January Mastectomy
Comments
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Hi Ladies, okay I have kind of a personal question.... I am scheduled for another fill on Tuesday which means I'll be taking more pain meds which means that I'll be constipated again... last time I tried Dolcolex (sp?) but that didn't really do it for me... I'm kind of afraid of full on laxitives... any thoughts, ideas.... what do you that helps without going totally overboard? Thanks, I know TMI, but I think we all go through it, so where else can I ask such a question
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Paula: I take Colace for a few days before using pain killers, then high fiber and LOTS of water before and during the painkillers. I hope this fill goes well. I had my last one a couple of weeks ago, and I'm looking forward to my exchange on 4/12. Can't wait to get these coconuts off my chest!
I haven't been online as much lately, as life has gotten to some kind of new normal. It feels good to be busy with things other than doctor visits and worrying (though that will probably never go away completely). Best wishes to all those undergoing continuing treatment and recovery. You're never far from my thoughts.
Maura
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Wow Maura! You have a date! That is so cool!!! How many cc's are you at now? Do you know what size implant he is putting in? And what size are you hoping to be at completion? I know, so many questions, I am just getting so ansy to be done too!
About the Colace, is that OTC or prescription? Thanks for the input & congrats on being close to the finish line! How exciting!
Paula
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Paula, another one you could try is Mirolax. It is over the counter.
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I am personally tired of pills and found that if I eat a small box of raisins (not the really little ones but the mid-size ones) each day that seems to work and I don't get constipated when I have to take the pain meds. I have my PS appointment this morning and am hoping he'll say I'm done and then set a timem to go back in 6 weeks to decide about implant sizing and surgery date. I took a Valium and just a small dose of Darvocet this morning to be safe since I have to function and go to work after the appointment. Got to remember to pack raisins in my lunch!
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Paula, Colace is OTC and it's a stool softener rather than a laxative. I try to use it for a few days so the process is in the works, so to speak, before surgery. It worked well for me with my hysterectomy a few years ago, and again with the BMX.
I'm at 550 cc. and he's planning on putting in an Allergan style 20 475cc., at least that's our latest thinking. I'm hoping to be a B/C. I was a D before and look forward to being smaller. I've been working hard to lose weight, and I don't want my foobs to be forever in proportion to the heavier me I was before. I saw you over on Exchange City, so I know you're as excited as I am to get this process moving to the next phase! Good luck on Tuesday.
Maura
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Hmmm, raisins do it for you huh? I am not a pill lover, I told my DH I have taken more drugs in the last 2 months then I have in the last 2 years! It is crazy! But I also hate being constipated, I guess I could give raisins a try.... and have something else on hand as backup! Never thought about taking anything before I start the pain meds, that's what sunsnow said, she started a couple days ahead of time.... hmmmm, what to try.... thanks for the input ladies! And good luck to you bcincolorado with your appt today! Hopefully you'll be done! How exciting it would be to get a surgery date!
Paula
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Has anyone ever heard anything about the connection of Vit D and breast cancer? My docs never said anything about it to me, but my friend that was diagnosed before me said they tested her Vit D levels and they were very low and they had her on different levels of Vit D and still takes it and they seem to see some correlation.... just wondering if I should have mine checked or if anyone else had this experience? thoughts?
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Paula, I second Sally's suggestion of Miralax. My onc recommended Miralax to me, says it's more gentle and there is less cramping than with others. I like that I mix it in with any liquid and it's tasteless. We purchased the small box with the doses measured out in little packages. I found that I can break open a package and use maybe 1/4 of it per day, and it gets the job done. If I use the entire package, I'll have some of that stomach gurgling, but no cramps.
Enjoy this beautiful day -- it's raining here, but it's still beautiful to me!
Be well, everyone!
Cindy
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Thanks Cindy, I did a little online research and that one got good reviews, headed to the store to purchase some so I'll be ready for the big day. It is a beautiful day here too! Was supposed to rain, but I see sunshine! Should walk today but have DD home with Pink Eye of all things! Anyway, can still enjoy the sunshine!
Paula
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Paula, Kroger Senna S brand (generic for Senocot...a softner plus an extremely gentle laxative) I take one with each pain pill.
I'm getting excited about my exchange too, but he's lookin at June! Why? My incisions look pretty good...He's going super slow with the fills...what's the big hold up? When I do get mine, they will be Allergan style 15 midrange silicone in 533cc.
Also, how many days to recoup are they saying these exchanges take? I go to the PS tomorrow for a fill so I will ask him my questions as well. I don't want to just get back to work and then have to take more time off for the procedure.
Good to see you again Maura!
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Kat, I have heard any where from 1 week to 6 weeks for healing time after exchange. I think as far as going back to work it depends on your job, what you do. Most women report that it is a lot easier surgery and recovery then the BMX, so that's good news. I am going to try to pin point a date with my PS on Tuesday. I so want mine done in April or May so I can be healed and ready for summer. My son is supposed to get married in July so my PS promised that I would be all done except maybe tattoos by then.... But I guess that means maybe a June surgery, I am sooooo hoping not! I want to be healed up enough to golf too!!! I am sooo greedy! How do you know exactly what you are getting already, did your PS tell you that? I went to Exchange City and they told me I should ask for Mentor Smooth Round High Profile in at least 500 cc's... another lady said she would recommned upping that to 550-600. So, we'll see what PS says. What size do you want to be in the end? Anyway, thanks for the tip on the Senocot, hadn't heard of that one. Maybe I'll just buy them all and see what works, but that's probably not a good idea.... hopefully I won't have too many more fills to go through so I won't need them.
Good, sunny day to all!
Paula
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Paula, There is a GREAT thread going about the Vit. D levels...I have learned so much...and yes, there is a connection. I just had my levels checked this week. ..I was LOW!. go figure.
blessings...robin
(p.s. I'll bump the vit. D thread and you'll be able to find it easily, I hope....under the natural stuff..)
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paula, look under the alternative, holistic section for the vit. d. thread......I bumped it so it should be pretty close to the top....
blessings...robin
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Drug-induced constipation: dried fruit (I like apricots). I've also added Benefiber to my diet. I have the powder and put 2 teaspoons in my tea each morning. I started that after my first surgery and it made a difference in how quickly I recovered after my last one. Also one of my anti-nausea meds causes constipation while the chemo causes diarrhea. So really trying to balance that out.
Vitamin D - yes there is an article that just came out with a link. And in the Pacific Northwest where I live they are very mindful. I hadn't thought about Vitamin D until last fall. My dad went in for a stent and his doctor told him to start. My mom had her annual and her doctor told her to start. I went in for my annual and my doctor told me to start. Then I got my diagnosis. And being on chemo, they check your blood for EVERYTHING. My Vit D levels are still low, but not in the bad low range. I attribute that to taking an extra Vit D tablet every day since mid-December.
We are all so different yet on a similar path. Kudos to you for finding ways to take your message into Corporate America. THe company I start work for on Monday had posters up for the Rally for the Cure that is in June, so I feel I'm joining a place that has a good start already. I don't want to be the poster child for BC as I start, so I'll be taking it slow.
Have a great day ladies!
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Mornin Ladies,
Went for genetic counseling this morning. They were very nice and explained everything (which, of course I had already researched). I agreed to the test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They took the blood sample and it is going to Utah (understand that is the only lab that does it) and again a pretty costly test (over $3K); a lot like the oncotype. Results should be back in 3 weeks.
Saw the PS and even though we dropped down to 50cc last week, he decided not to fill this week at all!!!! (Yeah, there is a God and SHE was listening to my prayers!!) I told him that even the 50cc fill was uncomfortable this week, especially on the left side. He said both sides were very tight and that I should massage those breasts at least 5 times a day....he said not to be afraid and really try to move them from side-to-side. This should be fun....let's hope nobody sees me doing it while I'm driving.
Went to the pharmacy to pick up the Arimidex and had quite the conversation with the pharmacist! After all, THEY know a lot more about medications than doctor's! He said, "there will be side effects"; it's just a question of how tolerable they are for you. Also told me that his sister had breast cancer and took Arimidex for a little over 2 years and then finally decided she had enough. I told him that I was willing to give it a try.....
It is always so difficult for us....I am trying to be reasonable about this. I understand that even aspirin has side effects and everything in life is a trade-off; it's just a question of what we are willing to trade off, and for what (an undefined percentage of risk?). No wonder we can't sleep; if it's not the physical pain, or discomfort, it is the worry and the second-guessing.
Of course I want to live, but I want to live with a quality of life. I, too, am tired of being poked, analyzed, screened, and invaded. I am tired of being tired. I am sick of being sick. I am sick of trade-off's: constipation v diarrhea; insomnia v grogginess; take iron supplements and take Dulcolax with it; take Arimidex and take Calcium and Vit D, etc etc etc
Trying to be positive and be grateful that it was caught early and I had the opportunity to have it all removed. I guess we all just want our lives back...remember the one's we had before cancer.
As for exchange surgery, I doubt I will be anywhere near ready until June.
Re the differences in after-cancer-treatments. I think we need to trust the experts in their field. I believe that there is still a need for mammograms, because not ALL the breast tissue is gone; also breast cancer can infiltrate the skin and/or nipple (if those remain). Even after the implants are in place, they recommend MRI's every 3 years....We all just need to remain so diligent....routine exams (chest x-rays, mammograms, blood draws, etc.), watch our diet, exercise, and PRAY.
Marianne
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Quick question....any of my non-reconstructing buddies on here still experiencing sore, tender ribs? I can't get comfortable at night or sleep unless I've taken 800 mg ibupfofen.....
blessings...robin
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Mornin' Glories {{hugs}}
I am at work today and it dawned on me that in 4 weeks from today I will be home with my new boobs! It seems so close and yet still far away. Not quite as bad as when I got my diagnosis and had to wait to meet with a surgeon. That felt like a year but was only 2 weeks. And then making my decision (not as easy as I thought) on which procedure to have on Dec 20 and waiting until Jan 13 for the surgery! Time stood still.
That first visit with the PS when I was still trying to make my decision and he had me watch a video on all the procedures. I lost it. Boo hoo'ed like a baby. The nurse asked me if I was ok and I said "NO, I am not ok, breast cancer sucks, I want my mommy, stop this train I want to get off" I think she was as shocked as I was, lol. The nurse held my hand and told me that it will be a blink of an eye when I will be at the exchange surgery and this will all be behind me.
{blink}
I love you girlies, I hope today finds you all feeling well and strong. You are being thought of with love and hugs.
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Lyn: Love that! You are so right, some of it seemed an eternity but some of it seems to fly. As always, the waiting is the hardest part! Your post just brought little tears to my eyes
and I do not cry very often these days. Haven't really cried since I made my decision to have BMX, so it takes a lot. But they're not really tears of pain or sadness, just immense understanding! I think we all wanted our mommies when we were dx and I certainly wanted off the train! Have a glorious day! 
Now I'm off to the dentist for a long over-due cleaning (was due in November when I was dx and going to dr. appts everyday).
Have a good one ladies!
Paula
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Paula-was thinking it was just me, but I really haven't cried very much at all since the surgery! I was beginning to think they yanked out my tear ducts along with the breast tissue.
Went to the grocery store yesterday in my bandana-I never realized how strange it must be for people to see a bald woman. Held my head up high, though. Started through the checkout line and an older lady asked me if I needed help putting my groceries up on the counter...dang, I must look sick! I was in a big sweatshirt and leggings-next time, I'll put on a tight t-shirt and jeans, so maybe they'll think the baldness is a fashion statement!
It is really strange to be bald, yet have "breasts" again-I'm basically the same size I was before surgery, although they're shaped differently. Perkier. Like I'm wearing an underwire, push up bra. Oh, if they only knew how uncomfortable they were!
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Kim, yeah it's just wierd. I was at the dentist today for a cleaning and she asked if anything in my health has changed and I was like, "Oh yeah, I had breast cancer, but it's gone now" like "oh yeah, I had a cold"... kind of threw her for a minute and then I realized how non-chalant I sounded about it and started talking about it a little more. Had to make sure it was okay to have x-rays with TE's in, was sure it was, but then I am never positive about anything with these things! She asked if they hurt sometimes and I said, "Um, yeah, pretty much all the time" then had to re-phrase to the discomfort thing so that she didn't feel too bad for me. I am lucky that I didn't have to have chemo so people really can't tell just by looking at me, but good for you for holding your head high! And definitely where your t-shirt and jeans next time, and make it a tight one! haha! Show off those new perky girls!
Have a good one!
Paula
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Dear Lyn,
So happy that you have a date...a light at the end of the tunnel.....end in site
I also admit to being very jealous 
I can't wait until my PS gives me a date...happy day I know that it isn't and end to everything....but at least it's and end to the TE's...congratulations!I'm going to ask my PS on Monday it he knows how far away I may be from my future "B"
I think I'm at least 6 weeks out.....but that's a rough guess......Kat I think we are still on a similar timeline....I hope your tightness feels better soon.....my right breast feels tight and I'm hoping it loosens up for my next fill on Monday.
Mixed feelings....I know that I am so lucky to have had my breast cancer discovered early...but sometimes I still feel like this is all a bad dream.....it all happens so fast....you disappear into anesthesia, then your in pain and then your healing and then you get new boobs and then you soldier on........it's all a bit surreal........
The opposite of surreal is basic body functions ..... I take two capsule of psyllium husks with dinner and steel cut oatmeal every morning adding blue berries or strawberries adds even more fiber...things move along
Thanks again to all for the smiles, the tears and the comfort.......
Beat to all, strength and healing
Laura
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Hi ladies:
Pbebow - if all else fails, I find that Milk of Magnesia works...and QUICK so be sure to take it when you are home for about 6 hours.
Burley - I have been sans hair since Oct 15. I rarely wore a wig or head covering. I found wearing a bit more make up, bright color shirt, and a large interesting/artsy necklace to be a "distraction" from my lack of hair. I would get compliments on my necklaces and I honestly think while most people felt pity for me it somehow seemed okay since I showed self- confidence. I always felt less confident if I tried to cover my head - as if I was hiding something or even oddly like I was embarassed. Just me though...I know many women who view wigs and scarves as accessories and rock the look.
As for me - I was unable to do my Taxol infusion - again. My counts were still too low and so I am getting 5 Neuprogen shots and trying next week. My onc will also drop my Taxol dose by 5%. I actually cried when the nurse told me that I could not get the infusion. It is two weeks in a row that I was unable to get chemo and I am irrational in thinking that somehow it is my fault that the counts are low.
Honestly, this cancer thing is getting way to old - no thank you, I think I have had enough and I would like to be done now. If only.....
On the positive side, I went to Busch Gardens and saw Davy Jones in concert. I had seen him at EPCOT a few years ago but this was so much more special as I really needed a psychological boost. It is amazing that I remember all of the lyrics to songs 40 years old.LOL
Have a great night.
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Hey Girls! Hope everyone is ok... Sorry I haven't been on... Been under the weather...Mother nature and chemo really did a number on my stomach and ovaries.... Have the bloat, and ovary pain..... Went to the onco today for blood levels.... She said I am ready for round 2 next Thurs.I also go tomorrow for another fill.....She said I was good to go even with the stomach issue. This week has not been good. thought I was heading back to work... But I guess that will wait awhile...
I am glad everyone is doing so great... I am happy for you who exchange dates......And other hope your TE don't give you too much pressure and pain.
Jaclyn- sorry that your counts were low.... I too just this past week feel I had enough.... I don't want to go for anymore treatments.... But I know we have to do what we need to do for our family.... So I will keep praying for you for the Courage and Strength to continue with this madness. Keep smiling....
Everyone Big Hugs ......
Donna
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Hey ladies...
I just got a note from Gina....(Regina...the other gal on here from New Albany)....I had been worried about her because I hadn't heard from her on here or on Facebook....she just got home from the hospital. She's been there since March 5th. Turns out she had a bad infection...guessing that's why she kept having so much fluid and wasn't able to get her drain out. Anyway, she had to go back to surgery and have her TE removed. She now has a PICC line and is getting antibiotics. She's really, really depressed....she asked me to let you all know.
blessings...robin
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((((((((((((((Regina)))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((Regina))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((Regina))))))))))))))))
xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
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{{{{Gina}}}}
Strength and Courage !
Never Surrender !
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I wish there was a way we could all send cards to Gina, let her know we are thinking about her.
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robin--my side is still so sore--when i go to pt she has to be so careful. my onc said it is because all the cushion is gone around those ribs...they aren't use to being so exposed.
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Being fairly new to the group I would just like to wish all of you who are fighting through chemo, radiation and long and difficult battles, all the strength in the world.
Healing to all,
Laura
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