January Mastectomy

jizogarden

Hi Kat and all  

I left the little container with the nipples on the coffee table....knowing my husband would open them immediately (he's curious that way)...I didn't say a word. He was very surprised to see the contents  I haven't really worn them yet because my scar tissue is still so fresh I don't want to take any chances with it....the last thing I want to do is have my scars get itchy and crazy. I'll photo them soon and put them on the forum.

As for firmness in the implants....mine have felt pretty firm since the exchange...I think it's because my implants were almost the same size as my TE's...very little wiggle room.  They feel softer this week than last week but I still hope they will get even softer =\  

About overdoing it....DON"T!....sorry for yelling but I did overdo it yesterday....my ps said I was off restrictions at the 4 week mark which is two days from now....soooooo....yesterday I was feeling good....very good and decided to clean house...not too much but more than I have in a while..... I had finished the housework and was feeling very proud of myself.  I sat down on the couch with Smudge and a cup of tea......and then.....when I got up I pushed off my hands and arms and felt a quick little pain right where the pocket work had been done almost 4 weeks ago. So now I'm going to be a very good girl again and try my best to give my body some extra time to heal.  So please be careful with your new boobies

Some of my pain may be coming from the drop and fluffage...they are definitely dropping into the lower area where the pocket work was done. (yes...I am wearing a bra).  So for everyone that has recently had their exchange, don't rush your healing...it has it's own time schedule

Cathy and Sally.....hope your both feeling better with each day......

Strength and healing to all, 

Laura 

binga

Kat- I haven't really had a feeling like that on a continuous basis but it does come and go and I think it may be the pec muscles tightening up.  Do you have any muscle relaxers? Flexeril or Valium?  That has helped me some.  I had two 12 hr shifts this week and was hurting both days which I found strange since I am over 4 weeks out from exchange.  Maybe we don't realize when we overdo it a little and our muscles catch up with us!  Hope you feel better soon.  Get plenty of rest!

Becky 

bcincolorado

Hello Team January!

I've been "off" for a few days since I'm adjusting to new job.  I'm such a weenie about driving in traffic and have to drive about 15 miles each way now to work in a LOT of traffic.  New computer systems to learn and new people to get used to.  I'm overwhelmed and tired from bc and tamox SE it is all I can do to get through the day.  When I've gotten home I've collapsed.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers though constantly! 

Cathy I hope you have an amazingly speedy recovery you astonish  your doctors!

I hope everyone is healing and doing well.

jizogarden

Morning all,

Kat, I second the idea about taking some muscle relaxers or my ps likes Valium...I was surprised how well it seemed to settle down my chest when it was sort or achy.  I hope your feeling much better already and it was just from doing too much too soon.  I think the exchange is a little deceiving once any immediate pain subsides we have to remind ourselves that there's lots of interior healing going on even though we can't physically feel it

bc, sorry your job is wearing you out....try to catch as much rest as possible....any chance you could rearrange you schedule to shorter hours while your working your way back into the real world?  Hope your stamina returns soon.....

Cathy and Rebecca keep healing!

I'm going to a friends Botanical Art show today.....it's rainy and grey here so it will be a nice way to spend a couple of hours.  

Strength and healing to all,

Laura 

burley

AAAAARGH, can't sleep-I've been up all night, and TV just got too boring.  Only 6am here...

Went to a brithday party last night and passed my boobs around-LOL.  One friend touched them, then all the gals had to.  Of course, no one can believe how hard these damn things are.  My daughter is perfect boob height right now, so she gets one in the head multiple times a day.

Bought a bra yesterday, and I am a full C.  So yea!  No more fills ( I was still on the fence about doing one more.)  Told my husband and he's fine with it (he better be!).  He did however ask if she can bring them closer together...so it's not just me that thinks these things are a crazy distance apart.

I hope everyone has a terrific Sunday, and is experiencing great weather!

jizogarden

Kat one question....your ps said there was something he wanted to use on your scars...could you share what it is

Many thanks,

Laura 

Anonymous

Good morning ladies

Laura that is too funny about leaving the nipples for your husband's unexpected eyes.  That would have been a funny site to see his reaction. I am supposed to go back for nipples in about 3 months, and I am pretty sure I will do them.  I think it just finishes everything off and brings us back to a time before breast cancer.I would even venture to say my breast now look better than before, even at 12 days out and no nipples.

bcincolorado hang in there with your new job.  I do feel for you, starting a new job can be very frightening trying to learn everything and new people. I will be thinking of you.

My doctor told me to wear a binder for a full 6 weeks, but I could take it off while sleeping. Last night was the first night I took it off to sleep and ended up sleeping a full 13 hours with only one wake in between to take some antibiotic.  I feel so refreshed.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Take Care

Cathy

KatRNagain92

Hello all...busy weekend...busy relaxing!    Went to a baby shower yesterday and today just kind of did nothing.  I even layed out for 20 minutes to get a little sunshine.  It was almost 90 degrees today!  Pretty darn hot.

Thanks for the tips on muscle relaxers... I guess I'm just a little disappointed that they still are causing discomfort.  Again, when I first rise in the morning, if I use my hand to gently support them up it takes the sting of the cleavage out.  I'm sleeping somewhat on my side...kind of a half side propped back kind of position.  I'm afraid I'm going to schmoosh one and then it will freeze that way.  My left side has got a ripple I'm noticing but smooths out when I gently push them up like in a push up bra.  That little fold of skin in the left lower inner corner is going to be a problem probably forever.  But, I guess my boobs weren't perfect before I started this whole thing and now the foobs aren't going be perfect when they're done...and that's ok!

Laura, I see my PS on Tuesday and I'll write down the name of the scar creme he's recommending.  I know they sell some products right there in the office. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's paraben free of course! 

Becky, I'm thinking about you and your nips on Wednesday!   Good luck and congrats for reaching the final portion of the reconstruction program!  I'll be anxious to hear how you bounce back and what type of clothing restrictions you have for work. 

Hope you had a nice time with your mom Paula...and your new obsession with bras hasn't completely taken over!  I did order 2 from Victoria's Secret and I hope they arrive tomorrow but mostly, I hope I don't have to send them back!  They're wireless with support like they have a wire so that's what sold me.  I'll take pictures when they come in  

Have a nice Sunday everyone! 
Kat 

binga

Thanks Kat.  I am excited and a little nervous too since it will be done with a local and my PS is not the gentlest of people.  I am thinking positive and praying for the best.  I will post pics as soon as possible and give all the rest of you Jan gals the lowdown on what to expect.  I sure hope I can find some clothing to keep them hidden while they are healing.  I guess at work my lab jacket will provide some extra coverage.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Becky 

pbebow

Becky, when I had mine done (at the same time as exchange) he put a piece of foam that was as thick as the nipple was with a hole cut out for the nipple that I was supposed to use.  so I bought some nursing pads and used them to put over the foam and that covered them pretty good...  I was in sports bras at the time, but I think it would've worked in any bra.  I've also read about some women that just cut a whole in the nursing pad and used that but that wouldn't have been thick enough to really protect the nipple for me.  But of course all PS's are a little different so he might insist that you use something else, but I would suggest getting the nursing pads to help camoflaugh it.  My PS also suggested buying the corn pads and using those.  I did buy some, but ended using the foam and pads instead.  Worked great.  Good luck with your procedure.  I have read of other women that just had a local for nipples and they said they didn't feel a thing.  One talked about chatting with her PS for the hour and a half that the procedure took.  I'm with you though, just knock me out, but it is doable and no pain.  You'll be great!!!

Paula

neversurrender

My PS does not put you out for nipples either - should be interesting.  Good luck Becky !

Cathy - I'm glad you are feeling better each day.  I ended up wearing my binder for about 10 weeks, then had to wear it again for 2 weeks after phase 2.  He would only let me take it off for 1 hour a day to shower.  I can't believe how different all our PSs are.  Does he have you wearing any specific type of bra?

I spent the weekend at the soccer fields.  Saturday it was so cold and raining, we were all miserable.   Yesterday it was so hot and we needed sunscreen------that is soccer in OH in the spring time.  

Have a great day Team January.

Hugs

bcincolorado

Oh my goodness!  I'm sure glad I was able to have Nipple Sparing mx if they keep you awake.  I'm such a weenie.  I was actually more terrified of IV's and needles than I was of having cancer.  The idea of being awake during anything would totally freak me out!  I don't even have pierced ears because I'm too chicken!  After having my kids, both C-Section, I would take pain meds since they wanted to give me a shot for pain.  I decided dno pain was bad enough for that!

I've been readng the Living Well Beyond BC book right now.  Checked it out from the library and it is due this weekend so I thought I'd better get on it since there was a wait list.  So far there is quite a bit of good information.

I hope you are all healing and recovering well.

pbebow

Hey Sunsnow, if you're out there lurking, how are you doing?  Did you ever post any pictures on the picture forum? Are you happy with your outcome?  Just thinking about you and wanted to hear how you're doing!

Paula

faithandfifty

Happy Monday, team January!!!

We're headed to MI later today, after my afternoon PT session. Paula, we're headed to Taylor, which is in the Detroit area. It's an end-of-the-year celebration for them. We'll be back tomorrow night. My hubby got home over the weekend, from a few weeks of being apart. We had such a wonderful reunion weekend -- getting caught up on all the particulars that don't translate well on the phone. He will do all the driving & lifting for me on this extravaganza.

Cathy it's great to read of your progress. Congrats on making it thru this latest surgery with flying colors, from the sounds of it. I'm sure you've given us just the highlights, but know that we've been thinking of you & sending you our very best well wishes, all along.

It's great to read of so many making progress on the road of acceptance.

There are lots of you that we haven't heard from in a while. I hope that you've moved on quickly to your real lives & just don't "need" us to prop you up. If you're reading I know that we'd all delight in just a few words of update. Or feel free to vent away like crazy -- if that's what ya need.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

jizogarden

Morning January friends,

Kat, sorry your concerned, looking forward to what your ps says...hope he puts all your worries away.

Sally, I agree with you....seems like there are so many different ways the ps docs want us to go through healing! Puzzling at best

I think my ps does nips with a local also....kind of like the dentist but much weirder

I've posted my 4wk. post exch. photos on the forum and included fake nip pics, as promised. This nips are interesting in a strange way.  When I first put them on it was a little like "oh! I remember now...that's "almost" what I used to look like"  I think they could be useful for ladies in between procedures or trying to visualize their breasts with nips.....or for those who would rather forgo nip surgery or tattoos and would just like to embellish  

Becky, hope your nip surgery goes smooth as silk and your home, healing and comfortable before you know it

Best to all facing surgeries and procedures this week...it's hard to keep up =\

Healing and strength to all,

Laura 

Anonymous

Good luck Becky with your nipple surgery.  When are you having it done?

Thanks Paula for the tips on what to wear/use after having surgery done.  It is a few months away for me, but starting to make mental notes of these things already.

Sally my PS said that if I wanted to wear a bra, just no underwire for a couple of months.  Quite frankly I am loving that I don't even have to wear a bra.  Recovery is still going pretty good, although I am really nervous not to do too much.  There was a gal in hospital with me who had DIEP April 15 and was back in hospital for the whole week with me, because she did too much too soon, and ended up opening breast incision and got an infection.  So perhaps a blessing in disguise for me to have met her, it is keeping me bolted down.  I so want to get going, but I guess in the big scheme of things, it will pay off to sit tight for a couple of weeks I guess.  I have been having some oozing from the abdominal incision the past couple of days.  I will have to see what the homecare nurse thinks tomorrow when she comes back.  I just wish it would stop.

It is really strange how I wouldn't let anybody including myself look at myself after the BMX, but now I am not so shy.  I showed both my mother and sister and they were blown away at how good it looks already after only 13 days. 

Take care January ladies

Cathy

binga

Cathy-I am having them done on Wed.

 One of my pharmacy customers is using the same PS as me and she had hers done a couple of weeks ago.  She happened to call the pharmacy today so I said Ok tell me about it.  She said it didn't actually hurt but she thought she could feel it at times but it was just the pulling not actually pain.  Of course my PS is famous or maybe infamous for the things he says and she said she told him it was hurting and he said no its not lay back and be quite.  Sounds really crude but you would just have to know him.  She wasn't upset- she was actually laughing about it. He is crazy!  But so far everyone I know who has used him is happy with their results so I guess it is a trade off.

Paula-Thanks for the info on how to disguise them a little.  I wasn't sure that I wanted them so I really hope I am making the right decision.  It seems like the best way for me to get back to "somewhat normal".   

Debbie-Glad to hear your husband is back.  He seems so supportive so I am sure you really missed him.

Becky 

bcincolorado

Laura,  My dentist uses laughing gas (which I think is great!).  Maybe you can get that?

KatRNagain92

Becky, your PS sounds like a gas.  The Nutty Professor is always the best one for the job!

I'm seeing my PS today and I'm anxious to hear all is well.  I guess I will get some sort of commitment about a bra.  I've got to start wearing something because my skin is so elastic they're going to be needing a lift after 2 years.  I need to keep them up and under the muscle! 

One of the things that is really wild are my lower lobes are cool to the touch and numb!  So weird that they're so much more numb than the TE's.  I think it's because the TE's had firm structure at both the chest wall and the outer skin flap and these little soft cushions have none. 

Get to relax here a bit longer today since my appt is mid morning...:)
Have a great day Ladies!
Kat

pbebow

Becky, I was on the fence about nipples too...  spent my whole life trying to keep the covered and then I'm going to have some that I permanent head lights?!  What was I thinking?!  But I'll tell you, I have no regrets!!!  I trusted my PS, he wanted to do them at the same time as exchange and I let him and I love them!  It just really is the icing on the cake.  I was looking at them yesterday and now I'm getting excited about the tattoos...  I think that is really going to make a difference.  But before that, comes the fat grafting!  Still waiting to hear on that.  Good luck with your nips tomorrow, I know that you'll love them!  And remember, they shrink, so don't panic to start with.

Kat, good luck with your appt today, let us know how it goes.

Debbie, glad to hear that your DH is home.   I wish that I were closer to Detroit, I'm like 2 1/2 - 3 hours from there.  Have a safe and wonderful trip!

Cathy, smart thinking!  Take it easy as long as you can!  You definitely don't want to mess anything up.  Glad to hear you are doing well!

Robin?  You out there?  Haven't heard much from you lately....  how are things going?

Maura?

Have a great day ladies!  I'm off to mow the lawn!

Paula

jizogarden

Becky your doc sounds like a character  as long as he does a good job..that's all that matters in the end

bc....heee heee...maybe I should ask if laughing gas is an option Becky maybe you could ask for laughing gas too

Kat enjoy your morning.....hope you have a great appointment with your ps and he is able to lift your spirits

I'm going to my gp this morning to get my thyroid levels checked.  I have Hashimoto's syndrome which is an auto immune disease....my immune system has been attacking my thyroid for about 6 years. Eventually the thyroid will be gone completely....but for now it changes gradually and about every six months my thyroid meds need to be upped.  Stress can really get it all going..no stress here!  She will also want to look at the "girls" and see how things are going

Wishing everyone a good day....I'm working on an Bearded Iris watercolor at the moment, yesterday I took many photos in my garden and thought this one would be nice to share....I think it's cheerful and lovely...enjoy...

 

Healing and strength,

Laura 

jizogarden

Paula! mowing the lawn is my favorite! Really,I am truly jealous

xox

Laura 

bcincolorado

jizo: I personally think they should offer laughing gas for normal vaccines, IVs, anything unpleasant!  It really does help to relax you a lot and ease anxiety.  I've actually slept through a root canal with laughing gas (and lots of novacaine after).  I hope it won't be too bad.   I hope your appointment goes well for Hashimotos.  I have a dear friend from church who has it and has been on meds for several years.

Paula, mowing the lawn, wonderful!  Good exercize too! 

I'm off to get ready for work.  Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Anonymous

Good morning ladies!

I agree with the laughing gas for all of the unpleasant things we have to endure. I am so done with all of this stuff.

Kat I hope your appointment goes well and surgeon helps you find the perfect solution for bras.

Laura what a beautiful picture of your iris.  You will have to show us your watercolour.  Hope you can get your thyroid levels back on track.

Paula I am so jealous,  Love to mow the lawn and mine needs it really badly right now.  Seems we all like to cut the grass. hmmmmmmm is this a common factor in getting this horrible disease. Sorry, but I find I am looking at everything as the culprit.

I see my oncologist tomorrow, and at this follow up appt he will probably be suggesting I take tamoxifen.  However I have been trying to make alot lifestyle changes that I am hoping he will agree is comparable to taking tamoxifen?????? who knows though.  I have continued to read Änti Cancer and find it to be very interesting.  Equally as interesting is my oncologist, I think is going to love the book as much.  He is greek and firmly believes in a mediterranean diet.  I just recently went to a presentation he did on food and exercise and the impact on cancers.  I am becoming more of a believer. So we will see what he thinks.

Hope everyone has a great day,

Take Care

Cathy

sunsnow

Paula,

I'm around. I'm swamped with stuff concerning my Dad's estate. It will be six months on 5/30 so we have to get the federal tax return filed and things are very complicated. I'm in California and he had homes in Dallas and Connecticut. On top of that, my drug addict brother, who is 44 going on 14, has been in crisis. I found out that he has been scamming me and stealing, so that's been time consuming and upsetting, to say the least!! Funny that I inherited him without going through probate. He lives in Rhode Island, so in that case I find the distance to be a blessing! Just many phone calls with attorneys, doctors, counselors, etc...UGH. 

I haven't posted any pictures yet. I'm still trying to work up the nerve. I'm very private (17 years of Catholic school) and am working to overcome that. It took me forever to even email expander photos to Deborah! I am pretty happy with the results. They're smaller than my originals, so I'm happy about that. I think nipples will make a big difference, but I'm taking the summer off from procedures.

I do check in here to see how everyone's doing, but with the estate stuff and end of the year activities for 3 kids, I haven't posted. I'm glad to see so many are doing well, and I am in awe of the strength and support offered here.

Hugs to all,

Maura 

pbebow

Maura, sorry that you're going through so much right now, on top of BC and all the treatments, that is the last thing you need!  Maybe you should try some laughing gas!!! haha!  sorry, glad to hear that you're healign and healthy and happy with your results!

Beautiful picture, Laura!  

Sorry I made everyone jealous of the mowing!  haha!  Feel free to come over anytime and mow for me.  As far as exercise, I don't think a riding mower counts as exercise, does it?  We have a really big lawn (farm) so it takes over an hour on my very large riding mower, so not really one of my favorite things to do, but not bad!

Now I am off to rototil my garden so I can plant all of my beautiful plants that I bought before they die!  This is a new thing for me (the rototil thing), and will definitely be exercise, probably more then I am ready for.  We'll see how it goes!!!

Have a great day ladies!

Paula

almagetty

Hi ladies:

I'm sure you're wondering why I'm posting in your thread. I will have a RMX with TE next week on June 2 and am reading through different threads to try and calm my anxiety.  I've already had a lumpectomy and re-excision.  I just wanted to let you all know that you all come across as so upbeat and happy!  It's a relief to read from your stories and chatter that there is another side of the ordeal I'm about to undertake.  

So, the reason I'm posting here is to thank you all for making my load a little bit more bearable.  I can't wait to be where you all are now. 

jizogarden

Maura....so sorry your dealing with so much  Estate settlement is stressful under the best of circumstances....I'm with Paula...maybe some laughing gas

Riding mower......hmmmmm.....I have a push mower and work up a terrific sweat! love it  If it is going to rain on the weekend I mow during the week and DH is always disappointed because he also likes to do it  Weird family hugh? fighting over who gets to mow the lawn  Watch out for the rototiller....they can be very powerful...but again..fun  

Cathy I agree it's a bit odd that so many of us seem to like mowing......maybe mowing with laughing gas

Kat hope your appointment went well.

Strength and healing to all,

Laura 

burley

Count me out-I do not like to mow my lawn!  An acre of grass with a push mower...not fun.  That's what the 15-year old is for!

Good info on the nipple conversations-I'll put it to use eventually.  Glad to hear some of you are already getting your embellishments : )

And if we're passing around laughing gas, I'll take some!  I could seriously use a good laugh...

pbebow

almagetty:  I am so glad that we could help in any way!!!  I know how you feel, it's scary being where you are...  we've all been there, but as you can read and you said, we made it and we're getting on with our life.  A positive attitude has helped me soooo much, whenever I start to feel down, I just remind myself that I'm alive and cancer free!  If I need a little more, then I listen to my song!  "I'm Alive" by Kenney Chesney!  Has been my theme song since my diagnosis, it's also the theme song for my Relay for Life team.  I wish you well with your upcoming surgery, remember positive attitude... and keep this saying in your daily vocabulary, "THIS TOO SHALL PASS!"   It truely does!!!!

Kat:  we're waiting to hear... I'll check EC and see if you posted there!

My rototilling went pretty smoothly, since I coudn't start it I had to call my son to come and start it, then he did one row for me to "show me how to do it" then I did 3-4 rows and he came back and finished all but one row, so I didn't have to do it all.  I can feel it in my back now, it was a little tough, I am sooo out of shape!  Anyway, it's all ready to plant in the morning!  Yay!!!  Then it's on to flowers!!!  My, I am so ambitious!!! NOT!!! haha!  

Have a good evening ladies!

Paula