time I feel normal again, it will be time for my next chemo in 2 weeks.  I need to keep repeating "3 more to go, 3 more to go..."  I'm so glad I don't have to have radiation too!

I'm so encouraged by those of you having exchange surgeries, working, traveling, walking, racing...it gives me hope that I will actually return to "normal" eventually.

I hope everyone has a great rest of their day!

jizogarden

Welcome back Cathy...looking forward to hearing more of your journey when you have your strength.  Rest and heal

Laura 

KatRNagain92

Welcome back Cathy!  I'm so glad your surgery was a success and that you're going to be happy with your reconstruction!  YaY!  The DIEP's and the Lat flaps I've seen are so natural looking it totally is amazing what they can do today.  You have been in our prayers and I'm glad you're on the road to recovery.  I'm glad you have Sally too...our resident DIEP girl!  I wish you fast healing!

Laura, I'm jealous about your nipples!  I'm going to go to that website and see if they'll send some out for fun!  Hope you're not allergic.  It is so interesting how this disease takes on different so many different forms.  I think your doctors must now be way wiser because of you!  You go girl!

I wrote on the EC forum that I'm having a 'hard' feeling in both my foobs.  It almost feels like I have TE's in again!  Is this normal?  I'm hoping I'll get some responses.  I hope I just haven't overdone my activity (I have of course) but I really hope that isn't it and this is a normal feeling.

I'll try going to bed and see if that helps.
Sweet dreams Team January!
Kat