January Mastectomy
Comments
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Cathy, my nipples were done during my exchange so I can't report on that part of the procedure, but I can tell you that I do not regret having them done. Just be clear with your PS of what you want your final outcome to be. They start off bigger then you want and shrink down. I was very definite that I wanted small nipples, just a hint of a nipple, and that is what I got, and I am very happy with them. I just wanted to look normal but I didn't want the headlights to be on all of the time. I did consider at one time not having them done, but I just don't think that I could've ever felt normal without them. I just can't wait for my tats now! I think that will truly be the icing on the cake. Just need to do a little more research to decide if I am going to have my PS do them or take a road trip to NC or somewhere and have a real pro do them. Anyway, I say go for it girl! You will love them! Everyone has different procedures to follow after for the healing week or two, but heck in the grand scheme of things, what is a couple weeks of camouflaging them, right?
I go to see my PS Monday to talk about my next procedure and I have to admit, for the first time, I am seriously dreading it. I too am tired of the procedures and surgeries, but I keep telling myself not to wimp out now... I am the one that has to live with these for the rest of my life and I want to be happy with them, so I will go through it again and it will be fine!
Anyway, off to work!
Hugs chickas!
Paula
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As goofy/corny/morbid or whatever it may seem, I do like hearing the "rehash" of our details of our diagnoses/processes of how we got on this forum.. It's interesting to see how it varies from doctor to doctor and from region to region. Please do keep sharing that stuff, ok???
Nips, nips....you all are funny....I teased my husband that I could get 'em on my flat chest along my scar line
He didn't seem too amused....not sure why?!?!Oh well. Actually, I am still really cool with being flat. I honestly can't tell....and I go flat 95% of the time. Maybe others *do* know and they're just too discreet for me to notice that *they* noticed, but I never see anyone give a second look.....so, oh well, whatever. It is what it is, and I'm ok with it, and my husband is ok with it, and that's really all that matters.
And yes, I decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy. The only negative comments I ever ran across were ones on some hysterectomy forum. Everyone else - either on here, or people I talked to in person- had nothing but positive things to say. I am just so tired of cramping three weeks every month, and it is getting worse. Date is set for Dec. 10th,. My doc said I should be able to drive in 5 days (I'm hoping for FOUR, as both of our kids at home have orchestra concerts that night in two different places at the same time, so hubby will have to take one and I'll have to take the other)....and she said it will be fine for me to travel the next week to the beach
She also said this surgery will only be about 40 minutes long, and wont' be nearly the recovery time of the BMX. Leaving the cervix.Hey, and friends...thanks so much for voting...you're too sweet!!! I think there must be some "professional" voters on that site, though....it's amazing how many votes some of them have. WOW! I can't imagine. But oh well....I'm still having fun with it. You never know. Maybe they'll be disqualified somehow?!??
Well, blessings to all....prayers for each....hugs to everyone.....robin
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p.s. Talked to Gina tonight.
Her Mammogram is Thursday.
Her MRI is Friday.
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Well home from celebrating my Baby Boys 18th birthday... Nipple surgery went very well. It took about 1 hour 15 minuets... They give you a circle for you to put on where you think they (NIPS) should go... PS comes in and measures and you discuss area.. He numbs the area and you have a conversation for the rest of the time... I did not feel anything. The worst part is I can not shower till Monday. They are covered and I go back on Monday to see how I am doing In 2 months I can have my tattoo done.
Hope everyone is doing fine. I pray for everyone everyday....
Going to have some ice cream cake for the birthday boy.
Donna
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Donna, my youngest turned 18 today, too. BBQ ribs, then too full for much cake, but he heroically managed some. Funny, he doesn't look like a grownup, despite the beard since he was 14. I won't even talk about how he acts. It comes with more time, I guess.
Robin, I've thought about having tattoos or even just painting on nips to see what they would look like on my flat chest. Probably silly.
Most of the time, I don't think people notice how flat I am - except when I wear skin-tights to exercise in. It's the only time I feel like I need to wear a sign - NOT A FREAK, JUST A SURVIVOR! Not that flat-chested women are freaks -- and I'm sure that the people who keep looking are just trying to figure out what gender I am. That never used to bother me as much when I had breasts. I'm pretty androgynous - even more so now. I miss my breasts, but want MY breasts back, not a reconstruction - my choice. It's interesting to me from a sociology aspect that after "human" the first distinction we make is "male/female?" I think it comes even before race/skin color, at least in most folk. I guess the old procreation drive sets us up for that, even in this "advanced" civilization. Just rambling, here.
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Hi,
I had my surgery on January. Almost a year ago. BiMX and reconstruction.
Haven't done my nipples yet. I feel fine without them,and I'm afraid to "open up" the wound again.
mu PS said in some cases the nipples dissapear with time. I'm considering the 3D tattoes and no surgery at all.
My DH does not encourage me to have another surgery.
So yes I'm considering not having it.
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Hello MaiTai, welcome to Team January {hugs} I am sorry you didn't find us then, I don't know what I would have done without the support of the ladies here.
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Hi Lynbob,
Thanks. This seems a very welcoming and nice place to be.
Fortunately, I have the support of my family and friends. It helped me through chemo and surgery. But, there is something else in the support of those who have experienced the same fears, anxiety, pain, strength and so on, that you have.
Nobody can understand me better than you all.
Hugs and Thank you for the warm welcome.
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Hi MaiTai, it is so true there doesn't seem to be anybody who can truly relate to things quite like on this forum. I wish you could have found us in January when you were having your surgery. But you can hang around for the 1 year anniversary coming up.
Ladies, I wasn't able to change the thread, but I was able to add to the beginning of the original post. Let me know if there is something else you would like added/changed.
Seems like quite a few of us with children who turned 18 this year. Is there a connection there? Does it drive anybody else crazy with wondering the hows and whys? I find I am constantly having those thoughts. Possibly because I am trying to do whatever I can to avoid having to go through this again. I know there are no guarantees, and they really don't know for sure why any of us are here. This week I took my first yoga class ever, because I read in "Anti Cancer" that it would be good for us. Not sure if it is my cup of tea, but I will keep trying it. I would much rather get out there cross country skiing, but we don't have enough snow for that just yet.
Everybody is so different in how they feel after having MX. For me, I found it really difficult after the BMX and before I had reconstruction. I was really self conscious about not having any breast and being flat. Yet I'm sure most people never really even noticed. I had been asked to participate in a study about reconstruction. It basically involves completing a survey at different intervals of the process. I just received my 6 month survey to complete. I can't believe it has been 6 months.
Take Care and have a good night
Cathy
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Helloooo ladies, I'm back from a short absence. Been busy working, kid stuff, birthday this past Monday (the big 4 oh!) And then surgery on Tuesday. For now, I'm officially a D. When the swelling goes down, I may stay a small D or a large C. Either way, they look a lot better. Higher up and a little closer together. With the right bra, I'm sure I would have some cleavage-bonus!
I bought a couple of bras before surgery, but neither one fits right so I'm stuck wearing a sports bra until I feel comfortable driving the 15 minutes to a store.
Big birthday party for me on Saturday-somehow it got moved to my house, but I'm not feeling up to cleaning, so...I don't even really care at this point. I'll do what I can, which isn't much. The kids can do their best at the rest.
Today was my day to take the bandages off and take a shower-the tape was so sticky it took a piece of skin off with it. I sat in the recliner and very slowly worked the rest of it off. Ouch. And I'm left with a nasty rash like last time.
Well, it's 1:20am and I'm waiting for the hubby to get home from the ER. He apparently almost chopped his finger off at work, and finally decided to go get some stitches on the way home. I'm glad I will only see the aftermath-not sure I could handle a gaping wound. -
Hi,
Thank you Cathy,
Yep. My anniversary is January 1st. Good one:-)
Better late than never, though.
About the wondering, I can relate to that too.
I remember reading about the risk factors for BC (after DX), and I could not believe I had it.
Never smoked, don't have a history of BC in the family, almost don't drink, I'm in shape and not overweight.
The only thing is I gave birth quite late (at 33) and only have one child. She is 8 years old (not 18...lol).
There is nothing I can do about that now. I know I have to exercise a lot more than I do. I go to a kind of shaping class 1-2 times a week and I'm jogging 2 times a week. But my knee is suffering and I don't think I can keep runnung.
What do you ppl do to keep in shape, and how much?
I would be glad if you could share. I'm not sure Yoga is for me.
Take care
Clari
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Ok, bought 3 bras today...am I to suffer the rest of my life with uncomfortable bras? The only thing that feels good is a light sports bra that I wear to sleep in. All the rest of them suck. I'm not allowed to wear underwires for 3 months, so my choices are limited.
Anyone have good luck with a particular brand of bra? I seem to have traded comfort for big boobs. lol
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MaiTai: Welcome. Sorry you had to join us but glad you are here and found us. My "exercize" is that we have a Gazelle machine I try to use a few times a week and do a mile on it (no impact on the old knees that way) and I have several Richard Simmons videos that I really like to do. My kids have always laughed at me about it but I think that it is motivating because there are people who are at a variety of weights and levels and it doesn't seem so much like "exercize!"
burley: When I went bra shopping, I went to Nordstroms, which I had to drive over an hour to, because so many other women recommended them since they have people specially trained to fit bc patients. I ended up buying Wachol bras. I am a uni and had TE and now a gummy implant. My PS suggested something "lined" to help hide all the lumps and bumps that are natural to have and this brand seems to "lift up" my non-surgical side since my mx side isn't all saggy like the 50 year old side.
Hi Everyone: Not sure how much I'll be on because of son...my baby who is 26 now will be home on Sunday and hogs the computer when he's here. I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! We can all be thankful this year is almost over and behind us!
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Mai Tai, welcome.
So glad that you were able to 'find us' even if it is somewhat after-the-fact. As you can see, we have a variety of experiences, a variety of issues and a variety of continuing challenges throughout our team. We are good listeners and it seems there's usually someone around & available to offer cheer and support.
Team J. This is our Gina's weekend to be awaiting her recent MRI results...... I know that everyone sends their support & cheer as she awaits the results.
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I had a seriously awesome time on our short-hop into Kentucky. I've already generated a couple of 'new' invitations to return to my southern neighbors.
FUN!!
Just before we took off to head south, I had THE single most amazing emails for consideration of an up & coming possibility. Think a good thought that the details can come together & in the mean time, somebody please nag me to get my passport renewed!!!
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Happy birthday, Kim.
MizzyCO: always great to see you, whenever you can wrestle the computer from your 'baby.'
Cathy, the more time & energy I 'devote' to yoga, the more I appreciate all of it's benefits.
Hope that everyone has some great plans & serendipity for the rest of the weekend.
I have a friend who is hosting a "new-book" party for me tomorrow in her home, so I'll have a smile on my face all day tomorrow!!
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Hi Team J!
Debbie, before November 30th, you and I will get our passports renewed! I'm one step ahead of you because I did the application part online. Now, I just have to take the print out to the post office with my documentation and they take your photo and you pay them160.00 and I'm good to go! You and I will be passport buddies to ensure this task gets done! Whoohoo! (shake on it)
Welcome Mai Tai!
Warm wishes and prayers are sent out to Gina...and lots of optimism too! Hang in there!
Kim, hope you had a fun birthday and celebrated with your new and improved reconstruction:) Good things ahead!
Oh and guess what? I was able to reach the top shelf full-extension on tippy toes at the supermarket today to get a box of bran flakes off the top shelf. *the reaching to the top shelf is the relevant part here...not the bran flakes!* lol The little things we took for granted for so long, then they were gone and now they're coming back.
Have a good rest of your weekend everyone....and pay no attention to the full moon behind the curtain!
Kat -
Howl!!! New moon, what new moon?
I'm getting a mini-vacation here, as I was sick on Monday, off on Wednesday, and had to take off to help my partner with a medical on Friday, then will only work Monday and Tuesday this week - only 4 days of work in two weeks - I'm good with that. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving - we do have something to be grateful for, I think. If nothing else, that we have the support of this community of friends. Everyone take care, whether you are waiting for test results (I hate this!) or getting your last steps of reconstruction done, or waiting for "the new girls" to acquire their final shape, or facing new challenges.
Elaine
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Hell My Jan Friends {{{{hugs}}}} to all of you!
Welcome Mai Tai, So Glad you found us! We are here for you, Just ask anything!
Debbie Glad your trip was great.Can't wait til you get to Louisville so Robin & I can finally meet you!
Robin, Hang in there only 1 week til the cast is Off {{hugs}}
Thanks for all the support & [[HUGS}} & concern you all give each other & esp thanks for Keeping me in your Prayers since my New Devloping, Lump in the mastectomy Breast. I had Mammo on My only lefty Nov 18 & Fri Nov 19th I had the MRI. I have put calls in to my 2 Dr this Morning @ 9am & Iam still waiting ! Ugh! as we all know that the hardest part!
I hope all of you are doing well , Happy Thanksgiving to my "Team Jan" Love ya all! xoxo ,Gina
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Sometimes the waiting is the hardest. Big hugs and squeezles Gina {hugs}
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Happy Thnaksgiving to My "Team Jan" {{{{hugs}}}
I got a call from onocologist nurse, they finally got my results, they had been waiting for the fax? Left breast Mammogram Negative.Yea But MRI Rt breast show lymph nodes of Concern? See my Oncologist Tues Nov 30 @ 940 am to discuss . But Nurse did give me news that MRI reads no reoccurrence of Breast cancer? So I just got to find out why my Nodes are concerning & My armpit is so tender .
Anyway I wanted you all to know .Thanks foryour Prayers Love ya, Gina Happy Thanksgiving!! Hope your Thanksgiving is so Blessed! Enjoy this card from me! Click here: Pumpkin Pie - animated Flash ecard by Jacquie Lawson -
Gina: The card is wonderful! Thanks for sharing! So sorry to read about your mixed news. Try to relax over the holiday weekend and enjoy it though. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Everyone:
Happy Thanksgiving!
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On January 8, 2011 it will have been 2 years since my bilateral mastectomy for Stage 2 infiltrating ductal carcinoma. It will have been 1 year since my twin's prophylactic bilateral mastecomy. She only had a lumpectomy when she was first diagnosed - when we were just 33. However, since we have both tested positive for a mutation of the BRAC1 gene, she went ahead with the 'previvor' surgery. I developed a simple solution for holding drains after surgery in her honor and to help others with this particularly uncomfortable issue following surgery. It's bad enough to have surgery - dealing with these drains is like getting kicked when you are down.
I'm giving away a set of Pink Pockets Temporary Self-Adhesive Drain Pockets to the first responders through this forum. I've been there - I know what you do not. Your surgeons will not really give you a good idea how uncomfortable these drains are. Their job is to get the cancer out. Pink Pockets will help you recuperate in comfort.
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{{{{Gina}}}}
Happy Thanksgiving Team January !!!!!
Cathy, I like how you added the 'Team January' info at the top of our thread. I'm sure you didn't imagine the results when you posted, I know I never dreamed we would be going 89 pages later...but I am so THANKFUL to have you all Team January !
Never Surrender !
Sally
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>
</ It's the Pink Turkey of Awareness!!!!
Happy Turkey day My Pink Pals! Thanks for all the Hugs I am feeling them all! xoxxoxo
You guys are great !!
I am so Blessed to have you in my corner! We are a great group ! I am so thankful for my "Team Jan"
Hope all are you are feeling Strong & enjouing A Blessed day! Iam so thankful for all of you & your support !
Love ya all Gobble~ Gobble
Thanksgiving {{{{{{hugs}}}}} Gina
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Happy Thanksgiving Team January!
Prayers for you Gina! Hang in there darling. (I love that we're you're pink pals!:)
I am so thankful to each and every one on this board for had it not been for you I don't know how I could have possibly gone through this past year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
(We've come a long way baby!)I worked a little today and it was nice....we are having our big tadoo tomorrow...so now I'm cleaning and getting ready to cook a big meal when you all just finished one up! lol
Thanksgiving blessings ladies!
Kat -
Sorry Girls for being a day late, but HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!!!!!
I am so thankful for my January Sisters... If it wasn't for you girls I would of never gotten through this time. Love you all.
Enjoy the weekend, and your family....
Donna
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Just checking in to see how everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. Love to all {{hugs}}
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Hi to all,
I'm happy I found this group.
Thanks again for the warm welcome. I'm trying to catch up.
Kat - I can totally relate to your success reaching the high shelf. I had a whole routine of jokes about my "short" hands
. Especialy during the first month after surgery and with the drains. Now I feel no restrictions and can do almost everything. Sometimes I feel a liitle discomfort when I can feel the pecs muscles over the implants.
Does anyone here knows this feeling?
Gina - I'm praying and keeping fingers crossed that the mixed news will turn into good news all the way.
Have a great week.
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What a weekend!!
Team January friends, we are all packed up and head out around dawn tomorrow for da biggest of my crazy adventures to date, or at least the wildest ride to date. We start for DC and spend the night w DD2&hubby and then it's off to the races & into the BIG apple.
Three schools over the remaining 4 days. Upper east Manhatten, then Long Island and then 14th Street on Friday. Serious fun or serious nuts.... who actually drives in da big city?????
This is such a big thrill. Send travel mercies in our direction. Hopefully we'll have connectivity here & there -- from time to time.
Everybody take good care as we wind down 2010.
Gina, thinking of you.
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