August 2014 Surgery

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    There are 10 of us this week!  I'm all psyched up to get my surgery over with.  Four more days!

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    As far as protein shakes, there are so many to choose from!  I've been using  the Warrior Blend raw vegan chocolate protein shake by Sunwarrior. It has 17 grams of protein. I mix it with unsweetened almond milk and sometimes blend some berries in there as well.  It's not too bad!

    Thinking of all you lovely ladies this Monday morning. I hope our early bird august surgery sisters are healing nicely. It's going to be a busy surgery week for many!  Stay strong! Stay positive! 

    Susan


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  • ganzgirl2010
    ganzgirl2010 Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014

    good morning ladies,

    I was just looking at the list of all the women having surgeries this month, I got a chill thru my body when I saw my name there...I just cant  believe this is happening to me. And the amount of us going thru this makes me so sad...there's GOT to be a cure for this...SOMEDAY isn't soon enough ! Good luck to everyone we will do fine and pull thru this ! :)

     

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Ganzgirl, we all understand!  Sometimes it hits me too.  I can't believe I really went through what I did the last few months.  I am so grateful for this board.   Sometimes our friends and loved ones just don't "get it" like we do.

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Whew, what a week we have coming up!!!  Sure hope Amy, Shine and Ananana are doing well!

    1_more-  Thinking of you this morning!

    On one of the posts (and now I can't find it), there was a story about a mascot, Wilbur, who watches over you during surgery and is there when you wake up. It was really funny how it got started because the Sister posting after her surgery had such a garbled message and mentioned Wilbur. The others on the thread "adopted" Wilbur as a way to wish each other well, stay connected and inject a bit of humor.  I think we ought to bring Wilbur out to watch over all the sisters having surgery this month.   I will admit, when I think of Wilbur, I think of the pink pig in Charlotte's Web and I love the idea of that cute little pig watching out for us. But he could be an elf...not sure what form he takes. If I can find the thread on how Wilbur got started, I will post it.

    Remember lots of protein!!  We have got this!!

    Ally

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  • ganzgirl2010
    ganzgirl2010 Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014


    Juliecc...Yes we got this!!! But you are so right...our friends and family really cant begin to understand what we are going thru so this site has been a god send for me..and everyone else Im sure ! Ally2345...a very old friend..from high school recently got in touch with me...she went to my appointments at DF with me last Monday..when I was in the room being "felt up" for the 1000098793874 time, she went down to the gift shop and bought me a stuffed animal..a porcupine...to bring into surgery with me. It made me cry but it was the sweetest thing. So "porky" as my friend named it...will be watching over me during the 6 hour surgery :) 

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Ganzgirl-  What a great gift. How appropriate...And the name fits!  He will definitely watch over you. I think we all can relate to the many "needles" that we have been poked with!!  Gotta keep a sense of humor and it is wonderful when we can share a laugh. 

    Ally

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Ganzgirl, so true about being felt up a gazillion times. There is a funny thread on here called something like "You know you are a breast cancer patient when...."  Someone wrote, When you sit in the dentist chair and start unbuttoning your blouse."  :-)

    That was sweet of your friend. 

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  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited August 2014

    thats funny!

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2014

    Ally - how cute!

    Ganzgirl - that was so nice of your friend and I'm glad she could be there for you. Going through something like this really allows us to see who are true friends are. I feel like I've formed some close bonds with people which is definitely a silver lining in this mess. 

    Amy, Shine, Anas - can't wait to hear from you girls. I've been thinking of you and hope all is going well. 

    1more - hope all is going well today! 

    Susan - I just watched the video of your daughter. It brought me to tears. She is a beautiful, thoughtful young woman with a beautiful voice.

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  • Annemo
    Annemo Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2014

    Hi All. 

    My name is Annemarie. I am new here. My surgery is scheduled for Aug 18th. Having a BMX. My long story short is that I was originally diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3, IDC in May of 2012. Had a lumpectomy. No node involvement. Cancer was triple negative so had chemo (8 rounds dose dense ACT), followed by radiation. Was diagnosed with a regional recurrence this past April. They found 3 new masses in the same breast (triple negative again), as well as several internal mammary lymph nodes in the chest. Started chemo right away. 6 rounds of carboplatin and taxotere. Just wrapped up my chemo :) on July 25th…PHEW! After surgery I will have radiation, hopefully only to the mammary lymph nodes. In general I am a very strong person with a great outlook but this surgery terrifies me! Not from a pain perspective, I am just so afraid to be put under general anesthesia. I am still catching up on this thread but wanted to introduce myself. Looking forward to being a part of this group :)

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  • iwannaseeyoubebrave
    iwannaseeyoubebrave Member Posts: 226
    edited August 2014

    Annemarie, welcome to the the group.  I'm glad you found us. Wow, you have been through a lot. Yes, you are a strong person and a true warrior!  I think we can all agree that it's the work up we get ourselves into prior to surgery that is the worst part.  Continue to stay positive along this windy road.  

    Susan


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  • Seashore
    Seashore Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2014

    Catey - thanks for those tips and reminder about gearing up on protein.  I still have a week + and so will start focusing on this.  

    1more & Shewolf - welcome and thinking about you during surgery today and Tuesday.    

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  • Sassy_Seven
    Sassy_Seven Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2014

    Hi Ally,
    I am new to this board. And, I am having a lumpectomy on August 13. A lot of helpful info here!

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  • AmyG516
    AmyG516 Member Posts: 40
    edited August 2014

    Hello everyone!  Surgery went well Friday. Was very sick that night from the anesthesia - will need to inquire about the patch that is mentioned here for my next surgery. Initial biopsy on lymph node was negative so I'm hoping for some good news when I get the full pathology next week.   I'm sore and VERY tired but with my meds I am much more comfortable than I ever expected to be.  Was glad my sister was available to help me with my drains the first day but I am able to take care of them myself now.  Had dInners dropped off 2 nights in a row by a wonderful friend. I am so blessed to have support!  

    Hope Shine and Anas are doing well from their surgeries Friday too!  

    Good luck to everyone having surgery this week- can't believe how many there are!  You've got this ladies!!!!!

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2014

    Amy! Wonderful news on the initial node report! I'll be sending you lots of good thoughts for a clear path report. I'm so glad you're not in a lot of pain and that you have some support at home with meals and such. It's all downhill from here! Rest up and keep us posted on how you're doing! 

    Annemarie - welcome. I'm so very sorry you have to go down this road again. I'm also triple negative and will be having radiation - and my surgery is also on the 18th. And I can also relate to being a strong and positive person, but having this surgery shake you. I keep telling my husband that he's going to have to drug me to get me to the hospital that morning. I'm a nervous wreck. What I try to remind myself of is the fact that millions of woman have undergone this surgery. If they can do it, so can I. Hang in there! We are all here for you!

    Sassy - Hi and welcome! So glad you found us! I will add you to the list. :) 

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Amy-Im so sorry you got sick but I'm happy you are on the mend. I'm definitely going to ask for the ear patch as soon as I walk in on Friday. 

    Sassy-Welcome!  We are all here for you!

    Annemarie-try not to be afraid of being put under. When I had my BMX, it was supposed to take 4 hours but took 6. To me it seemed like a second!  Between the ear patch, Exparel (ask your PS if they can use this), and whatever they put in my IV, I woke up smiling, making jokes, and feeling good!  They had even put 250cc in each expander.  I went home that same evening. Here's a picture of me after I woke up :-p

    image

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  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 1,353
    edited August 2014

    The worst part is the waiting for them to take you down to start the surgery. Then its over before you know it. No lie- there will be pain, but keep ahead of the meds. When you are in recovery let the nurse know about your pain, she should keep refilling your happy juice. 

    Also- have your helper help you up for awhile by putting their arm behind your back and pushing you up/forward, then you can swing your legs around easier. For bmx people you will be amazed how much you use your upper body, pecs, arms etc for and it will be very though and painful for maybe a few days...

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  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited August 2014

    Hey Allydp!  I am new to this thread.  Julie, you looked so pretty in your apres-surgery picture!  

    I'm still catching up on the thread but I thought I'd jump in.  Looks like there are a lot of strong warrior women in August sx -- I'm proud to join you.  I'm having a 'staged' group of surgeries -- first one is August 11th -- to deal with what was left from a BMX, failed TE, two life-threatening infections, and subsequent sx to scrape everything clean (you can tell I'm not a doctor). I've got a big hole on my right side that goes all the way to my back, and they're going to try to repair it.  It's AFT, and I'm doing the BRAVA as well, but I have no idea how it will look.  Really I'm hoping they'll fill in that hole.

    Thinking of my other August surgery sisters, and looking forward to checking up on them!  How are you , 1 more Y me?  In the bag for you, SheWolf.  xoxo

    Hugs, 

    bobogirl

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Amy- woohoo on your initial report and a good surgery!  Sorry for the initial sickness but glad you are feeling better. Just take it a day at a time.  The drains will be gone in no time (and yes, they are an inconvenience).  Keep healing and let us know how you are doing!

    Sassy- Welcome!!!  Please ask any questions...everyone here wants to help and no question is stupid!! You are going to do great!

    Annemarie-  The thoughts that race through your mind are worse than the procedure. Once you have the surgery, you just focus on healing and it helps to have steps to take. You are going to do great and if you have questions, please ask!!

    Allydp and Juliecc are the best!  They keep this group positive and upbeat!!  You gotta love the pic...I know I did not look that good coming out of surgery!!!

    Bobogirl-  Wow, you have already been through so much   I so admire the fighter spirit in you.  I hope they can correct the problems.  Please let is know how you are doing as the month rolls along. 

    1_more and Shewolf-  thinking of you two!!  

    Ally

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  • AnasNana
    AnasNana Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2014

    Hi all

    Surgery went well..I am still a bit sore....most uncomfortable part is the drains and the spasms. If I move my arms to far or to fast the pain reminds me quickly. I am not one to just sit around so this is tough for me.

    1More..hoping everything went well for you today.

    Shewolf..best wishes tommorrow...you got this.

    Final pathology report will be in later this week.

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Thanks, Ally2345.  I hope all the August ladies have a great recovery like I did.

    Bobogirl, you've really had a tough time.  I have a little idea about the Brava method but what it AFT?  I really hope you do well with your upcoming surgeries and don't have any complications.

    Amy, congrats on your preliminary path report!  More than likely, the final one will be the same.  More waiting for test results, unfortunately.

    Aviva, I agree with everything you said.  It's hard to scoot yourself in and out of bed without using your arms much.  And yes the waiting before surgery made me anxious.  I was doing great for over an hour in my hospital gown and then the nervousnes hit me 10 minutes before.  I told the nurse and she said, "Let's start your happy juice, then."  I swear I don't remember a thing after that, I woke up, and the surgery was over.  :-D

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    It's great to hear from you, Anasnana!  Yes you'll be very sore for awhile and I know how hard it is to take it easy.  Valium should help with spasms if you have some.  As for the drains, you'll feel such relief when you get those evil alien babies removed.  Hang in there and take it easy.  Every week gets substantially better than the one before.

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  • AnasNana
    AnasNana Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2014

    Juliecc...great to see your TE's could be filled with 250 cc's immediately. Mine could not be filled as my skin was  too tight after the bmx. It was so weird to wake up and see absolutely nothing there. 

    In the end it will all be worth it.

    Tanya

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited August 2014

    Tanya, sorry they couldn't add any for you.  Your PS will probably wait 3-5 weeks for the first fill.  Once the fills start, it's really a fascinating process.  My boyfriend enjoyed coming to these appointments with me.  You can literally watch your boob grow before your eyes.  Check out the TEs. A Beginner's Primer thread sometime.

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  • Gramof2boys
    Gramof2boys Member Posts: 194
    edited August 2014

    So I was in the March surgery group, had LMX and now am having a RMX and bilateral reconstruction- SGAP flap(hip flap) at the breast center in New Orleans on August 20. I hope everyone has smooth surgeries and easy recovery. I'm anxious about this surgery, anyone else had the hip flap done? 

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  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited August 2014

    Welcome Gram of 2!  I'm sorry I don't know much about that procedure, but I thought I'd say hi. 

    Anas, you are a bada$s!  Way to go!  Agree about the V for spasms.  Was reluctant to take it -- I am one of those people who "doesn't want to be on drugs" :) -- but I had to get over that and take an occasional V for spasms after sx.

    Amy: *happy dancing on initial report*  I dedicate this coffee to you!

    Where in FL, Ally2345?  I am in FL too.  Many thanks for your kind words.

    Julie (the most beautiful girl in the world after sx!) -- AFT is autologous fat transfer.  That's part of what he's doing.  Many thanks to you too.  Actually, I underplayed, giving only my most recent sx -- I've had a partial left mx, an 11 cm lumpectomy on the left (that one benign), seven punch biopsies (or more), and then you can start the list above :)

    How are our Monday and Tuesday sisters doing?  We're standing by for you.  Julie, clinging to your 'happy juice' story.  You'd think I was a pro, but I get scared too, and I hope the nurses will make it easy for me. XXX

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  • Iwannacookie
    Iwannacookie Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2014

    Hello.  Finally got my surgery date--August 26th.  Ugh!  The waiting!  Having a DMX followed with TE.  

    I agree with Bobogirl--you do look lovely Julie, in your post-surgery photo--and happy too.  

    May we all feel as well as you look!

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  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2014

    Tanya- My PS started with 150cc and they were just little bumps.  It is weird to look down and not see what you expect to see.  Julie is so right...it is amazing to watch them fill up. Mine went east and west for a long time before I started to get any projection. One day my co- worker said, "hey, you have cleavage!"  It was pretty funny.  

    For all those recovering, please take the meds when directed; stay ahead of the pain!!  Mosy of us don't like the idea of taking meds but this is a case where your body is trying to heal. I think Radical2Squared said it best when she said she did not like to take meds but she got off that bus real fast. You will find that after a few days or a week, you start to take it just at night or just certain times.

    Julie- great reminder about the happy juice because I think everyone gets more nervous right before. Remember gals, you did your part. You are there...let that team work for you. Speak up if anxious because they can help.

    Shewolf- Thinking of you!!

    Gram-  Welcome to our group!  You will have to tell us all about NOLA and your procedure.  I know that I have read posts about that procedure but I know nothing about it.  I have read that it is an amazing facility and people definitely have recommendations. It might be the NOLA in Sept thread but not sure.

    Bobo- I am in Gainesville.  Yikes, you have had your share of procedures. I don't think we ever completely lose that sense of nervousness. I just know once I was rolled down the hall, I don't remember a thing until waking up in recovery and I could not believe 6 hours had passed.  Yeah for the happy juice.

    Hugs to all that are preparing this week!  You will do great!!

    Ally

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  • ganzgirl2010
    ganzgirl2010 Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014

    Ok ladies...I don't know if this is a silly question or not but here goes...can just having cancer make you tired ?? I haven't had any treatment yet but Im always exhausted no matter how much or how little sleep I get...

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