January Mastectomy

burley

5 DAYS AND COUNTING-YEA ME!

robinlbe

Go Kim....counting down with you

neversurrender

Big day tomorrow Kat !   I'll be thinking good thoughts for you !

faithandfifty

Girls.

Girls.

Girls.

I am all checked into my suite at the Venetian in Vegas.

Just put up pics on my blog.

Hot diggity dog.

For a gal raised on hand-me-downs & leftovers, this place is makin' my eyes roll back into my head. I get to be treated like royalty for four nights, on the corporate account.

I nearly flipped my lid when I stumbled across a remote for the Roman Shades to lower and the wall coverings to close.

Pinch me.

xx00xx00xx00xx

It was 106 degrees when I landed. Headed to 111 as the week wears on. I've been wearing a hooded sweatshirt at night to take my sundown pictures. I'm in shock.

faithandfifty

Honest to Abe.

There are three flat screen TVs, cuz the bathroom has it's own!!!!

Fly out quickly. I have room for our first Team January rendez-vous.

xx00xx00xx

jizogarden

Kat, it's your big day. The icing on the cake I hope you have a very easy go of it and your day of new nips goes perfectly



Looking forward to hearing your update......



Deep cleansing breath Which reminds me I will be happy to be one of the pink yoga ladies Sounds like you have found a perfect place for your practice!



Ok...have a great day, it's your last big step.....crossing all fingers and toes for you



xox

Laura

bcincolorado

Kat, you are in my thoughts today.  Hope all goes well. 

Debbie, sure wish I could go out there!  Sounds better than being stuck at a desk all day.  Hope you enjoy a little pampering.  You sure deserve it!

KatRNagain92

Thanks Ladies for all your good wishes!

I'm so parched.  lol

Here's something interesting. (extremely)  My surgeon authored a book on breast reconstruction and is practically famous across the world!  Here is the link to his article.  I am so honored and humbled that this man is actually performing surgery on me today! 

http://www.pjstar.com/features/health/x1602635652/Peoria-physician-re-wrote-the-book-on-breast-surgery

Sweet dreams to me!  Nip, Nip Hooray!  (bad I know:)

See you tomorrow I hope

Kat

jizogarden

Kat...looks like your in very good hands  Looking forward to hearing from you when your feeling up to it  All good thoughts your way today!

xox

Laura 

jizogarden

Kim counting down with you!

Faith....three freakin TVs......have fun playing with the blinds too  You and the ladies are going to have a great time!  Enjoy every minute

Strength and healing to all,

Laura 

burley

Debbie!  Rub it in why don't you?  wink, wink  That sounds absolutely wonderful-hooray for you!   Wish I could be there-and don't worry, I'm sweating with you here in AZ.  It was 115 last week-ugh.

3 days and counting!  I'm going to take the kids out to dinner Thursday evening to celebrate-hubby will still be at work.  I'm so excited for the chemo to be over with-no more whining about not wanting to go, no more side effects (well, after they all go away)-wait, I have to be on Tamoxifen for 5 years, so I will suffer from those side effects-no more talk of chemo...I will be so glad when my hair starts to grow back.  It's so hot wearing a bandana or a wig all the time.  I'm glad my hubby loves my bald head so much 'cause this has not been fun-really messed with my self esteem.

I hope the summer heat isn't too bad for eveyone else-I really wish I had my own pool right now.  There's tons of pools around here, but I don't dare go.  I'm not supposed to be in the sun because of the chemo, and I really don't want to be in a bathing suit!  Between the TE's and not exercising at all for 7 months...ugh.  I know some of the ladies on my chemo board are exercising, but I just haven't felt up to it.  My weed pulling I still did while the weather was decent was about all I've done.

I hope everyone has a great day!

KatRNagain92

Hi All...

I'm back with SSS (Stinging, Searing and Smarting)

Seriously though, it did go very well.  He harvest fat from my belly with a syrnge and injected it in my divots and then along side my ruffles.  I would say the most pain I'm having is the lower belly and the divots.  (flat belly though...very wild to look at yourself in the mirror!:)

My nipple shields look exactly like the cap off of bottle of water or pop.  Only about an inch around and 3/4 of an inch high.  These need to stay on until I see my PS on the 23rd!  (that's 11 days)   I'm not supposed to shower all that time?  ya right.  I can't really soak in a tub either because of the fat graft harvest sites (little slits...nothing major just covered with a steri-strip)  I talked the doc into letting me shower tonight with a cami and to keep my back to the spray at all times.  Also back to sleeping on my back.   However, I will say this is not nearly as bad as the exchange was...but then again, I think I had a worse than normal exchange so I don't want to scare any of Team January who is looking forward to getting the TE's out.  I think my particular case was a little different.

Oh, and anyone who had a SNB or an axillary node dissection...you have to tell every single person that you come in contact with in surgery to protect that arm from blood pressures and needle sticks.  You would think just saying it once is enough or even letting your chart tell your story, but trust me...these people are human and do not remember unless you tell them over and over.  Be your own advocate!

Well, the vicodin is kicking in, so I guess I'll go back to bed.  I'll try and post some pictures later on Timtam's site.  So sad she is taking it down next month. 

Kat

TNgolfer

Kat,

Glad it went well for you!  Just think 11 more days and this whole thing should be BEHIND YOU.  I postponed my nipple procedure for mental reasons, but expect to have it done in August or September. 

Kicking the depression with activity. Am having a great time in Syracuse.  Reconnected with DH and surrounded with family and friends.  My therapy was always the practice range and I have put it in my daily ritual since I left Tennessee.  Miss exercising but found an unused eliptical in my daughter-in-law's basement.  Will set it up this afternoon.  Absolutely loving time spent with grandchildren, especially loving taking care of granddaughters for 4 days while their Mom is on a business trip.  Nothing like brushing little girls' hair in the morning and doing pony's, piggy's, or braids!!

Healing wishes to all.

Kat - you are right about reminding professionals about the AND side....I have thought of just getting a medical alert bracelet --- to remind me!

Marianne

neversurrender

I'm glad it all went well Kat !   You have inspired me to call my PS.  I will go see him next week to discuss nipples.

Kim---you're almost there !!!!!  

Marianne - sounds like you are having a good time in Syracuse.  It must be wonderful to reconnect with your family..especially the little granddaughters

Thinking of all of you Team January !

{{HUGS}}

burley

2 days to final chemo!  I have to get bloodwork done today, so I'm praying my counts are good and they can go ahead with treatment.  Problem is, they don't call and tell you if they're low.  So you have to go to the treatment center to see the doc, then he tells you...after I've gotten myself all excited to have my last treatment!  Again, praying the counts are good.

I've been doing an experiment to see which friends contact me on their own...not going well so far.  Just figured out I'm the one who always reaches out to people, either by text or Facebook.  It may sound silly, but I have very few friends who have stuck by me through all of this.  And they're dwindling.  Maybe they're tired of me talking about it?  I dunno.  But with 4 procedures in my future, I've got a lot more to deal with.  Some caring friends would be nice.

So a big thank you to all you ladies!  I'm so glad I have somewhere to go each day

1marmalade1

Don't feel bad about the friends issue...I found the same thing.  I almost NEVER sit around discussing my cancer situation with my friends - it is the one time I can put it aside and hear what the rest of the world is doing.  However, it's surprising how many people drop you like a ton of bricks anyways - makes you wonder if it's because you are no longer in a position to do anything for them, so they move on.  Has me thinking about it.  A lot.

KatRNagain92

Evening Ladies,

I posted some pics on Timtam's site.  I took the first one yesterday morning before sugery and then posted 2 from today.  You can see the nipple shields aren't so bad.  I'm going to take a shower now but I have to wear a cami in there and avoid direct hits with water. 

They don't hurt though...the only thing that hurts now is the belly.  So that's a good thing!

Marianne, I understand about wanting to put them off too...I would have except my PS follows a timeline and this happens to be the point where you get them.  Either now or in the fall, I guess it doesn't matter much since I wear business clothes...I'm just glad it's done!

Hope you go for it soon Sally and Laura! 

Yay to the last treatment Kim.  I'll pray that your numbers are good to go!

Kat

ReginaR

Hey Jan Friends, I hope you gals are doing well I think of each of you & have you in my prayers, Just not able to get on as much as i want. 
My Hubby took our Dog in for routine shots & Vet notice he lost 20 lbs, it red flag her & she ran test & x ray's. It has a lg Mass in his spleen & wanting for her to call back this afternoon with lab results! She Said she not sure how much the cancer is spread waiting for liver enzymes to see if it in his Liver. I handle my  own Cancer better, But I am having a hard time with Him. I can't stop crying! Please keep My dog Shelby in your Prayers!
Love ya all!
{{hugs}} Gina

TNgolfer

Gina,

The diagnosis is never easy...will pray for Shelby and you and your family.

Marianne

burley

Oh, Regina-I'm sorry about your puppy.  I can understand how hard that must be, especially right now.  Shelby is in my prayers!  I have 4 dogs, and I swear, they would have to shoot me up with Valium if my dog ever died.  He's my 85 pound baby.

1 day and counting!  Can you tell I'm excited?  Praying that my next post will be me sitting in the treatment chair tomorrow.  I almost feel like I should have someone with me for my last treatment, but that won't be happening.  I've been posting my countdown on Facebook, so I'm also wondering how many people will congratulate me.  I know of two for sure-two that always post positive thoughts to my cancer related posts.  But they're not friends I hang out with, just old friends.  Hmmm...I guess the friend thing is really bothering me at this point.  I've had moments through all of this where it did, and most of the time it didn't.  I got used to it.  And I would like to talk about other things than the cancer when I see them, but it always turns to that because that's what is going on with me.  I don't do anything except interract with my kids, cook dinner, and watch TV.  Not much to talk about there!  Except for the TV show the other day where a guy in England picked up and ate roadkill for dinner...holy cow, nasty!

grdnslve

regina--so very sorry about shelby. 

after much concern over my side effects, we went ahead & did chemo today.  so now only 2 left.  and we talked a lot today about what is going to happen after treatment.  i will be joining some of you on tamoxifen.  there had been some debate, but due to my staging he feels this is the best.  also found out he will be doing mri & mammograms alternately every 6 months.  ugh.  just want to forget about it.

will be with you in spirit tomorrow kim---and about the 'friend' thing going on.  i am experiencing the same thing.  there were 3 couples we socialized with almost everyday for years, and since my diagnosis & a couple of calls to get the gossip, nothing.  the ones who are emailing me,  calling,. sending encouraging cards & little gifts, are girlfriends from school who i don't 'socialize' with, but have always been there--true heart friends. 

ta ta for now.

robinlbe

Update on Gina's Shelby...hopefully she won't mind that I'm doing this....she got her call from the vet this afternoon with the results, and they were not good   The liver enzymes show that the cancer has already mets   I'm glad my daughter and I were there at the time.  This will be hard on Gina, her daughter, and husband.

I'm SO excited about your all's countdowns!!!  I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this in the first place, though....but so glad this chapter is coming to an end!! That is SO worth celebrating!!  IF we all lived closer to each other, we'd throw a HUGE party !!!!!

Even with what I've gone through, the friends thing happened....so strange.  And I'm sure it's even more different for those of you with ongoing treatment.  I think people just really don't know how to handle it, don't know what to say....

btw...if you've never read the book, "why I wore lipstick to my mastectomy", you need to get it.  I found it on amazon for cheap.  It was really good.

blessings...robin

ariesrottie

Hi Sisters! I have been bad... Not logging on and all. But it doesn't mean I don't think of everyone and that I don't pray for all of you.... I do.... All the time. I have just been busy with graduation, parties work, doctors appt.... Tomorrow I am having my breast exchange I have to be at the hospital at 8 and surgery is at 10....Keeping my fingers crossed.... I will let everyone know how I am doing... I hope that everyone is well.

Courage and strength,

Donna 

neversurrender

Donna and Kim....big days for you both tomorrow !   I'll keep you in my thoughts !

Lola, let us know when you get your date for your last chemo...we want to celebrate with you also !

{{{{Gina}}}}

Hugs Team January.

Donna, so good to hear from you..don't stay away so long

Never Surrender !

ariesrottie

Sally------ I miss you girls... I have been away for to long... I was away at a Christian camp this weekend.. My youngest son is still there until Saturday.... I prayed and cried for all of us... This has been some year...My son wore the Jet jersey and I was talking about you , about all of us... Our journey.... What would I do without all of you...

{{{{HUGS))))  Yime to get some rest mentally for tomorrow surgery.

Love you,

Donna 

neversurrender

KimKimKimKim !!!!!!   This is it girl !!!   WooHooo !!!!!

Donna, good luck with the exchange today ! 

Robin - I have not read the book, but I did watch the movie.  I'll have to check out the book, they are always so much better than the movies

Have a great one Team January !

jizogarden

Hi friends.......

Kat congratulations on making it to the other side...and with a flatter belly to boot

Gina so sorry about you sweet dog.....it's so so hard......

Ok so I'm a bit in a fog....I've been in the hospital for two days =(  I went lunch with a friend on Tuesday...came home sat down on the couch to relax.  Suddenly my heart started racing...really racing.  I have a pulse/ox in my home (from the years of caring from my son) and it said my heart rate was 216!!!!!  I could tell something was very very wrong and my rate was bouncing all over the place.  I called my doc and she said to get to the emergency room...not to drive.  So I walked over to my neighbors house and asked her to drive me.  I walked in and before I could blink I was surrounded by er docs and had two iv lines ready to go.  I was in a-fib? or b-fib....my cardiologist said I had nonischemic cardiomyopathy >=(  ok bad language coming.....seems like the breast surgeries and physical and emotional stress of the events caused my hear muscle to weaken...I can't bellieve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I have lost my most beautiful son 7 years ago, my husband fought his way back from alcoholism (which he fell into face first when we lost Graham), as life began to feel a almost "normal"...meaning maybe we could survive our grief and our marriage.......BAM....I got diagnosed with bc at f****king Christmas.  So we soldier on and face the surgeries and the reconstruction and hope for the best.  

After my bmx I felt breathless walking Smudge on even the smallest hills....I equated it to the pressure from my te's then when I got my squishies the pressure was still there and I was disappointed....but thought maybe it was the snugness of my squishies...and would improve as the muscles relaxed.

Well......no such luck.....my heart muscle was damaged!!!!!!!!!!So now I'm a f***cking heart patient too.......I am on a beta blocker and an ace inhibitor and asprin......f**k! I'm sorry about this rant but I'm crying and really upset about all this sh*t that keeps falling on me and my DH.

The cardiologist has always followed me because I have a weird heart..I've had a murmur all my life.  When I lost Graham the shock and heartbreak cause my heart to retrack (broken heart syndrom) at that point I got something called  left bundle branch block.  I was thoroughly checked for my surgeries and my cardiologist felt I was fine ... health, good HDL/LDL/TRI..... descent weight.....so I was good to go.

My cardiologist says I can restrengthen my heart muscle......I'm going to hold onto that.  He is not restricting me in any way...encouraging me to continue to walk, exercise and walk Smudgy At least now I know why I feel breathless so easily =\

I'm a little afraid of going under again and my boobs aren't finished......I'll have to talk this all over with my many doctors!!!!! >=(

Maybe 3D tats will have to do......fat grafting??? I don't know what lies ahead.  

I'm going to keep walking, gardening, doing yoga, meditating for the stress component...and concentrating on healing my darn heart!  I just wanted to get through this bc stuff and get back to my life.......ha! jokes on me.........

Sorry to go on so long....thanks for listening.......

Wishing everyone their best with their outcomes  

Strength and healing,

Laura 

KatRNagain92

Hello to Team January!

Sweeet Laura...where do I begin?  It's truly not fair all what you have had to endure.  I used to be a cardiac nurse years ago (when I first started my nursing career) and have seen a-fib, leaky heart valves and cardiomyopathy.  You can do this!  You are in a really good place now with your BC gone with the BMX and your exchange surgery completed.  You don't have to have a general for nipples....they can do that under a local.  Fat grafting is stupid anyway!

The good news is they were able to diagnose you and put you on medicine that will strengthen your heart muscle.  You can do this!  Continue with walking, gardening, yoga, meditation and Cussing!  It's great for the heart muscles!  At least now you know there is a reason for your shortness of breath during your reconstruction....I will keep you in my prayers and wish you peace and healing and comfort during this difficult time. 

Donna, I hope you are doing well today after your exchange surgery!  Whoohoo....yippee squishy!

Gina, I'm very sorry about your dog.  Our dog died of cancer too...it makes me wonder what is going on with our house!  I'm going to have the radon tested and make sure nothing else bad happens here.

Hang in there Team January!  We're going to be okay!

xoxo

Kat

grdnslve

laura---i'm so sorry. 

big hugs & smudgy won't mind the cussing.

burley

Laura!  Holy crap, I bet you're thinking what else, right?  So sorry to hear about your heart issues-keep doing what you're doing and take your meds, and I'm sure you'll be fine  Sending hugs your way!

As promised, I'm sitting at my LAST chemo treatment, and posting-YEA!!!  I'm so glad my counts were good and allowed me to do treatment today, especially since I got myself all physched up for it.  Whew!  Hopefully smooth sailing from this point forward.

Sending positive thoughts everyone's way-Have a great day!