AUGUST 2015 SURGERY SISTERS!!

Ringelle

quiltlibrarian - glad you are starting to feel better! I bet you can't wait for the relief of the drain to come out.

Ringelle

Wow on the out of pocket costs! I am even more grateful for my insurance now. I couldn't imagine having the financial stress of it all on top of everything else! I'm even more motivated now to make sure I get my reconsturction before my hubby retires.

Artista928

Ringelle- I am overweight too. 212 lbs 5'5". BMI 35. My sugars are high end of normal range. The only thing I got talked out of was the using my abdomen for reconstruction. With my weight and all even though all my other readings are good, too risky for problems like blood clots and such to come up. But with TEs, there was nothing. I asked him if I happen to lose some weight if it will affect how my implants look. He said not with the ones he has in mind for me. The only requirement for the TE as with the BMX is how I'm psychologically handling it. You have to be strong and willed because these TEs are so there for you to feel and be reminded of what all has happened because you feel the pressure of it 24/7. I think that's why some folks go one step at a time, see how you do with bmx and then decide on reconstruction if got past that so to speak.

I still wish I could have had the free tummy tuck as I have a big one, but he wouldn't do it and he's the best around so I went along.

As for radiation, it doesn't affect the TEs. Those are temporary and rads doesn't do anything to them. I can't have the exchange sx until after rads because yeah, you don't want to have your real implants in only to do rads on them. So I figure it'll be April or so until I have my implants in.

Ringelle

Artista928: This is all good to know and I appreciate you sharing with me. It may ultimately be my sugars that are the problem. While they have been coming down, I'm definitely not in a normal range as of my last A1C. In September I will get them tested again and I'm hoping I will be in the high end of normal. I'm actually okay with waiting. I've been able to deal with one decision at a time. So far I'm pretty comfortable with my bmx. I had my first "public" appearance today. It was an emotional time for many reasons but ultimately, I didn't care if I was flat chested (with the skin sparing I actually look like I have the same size bust as my budding 10 year old)

BDawk

BMX 8/12

BDawk

BMX with T/E

justamy

I gained a lot of weight with chemo..(steroids)..I was around 200 when they did my direct to recon and BMX and I'm only 5 foot 3. The only thing that was said was that my boobs will look bigger or smaller depending on how much I weigh as they won't grow or shrink. I actually got TE's and never had to have them filled after surgery. They just took them out about 1 1/2 months after installing them and put 600 cc silicone implants. A few months later I wanted bigger because they looked so small for me so my surgery this month was to get 800 cc ones put in. I think each surgeon is just different. I know it seems like I had trouble this last time but it was really unrelated to surgery. It was just an ikky bacteria from swimming in the river prior to surgery. Good luck to all of you going in this week!

Artista928

Ringelle- Cool that you were comfy out in public. As prevalent as bc is, I'd be surprised at anyone really noticing. There are some women who are A cups and look flat so there really is no knowing for sure imo.

39andhip

Thank you to everyone for your support! I've been reading along but not commenting a lot as I have been super busy trying to wrap up work stuff, etc. I am thankful for all the things to do, though, to keep my mind off the surgery. I am starting to get ridiculously anxious, but I'm hopeful everything is going to be okay. Good luck to everyone else having surgery this week, and I hope those of you who have already been through it are recovering well and thrilled with the outcome.

Molly50

Thank you, quiltlibrarian! My best to my surgery week sisters!

mjh1

Sorry, ladies been away a couple of day tries to relax b4 surgery.  Anxiety starting to creep in.

Quilt - glad the infection is clearly up.  You certaintly didn't need that.

Audrey - Nice TATAS!!!!

The all the sisters having surgery this week I hope all goes well and you have smooth and uneventful recoveries.  Warm Hugs!!!

Speaking of insurance, has anyone ever heard of not needing preauthorization for surgery?? I called my PS office to make sure all was set for my surgery next week and if they get my medical clearance and asked the surgical coordinator if she got all the authorizations and she told me Empire told her with the codes given I didn't need authorization.  My contract says authorization are needed, so of course I called Empire and they told me the same thing.  Of course I wrote everyone's name down that I spoke to and their ID numbers at Empire.  I find this very confusing because in all my other surgeries the doctors got authorization.  Maybe they changed their policy with respect to breast reconstruction???  This only adds to my anxiety considering I'm still fighting with Empire over last years bills.  Since it is the doctor's responsibility to get authorization I hope if they deny the claim I'm not going to be held liable especially since the doctors office did call and I called.  Anyone have any expierence with this??

quiltowl5

Hi all,

Just thought I would check in. BMX w/DIEP was on the 13th. It seems like forever ago. Would I do it again...absolutely. It does hurt but I take my meds and walk around my little house. It is amazing how tiring it gets so quick. I think I am feeling so much better and by the time I use the bathroom-empty my drains and start to walk a little-I am already exhausted. :-) Today is the 1st day I have been left home alone. I think my sweet husband was actually ready to go back to "work". I see my PS tomorrow and I would really love to lose some drains. And have a shower!!!

My left hand has been numb since surgery and I have been doing the exercises and I think it is better but I am ready for it to feel normal. I love to hand sew and feel like doing it now but I really can't grasp with my left hand. Frustrating..but I should not complain...all of my incisions look like they are healing well. I can go about 6 hours between pain pills and have been able to sleep pretty comfortably in my recliner.

Hugs and good thoughts for everyone!

Artista928

mijh1- When I worked for a surgeon's office, I got sx auth as a courtesy. I know most places do so I don't know if I'd say it's the surg's office to get it because some put it on the pt and just gives the codes. I'd call the # and select getting precert for a procedure and start the process yourself. If whoever says oh you don't need it then note that name, time, etc down- but I'd try myself to do it one more time just to feel safer.

AudreyB

mjh1, for my BMX on my EOB it said the surgery was authorized for the BMX, expander placement and subsequent fills, the whole kit and kaboodle at one shot. I would call your insurance co again and speak to a supervisor.

chocomousse

Had a unilateral mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy for DCIS on 8.18.15. No reconstruction. Final pathology report showed a very small, stage 1 IDC. Had drain and bandages removed on 8.24. BS says the skin has sealed so I can get it wet. Still wearing the binder they gave me in the hospital and ordered more as it feels more confortable than being exposed. Surgical area feels weird, I still have not looked at it or touched it. Husband is monitoring the healing for me. They also gave me ted hose to wear which I removed yesterday for my appointment and noticed that my feet were very swollen 4 hours later when I got home. Put the hose back on, not sure if I need to contact my BS about this. Right arm range of motion is improving daily. Very little pain as long as I don't extend it outward.

Kimmer33

all the best to my surgery sisters this week, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Scotland219312

Got my last drain out this morning! I'm free! On to physical therapy and chemo! Recovering from surgery has been a breeze except for the cording that showed up on day 6. Range of motion is slowly improving (it's only been 2 weeks, so I'm not pushing it). The hospital has a lymphadema-certified PT that I'm trying to get an appointment with. Losing the breast was sad, but losing the nodes is scary!

Going into surgery, MRI, mammogram, and ultrasound put the tumor at 3.5x4.5. Biopsy said one lymph node, Grade 2, Stage 2B. Final pathology is 4.5x5.5 (pretty much my entire little breast), 3/7 nodes positive, Grade 1, Stage 3A. I wasn't particularly surprised about the new stage: having one node enlarged enough to be biopsied made it seem likely to me that more nodes would be involved. I was surprised that the tumor was bigger because there was so little real estate to begin with. The surgeon was surprised that a Grade 1 cancer had the gumption to spread to lymph nodes. Only 7 nodes in level 1&2?

I see the MO in a couple of weeks to see what delights she has in store for me. Best of luck to all of you recovering from or preparing for surgery.

quiltlibrarian

Last drain gone today. Happy dance. Surgery site is slowly healing.

Ringelle

Quiltowl - We had our bmx's the same day. I am doing delayed reconstruction so I'm just trying to heal from the bmx part. I hear adding reconstruction is a bit more challenging. It sounds like you are making good progress. My hand was numb after surgery for about 24 hours but then it went away. I hope yours rectifies itself quickly. My drains came out 5 days later - one had malfunctioned and the other was close to 30 ml so BS pulled that one too. As much as they are uncomfortable, I wish they had stayed in longer. I have seromas in both sides that have been pretty uncomfortable. At my post op today, BS wrapped me in ACE bandages which have offered sweet relief. I can't believe how grateful I am for them!!!! I was doing really well last week and then tanked on Sunday. I've been taking it more easy this week and trying to give myself more of a break! Here's to healing!

Ringelle

chocomousse - I hope you are recovering well. I'm sorry to hear about the upstaging. That sucks! This stuff is so sneaky and everything turns on a dime! I hope your treatment plan doesn't change too much! All my best to you!

Ringelle

Quiltlibrarian - yeah on getting your last drain out! Isn't freedom sweet! Hope your healing continues!

Ringelle

Scotland - happy to hear about your drain! You seem like you are keeping a pretty positive attitude. Sure sounds like you've had it all handed to you with this surgery! I hope your healing continues and I wish you happy thoughts and all my best as you head into the next course of treatment(s)

Ringelle

Saw BS for post of for my BMX today. I was worried about infection because I've been feeling so crappy the last couple of days after feeling really great the first week. Thankfully, no infection. Margins were all negative, nodes were clear and left was clear. No radiation was recommended. It was suggested for me to follow up with MO regarding Tamoxifen. BS seems to think guidelines are changing on this since this advice was different from what he's heard the last 5 years. My appointment with MO is Thursday so I guess I'll know then. BS suggested I make a follow up appointment with PS. I'll be seeing him Monday. It may be that I can talk reconstruction earlier than planned. Thinking hopeful thoughts!

mjh1

artista, audrey - thanks for the input.  Called insurance again and said with the 6 procedure codes given, they don't need prior auth.  It's basicaly the same procedure codes I had in my other surgeries except for the FG so maybe that's why they're saying I don't need it.  Don't know, but now it's not my problem.  I know they're phone conversations are recorded and kept for 3 years so no they definitely can't say we didn't try to get prior auth.

Saw PS today for final pre-op.  was bummed to find out that the Allergan 410 are not available in either LX or MX like we had planned and the other 410's are even smaller than what I have now.  Looked at Inspira's (really nice and soft) but PS feels I'm better off with the Mentor Memoryshape since they hold their shape better.  Will have three different sizes in OR to see what works best.  Has a lot of pocket work to do on one to try and camoflouge the muscle detachment.  Wasn't happy to hear that she may put 2 drains in because she doesn't wnat any fluid in there at all so there be less chance of implant rotating again.

So in a nutshell, will have to clean drains for a week, no shower for a week, no lifting AT ALL for the first week, surgical bra for a week, will wear an abdominal binder or spanx because I'm having FG also done, and doesn't want me workign for a month becuase my job requires me to carry 20 lbs.  Will see her in 1 week to discuss which of these we can eliminate.  I feel like I'm having MX all over again.  If I still have rippling after all this, I will definitely need to be commited. 

Sorry, had to vent.

 

quiltlibrarian

Ringelle it is good to have the last drain out. Surgeon wanted less than 20 ml for 2 days before that had to be pulled. I did have problems with the drains too. They would suck air. So she put in more stiches around the drains. Nurse had a lot of problems getting the stiches out. I hope that you will be feeling better soon.

mhj I hope that every thing will go great for you. That this will be the last surgery for you and the healing will be quick.

Scotland It is nice being free from the drains. Wishing you the best for the upcoming treatments.

hugs all

mjh1

chocomouse - glad to hear surgery went well but not so glad to hear about the upstaging.  Hope you continue to heal well.

scotland and quilt - yay, drains are out.  Happy dance indeed!!  It's amazing the little things we now get happy about.

ringelle - Wonderful news on the clean path.  I will keep my fingers crossed for your MO appointment on Thursday.

Molly50

Hi Ladies, I guess I'll be moving to the September surgery thread. My surgery was canceled today and is tentatively scheduled for the 4th of September.

quiltlibrarian

Molly please let us know how you are doing, hugs

39andhip

Molly - you and me both! My plastic surgeon called me on Monday to tell me he had hurt his eye and could not operate this week. (I was supposed to go in today.) So after all this waiting... I'm still waiting. Since it took a month and half to try to schedule the mastectomy + recon at the same time, I rescheduled the mastectomy for 9/1 and the recon for 9/8 (supposedly, but I will believe it when I see all the fat on my abdomen on my chest).

Molly50

Hugs to you 39andhip! I am supposed to have a TRAM flap when I am done with my other treatment. I see you are having DIEP. I will be interested how it goes for you. I think that surgery scares me more than the umx.