September 2012 Surgery
Comments
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ohiobecky are they the shots they give you to boost your white cell count? They did mention it yesterday but I'm not sure they're keen on giving them to me yet, can't remember if that's related to pregnancy or not. They weren't overly panicked about having to delay surgery by a week to be honest, just more concerned that I was miserable from the mouth sores which thankfully seem to be healing today (my cell count is due to improve from today onwards as I head into week 3 after last AC tx) and just kept ensuring me to keep away from people because I'm at such a risk of infection now. It's like I was told the date of surgery and since then my body has decided 'I'm gonna make this as difficult as possible for you'! I'll get there. Have 2 more blood tests to get done over the next week so we'll see, might be fit yet.
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Mumtobe-
Am cheering you on! Sounds like you are juggling so much - - keep that great attitude and humor. . . you'll get through all this!
Sending all of you a hug today -
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Hello ladies. Add me to the list. Got the call yesterday and my BMX with TE's is scheduled for Tuesday the 18th. The waiting has been absolutely excruciating, asyou all know, but when I actually got the call for surgery it felt like things were going way too fast at that moment!!! Mother died at age 39 of BC. I was 13. Her sister died at 49 with breast and ovarian cancer. Their Aunt; my father's sister also died in her '40's with BC. Lots of other cancers among several other family members. I cannot let it take more from me than it has. I am hoping that the offering of my breasts will stop the trend. I am the oldest female alive on either side of my bloodline and I don't plan on giving up my position of matriarch! I have 15 grandchildren!
Biopsy showed DCIS w/ suspicious of but not diagnostic of stromal invasion. Must wait for pathology. I'm getting anxious - I can feel it bubbling under the surface. I have a "good attitude" which everyone tells me I must have. I'm ready, but I think a few floors will be scrubbed and windows washed between now and Tuesday. I feel as though I am nesting. Funnily enough my PS said that it would take about 9 months from start to finish on the reconstruction. I feel as though I am carrying and preparing to give birth to my new boobs.
Fingers crossed for us all. -
Sooqz-
Welcome to the club no one wants to be in. So funny unfelt that way too!! My surgery is in two weeks and I have begun to clean everything. I just keep saying in my mind that I am going for a boob job until I am told about pathology!! The waiting is absolute torture!! -
Kitty - Good luck today!! Hugs and well wishes coming your way!
SooZQ - welcome!
Mumtobe - The recovery from my final AC [3 weeks ago yesterday] was brutal. It was the only one that I had mouth sores, awful. I had it in my mind that I would feel better by 10 days post chemo as that was how all the other recoveries went. On day 9, I was in the ER with numerous issues, most stemming from a low white count. By day twelve, my white count was back up and the mouth sores were healing nicely [as was everything else]. I did however get neulasta. And with all of that I mean to say "Hang in there!! It will get better soon!!" Chemo stinks, but it is over and you should not ever have to do another post chemo recovery!!!! I hope you feel better soon!!!!!!!!!!!
I did have good news yesterday. I had my post chemo MRI last week [I am in a clinical trial so I have had many MRIs] and the results were fantastic. Favorite sentence.... "Known Biopsy proven malignancy left breast with resolution on imaging." They can no longer detect any cancer. Nice. My 12 week MRI said with "nearly complete resolution on imaging". It is very exciting to watch it dissolve and shrink. The last goal, of course, is that after surgery they come back and tell me there was no remaining cancer cells. I hope and pray for that!
Have a great day everybody!!!!
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SooZQ, I hope all goes well with your surgery. And if you want to have a lousy attitude you can. (Please don't get me started on the "think positive" garbage!).
LyndaMarie, I'm delighted to hear your good news!
I do want to give one piece of advice. Before you leave the hospital TAKE THE PAIN MEDS!!!!!!! I didn't since I was feeling OK but despite the pillow under the shoulder strap I was miserable by the time I got home. My DH left right away to pick up my DD from the supermarket and I couldn't get the bottle of pain meds open! Dang child-proof caps.
Leah
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Surgery is over! Recovery room was a little scary for me, I was worried that I could'nt breath on my own. The first thing I remember is the nurse telling me to take deep breaths. Surgery took about 5 hrs, long day for my family and friends. I spent two nights in the hospital, and was ready to go home. I have my pain under control and am getting stronger each day. I am sleeping in a recliner, taking my pain meds around the clock. So far so good. My two close friends come morning and night to empty and measure my drains. My TE's were filled to 180cc.
Sending {{hugs}} to all!!
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Sandlake so good to hear from you!!! Glad that surgery is over and good for you for keeping up on pain meds!!!! Stay strong!!!
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I am so glad to read of the successful surgery stories! I am getting really nervous and ready for this to be over with - I think I am more worried about the anesthesia than the recovery/aftermath. Since this mess started I have had 3 surgeries already but of course this is the biggie (I had my SNB under general, port insertion under twilight, then my SNB re-excised/cleaned out under general).
I am doing the cleaning/nesting thing too. Like the deep stuff - cleaning out the fridge, wiping down cabinets, cleaning the baseboards! I actually used to do this kind of cleaning a couple times a year but since I have kids and cats, I usually don't bother that much anymore. And you can tell - the stuff I found in my freezer was disgusting!
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Mumtobe, those are the shots I was talking about. Not sure if they are approved during pregnancy though. But i did all of the Vit B & C stuff and mentally convinced myself that they were boosting my counts too.
My path report came back. My tumor that was originally over 10cm had pretty much disinigrated from the chemo. The largest "chunk" they found left was 3mm. And there was no sign of current cancer cells in the 13 nodes they looked at. Apparently some of the nodes had scar tissue so there probably was some there before chemo. I feel like this is a non-answer. I guess I can wait till my post-op to ask more questions though.
Hah, I have a mystery heart-shaped soft pillow that I got while in the hospital. No one knows who or where it came from. But I have it tucked under my arm all the time. Takes some of the pressure of my armpit. So thanks to whoever gave it to me lol!
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My constant thoughts are with all you special Sept/Oct ladies. Thank you for updates on your upcoming surgeries, and recovery experiences. I pop on this thread and read through your posts as frequently as I can. This whole situation is so new to me, with many unanswered questions. I don't know that I have anything valuable to add other than to express my heartfelt gratitude about you welcoming me with such kindness. You bring forth the very BEST of humanity!
With love,
Kellie -
Thanks for the kind welcome. Did my preop appt with my breast surgeon's office and then pre-registered at the hospital. I thought we had everything together but learned today that my insurance company approved the reconstruction BUT HAVE NOT YET APPROVED THE MASTECTOMY!!!!!! What??!! How does that happen???
Apparently they have never pondered which came first: the chicken or the egg!
So i ask you, what am I supposed to do with these breasts while I am enjoying reconstruction before mastectomy?? -
My surgery is planned or the 20th. BMX with LD and TE reconstruction. I am super nervous about it....Thank god my mom is coming to help out.
I hope everybody will have a successful surgery and super fast recovery! -
SooZQ, sounds like you have Tri Care insurance..?! That's retarded....*I'm rolling my eyes now*
Hope that gets cleared up asap.
My chemo and the port placement got delayed because of some clerical error. So frustrating..... -
20 Aug 2012
Sandlake - hysterectomy
4 Sept 2012
Trinity0723 - MX (left)
5 Sept 2012
Leah_S - MX on remaining side plus bilateral TE placement
6 Sept 2012
leahlee - excisional biopsy
katylynn - BMX with TEs
7 Sept 2012
KnBsAngel - MX with TE
marianelizabeth - lumpectomy, SNB
the5owens - lumpectomy
Momluke - MX (left) with reconstruction and symmetric surgery
10 Sept 2012
Sandlake - bilateral MX with TEs
ohiobecky - MX (left)
java11 - MX with DIEP (left), reduction (right)
11 Sept 2012
SweetCaroline2 - MX, Lat Dorsi with TE
Tzvia - MX with TE
mrskimber47 - bilateral MX with implants
SAR843 - bilateral MX, DIEP/TRAM
13 Sept 2012
cthynsh - lumpectomy, SNB
cjw75 - BMX
14 Sept 2012
kittykoma05 - bilateral MX with TEs
17 Sept 2012
positivenergy - bilateral MX with DIEP
18 Sept 2012
gajor4 - MX with bilateral DIEP
4caseygirl - BMX
SooZQ - BMX with TEs
19 Sept 2012
michellej1980 - bilateral MX, DIEP
cathyann - MX
20 Sept 2012
LockeKopp - BMX with LD and TE
24 Sept 2012
Sneakychiquita - skin-sparing UMX with TE reconstruction
Mumtobe - MX
KellieDenise66 - BMX with TEs
LyndaMarie - BMX with TEs
annievan - TE to implant exchange
25 Sept 2012
Teri060811 - BMX
26 Sept 2012
sandrav - bilateral DIEP
28 Sept 2012
Jennt28 - bilateral MX, muscle sparing free TRAM
Dakota212 - bilateral MX with TEs
1 Oct 2012
kltb04 - BMX with TEs
15 Oct 2012
rozem - bilateral MX with TE's and lat dorsi flap (on the radiated side)
unknown date
Bargala - bilateral MX with TEs
robertson8272 - MX with a SNB and LAT Flap With TE -
This list is so long! A sorry welcome to the new ones on the list. Away with hubby for the weekend in another city. Enjoyed lunch in a lovely restaurant at the art gallery and pondered how different life will be in 2 Saturdays time - no lovely lunch and glasses of Spanish red wine...
We are back at our hotel and hubby is snoozing before we head out to a Jazz Club for the evening.
Jenn -
So is anyone else doing this? I keep walking around thinking things like "this is the last day of work with these breasts" or "this is the last Saturday morning with these breasts". My brain won't shut up!!!
LockeKopp - the eye rolling is much appreciated. It seems I have the Sierra Health "LITE" version of insurance.
Off to the last day of Saturday Shopping with these breasts! -
I am doing that too SooZ. And having a serious case of "don't know whatcha got til it's gone!". My boobs are somewhat saggy due to weight and age but overall nice boobs. Lol. Sorry guys you betrayed me so you gotta go.
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Jenn I hope you had a lovely time!
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I just went through my bra drawer. Do to yo yo dieting and preg/nursing, I have sizes ranging from 36b to 40dd, one was actually a 36 f!!!!! What the heck! Why did I keep all these bras?! I think I'm a bit of a hoarder. I'm currently in a 36dd, and would like to be much smaller with the reconstruction. The boob fairy has been playing head games with me for years and, now the WITCH is taking them back all together.
Has anyone been on the thread implant sizing 101? Pretty interesting. Another member just directed me that way. If you send your height, weight, and I believe rib cage measurements there's a gal who can give recommendations. Just when I thought I'd done all the researching I find out there's so much more to learn.
Thoughts with you ladies just coming out of surgery last week. Hope you healing well. Big hugs to those of you headed that way next week. Please continue to keep us all posted.
Jennt- thanks again for keeping us all up to speed with your surgery calendar! Hope you are enjoying your time with your DH! -
I took pictures of mine the morning of my surgery. I would much rather have the pictures and never look at them than regret not having the pictures.
I have not really had an emotional break yet. Not sure if I'm in denial? Hasn't sunk in yet? I have looked at my chest, looked in the mirror. Nothing. I don't know if it is because I can't see the incision because of the steri strips? I just figured I would be having a harder time emotionally. -
Hubby took pics of them for me yesterday so that we have something to show the tatooist when I go to get areolas tatooed next year after nipple recon. My PS made us realise we should take the pics since he doesn't share the ones he takes (which aren't close ups anyway).
Jenn -
Hello...I'm new to this group but i see a couple familiar names.
I'm having BMX w TE's surgery on September 25th.
I haven't gotten a chance to read this whole thread but i plan to for sure in the next day or two.
Not sure why i didn't think to come here sooner. I have been stressing a lot about this upcoming surgery. It helps to talk to people that are in the same stage of this mess! Have must people here done chemo already or are you doing chemo after surgery?
I finished chemo almost 2 months ago.
Cindy -
Hi Cindy, Seems to be a real mix between chemo or surgery mix here and I have already done both! Did a lumpectomy in December, chemo from January to June, still doing Herceptin till next March and having a BMX this month.
20 Aug 2012
Sandlake - hysterectomy
4 Sept 2012
Trinity0723 - MX (left)
5 Sept 2012
Leah_S - MX on remaining side plus bilateral TE placement
6 Sept 2012
leahlee - excisional biopsy
katylynn - BMX with TEs
7 Sept 2012
KnBsAngel - MX with TE
marianelizabeth - lumpectomy, SNB
the5owens - lumpectomy
Momluke - MX (left) with reconstruction and symmetric surgery
10 Sept 2012
Sandlake - bilateral MX with TEs
ohiobecky - MX (left)
java11 - MX with DIEP (left), reduction (right)
11 Sept 2012
SweetCaroline2 - MX, Lat Dorsi with TE
Tzvia - MX with TE
mrskimber47 - bilateral MX with implants
SAR843 - bilateral MX, DIEP/TRAM
13 Sept 2012
cthynsh - lumpectomy, SNB
cjw75 - BMX
14 Sept 2012
kittykoma05 - bilateral MX with TEs
17 Sept 2012
positivenergy - bilateral MX with DIEP
18 Sept 2012
gajor4 - MX with bilateral DIEP
4caseygirl - BMX
SooZQ - BMX with TEs
Sharon1942 - UMX with DIEP
19 Sept 2012
michellej1980 - BMX, DIEP
cathyann - MX
20 Sept 2012
LockeKopp - BMX with LD and TE
24 Sept 2012
Sneakychiquita - skin-sparing UMX with TE reconstruction
Mumtobe - MX
KellieDenise66 - BMX with TEs
LyndaMarie - BMX with TEs
annievan - TE to implant exchange
25 Sept 2012
Teri060811 - BMX
FightingLikeAGirl - BMX with TEs
26 Sept 2012
sandrav - bilateral DIEP
28 Sept 2012
Jennt28 - BMX, muscle sparing free TRAM
Dakota212 - BMX with TEs
1 Oct 2012
kltb04 - BMX with TEs
15 Oct 2012
rozem - BMX with TE's and lat dorsi flap (on the radiated side)
unknown date
Bargala - BMX with TEs
robertson8272 - MX with a SNB and LAT Flap With TE -
Welcome Cindy! Love your log in! I'm in So Cal as well, Anaheim to be exact. How are you dealing with this heat wave on top of everything else? I hear it's going to be in the triple digits next weekend as well. I'm hoping things cool down by the time we're recovering from surgeries.
Congrats on finishing your chemo. So glad you're here with us. Another member directed me to this thread, and it's definitely been hand holding at its very best! -
Stomach starting to rise into throat. Less than 48 hours.
Windows are sparkling. -
Hi Cindy, there seem to be so many BMX's with TE's! At least you are in good company and can't say enough good about having this thread as we go through the surgerie together. There is something comforting about seeing that people you don't even know personally, are there for you before and after.
This is a big week for surgeries and positivenergy, gajor4, 4caseygirl, SooZQ, I will be thinking of you these next few days.
I do have a question: why is it that the moderators suggest we be anonymous? Is it maybe due to insurance issues or something to do with privacy? Someone new said yesterday on a thread, that she is already public anyway with this, so gave her name. I do love so many of your choices though but I could not think of anything orginal myself so real name.
Jenn thanks and I know your time is coming fast and I hope your weekend away has been great.
Marian -
I am scheduled to have a unilateral DIEP flap surgery this coming Tues., Sept. 18th. I'm wondering if anyone knows why my "Preparations for Surgery" instructions said, "If you develop a facial sore prior to surgery, please notify us." I have a stye on one eye & am worried the PS may postpone my surgery.
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18 Sept 2012
unilateral DIEP flap
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Good luck to positivenergy for your surgery tomorrow and everyone else this week. I'm getting really nervous now.
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