Exchange City

Texas ~ WOW! I'm so sorry that happened. I hope it wasn't as bad as I'm picturing it in my head. Thank you for the info and I hope everything goes smoothly (very smoothly) for you in the future. My chest hurts just thinking about what you went through.

Shoshi -- there are different kinds of biopsies... most are done with a local anesthetic (like core needle or stereotactic needle) -- but there is also something called an exisional biopsy where, basically, they remove the lump and examine it (pretty much a lumpectomy).  Your niece's mom needs to ask more questions.  There may be nothing wrong with what they are planning.  But without knowing what it is, it's hard to comment here.  I do know that the needle biopsy can detect cancer but is NOT 100% reliable for the details one needs.  I, for example, had a sterotactic needle biopsy when they found suspicious calcifications at my annual mammogram... and while it did identify that I had cancer, the initial diagnosis was DCIS (no evidence of invasive cancer).  But when I had my first lumpectomy, it turned out I had IDC.  My current BS told me that the needle biopsies are ony 50% successful in identifying IDC.  So maybe what they are doing with your niece's mom is better.  In retrospect, had I known this, I might have opted for an exisional biopsy (which like a lumpectomy DOES mean going under anesthesia).

Cheers,

Lilah

Linda.... I like the picture... sweet sister... Merry CHRISTmas to you too.... you enjoy all the Church events and please know I am praying for dear Jordan and his parents.... We have a child ( 25 now) up the street just like Jordan... I do understand...

Mucho blessings sisters..

Shoshi: As Lilah said in her post, sometimes an excisional biopsy is needed which can require having a breathing tube and being put to sleep. When I found my lump, the surgeon did a fine needle aspiration in her office with local anesthesia. It came back negative. Because of  my strong family history the surgeon said I should have the excisional biopsy done for more definitive results. I guess they call it an excisional biopsy when they do not know if it is cancer or not. If they know that it is cancer then they call it a lumpectomy but it's basically the same procedure. For me the procedure was done at an ambulatory surgical center.

udpt82: When I got fitted at Nordstrom's I did not have to remove my sports bra. The woman working seemed very understanding and professional. I do understand your hesitation though.

To those recovering from recent surgeries or setbacks, I will pray for healing and comfort.

TCK

Good Morning ladies,

I'm here. Slept all day and night, didn't realize it was going to hurt as bad as it does. Oh well, thank God for good drugs.

Thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers, I don't get to "unwrap" my gift until Christmas Day. Very fitting don't you think? Anyway, I'm looking forward to it. PS was able to do 500cc, so am glad for that, she wasn't for sure she was going to be able too. All I wanted was at least the same as my God given ones.

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas, they are calling for SNOW here in North Texas. I hope it does, will be a nice touch for a crazy year.

Merry Christmas to those that celebrate!  Happy Holidays for those who celebrate for other events. 

I had a post about 3/4 written out to post here and the power failed and I lost it.  So I am trying to catch up.  Needless to say forgive me if I didn't welcome you if you are new and if you are having a problem, a prayer was said.  

Firni, Thanks for the reminder of the product used as a nipple filler.  I took this to my PS and he does do this but only if the nipple goes totally flat.  So far so good, but it has only been 48 hours.  He did tell me to protect it like priceless art, as the new nip has a fragile blood supply and he doesn't want this squished or compressed.  This PS is so great.  I have never seen a bill from him, nor has he accepted a co-pay.  He does reconstuction for BC as his gift.  He really is very good.

NAE,  Thanks for the baby bottle nipple suggestion to protect the nip.  I bought on, cut it down and it was OK but it compressed around the base of the new girl too much.  I found that if I took two corn pads, (the ones for your feet) put 2 of them sticky side together, enlarge the hole and It works and doesn't cause pressure.  The silicone wasn't soft enough for my breast.  I keep a piece of gauze over the corn pad to keep the neosporin in place.  

Laura, I wrote you something last night from one of your posts here, but it got lost.  Have a great Christmas.  I am headed on the 3 hour tour from Ventura Co to Newport Beach today.  If we are lucky we will get there in under 4 hours.  I hate CA traffic.  Jan

Oh, sweet Sisters, out for a few days and so far behind on the thread.  Jan--YAY, Wendy--happy you are home.  Terri--glad you are happy!  I'm sorry if I missed other comments.

You are all the most extraordinarily kind and beautiful women I could ever hope to stumble upon during such a scary time in life.  I wish you all Happy Holidays, for for 2010, robust health, love of our bodies, happiness, and that we all challenge ourselves to do something we may not have prior to bc.  I'm going to try and walk the Portland Marathon in October. I now have a personal trainer--so we can't afford to eat, but hey I'm worth it--I turn 50 in 2010--I will be a strong Ta Ta Sister.

Watching the news and they just showed Bethlehem.  I was in the Church of the Nativity, 1981, it was less grand then and very humbling. We sang Silent Night--beautiful memory of an experience I was able to share with my mother.  Sorry for the digression, but makes me want to encourage everyone to make a trip to Israel, no matter what your faith is, it is a very powerful place. 

Thank you so much for sharing your lives, I look forward to hearing more.

Love and Hugs--Karen 

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Healthy and very happy 2010.

Hmmmm.  I've a sense the boards will be quiet in the next days...  I have a question about something going on with one of my expanders (!), but I'll do some research on my own before burdening these boards.

Wishing all of you, dear sisters, a beautiful holiday season and to all of us a very NEW Happy New Year!!!

Peace and love,k

Geena

Geena:

Post the question, I'm sure someone will answer, that is what we are all here for.

Wendy

Geena!

Not all of us have lots to do for the holidays! 

There is always someone on line!

My TE's are giving me much discomfort this week and maybe someone will have a solution?

Kimberly 

Lilah

I have not tried advil yet today, I am trying my best to stay off the Lortab I have. I usually allow myself 3 days of Lortab - then use tylenol & bayer after a fill. I guess this is getting harder the more fills I have. I have lots of back muscle pain & under my arms & on my sternum. I have figured out if I get queasy the pain is too much and I will take the Lortab.

All that plus I am not at home this week so getting comfortable is not as easy... YEA for the internet!

Hope everyone has a good evening & a Merry Christmas! I will be watching Sherlock Holmes at the theater tomorrow!

Kimberly

The PT had shown me a simple stretch, using a weight less then 5 lbs, lay on your back and extend both arms directly in front of you, slowly bring your arms above your head and as far down as is comfortable. Do it very slowly,and take little breaks in between, I found the stretch offered some relief, also gently massaging the skin in between the breasts and at the collar bone helped. Stay away from heat, as I am now the walking PSA for the dangers of the innocent looking heating pad.

Kimberly:  Hope you are taking these fills VERY SLOWLY and with minimal volume each fill.  There is no rush through this process.  The slower the better. 

Lilah, why did your PS say not to put lotion on your scars?  My PS told me I should put lotion on them.