January Mastectomy

KatRNagain92

Hi All...

Have not heard from Cathy...I hope she is just busy with life and that is the reason.  I know she had to travel for her PS but I would think she should be back home safe and sound.

Congrats Donna on your exchange!  Yippe Squishey!  I'm glad you're happy with your size and you had an easy time.  I'm happy you and Kim and Brenda are all showing signs of hair!  That's awesome!

Sally...I'm glad the PS appt went well.  Are you going to wait for the nipples after the fat grafting or lift?  See how it all settles out and then make sure you have good central placement?  I can't say as I blame you!

I'm so happy with my look so far.  The fat grafting didn't really fill in everything but enough that it looks good.  I don't think it's my imagination but it seems as though the fat grafting must 'grab hold and grow' because every day they look better and better. I still have ripples and the divots are still there but not near as pronounced.  If I stand and stick my chest out (like you did when you were a teenager...hehe) I don't see any divots or ripples but of course you can't walk around like that.   I'm not going through anymore fat grafting or surgery (unless he can do it under a local)  It's just not that big of a deal for me. 

I see him in the morning and then I will get these nipple shields off.  Still sleeping in a sports bra and also having to wrap them up with saran wrap and shower in a bra.  (we need a prototype for a shower bra!)  I tried using shower caps but it didn't work.  lol  Anyway, the nipple shields, I've decided are the perfect diameter for my areolas....I love how it looks in the mirror even though they're white.  Just like nipples....I'll be sad to see the shields go for that reason but will be anxious to have the tattoos done as soon as it's possible.

Laura...I've been thinking about you and your heart muscles and praying you're well on the mend.  The meds are probably making you tired or even a little dizzy...just change your position slowly and remember to breath!  Kendall and I take our first Yoga class next week so I'll keep you posted.  My oldest daughter is also coming home this weekend so YaY!   

Becky, hope VBS is going well!  My daughter did it every summer and it always lifted her spirits.  I hope it does the same for you...especially during this difficult time with your grandma.  What does your PS say about the tattooing process of your nipples?  I hope I don't have to wait too long but I understand that the incisions need to be healed up more than they are now!

Hugs Gina for Shelby...hope he's doing ok!

Keep us posted on the wedding Paula! 

Have a great evening ladies!  Every one of you is in my thoughts and prayers!
Kat

neversurrender

Kat - Yeah, I'm going to wait for nipples until I am done with either the fat grafting and/or lift.  I would hate to get the nipple and then end up all crooked   My PS told me the first time I had fat grafting, that it does indeed "grow".  He said I might not notice that much of a difference immediately, but to be patient and it would fill in.   Good luck tomorrow with the big reveal !  

The divot I have appeared about 7/10 days ago.  I started having a little burning on the cleavage side of my left breast when I woke up in the mornings.  It would last for less than a minute, so I didn't really think much of it.   One night, I rolled over, and felt the burning sensation and reached over to the spot and about flipped.  I had a big divot that was not there the day before.  The divot is not noticable when standing normal, but if I raise an arm, lean over, lay down...it shows.  I go to the pool a lot with my DDs, and it is visible in my suit.  It also has made my bra pull to the right side now.  I have what looks almost like a step off (I think that's what you call it) from an implant.  Weird.  My PS feels that I most likely had a piece of scar tissue pull free.  Because the divot is so well defined, he is hopeful that the fat will fill it in nicely and I can avoid the lift.  I guess we'll see.   My fat grafting is set for Aug 19.

Lola, where are you in your countdown?  How are you feeling? 

Hugs Team January!   

bcincolorado

Hi Team,

I had a PS follow up today.  I "passed" and don't have to go back until next July!  I passed my BS appt earlier this month too and got a year off with her too!  Two down. Of course onco will still keep following me for a long, long, long time.....but it will at least be nice to not have to make so many trips to the doctor.  Now I'll have a ton of PT appointents and then no excuse to not exercize and get this additional weight off.  I hope you are all starting to heal and recover.

grdnslve

thanks for asking, sally.  doing ok from treatment this week.  actually had some really good news from my onc.  he ordered my port scheduled to be removed asap after my last chemo next wed.  so that will save me some days of waiting.  and now when people ask how i am doing i can tell them i'm being deported.  heh heh

still haven't healed completly from the radiation burns.  but the rad onc told me it is taking so long because i am still on chemo and my blood counts are still so low.  makes sense.  can't wait to get my energy back, although am told that will take awhile too.  dh is on a mission to paint the house right now as we finally got some good weather up here in moss country.  bugs me terribly to not be able to help.  but i did do the shutters--all 8 of them.  started painting standing up & ended up sitting on the ground, but they got painted.  my other big contribution was picking the colors & begging dh to ask for help with the high parts of the house, as he has had multiple knee replacements & shouldn't be up on the ladder.  bless him, he finally gave in & asked a neighbor, who was happy to help, as dh has done much work for him in the past & he can now return the favor.  very hard for dh to ever admit he needs help, so this was a big deal.

in spite of all the problems some of you are having with reconstruction, i would really like to know how you feel about the results.  i won't be able to start until next year sometime, as my skin needs to heal.  but would like to have a better idea of my options & what the end results are likely to be.  especially those of you who had diep, as i guess i don't understand that process.

laura--keeping you in my thoughts & prayers during this new challenge. 

have a good day ladies.

faithandfifty

Pretty spectacular, even by my standards.

Last night.

burley

Spectactular!  Thanks for sharing Debbie!

bcincolorado

Lola, I love the "de-ported" joke!  We definitely need a sense of humor to get through everything.

Debbie, thanks for sharing the beautiful sunset photo.  There is such beauty in the world that we often miss.

faithandfifty

Thanks for the feedback gals. I am so fortunate to get to have this vista every evening thru the summer season.

Team January. This is a BIG week for me. I have a 'new' publishing project for an educational publishing house that has some deadlines (they are using my music in a new project of movement ideas for children... professional dancer writing hundreds of ideas to use to my previously recorded pieces -- how cool is that?? It is to be released early 2011.)

Gotta get ready to depart Wed before dawn for Texas. I get to give the keynote on Thurs for a conference in Austin!!! Did ya hear my whoop, whooop?? 

In the midst of this other excitement, I am working-like-a-dog to wrap up the final illustration for my next picture book: fire trucks(!) and then as soon as that is complete there are about a thousand details to get the book organized & orchestrated before the printing . I have given myself the deadline of the end of Aug. YIKES.

So send me your good vibes, but don't be concerned if I'm not here as regularly as usual... at least for the next 6 weeks or so. 

Healing to all. Hugs. Take good care of yourselves. Be pro-active. Move more. Find joy. Seek support. Read. Drink your fluids. Soak up the berries as they appear. Be good to yourselves. Celebrate. Reach out to others. Be kind to your healing process. Be patient with yourself. Go for some gusto. Appreciate. Express your delight. Expand your horizons.

You know.

"Just do it."

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

bcincolorado

Debbie, that is wonderful news!  May you have great success and joy in your endeavors.  How nice that you are so gifted and can share that gift with others.  You deserve to have some fun and joy again!

KatRNagain92

Debbie...you're awsome!  Good luck and thanks for the healing words!

binga

Hi Jan gals,

Kat- Don't know when or even if I am going to do tattoos.  My appt isn't until 9/9.  I am still having so much trouble finding a bra that doesn't hurt and I have quite a bit of pain everyday.  I really don't know if something is wrong or if this is normal for some women. If things are not better by my appt I am going to insist something be done. If this is the way it is going to be I may even decide to have the implants removed.  It is that uncomfortable.

Thanks for all the caring comments about my grandmother.  She passed away early Saturday am.  She went downhill fast starting Wed am.  It was getting pretty bad and we were really praying for the Lord to take her home by Wed night.  I will miss her dearly.  Right now I am relieved her suffering is over but I know it is going to be tough.  Her funeral is tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a nice summer.  That was a beautiful picture Debbie thanks for sharing.

Becky  

burley

Sorry to hear about your Grandmother Becky, but she is definitely in a better place!  I hope the funeral goes well for your family tomorrow.  Also sorry to hear about your pain-I would call the PS sooner than later.  You shouldn't have to live each day in pain.

I hope everyone else had a great weekend!  I got my part-time job back, starting this week for 3 days a week-I can't tell you how excited I am to just be getting out of the house!  Yea!

grdnslve

becky--so very sorry about your grandmother.  i agree with kim, call the ps asap--at least talk to one of the nurses, as it doesn't sound right to be so uncomfortable.

 debbie--you share the most incredible photos!  and i am in awe of your energy and talent!

bcincolorado

Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother.  My prayers are with you and your family.

I don't have any bras that are comfortable...yet.  I did find one at Nordstroms that I put on order and hopefully will come in soon.  Most days I want to not wear one but I want to keep that implant stable.

neversurrender

{{Becky}}  I am so sorry for your grandmother's passing.  My thoughts and prayers have been with you today. 

KatRNagain92

Becky, I'm so sorry about your Grandmother and I hope you are going to be ok. 

I echo the other team members that you should speak to your PS about your pain. Alloderm does great things to reduce the occurrence of capsular contraction but anythings possible in this horrible game we've been thrown in.  Make an appt and let him know what's going on!

Hope everyone on Team January is doing ok.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all daily!

jizogarden

Becky, wishing you peace and comfort after the loss of your very loved grandmother.  

I hope you get news from your ps about the pain your having.  My exchange was 12 weeks ago and I am still not experiencing painless squishies.  I have yet to find a bra that doesn't hurt except for the one that has no underwires.....and I'm sticking with it.  I have tried the underwires and I can't keep them on for more than 15 minutes....they still cause pain where my pocket work was done. My ps says shape is healing well and he has seen my bra and doesn't mind it at all.  My left breast feels comfortable....but my right breast is still very snug and the muscle near my sternum pulls and gets tender.  My ps said this will continue to improve as the muscle softens and relaxes over time.  So I'm crossing fingers and hoping this is true.  I saw a friend two weeks ago and her implant is really soft and moves freely.....mine is soft to the touch but no movement unless I move it with my hand.  I hope this helps you....maybe gives you something to compare to.  To the onlooker I look fine........

Kat, how's the unveiling????  :)

Debbie, thanks for the photo of the lovely sunset....beautiful  Congratulations on all you projects!

Sally the divot sounds painful....hope it can be resolved for you =(

Lola congratulations on having your port removed!!!!  Wahoooo!!!!

Ok, so I saw my ps yesterday...for what was suppose to be a final evaluation before nips...but my heart has rerouted plans for now.  He says that in the big picture my heart is much more important than doing the finishing touches on my boobage.  He says that he uses a mixture in his local anesthesia that could raise my heart rate and if I wanted to do fat grafting that would really not be ok right now. So he wants to wait for my heart to strengthen and be sure that I am safe.  I agree with him....we are going to wait until winter.  I have a break from teaching in January so that would be a perfect time for nips if my heart cooperates  Thank heavens my TE's are out!

Thinking of you all and hoping your doing well ♥

xox

Laura 

binga

Laura, I think your PS is right.  Heal that heart  before working on anything else!

Thanks to all for keeping my family in your prayers.  The funeral went well.  I know my grandmother is in a better place and am thankful for that although I am sure I will miss her so much.

I took everyone's advice and called the PS this am.  Just waiting to hear back.  I did have the alloderm used and I don't really think this is a contraction.  It has something to do with the part of your skin or muscle? that connects your arm to your breast.  It is way tighter on that side and everything rubs it and hurts!  

We had some big storms here yesterday and last night around 8pm I had a huge, and I mean huge, tree fall in my backyard.  This tree is around 200ft tall and about 3 feet in diameter.  It did land on my neighbor's fence but I am so thankful it did not land on the house!  It is quite a site!

Becky 

bcincolorado

Becky, WOW!  You were fortunate not to have a big disaster with that storm.  I'm glad to hear you are safe.  You sure don't need that stress after everythign you've gone through already.  I hope all goes well with your PS and he can help you.

faithandfifty

Team January.

I'm not sure if I've made it perfectly clear, but in the effort of clarity, I will repeat myself: I am absolutely crazy-for-daisies. I think I've kept probably close to 2000 digital pictures of singular & group daisy shots -- most from below. It's summer & I'm again besotted with taking more daisy pictures.

I usually love this sort:

but I am learning to appreciate this type, too:

But today I put up a blog post about the less-than-perfect flowers in our midst.

Popping in quickly to catch up (before we fly out at dawn) I see you've lost your grandmother, Becky. Knowing how close you were, I'm sure this is an emotional time. I hope that the funeral provided a time to bask in the sharing of stories. Treasure your memories & honor her in continuing to keep her goodness alive in your own efforts. Dedicate your acts of kindness to her lifetime of example.

In any case, today I put up pictures of the 'age-ing' daisies and contemplated on what we learn from the aged.

It is good to send her off to a better place -- where she is once again whole.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Just an hour ago, I saw my new book's first proof. I've been working on these illustrations for literally years, actually years AND years, in between my various travels & school visits. To see it on the computer screen for the first time, with the words inserted, makes my head spin & my heart do cartwheels. We have a huge amount of work ahead to bring it across the finish line, but today was a day that I've been thinking about for years. Today!!

Keep at whatever you are capable of and move it forward toward the light of day.  

burley

Worked today, only 9-3, and I am tired!  OK, so I grocery shopped afterwards too...and it's 103 and humid here, so that doesn't help.  My body needs to get used to working again after doing basically nothing for 6 months.

I meet with the PS tomorrow to discuss a timeframe for the exchange.  I'm hoping within the next 4-6 weeks; I'm really tired of these TE's!  And one is higher than the other, so it's fairly obvious in fitted shirts.

I hope everyone is doing well-where's Paula?  Hasn't been a couple of weeks?

KatRNagain92

Hi Gang...

Becky, I'm glad you called the PS and I hope you hear back soon. 

Yay Lola and getting de-ported.  You know Immigration is such a hot topic now!  HA!  *rolling eyes...sorry, that was lame!:)  Kim, you are going to love your exchange!  I'm happy for you!

Yes Laura!  Get anesthesia clearance first!  I'm not sure how your insurance works but I am very motivated to get everything done what I can by December 31.  My oldest daughter is talking about how much money I can give her for her wedding planning (still a few years off) but I told her, I'm sorry honey, breast cancer cost me 10 grand so you'll have to get that from your dad!  lol 

No unveiling just yet.  He took to the top part off of the nipple shield so I can actually see the nipple but the shield has to stay for this week. (I can shower though now and get it wet)  It's made of styrofoam though so it doesn't hurt it.  I'll take it off Friday morning and then I see my BS.  The following week I see my Oncologist.  I upped that appt because I wanted her to inspect the incisions BEFORE I get my tattoos on the following Friday after that.  So 3 Friday's in a row I'm getting doctored up and I hope it will be the end of it for a very long time! 

I see Paula on facebook and I think she's exhausted from the wedding!  Hopefully she'll pop in soon and let us know how it went. 

Debbie, I love the aging flower.  It reminds me of the book "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf"  Have you ever heard of that?  By Leo Buscalgia.  It's a great story of a leaf (whose name is Freddie) who grows and lives and loves through all the seasons...then, when all of his fellow leaves have fallen and he's left alone, old, tired dried out and freezing cold he finally falls off the branch...but a profound thing happens....all of his questions are answered because he sees the tree in a new perspective....he's looking up at it against the sky instead of down towards the grass....this gives him more of life's big picture and he's at peace when he lands softly on the ground.   I'm paraphrasing but it's a great story about love and life and death and dying.  It's worth a google search!

Well, off to take my sleeping pill i.e. tamoxifen.  (I just love that stuff!:)

Have a good evening Team January!
Kat

bcincolorado

Hi January Girls,

Love the daisies.  Reminds me of my daughters' wedding.  She loves daisies and had them and some on her gown and on the cake and decorations, etc.....my son-in-law wasn't so thrilled.  Thanks for sharing the photos.

Kat, hope it goes well for your healing and unveiling!

burley

Yea me!  Date for the exchange surgery is August 24th!  I have one more final appointment with her a week before, then it's time to get rid of these damn TE's...this is my happy dance...la la la la

grdnslve

kim--joining you in the happy dance...onc wasn't happy today about my neuropathy so no more chemo!!!!!  i'm done!  now we just have to hope this reverses.  but what a relief to not have chemo today--no more days of feeling crummy, hurting etc.  

loved the daisys too!!!!!!!

binga

Congrats on your exchange date Kim!  It will be here before you know it.

I love daisies too Debbie and those pics are beautiful.  

The tree falling was kinda scary but I have been wanting to clear out that area of my backyard so I guess God just gave me a helping hand.  Now since the tree guy has to come out and clean it up I am having some other trees removed and may even put in a pool!  You just never know what may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Becky 

bcincolorado

Kim, Congrats on your date!  I know you are anxious to get this behind you.

burley

Wow!  Where did everyone go?  My chemo group is dwindling as well-bummer.  It's so nice to hear from everyone and catch up on everything.

Nothing new to report here-very few side effects 2 weeks post my last chemo.  Yea!  I can't wait to feel normal again.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

robinlbe

Hi everyone....It's been a couple of weeks since I've had time to get on here, but it was good to read the updates.  Congrats on the nips, tucks, tweaks, etc....can't relate to any of it, but if you're excited, then I'm excited for you

Becky, so sorry about your g'ma....but you haven't really lost her.  You know where to find her

Gina's dog, Shelby, was having some problems yesterday....hard time in their household.

Having to have an MRI on my ankle on Wed...the one I sprained at the amusement park back in June.  It's not healing up the way it should.  Xray showed no breaks, so the doc. suspects other damage.  Surely hope I don't have to start the school year (which begins in one week....ugh!!) in a cast or boot or something.  I've been wearing an ankle brace all summer long.

My oldest son, only age 19, decided to spring a surprise on us this week, and gave his g'friend a ring, so they're officially engaged.  Not what we would have wanted him to do......lots of prayer needed here.  They will continue school, and plan to wait at least two years to get married.  But our other two children had quite a difficult time with this, as his intended doesn't always want to treat the rest of us as being a part of *his* life....sigh.

Saw my BS this week...he dismissed me.  Won't be seeing him anymore   Kind of sad, actually.  I love his office staff, and I really like him.  My LE/PT showed me the lymphedema drainage massage at my 2nd (and last) visit, so now she's dismissed me, too.....   It feels as if nobody wants me anymore...ha!

Good luck with the upcoming nips, tucks, tweaks, and all....even though my bra situation is a little different than yours, I HATE them just as much.  I finally got a MX bra, after having tried on more than 20.  I thought I was going to lose my mind after just 8 hours in it......i just go flat 90% of the time....even go swimming flat. No one seems to even notice...This is a benefit (?) of being tall and slender, I guess......

blessings...robin

faithandfifty

From our sand building contest yesterday.

Hope that it brings a smile to your weekend.

Thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.