April 2016 Surgery

nightowlhoot

hi,

had my uni left mast on tues. typing one handed. . .

stuff i did/learned. i read from here and blogs. i got my hair cut, did mani pedi, got waxed, went out with friends, shopped, did my errands and had house cleaned and purged and set up a basket by my bed for return.

i had surgery at major academic institution by a breast surgeon not a gen surgeon. if possible get a specialist. he was my second opin. first went with my private practice/priv hospital and got assigned a general surgeon. did not get a good feel from him and also didn't like how they were interested in fast tracking everything. it was much more deliberate and thoughtful of a process at the academic institution. sometimes slower due to nature of how they work, but worked out for me.

in random order as it comes to me.

1. clorox wipes, target sells small packs. wipe down everything. hospitals are gross no matter how well rated. i had hubby wipe down the phone, the bed, the remote/call button thing, the inside of the Blood Press. cuff (how many people use that? the nurse asst. dropped it and still used it), all rails, etc they gave me hand wipes which i used liberally when i could.

2. ask ask ask. all the nurses and nurse assts are different. and they don't nec treat mast patients alone. never assume one will do what the other did. one NA helped me out of bed and helped me pee and doubled lined the toilet ( loved her), then walked me to the sink and pushed the soap (too far in and too hard to push) and turned on and off the faucet and then pulled paper towel for me. super nice and considerate. she got me back in bed and fixed up the blankets the way they were and asked me what else i needed. the next one? helped me to the bathroom. no lining. and did not walk me to sink. i got back to bed and used the wipes. she also didn't fix the blankets. i was not wearing any underwear. she brought me disposable undies and said i might want to put those on. i figured she was embarrassed for me? not sure. but you don't want to be pulling on and off undies ladies. go commando. it's much better. and i had /have one good arm. still cumbersome. if your bathroom/toilet is dirty b/c your roommate soiled it b/c she is on some medicines that make her poop ask the nurse to clean it. i was so glad to go home b/c my roommate was not a ray of sunshine.

another example of ask. . . i asked for bath wipes before discharge so i could go home clean. was given some when i first went to the bathroom but in bed pan when i first made it to room post surgery from post op. the NA said, didn't get you wiped down that morning? i said no. never got wiped down since arriving to room. she was like, the NA on duty is supposed to offer or do it daily. i also stayed in same gown from pre op. again ask ask ask if you want to change. they are busy with many patients and some more considerate than others.

they also tell you conflicting things like change drain bandages and don't change drain bandages. exercise and don't exercise.

3. when you ask for cups of water. ask for the lid and straw. you'd think it is obvious. but not. only one nurse brought me with lid and straw. all others just full cup of water that i could barely reach without spilling.

4. when they help you back to bed, ask for the table to be wheeled w/in reach. again not obvious to all. same with phone and remote.

5. it was nearly 24 hours later when surgeon came, his residents came earlier but no one mentioned ice helps in first 24 hors to reduce swelling. i should have known this. . . nurse ws nice and said to go ahead even though it was coming up on 20 hours. she said if it made me feel better psychologically should do it. so i had ice packs under my arm and on my chest.

6. took me a while to figure out my pain was from drain entry point not incision. also they are in a location where i bend when sitting and getting up. pain killers were not working. went from 1 to 3 pills or roxy something or other. still felt it and i have high tolerance. i pushed out an 8 pound boy no epidural and no pain killers so i can take pain. got muscle relaxant and that helped along with ice but mainly it is just the way it is. i am very thin and petite and feel the tubes under my skin. had no idea so much of it is under the skin coiled around. . . feels warm so ice is nice.

7. those hospital portions of juices are small. order extra. food was great and gourmet and at first i felt shy about ordering, but order away.

8. stay ahead of pain but also constipation. i wish i took stool softener ahead of surgery. so i didn't go entire day before surgery and not until i got home two days later. the anesthesia and pain killers/narcotics slow you down. drink prune juice, take stool softeners and get miralax if you are prone to constipation. as for pain, i found once home 2 extra strength tylenols worked better for me than the narcotics from hospital and prescription you get when you leave. i also took the arnica once home that i took for swelling post partum. maybe it is in my head, but it helps. they don't let you take anything from home at the hospital. you can be a renegade, but i wasn't. not even your vitamins. . .

9. my kids lent me their pillow pets and medium tsums. awesome and perfect for my arms/hands to rest on.

10. get up and walk around, see how it feels. you don't want to risk waiting to move at home and having problems.

11. ask for your last dose of meds before you leave for the ride home. discharge was 11 for me. i was due around then but doc okayed getting meds earlier so i could leave. just ask.

12. bring slippers that was good advice i read. look, do you want to wear those slipper socks they give you around the hospital and to the potty and then get back in your bed? i'm asian, we take shoes off at home for a reason. one nurse was like, those slippers are not safe, they will make you slip. i said, in a nice way, but the germs in the bathroom aren't safe either. she laughed.

13. be nice to everyone who helps you even if they are not as helpful as you wish. if you make connections with them they start checking in on you and asking you what you need before they leave and telling you about their vacation plans and work schedule and etc. my roommate wasn't nasty per se, but she cussed about her pooping problems and i could see a difference b/t how they spoke to me and to her. . .

14. it is short lived. there is light at the end of the tunnel. been home since thurs afternoon and i'm better already and try to stay out of bed and walk around house and hang with kids. don't do too much but don't do too little.

15. hospital ice packs stink. when i got home started using old breastfeeding ones lansinoh. and a new product a friend bought me tendHERS for breastfeeding that she used when breastfeeding. they didn't exist when i had my kids, but they are nice and soft. still using them makes me feel better.

16. take it or leave it for this one, i believe in chinese medicine and they believe raw foods require too much of your “chi" to absorb and digest so post surgery do not eat raw. eat cooked foods to allow your body to use energy elsewhere for healing. google post surgery soups or chinese medicinal soups. very different from western soups as they are broth and liquid not thick and starchy. i froze some before surgery. or drink bone broth. i warm my prune juice. might be gross to some, but i see the logic in it. . .

good luck and prayers for speedy recovery.

ClarkBlue

Nightowlhoot - thank you for your post! I go in on Thursday for double mastectomy and tissue expanders so this is all fresh on my mind. Slippers are a good idea as is the "asking". I've been thinking about having my hubby bring chicken broth for me to sip on after surgery to combat all the pain killers on an empty stomach.

So glad you are doing so well. Happy thoughts to you!

Truffles1214

Thanks for all the tips nightowlhoot! I'm having my BMX w/tissue expander placement tomorrow and I am so nervous! I wasn't even this nervous before starting chemo. I'm going to go ahead and send best wishes to Betsy918, Brandford, MrsGreenJeans and afmontenegro. I don't know when I'll be able to check in again and I don't want to miss anyone going in for surgery. My husband is going to bring my iPad to the hospital for me, but I'll probably be too out of it to use it. Lol! I keep reminding myself having surgery is bringing meone step closer to the finish line! Kicking cancer's ass! 😊 Are we allowed to drink wine before surgery? I could really use a glass right about now! 🍷

Lizzy1981

Hi everyone! It's been a tough week. I'm doing quite a bit better. My left side where they did the lymph node dissection is much worse than the right. My arm is much weaker than before. I'm sure it will come back but it's going to take time. I'm still taking my Rx pain meds but not as often. I'm physically exhausted. Can't wait to feel more like myself. Hope others that had surgery are recovering faster than I am. :

Betsy918

Best wishes for a smooth surgery tomorrow Truffles121. I hope you are able to sleep tonight.

nightowlhoot

good luck to all you ladies having surgery this week!!!. hydrate hydrate hydrate. i drank up until my clear liquids deadline of 8am for a 12 pm surgery that got pushed to 3pm. they had to redo my IV b/c first vein didn’t work. i wish i drank another glass of water. they say clear liquids which means coffee and tea are ok, but only do it if you must. water is best. drink lots the days and nights before too. helps with the constipation too. hope the rest of you had surgery are recovering well.

This evening I had my husband change out my drain gauze and tape b/c it was so itchy. Used paper tape vs the hypoallergenic (it is stiff) stuff they gave me b/c the biopsies led to scarring from adhesives and bandaids. Feels better to use the softer paper tape. Hope it doesn’t cause a rash. I wish they just used the tegaderm clear skin like tape on me. They were afraid it would cause an allergic reaction even though I said that stuff didn’t for my second biopsy. It was the stuff at first biopsy that caused problems. So b/c of that I can’t shower until the incision dressing is off.

Anyone have drains out yet? How many days did it take? My post op is on Wed, my surgeon is out at a conference or something so it is with one of his nurses. Hoping the output is low enough to get them out. I opted for no recon, but was told to meet with a PS to assess some fat transfer so I don’t feel my ribs. Haven’t made that appt yet. Not sure about it. . . I had been looking into BRAVA, but was talked out of it by PS b/c two of her patients gave up. I PMed a nice lady I met on another board who gave good info. Not sure still.

Glad to have this forum.

Nightowl

Jacklin

Dear nightowlhoot, thank you SO much for the post from the hospital, I'm sure it was a huge effort on your part, and I appreciate your suggestions. I'll make sure to add slippers to my list.

Know that I'll be praying this week for surgeries for Betsy918, Brandford, MrsGreenJeans, afmontenegro, Fe Princess, ClarkBlue and BBgirl22, and there will be prayers for healing for all those who have have had their surgery last week.

Heathet

thinking of all my surgery sisters today. Thank you nightowlhoot - having a bmx April 19th so it's always nice to here about the experiences of others.

Seedsally

Heathet I wish you the best. I know you are nervous. I have changed surgeons this past week and am having BMX with reconstruction. My BS and PS are trying to get it scheduled for the 19th but so far the hospital of choice does not have an available surgical suite for that day. My BS called me today and gave me the report on my receptor status: ER +, PR + and HER2 - . She got the report from where I had my first BX done. But I won't know my oncotype status until after surgery. So I won't know if I need chemo until later. She told me they would get my surgery set up and call me tomorrow with the date. So nervous? Yes I am but glad to be going forward and for the extra info. I am trying to get so many things done before the big S day. That is keeping me busy. I'm sure you are doing the same

Sharon

Heathet

Sharon - I am trying to keep busy. I teach kindergarten and this was our first day back from spring break. Those little ones kept me busy today! Friday will be my last day at work and I feel good knowing I'll have a feel days to relax and get some last minute things done. I hope they are able to get your schedule worked out.

nightowlhoot

Hethet, I was teaching Kinder too! It was my first job back after being at home for years with my own kids and volunteering at their participation /coop schools (used to teach and then consult FT) and I was only teaching 6 hours a week starting this school year b/c I was the English in a Mandarin Immersion school and the kinder kids got 80% Mandarin and 20% English which translated to only 6 hours. I decided shortly after my diagnosis to quit b/c I was only teaching 6 hours a week and then having to get a sub for my absences was not easy for a 2 hour gig, it just seemed better to quit, plus going in three times a week for only 2 hours was taxing. So I left at mid winter break back in FEb. Thankful to have found a replacement for the rest of the year.

I found working and juggling all my volunteer requirements at my own kids’ school and their activities difficult. I do miss the energy of the kids. One day I may make my way back to the classroom. Decided this cancer thing is telling me to savor my own kids as they grow up and not rush them around all the time. They are on break this week as I recover from the mx I had last week. We played games, painted a fairy garden, made lip balm from crayons (kind of gross to me) but they are into it. Anyway do what brings you joy. Try not to stress, easier said than done. I can’t sit still. I sent my hubs off to an excursion today and I was supposed to lie down and catch up on homeland and blindspot. instead i cleaned the kitchen sink one handed, wrote thank you cards, and changed water on all the flowers and picked up after the kids, researched some camps online for the summer, etc. . . . but the thing is i enjoy it.

Take care and do as much as you can beforehand so you don’t have to later.

Jacklin

Heathet and nightowlhoot, guess what? I'm also a teacher, but of the big kids. What is this BC-and-teaching thing? I have to say that's what I've missed the most since I received my diagnosis, the students. I absolutely love them and love teaching and for now that's gone and I miss it. I also miss talking with my colleagues who are also my friends.

Nightowlhoot, glad you are enjoying your time with your children. Please be sure to look after yourself as well since you're still healing, the kitchen sink could wait, but I know, we all want clean sinks - I get it.

Heathet, we're both waiting for surgery day. I think of you often during the day, wondering how you're doing. Wondering how your reading is coming along. I attended a Breast Reconstruction Awareness event tonight and am so glad that I went, it was so helpful so speak with the women who have had reconstruction. They were so open to every question and let us see what their results look like - what brave women!!

Hope all those who are healing from surgery had a great day today.

Eleanora23

Good luck to everyone having surgeries this week. I can only speak about mine as LUMPX and SNB but it was easier than I thought and the general anesthesia was quite tolerable. If you can have someone advocating for you at the hospital , as I know most folks do, that will help a lot. Ask and then get what you need. Keep asking.

nightowlhoot

Oh Jacklin have you heard of the CA Teacher’s Study? Shows higher incidence of BC among teachers in CA, but there are flaws and other reasons like teachers tend to get screened more so the prevalence could have something to do education levels and healthcare access. Also where I live in the Bay Area there seems to be a higher rate of BC too. Who knows. I ate a lot of junk as a kid , but after kids turned all healthy, I don’t smoke and rarely drink (one of those Asians that lack the enzyme to process alcohol and turn beet red and get itchy with just a tiny bit of alcohol) but could exercise more. I also am the type to get stressed easily. They say sitting is the new smoking. . . .could be environmental or just the combination of factors and though I don’t have any mutations there may be more they have not developed a test for yet. Who knows. . . I also have TCM doc telling me from the Chinese medicine perspective BC is related to emotional health and stress and that if i “cure” the cancer with surgery but don’t change other habits, i will potentially get sick elsewhere. Makes sense to me. . . so i am trying to not stress and to get out there and walk more and look into yoga or tai chi. I don’t do well with aerobic exercise. . . I get that I have to change my mindset so I am trying to not sweat small stuff, but it’s hard to change personality. . . I am the type to get stressed over making a left turn on to a busy road. I gotta stop that. . .

Check out the TCM perspective on BC: http://www.breastcancer.com

Take care ladies and let’s help each other stay positive and healthy!

sas-schatzi

Hope you find this information helpful. In 2014 and 2015, there were several threads that looked at 1. specific drugs i.e. ketorolac, opiods, propofol, and other NSAIDS, and 2. surgical anesthesia interventions i.e. paravertebral blocks that may affect breast cancer recurrence either local or metastatic. All the information is Evidence Based Research with links. The intent of this post is to provide you with a link to information that you can study and in turn take to your surgeon and anesthesiologist for discussion pre-op, if you feel it has value in your breast cancer care.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topics/843381?page=1#post_4691613

A great starting point is this presentation by Dr. Vikas Sukhatme who is academic dean at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard. Published on Jan 21, 2016. Presented by Dr. Vikas P. Sukhatme on December 8, 2015 at MIT in Cambridge, MA.

"A Simple, One-Time, Inexpensive and Non-Toxic Intervention to Improve Cancer Survival"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8zVrYEW8vE&feature=youtu.be

Gami4415

I had my lumpectomy and SNB on April 7th. The healing process is worse than I expected. The two incisions were bigger than I expected. I go tomorrow for my post-op. I'm expecting another pathology report (I hope that's right.). I pray for all of you going To surgery this week speedy recovery.

Gami

Heathet

Jacklin and nightowlhoot - we're all teachers! I will certainly miss my little ones. I told them yesterday that I needed to take some time off to take care of my family - I didn't say it was me because I didn't want them to worry - one little boy shot up and said I know who you are taking care of, Toby and George! I had to laugh because those are my two cats! I have been reading one of my new books - dr Susan love's breast book. It's very informative and outlines what to expect with surgery and treatment. It's helped to answer some of questions.Lots of prayers and good thoughts to everyone!

Jacklin

Hi girlfriends, hope everyone had a good day today.

Nighthootowl - pardon my ignorance, but does CA stand for California or Canada? And no, I don't know anything about that study - where can I find out more about it? I have questioned by eating habits as well - did I drink too much coffee, is it the extra weight I'm carrying, is it the work I did 35 years ago with carcinogens when I was working in a cancer research group. As for stress, I've had so much the last 3 years - both my parents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and I've had to take them out of their home, but them into respite care while waiting for a spot in the right long term care home, clean up their house (60+ years worth of possessions packed into 1400 sq ft) and then sell it. Yes, I have 1 sibling who's busy with their life and no time for my parents. I consider it an honour to have been able to help them but wonder what impact that stress has had on my BC. Thank you so much for the link to TCM, lots to read there and I do appreciate it as I have a lot of respect for TCM.

Heathet, I"m glad you had a chance to say goodbye to your little ones - does that mean you are off now? I wish I'd had that opportunity to say goodbye. For me, I was in the school in the morning getting ready to teach my classes and I received a phone call to leave immediately and go to the doctor. Once I was given the diagnosis, I never saw my students again because I had to be given medication immediately for the pain that kept me quite sedated. Talk about turning one's lift inside out in a matter of a few hours! I feel bad and have considered going to see them now, but my appearance has altered so much I don't really want them to see me while I'm in treatment. Dr Susan Love's book is a good one for sure. One that I found helpful for me was "Intimacy After BC" by Gina Maisano.

Gamma, I hope that your incision heals quickly. Are you in a lot of pain? I so hope not. You'll be in my prayers tomorrow as you get your pathology report - please let us know how you're doing, when you're ready.

Sas-sachtzi, thank you for the link. Very interesting reading for sure and I like the Dr's approach. Do you know who Jennifer is?......

Eleanora, so glad your surgery is behind you and that you are doing well, tolerate the anesthesia, etc.

Well girls, it's time to go to bed now, it's close to midnight here. Sleep well and we'll chat soon.

Seedsally

Heathet thought I'd let you know we will be surgery sisters. I received a call from hospital in Memphis with information about my surgery and date. Then my PS's coordinator called me to give me the time and further instructions. My surgery time is 10:30 on the 19th. This is sooner than I thought they could get it set up. But the BS called me on Monday and told me she was trying for the 19th. I guess right now I feel like wow let me catch my breath. It seems like everything was going at a snails pace but once I changed surgeons and hospitals things really started snowballing. I just want to get to the other side though. I am dreading the discomfort and down time but I know it won't last forever. I just don't like being dependent on others to take care of me but so thankful I will have others that can do this. I wish you fast healing and minimal pain, the same as I do for myself.

grandma3X

Hi everyone! I'm just stopping in to give some encouragement

I had a UMX with TE on Jan. 13, so 3 months ago today. The time has gone by very fast and surgery is now a distant memory. Other than being slightly lopsided (my MX side is higher on my chest than my normal boob - this will be corrected at my exchange), there have been no lasting physical effects.

Wishing you all the best - you've got this! The anxiety is the worst part of the process.

Jacklin

Morning Grandma3X, thank you for the encouragement today. You are right, the anxiety and waiting is the worst part of this process. Hope you have an excellent day today.

nightowlhoot

Morning! Blessings and peace to those having surgery today: MrsGreenJeans & afmontenegro . Thanks for encouragement Grandma3x.

Jacklin it’s the California Teacher’s Study: http://www.calteachersstudy.org

http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/Consortia/members/cts...

I am getting ready for my post-op visit and hope to get my drains out. They have been a huge irritation, but output has been low so I hope they come out. One is lower than the other.

Two books I got from the library that I liked: http://www.amazon.com/Generation-Breast-Cancer-Opt...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460559244&sr=8-1&keywords=breast+cancer+book

In this next one I read about Vit D deficiency which is linked to immune system problems. I also read to have surgery during your luteal phase if possible and I just happened to work out for me except now I got my period today, but it’s better than a few days ago. At least today I can bend more and move better and hopefully with have drains out.

Anyway, ask to have your Vit D checked to see if it is low. I started taking Vit D, but even with 1000 iu plus 400 iu in Calcium I take, I am still at the low end of the range after over a month of supplementing but at least I am in range now. I also am the sort to lather on the sunscreen and wear hats to avoid the lovely CA sunshine. I am one of those Asian ladies (even though American born) you see all covered up b/c I don’t want age spots yet I want to enjoy being out. I’m changing that and throwing off the hat every once in a while because the sun like many things has been vilified b/c of skin cancer, but we need it for natural Vit D production. Sigh, everything with a grain of salt. . . .

http://www.amazon.com/Breast-Cancer-50-Essential-T...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460559293&sr=8-1&keywords=breast+cancer+50

Going to take the pain meds for the potential drain removal now. . . one more thing I forgot to mention earlier, facial wipes . . . you can’t bend down to wash face. I also have not been allowed to shower, only bath wipes I was given from hospital and wipe downs when those ran out. I got dry shampoo and really hope today I can shower when the drains are out. Also they used paper tape on me not tegaderm even though I said I wasn’t allergic to tegaderm. It’s b/c I’ve had a reaction to adhesive and latex.

If anyone knows about scar creams and gels or tension relief for scars, please let me know.

Report back later.

Sunshine from CA to you all.

grandma3X

I asked the nurse practitioner at the PS office if she could recommend something to reduce scars. She said anything silicone-based would work. I know I have read other threads with specific suggestions but I have not tried any. The nurse practitioner also told me not to worry too much about it at this point since the PS will use the same incision site for exchanging the TEs to permanent implants.

Heathet

SeedSally - my surgery is scheduled for 7:30 in the morning. They were originally thinking it would be noon but they called with the time change. I am pretty happy that they're doing it first thing in the morning - less time for me to think and get my mind in a tizzy! It does seem like everything is moving so fast. I remember when I was first diagnosed it seemed like every thing was moving so slow, now my surgery date is right around the corner. I have been thinking a lot about my recovery - I'm not sure I can really wrap my mind around it, so I'm just taking it one step at a time. I'm glad I have people to lean on to help me with all the things I won't be able to do. I'msending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery and healing.

nightowlhoot

Hi Ladies,

I could not get my drains out this morning, big bummer. At the hospital the nurses there said less than 30cc output and they could come out. At my post-op with surgeon, his nurse said the surgeon (who is out of town at a meeting/conference) likes less than 20cc output for 2 consecutive days. Apparently he changed it recently b/c he saw too manny patients return who needed needle aspiration. So I have an appt tomorrow because I was at 19cc for one of my drains. The nurse said the longer the better b/c they are doing a job so . . . I kept the other one that was producing less in b/c as annoying as they are I don’t want them messing with one and doing something that affects the one staying in.

They did remove the bandage over my incision. It looks ok to me. Steristrips still on, she said to let them come off naturally. Of course I have a rash that developed on the way home from where the bandages were. . .

BUT the great news, the prelim path report showed no invasion. It also showed extensive DCIS high grade throughout the breast so no more second guessing the mastectomy vs. double lumpectomies. I will wait for the full report and hope that they don’t recommend radiation, but we’ll see.

Thanks grandma3x for the scar cream info. For now I can’t b/c steristrips are on, but I am putting some natural oil on my scars from previous bandaging. Will search for more info.

I can’t get measured for a prosthetic until I heal a bit more so I need to do some research on those too.

Prayers and positive thoughts to everyone going into surgery tomorrow!!!

ClarkBlue

Fe Princess4/14

BBgirl22

Nightowl

ClarkBlue

Double MX w/TEs tomorrow...

Doing good so far... Packing, checking my lists, showered, straightened hair, got a manicure, friends anointed me with oil and prayed with my husband and I.

Worked today. They threw me a lovely luncheon and some gals did this fantastic cheer on how I will kick cancers butt. Hahaha... Feelin' the love!!

Hubby brought the recliner up from the basement. Mom, Dad, daughter and son in law will be there in the am. Our teen daughters will go to school for a half day...no need for them to sit around bored!

Need to be there at 6am. Surgery at 8:30. I've got an incredible peace about me right now. I will pray for sweet sleep and peace for all of you tonight, and will check in when I can!

Love to you all!

-Keely

Heathet

Keely - I'm thinking of you today! Prayers and good thoughts!

Nightowlhoot - I so glad for your good news on the path report! That must have brought a big smile to your face and a huge sigh of relief!

Jacklin

Keely - know you are carried in prayer today by me and so many others. He is so good, all the time and He will carry you through this all. So glad you were anointed and you have such a wonderful support group behind you. Praying for quick, painless healing for you.

FePrincess and BBGirl22, praying that your surgeries are going well today and that you will heal quickly, with minimal pain.

Congratulations Nighowlhoot, that is wonderful news indeed!! So happy for you. Hoping that your drains come out soon as well.

Heathet - how are you doing today? I know it's one day closer to your surgery, hope you are able to enjoy the beautiful day, that you are feeling at peace inside. I know how hard the waiting is, I am finding the days go so quickly and then yet again they seem to go so slowly as you look towards surgery day. I hope you know what I mean by that.

Thinking of you all today and hoping that those who have had surgery are comfortable and healing well today.

Heathet

Jacklin - I feel good today. I'm just relaxing at home. I took today off of work because I was feeling really tired - mentally and physically. I'm sitting on the couch and its relaxing looking out the window at all the beautiful sunshine. I think the weather is on an upswing for Michigan! I know what you mean, my surgery seems so far but so close. Time has definitely taken on a new meaning. I want to slow it down to enjoy each second but at the same time speed it up to my surgery day!

MrsGreenJeans

Hello ladies! Glad to see everyone is doing well.

I had my exchange plus fat grafting yesterday. Things went very well, PS is pleased. I haven't seen the results yet, I am tightly bound in a surgical bra and girdle from my upper abdomen to mid-thigh. I see the PS on Monday.

I was quite worried beforehand because I had a terrible time post BMX with anesthesia side effects. Thankfully that doesn't seem to be a problem this time. I'm not feeling the overwhelming brain fog that I had last time, and only a bit of dizziness if I stand too long. That is such a relief.

The exchange portion was very easy. I'm not feeling any real discomfort and my range of motion is much better than after my MX. My belly is sore but really only hurts when I get up or down from a sitting position or if I bend over. Otherwise it is not bad. He took some fat from my inner thighs as well, but that area is not as sore as the abdomen. The upper pole area is sore from the fat grafting, but only bothers me if I touch it, so I'm staying away from that area.

I'll be thinking and praying for all of you, and best of luck to those still facing surgery.