AUGUST 2015 SURGERY SISTERS!!

BDawk

I go in for my first fill tomorrow. Just wondering what I should expect and how I should prepare.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Kris_L

First...l just want to say reading all your experiences makes me feel like I'm not alone. I am now 3 weeks and 3 days out from BMX with immediate implant reconstruction. My recovery has been pretty uneventful. I agree to have Miralax on hand! The drains came out at 10 days. Finally taking a shower once the drains were out was pure heaven!! Taking the dressings off was hard, as I knew what I wouldn't see. The image changes are getting easier. Anxious for the nipple reconstruction and tattooing. That won't be for at least two months yet. I still have a tightening sensation mid sternum which I know is from the implants being placed under the pec muscles. Icing helps. I have read all your experiences. What I want to say is "Thank you for sharing all your stories". It is more therapeutic than I can express. I have been experiencing the "blues, and all of you have truly helped!!

aviva5675

1- I had the radioactive shots too and they werent much fun. I had lx 10 days earlier so some of my nerves were already gone and so not every area was painful. The nurse stood at my head and made me squeeze her hand hard during it and that helped! the Lidocane is suggested by many people too.

2- I dont think there is a huge rush to start fills after surgery. Heal up awhile then start. I think I started 4 weeks after, and did 50cc a time maybe once a week or every 10 days. Low and slow is the way to go!

3- First fill- Im not gonna lie: that needle looks huge! but thats the freakiest part and you get over it. I didnt watch my injections for weeks into it. It takes a bit for the injection to be done- the stuff is thick so doesnt squirt right in. I' d say take some Motrin or something before you go just in case of some pain, otherwise just see how it goes.

Im not a dr or anything but I cant see how getting fills of 75, 100 or more at a time can be helpful for how you feel, except for maybe getting them done sooner. I had to wait 2 months after last fill for my exch anyway.

Artista928

I saw ps today and came home with the 2 drains left still in. Max he'll leave them in is 6 wks po. After that the risk for problems goes up. Still putting out 30 ml or more per 24 hour time frame. He told me one lady long ago demanded he take them out while they were still putting out over 30 in 24 hours and she wound up swelling with infection, back in the clinic with the drains back in. So I said keep them in..

There was a fellow ps there who I think may be just starting out. I was ok with her coming in to see his work on me. Why not learn from the best? I mean it's amazing how even and how everything looks. She was wow'd too. I'm going to every review site to give William Dugoni Jr my bs and Prasad Kilaru this ps rave reviews. So so glad they took care of me. Great work and great bedside manner, especially for men dealing with women issues.

Carrie37

I know most of us just finished surgery but I have a question that some here might be able to answer. What did you wear as a bra during your fills? Or even before fills started? I am flat and having a hard time picturing myself going out in public. What are your plans? I return to be in six weeks and fills will just be starting. I am nervous about what to wear. Thanks

Artista928

I'm just wearing my cammy, no bra. I'm pretty flat too from D/DD to a couple of small hills size A like. I'd go with comfort over what it may look like as I'm of the attitude of who cares what others may think- and I'm pretty sure many don't give a second look. It's not like bc isn't common enough. I'm also not buying a wig as it'd be too warm on me so I've got head coverings set up.

Carrie37

Thanks Arista, what kind of cammy do you have and where did you get it? You are right about not caring what others think. I think it is more about my own self-confidence or lack thereof. I was very concerned about my hair or lack of hair prior to chemo. After a while all I wore was scarves or wraps. Totally ditched the wig.

Artista928

At the women's center at Washington Hospital, there's a bra etc store through the Hers Breast Cancer Foundation and they measured me and gave me two of them free since I''m on fixed income. But I know folks here have bought online. Here's one site I remember being referred to early on.

http://www.curediva.com/shop-by-product/clothing/t....

quiltowl5

Hi All,

I had the radioactive shot too but obviously had great drugs because I don't remember it. :-) As of Tuesday I am drain free!!!!! It feels great. PS said I look great and am healing well. My left arm and hand are still numb..but more pins and needles tingly and I can use my fingers better. I was able to do some hand sewing today. I was slow and fumbly but it felt good to know it is coming back. My underarm side of my left breast aches more than anything. I keep a little pillow under my arm all of the time and that helps. I have been taking my shower with my binder on, because it feels so funny with it off. My plan is to take it off for my shower tomorrow...hopefully I won't wimp out. I know I will start feeling better as I start doing more normal activities. I can almost stand up straight! This group has really helped me to not feel so alone. Thanks so much everyone!!!

quiltlibrarian

Quiltowl hope that you will get all the feeling back soon. Us quilters need our fabric therapy. I have been looking at new quilt patterns and dreaming of new quilts. I do like the hand quilting. I have not done a lot in the last year, but that will change soon.

I did just today bought two genie bras, but will wait for more healing before wearing them. To sore to wear them right now.

Astista good about some of the drains being gone. Hopefully the others will be gone soon.

Hugs all

Artista928

My ml were higher today than yesterday. jeez. I'm guessing my being overweight and taking out D/DD size breasts really stirred things up in there and why these last 2 are not draining less consistently.

quiltowl5

hi quiltlib, Yes,we need our fabric therapy. :-)) I retired 3 years ago and am used to sewing about 8 hrs a day. I mostly hand piece and I am thinking and planning so many things for the future.

I can't imagine putting a bra on any time soon. Just because of my underarms. Is that where you are sore, too? What are genie bras? I am the same size as I was pretty much but I am sure that I am swollen and that may change. I would love to not have to wear a bra ever again but I am sure I will want to when I go out in public. There is a breast cancer shop by my Drs office and I can get bras at a reduced rate with my insurance. I went and looked at them before my surgery and they gave me 2 camisoles to wear. I haven't even worn them yet. I guess that would be what I should start with. They are very soft cotton and zip up the front. maybe I will try one on tomorrow after my shower. I had forgotten about them! Thanks for helping me remember.

Good night!

hummingbirdlover

I didn't wear anything, bra wise, during my fills. Those TEs are hard as rocks and never moved an inch so I figured why bother? I'm wearing a genie bra now, after my exchange at PS orders but I'm honestly hoping I don't have to wear one ever, after this, if I don't need to. I'm not very big, maybe a b or small c cup so we shall see but I sure got used to not wearing anything

rovnic13

Welcome Kris L!!

Thank you Molly50.

Grace

Carrie37

Thanks for the responses.

Carrie

quiltlibrarian

Genie bras are at Walmart. they are zip up and they have a little poof inside. Right now I love going commando up top. LOL. I am to sore in the surgery site to wear one. Still healing there. It has been so slow because the infection.

Hello Carrie

Artista928

I don't see the need for an actual bra either as the TEs are like rocks- no sagging. I plan on being max a small C. I was D/DD and it was too big, and still would be for my liking even with the you don't have to worry about sagging anymore like I was. I used to live in bras and sleep in them too because of this.

PS likes me to stay in a cammy because it provides a bit of support and protection from the elements like the sun and all during these warm months which in CA we aren't done with warm yet and I wear light tops typically until Dec here.

justamy

I was told to wear a bra for at least 6 weeks after each surgery. I wear sports bras mainly but am going to get one from Layne Bryant. They don't have wires in any of their bras and I'm supposed to go wire free. My implants still look saggy but in a different way that my real boobs did so I would like the lift. I am not at all pleased with my PS nor his insistence that I'm about as good as it gets. No alloderm or fat grafting. Implants on top of muscle. None of this even given as an option. There is significant rippling and they have very little projection.... More like hamburger buns...and I have 800 ml so they should be out there but they are not. I'm tired of fighting him and so very tired of surgery... I guess I'll just get used to the new me....sigh...

georgie61

Quiltlibrarian and Quiltowl - although I don't have quilt in my name - I am also an avid quilter and can't wait to get back to it. I've been making fabric purses with some of my batik fabrics that are turning out really cute. The woman that introduced me to quilting 7-8 years ago is actually staying with us helping to take care of me while my husband is at work. She owned the local quilt shop here - and when she went out of business I bought up so much of her fabric that I practically have enough fabric to open my own.

Any cool projects you guys are working on? I got a new laptop and made a really cute ( if I do say so myself) sleeve for it with pockets for mouse, etc.. For some reason these small projects are more appealing to me than the big ones. The purses I am putting away as Christmas presents. If I get motivated I will take pics. Take care! Marcy ( Georgie61)

39andhip

Amy - I'm so sorry you aren't happy with your recon results or your PS. That must be so frustrating! Is there any way you can see another PS?

Anonymous

I had the radioactive injection as well. First I had 3 lidocaine injections and then 3 of the RA stuff. Stung really bad like a wasp sting or something similar I can only imagine. Then I had to massage the breast for 10 minutes. I joked with my husband, who they allowed to stay in the room, the chance to play with my boob one more time but he declined

Good luck with your recovery.

SummerAngel

I agree, Amy, that you should see another PS. At the very least the PS should be listening to your concerns! I'm 6 days post-exchange and very happy with my results. I would definitely be throwing a fit if I had concerns like yours!

About bras, I only wore simple built-in shelf camis when I had TEs and now post-exchange the doc wants me in something similar 24/7 for the next week. I'm wearing a cami-like bra for now. Very little support but they say little is needed.

About fills, I got my first TE fill 5 days post-op and once a week after that. I still had drains for the first fill, and the fill actually pushed a lot of fluid out on one side. The nurse said that was normal, and I was actually glad I still had the drains for it. I ended up with my last fill on July 2nd, so that made my exchange happen sooner as well. I'm glad, personally. I also didn't have radiation or chemo to deal with, though, so that allowed the process do go more quickly.

I had one radioactive injection in each breast before my BMX, but I also had a lidocaine injection in each side prior. I asked my BS about this before surgery and she confirmed that lidocaine was standard. It wasn't a problem at all. The massage they did after the injection was actually more irritating than the shot!

Artista928

I just got a call from the best nurse navigator Polly at the Washington Hospital's womens center. The infusion center has water and ice chips for you, so you don't need to bring any. They also have juices and snacks so unless you are picky about your snacks, you don't need to bring anything. You get a private room with comfy chair, tv, wifi. And I get to see it before it starts so I can get comfy with the nurses there and get any questions I may have answered ahead of time.

I can't recommend Washington Hospital womens center in Fremont CA enough to those who aren't far from here. Dr. Dugoni my bs and Dr Kilaru my ps are stellar too. I feel so loved and cared about, and not just another pt of so many coming through!

quiltowl5

Happy Thursday!

I am 3 weeks out today. I took a shower without my binder...I got a little light headed and cut it short but it was OK. I also put on a camisole and it covers the area under my arm that bothers me and actually feels better. I went all the way and put on yoga type pants and a tee shirt and my comfy everyday slipon shoes. Makes me feel a little more normal.

Georgie61 Quilting is my passion. I was taught as a child and have been amassing fabric since the 60's. :-)) I start out to make a small wall hanging and it turns into a queen size quilt. I am trying to make myself make smaller items. I bought a new machine when I retired and have taken several classes making smaller items and I like the items to give as gifts especially. But when I just want to sew and make stuff..it usually turns into a big quilt. Since November I have been working on a 3/4 inch hexagon quilt. It will be a large queen. I am on the last border and if this BC hadn't happened I had hoped to have it finished by Sept. Well, since I was able to start sewing in the past few days maybe I will finish by October. It is all by hand but I will take it to a long armer for quilting. I love to piece and want to do what I enjoy the most so I usually send my quilts out to be quilted if they are larger than lap or baby size. It is so nice that your quilt shop friend is able to help you. One of my local quilt shop owners wrote me this morning asking for a couple of quilts to hang in their show on the 12th. I asked one of my friends if she can help me get the quilts to the shop next week since I haven't been cleared to drive yet. She will take me to my BS appt on Tuesday and then we will go to the quilt shop and maybe to a late lunch if I feel like it. It is great to have helping friends!!!

mjh1

had my 2nd revision Monday n am finally able to keep my eyes open long enough to write. Just been so sleepy which I know is from the anesthesia. PS said all went well but was not able to repair pec muscle that was torn by prior PS which we knew was a long shot but hopefully all the other work will at least make me look symmetrical now. Changed to 555 mentor memoryshape high profile, A capsularapphy on right to move implant over cause it was sitting too much medially, a slight lift n FG. Fixed implant on left cause that was rotated. I know it will b weeks b4 I will b able to judge so not commenting yet. Saw PS yesterday toget dressing removed n Iwas hoping to get the 2 drains removed but drains will have to stay until Tuesday since office is closed Friday n Monday for holiday.

FG was not as bad as feared. Had FG removed from abdomen n upper right breast by underarm that she said was left over after BMX. In an abdominal binder n no pain there. Have 2 Tiny incisions in bikini line that have steri strips on them where they went in to get fat. Under arm a little sore but tolerable...right now the drains r the biggest discomfort. Had the tumescent method for the lipo n was up every hour (yes every hour) to pee.

Finally got a sponge bath today n washed hair which was refreshing. Surprisingly no bruising on abdomen. Decided to put spanx on so I could wash binder.. Definitely a 2 person job. Can't lift more than a pound for at least first week, no bra n only sleep on back

Haven't had a chance to read thru the last 2 pages of posts but I hope all my sisters r doing well...n welcome to our new member.

39and hip - glad all went well n your sticking with the August gals.

mjh1

molly - good luck tomorrow. Hope all goes well n you'll have a smooth n uneventful recovery....warm hugs!!!

Anonymous

We had our surgeries on the same day quiltowl5! I never wore a binder but an ace bandage. I spent one night in the hospital and came home. Didn't shower for a couple days but kept the ace bandage on. My great husband actually bought me several so that I wasn't wearing the same one day after day. He helped me shower that first time and then I was able to do it all on my own after that. I was cleared to drive one week post op, but I also did not have any reconstruction done. I have been in just a tank top, no shelf bra, under my blouses and t-shirts for about a week and a half now. Looking for a sports bra that is comfortable though as I was just cleared to start light exercise but advised to wear the sports bra. I too have the underarm area that has been the most uncomfortable area but it is getting better, especially since all my drains are now removed, last one was removed yesterday! We had actually named it Chuck and my husband sent me a card from him about how nice it had been "hanging out" with me, he's such a nut but we also have a twisted sense of humor.

I haven't quilted in years but always loved it too! I hope that you get back at it soon.

Sherrie

shorty123

shorty123 8/20 umxw/diep flap

Mommadigs

Hello ☺️ Had my bilateral 8/25. Pre op blue radiology injections were not painful. Slight burn as lidocaine was injected. One night stay in hospital. My biggest discomfort in all honesty was a headache from caffeine withdrawal and the iv pain med I was given the first 12 hours or so. Tylenol fixed that problem. (Stop your coffee a few days before surgery if you go through withdrawal). My two drains came out on Monday, six days post op. Slight tugging feeling, no pain. Dramatic difference in how much better I felt after the drains come out. I had two sentinel nodes removed which thankfully tested negative. That area is the most uncomfortable but manageable. I'm not having reconstruction done. Resting for a few weeks and will then start chemo.  Clean margins and nodes thank goodness!!

I went in terrified of this experience based on all the things I had read, the decisions that had to be made etc. I will tell you honestly It was much better than I would have ever thought possible thanks to a wonderful health team and my family.

quiltlibrarian

Momma welcome to the group. Glad that surgery went well for you.

Quiltowl you are making a hexie quilt, made one a couple of years ago. lovely but does take awhile.

Mj sorry to hear that you hard a hard time. Hugs

Hugs to all