December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited March 2012

    Just a quick update: BS says sounds muscular to me, give it a few more weeks, if it gets worse now or doesn't get better in a few weeks, call your PCP. She also says - try not to go down the cancer road with every ache and pain you get (DUH!). I thought that making it 2.5 weeks before going down that road was pretty good. And the MO agrees.

    The morning after I sent that e-mail it was already feeling better, of course.

    Blessings - I'm glad our weather cooperated for you. This winter has been WEIRD. Today it's supposed to be over 80, but it's supposed to be in the low 60's on Tuesday or Wednesday. My poor rose bushes are SOOOOO confused.

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  • Janie-bug
    Janie-bug Member Posts: 181
    edited March 2012

    Just wanted to stop by and send HUGS to everyone....{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

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  • fitzdc
    fitzdc Member Posts: 1,467
    edited March 2012

    Back from PS - she wants to wait a few more months for next step as there is 'still post surgery swelling'.  So now June for lipo and/or implant.  Off to phamacy to get Tamox to begin tonight.  Still cold and wintery here.  Ready for spring!

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited March 2012

    Dropping in to say Hi. Have started my 22 weeks of chemo for my "exceptionally high Onco score" Her 2 negative Stage 1 no node cancer ( hoping that makes some of you feel much better!). Wasn't sure I could endure it based on day 4,5 but came out yesterday and life is good again. Still doing fills and if I haven't mentioned it I'm so happy to have my little "B" cups and to never have to worry about big bosoms again! A bit of Pasture always Greener mentality.....:)

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  • Ginger48
    Ginger48 Member Posts: 1,978
    edited March 2012

    Kam- glad to hear you made it through the first chemo treatment. I love the Pasture always Greener mentality...

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  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 738
    edited March 2012

    Glad 0t hear you're doing well Kam-attitude is half the battle.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    Hello, December Sisters!

    CookieMonster - congratulations on the weight loss and DHs job!! I have to use three inhalers every day - the albuterol, or whatever Kaiser has substituted lately, the QVAR, and the Flonase. Spring's a b*tch here! How is your back/neck pain doing? Can you get to a PT for some treatment or massage?

    Bogie - You've got capsular contracture on your TEs? No wonder you want those puppies out!!! My PS said I would have to massage my squishies regularly to prevent CC in the future. Hope you find a lovely vaca spot to plan for!

    Fitzdc - I'll consider lipo when I see what's left after my big (predicted) weight loss! Wink

    Welcome, Baileybump!

    Kam170 - SO glad you are doing o.k. with your treatments.....

    Big hugs to faithhopenluv, Janie-Bug, Goldlining, Moonflwr, spunkyboobster, and whoever else I've forgotten to mention....

    ~~~~~~~~~~~

    OMG - yesterday was my NEXT-TO-THE-LAST fills day!!!!

    I am now officially at 620ccs, with a goal of 700ccs. I still have Sponge-Bob-Square-Foobs, and all I can think of is that there is no other place for the saline to go except for under my armpits and up my neck. Now THAT should be attractive.

    We had to have a discussion afterwards about whether or not he should fill me to 700ccs, considering that I am planning on losing a lot of weight very quickly in the next four months. Finally he decided to go for it, and I will go back in two weeks for the final 80cc fills.

    Not really looking forward to it.....this last one was NOT fun! Right foob hurt all day and all night. But everything looks good, and my skin looks healthy.

    Optifast Program starts on March 22nd. Thankfully, we got to go on vacation before it started, so I had my one fabulous restaurant meal. The rest of the time I made smoothies and protein drinks, trying to get "in training" for the meal replacement part of the program. I'm just having such a hard time getting in that GALLON of water a day!!! Surprised

    Hope all my December Sistahs are having a great evening.....

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited March 2012

    Hello all,

    Thanks for the shout out Blessings it sounds like you're on your way to improving your health.

    Karol - hang in there with the chemo, I can't even imagine. I hope it will continue to be mostly tolerable. Feel free to come here and complain about it all you want.

    My update - my back is a million times better, thank goodness. Was just a lingering muscle thing, but it took over 2 weeks to go away. Irritating. I've been on Tamoxifen for 2.5 week and I *think* I'm having hot flashes, but I'm 41 so I've never had them before. They're not BAD by any means though. I'm overwhelmed at work but have asked for and been given something of a repreive on a deadline, that I may still hit, but it takes the pressure off at least. Some of my colleagues (one in particular) is behaving poorly and putting our future happiness at risk and all because of some assumptions that I don't think will come to pass. We'll see though. Luckily a few of us are on the same page about it so we sit around at b*^&ch about it together, but even with blowing off steam, it stresses me. I also think I might be mildly sick, must get more rest.

    The whole family is excited, we're going to the season opener for the LA Galaxy (MLS team) on Saturday!

    OK, I should head off to bed shortly. Take care and healthy and happy wishes to all.

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  • jstunme
    jstunme Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2012
    Hello all .. have not updated much (BMX 12/20)My incision Finally closed up !! ... Took forever! .... It left some lumpy scar tissue there.  My armpit areas are numb and especially the left armpit area is still swollen at times.  I notice that it gets swollen more when I sit too long or when I'm laying down.  The tightness had let up quite a bit during the day - but last night was bad (it had been better at night) ..... felt like I was being squeezed to death last night!  I've gotten where I delay going to bed because I know it's gonna be like that when I lay down.  ... don't like it.My 'bean bags' ... aka: fluffiness .... will always be there unless I have some type of surgery to rid of them.  No exercise or stretching is gonna rid them!  My dog ears in the middle (I call 'em my new nipples) are still touchy .. but whatev.  I have not had the phantom itching many speak of.  I do sometimes get a sudden stabbing kind of pain ... but then it's gone.Saw my BS Wednesday for my checkup .... he was glad to see that area closed too.  Don't see him now till June 20 (I have been seeing him every 2 weeks since surgery).  My goal this year ...... Get some major weight off!!!!I feel pretty good though ... getting some things done around the house .... had some company over the weekend and had a great time.  Have a great day.  Mary 
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  • fitzdc
    fitzdc Member Posts: 1,467
    edited March 2012

    Going out tonight. A friend has a band so a relaxed evening of alt. country and good conversation.  Excited,, but hope I can stay up past my usual bed time of 10:00.  This is rather a contrast to last night's evening at the symphony.

    After meeting with PS a bit discouraged.  I thought March would be the surgery month, not the 'let's review month".  I know she's right - too fast might cause size issues in the future, but was looking forward to being even again.  It is not so noticable - just want to look down and see a breast - matching the other breast. She is also re-thinking the lipo - might do an implant, too.

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  • Bogie
    Bogie Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2012

    Cookie, I'm glad to hear the Tamoxifen is going well and tolerated. I started Arimidex one week ago and other than some fatique so far so good!


    I belong to another forum for SE on hormonal therapies and feel fortunate and hoping I continue without side effects. Cookie Don't even get me started about drama in the workplace, as if we don't have enough to worry and stress over, please! I run and run fast from that BSn no time, life is too short. It's stressfull to even watch and so mundane to me since going through this.



    Blessings, yes I am headed back to surgery In April to replace TE and treat CC (Capsule Contracture). Surgeon said it was caused because my incision tore and too much scar tissue built up. It's a one hour surgery. Once healed I can begin fills then. BTW Incision tore in the hospital! I leaned back in bed and fell back was more like it, ummm someone neglected to tell me you come out of BMX surgery with no back core muscles to control leaning back slowly into bed. Been paying for it since.



    Good news is feels awesome to sleep on my side again. Just hope I'm not in for more drains, how does one do that one and work??? Geesh.



    Sleep is vital with these busy days and back to work full time plus managing a household still.



    Was'nt the latest research showing "Stress" is a contributing factor to cancer? Ya think..haha



    Wishing all of you peace and pain free happy days to all my dec sisters! Stay strong and fight like a girl, I refuse to allow surgeries or side effects win!!<

    Remember we are women, therefor we are survivors!!

    God Bless-

    Karen/p>

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited March 2012

    It's so nice to see all the Decembers still posting here. This thread feels much more like home than any other thread...a cozy clubhouse. So glad everyone is dealing with their issues well, or going to the beach, or seeing a soccer game! I'm on the road again to pdx for another fill...my PS doesn't have a problem doing it while I'm on chemo as she wants to do it before the scars harden. I'll be ready for exchange and ooph come August. Wishing the best to all. Xxox

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  • Fytnlykeagirl
    Fytnlykeagirl Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2012

    That is truly a miracle your tumor disappeared due to the chemo.  May I ask what chemo you had?  Will you be having a double masectomy?

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  • Fytnlykeagirl
    Fytnlykeagirl Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2012

    That is truly a miracle your tumor disappeared due to the chemo.  May I ask what chemo you had?  Will you be having a double masectomy?

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  • chrissilini
    chrissilini Member Posts: 313
    edited March 2012

    Hello all. Haven't posted in awhile but wanted to check in. Glad to hear everyone is doing well.



    My exchange surgery is on Thursday. Yay! Can't wait to get these things out of my chest. The te's haven't been too horrible. Just ready to have them out. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.



    i've been working really hard at losing weight. Not doing HT and I know exercising and eating better wlll help. I've lost 8 pounds so far. Not much but it's a start. Have a long way to go but I can do it. Now if I could only stop eating my demon foods! Hey, still gotta enjoy life, right?



    Spring is coming soon. The last couple of days have been beautiful for the middle of March. Can't wait to start some gardening!



    Take care everyone. Be well.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    CookieMonster: Praying for continued good healing for you! As for hot flashes, I went through regular menopause about 13 years ago. Fortunately, so were most of my girlfriends. I remember at work, sometimes I would have a damp paper towel and a tiny hand-held battery fan to cool me off. That seemed to work well, that is, until I got a "cold flash". Yes, it seemed that my thermostat was broken! Layers! The secret is to layer your clothing!

    Jstunme:  Yay that your incision finally closed up! What a relief!!! My left armpit (SNB side) is still kind of numb in places, but the seroma that felt like a golf ball in my pit has now disappeared without any intervention. Glad you had a great weekend!

    fitzdc: Oh no! Out past 10 p.m.? You party animal! I know waiting is hard. My exchange will be delayed at least two months. I SO wanted squishies before summer!

    Bogie:  Please keep us informed on the Arimidex SEs. I'll have to start them after my weight loss program and exchange surgery in early Fall. Thank Heavens for sleeping on your side - even for a little while. Prayers for a successful procedure next month....

    Kam170 :  We might be Exchange Sisters in August!

    Welcome, Fytnlykeagirl!

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Yesterday, youngest son, DIL, and two granddaughters (8 and 6) came by to spend the day with us as they traveled to a mountain vacation. We hadn't seen them since they moved to Washington State two years ago!

    We had so much fun - we ate, we took pics, we ate, we walked to the playground (Grandma even went down the curly slide! Note to self: stuff dryer sheets in your underwear next time you do that.....)

    We came back, ate some more, played games, then while Grandpa, Mommy and Daddy sat and talked in the living room, Grandma took the girls back to her big Jacuzzi bathtub and let them "swim" with all the jets on. The room was soaked, as was Grandma. At one point, one of the girls accidentally opened the drain, and the water level got below the jets. So the room looked sort of like all the fountains at Versailles. But we quickly fixed that and refilled the tub.

    Then we played "Beauty Parlor" as the girls still had to get their hair dried and jammies on so they could drive up to the mountain house.

    Today I woke up at noon, feeling hungover from all the crap I ate that I'd been avoiding for the past month in preparation for Optifast. But I sure had fun!!!

    Hope all my December Sisters had a great, relaxing weekend and are doing well this week.

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  • fitzdc
    fitzdc Member Posts: 1,467
    edited March 2012

    It is like a clubhouse here!  Just want to say thanks for all the support, advice friendship, and other stuff that has been so needed on this journey.   Often I feel alone (no kids, no grandkids, no pets, and no family near me) so this is a great place to have.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    fitzdc -

    Friends are the family we get to choose for ourselves....

    HUGS!

    xoxoxoxoxoxo

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  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 738
    edited March 2012

    Chrisilini-Good luck Thursday and congrats on another step.  As for those demon foods-in moderation their just moderate demons Smile

    Blessings-what a wonderful, memorable time for you and your family

    fitzdc-that's what we're here for!

    Have a restful night all.

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  • fitzdc
    fitzdc Member Posts: 1,467
    edited March 2012

    Decided to move all my doctors to one location - since MO and PS and BS there, made since to have gyn there too. All records centralized.  So back from yearly pap smear and doc suggets removal of ovaries.   Had discussed with MO and decided on Tamox however gyn thinks it is' easier' in the long run to have the ovaries out.  Said it is a very simple procedure.  Torn now.  I am 47, have not gone through menopause and do not plan on hainvg children.  It is yet another hump to get over, though.  I don't use the ovaries, don' need them, but kinda like having them.

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  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 738
    edited March 2012

    Fitz-I'm having my ovaries/fallopian tubes removed next week.  I'm 51, on the precipice of menopause, but onc wants to get rid of as much estrogen as possible.  I, like you, was torn-there is also the option of Lupron injections, but once a mo for 5 years.  Really didn't see me hiking off to the doc every month for 5 years. I talked to the gynelogical onc and she explained the surgery-it's robotic outpatient-all done one day.  I went for the ooph option. Of course, this is followed by 5 years of AI. Good luck with your decision, I understand not wanting to lose body parts, but hopefully we're increasing our chances of not having to deal with more bc.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    Chrissilini -  we were posting at the same time!!!

    Congrats on the weight loss - WOOT!!!

    And I am sooooo envious of your exchange surgery tomorrow!!!

    Will be keeping you in my prayers for a successful procedure and quick healing. Be sure to come back and post all the details when you are able!!!!

    Many hugs....

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  • Ginger48
    Ginger48 Member Posts: 1,978
    edited March 2012

    Fitzdc-I had an ooph in December. I am 48 and the recovery from surgery was pretty easy. Surgical menopause and side effects from AI are kicking in now so time will tell how that plays out.

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  • Hindsfeet
    Hindsfeet Member Posts: 2,456
    edited March 2012

    Just wanted to jump back in her and ask for prayers for my exchange therapy next Tuesday. I am so excited about getting out the tissue expander. I didn't feel it until recently. Due to the botox my breast area was pretty numb. Now everytime I use my arm, I feel it inside of me...weird. Not looking forward to going under. I heard, I'm staying over one night. What was your experience for the second surgery, the implant?

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  • chrissilini
    chrissilini Member Posts: 313
    edited March 2012

    Good morning all. The big day is today. Check in at 6:15 am. I'm hungry and thirsty yet sick to my stomach from nerves. Weird. Thanks for the well wishes.



    Eveberry, good luck next Tuesday!



    Happy healing all. I'll check in and fill you in when it's over.



    Be well.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    evebarry!!!! I was wondering how you've been!!! Will pray for your exchange surgery next Tuesday. SOOOO envious!!!!

    chrissilini - Hope by now your procedure is over and you are resting comfortably!!! Looking forward to hearing from you.....gentle hugs!!!

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  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 738
    edited March 2012

    Home from today's pre-surgery lab work and ultrasound for next weeks ooph.  Does it ever end?

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited March 2012

    spunkyboobster -

    What day is your surgery? Will be praying for you, too!!!

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  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 738
    edited March 2012

    My surgery is set for next Thursday.

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  • Ginger48
    Ginger48 Member Posts: 1,978
    edited March 2012

    Thinking of all three of you and your surgeries...

    Chrissillini- Hope all went well and you are resting now.

    Spunky and Evebarry- you will do great!

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