SEPTEMBER 2015 Surgery Sisters

Gardnergirls

back to plastic surgeon today....surgery is a go for Thursday! I'm so ready to get the show on the road again.

Molly50

In your pocket for Thursday, Gardnergirls!!

Gardnergirls

thanks Molly50!

39andhip

I hope all went well.

Gardnergirls

hi all! I. Back from surgery yesterday. I'm in a little more pain having the TE replaced than I was having it removed. the PS did fill it more to get it close to my left side. Sleeping in the recliner again. I will be taking more pain meds this evening for sure.

Molly50

Hugs! Hopefully the pain goes away quickly and I am praying for no more infections for you.

Gardnergirls

thanks Molly50!

NYNJGirl3

seems a bit quiet here these days! I'm hoping that means everyone is doing well... Just had my nipple recon yesterday. Anyone have any experience with this?

Gardnergirls

NYNJgirl3 I'm guessing everyone has moved on?? I'm still going through reconstruction myself because of set backs. I had my right expander replaced in January and still going through fillings. I'm scheduled for my exchange surgery on May 6th. I don't need to have nipple recon because I was able to have nipple sparing surgery. Hope you are doing well

Molly50

I am waiting to schedule my prophy mx on my good side and then exchange surgery for both after that.

Gardnergirls

Molly50, I sure you'll be glad to get that scheduled so one less thing to have on your mind

Stephmoen

I had nipple surgery big waste of time you can't even see them anymore! I am getting tattoos next Friday hoping they turn out good

Molly50

stephmoen, I have heard that from other ladies. I am glad you are getting tats. I am saving my money to get Vinny to do my tats

Lharry

Hi all! It's been quite a while since I've been here. Quick update, I'm happy to say my exchange surgery from December went well. I think it takes a good 3 months before every thing looks okay, in my minds eye. But all is good now. I have been experiencing some pains in my foobs, mostly manageable, just annoying, until last night when I had a stabbing pain that had me in tears. I'm hoping that won't happen again!

I am leaving this week to Baltimore with 3 of my best girlfriends, to get my Vinnies! I'm super excited and a little bit nervous.

I hope everyone else is doing good! I pray we are all nearing the end of the healing process!

Linda

Molly50

Lharry!! Thank you for the update! I am a few months behind you because I am having my right breast removed and then exchange surgery and hopefully Vinnie next summer. Please let me know what your experience with the tattoos is like .

Lharry

I sure will Molly! Best of luck to you

rainnyc

Lharry, your updates sound great! Let us know how it goes with Vinnie.

I'm still waiting to heal completely from rads before plastic surgery consult. RO said 6-9 months, and it's clear that it's more likely to be 9 than 6. Thank goodness for silicone prostheses and the insurance money that pays for them, not to mention the expensive bras.

Hope everyone is surviving the heat.

Lharry

I'm back from Baltimore, and let me just say, having 3D nipple tattoos makes a world of difference when I see myself in the mirror! It is amazing! Vinnie was fabulous. He made it a very comfortable experience, and he told us all the places we should visit while we were there.

As far as the tattoo process, I am numb for the most part, except for around the exterior of each breast, where my nerves have been regenerating. (This regeneration is slightly uncomfortable. I can't stand the way the seatbelt feels in the car). Anyway, when he was actually doing the tattoo, I could feel it, but not where he was working...it was more towards the middle, cleavage area where I felt it. And I won't lie, it did hurt. But it was a manageable pain. And worth every bit!

I have filed my receipt with insurance. I'm expecting them to deny it, but I will appeal it, along with a letter from my PS.

Can I post my before and after pic on here? I know there is a picture forum, but thought if I could post it here, it may be helpful for those who don't go to the picture forum.

Molly50

Lharry, that's wonderful! Thanks especially for explaining about your pain. I hope to see Vinnie when he comes to California next year. I should be at least 9 months out by then.

Tina1969

Lharry,

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you are doing great. I had my exchange surgery in Feb and I agree with you that does take a few months before things settle in and look ok. I have not done anything about nipples yet but I think I'm going to have the purse string surgery and then tatoos. I just wanted to take a break from seeing doctors etc. Four surgeries in 9 months is a lot. But I do hate looking at myself in the mirror without nipples. My husband says my foobs are beautiful but I can't say I agree.

I too have been experiencing some sharp pains occasionally. Nothing that has brought me to tears but it does take my breathe away at times. I hope you don't have any more like that.

Best of luck to you!

rainnyc

Lharry, thanks for the update! Post away if you feel the urge. So glad it went well.

CeCegbp

I had mine done in December. In the lasering phase right now because I went with the grafts. But so far so good. They actually look awesome.

Gardnergirls

I'm just checking in since I haven't been on for awhile. I had my exchange surgery with fat grafting on May 6th and I'm coming along. I feel like I might not be the size I wish to be but I was thinking if I lose some of the weight I've put on this past year maybe I'll be happier.

I live near Annapolis, Md. Just an hour and half from Vinnie. If anyone ever needs a tour guide while in the area make sure to message me

I'd love to hear updates from everyone.

Molly50

Gardner girl, how wonderful that you had exchange surgery!! I am hoping I can get a Southern California appointment with Vinnie.

rainnyc

Nice to hear from you Gardnergirls!

I have been healing slowly from aggressive radiation. My one year follow-up with the BS is later in the fall, and I'm going to raise the topic of reconstruction. Haven't made a decision, but I'd like a consult with a plastic surgeon.

pennsygal

Gardnergirls, I'm so glad to read that you've had your exchange surgery and you're doing well! And Rainny, it's great you are looking forward to the topic of reconstruction - what a difference a few months makes.

Lharry, I think there is a reconstruction forum for pictures - but you may already know that by now. I'm a bit slow to reply.

My first post-treatment mammo is Monday, and then one year follow up with BS in early November. My lumpectomy scar was pronounced "beautiful" by the PA in my MO's office (something they probably tell everyone!!) My breast is still swollen, tender and numb - not sure if it will every be any different, but I'll take it.