BMX April 2011

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sweetbadger
sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Hi ladies, I am starting a thread for all of us having a BMX this month... Mine is on the 27th with TE.  Figure we could all use a lil support and lovin during these trying times.  I had a "fair well to boobies" photo shoot today with a darling photog friend of mine.  Sad but beautiful.
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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    So its Monday morning, surgery is a little over a week away.  Had a photo shoot with my friend this weekend to get some last shots of my breasts as they are today and soon to be never more.  I am SO sad.  10 days left.  I wish I had the "mojo" feeling to make the most of my time with them, but neither my hubby or me feel much like getting frisky at the moment.  I'm afraid it is going to be a hard week.  My anxiety is becoming more intense.  I know I have a great team of Docs and all, but... GOD I just hate what is happening to me. 

    Yours truly, Badger

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  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited April 2011

    Hi Badger - Just wanted to post although I had my BMX April 2010. I think there actually is an April Mastectomy thread in one of the other forums (see link below). I joined my April 2010 thread and it did help me feel like I was not so alone with this.  As far as the sadness, it is there for a long time, although I did have some relief too that had done everything I needed to do to reduce my risk. I just finished reconstruction on Monday (well, no tattoos yet), but it is a loss, and will always be a loss.  One thing which I was so glad to have done was to take pics and also the morning of my BMX DH and I said "goodbye" to them. Nothing major happened, but I was glad to have taken the time to do it.  (((hugs))) to you - you will get through it. The waiting is the hardest part...

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/765377 

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  • lisa1313
    lisa1313 Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2011

    Your dx is similar to mine, my doc recomended lumpectomy and rad or mastectomy

    I have chosen double mastectomy but I am suprised that no radiation or chemo is necessary, do you have to do chemo or rad?

    lisa1313

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  • jadeblue
    jadeblue Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2011

    Hi sweetbadger. I was scheduled for BMX on 4/27 but haven't found a good plastic surgeon for reconstruction yet and so will have to push surgery back to May. (I had a lumpectomy with failed margins on right in late March, leaving me no other choice on that side and have opted for BMX.)

    I know what you mean -- I feel like I'm walking around with two death row inmates on my chest. I keep thinking I should enjoy them while they're still with me, but it's just too sad right now.

    Good luck to you! Consider sending a private message to Timtam asking for access to the reconstruction photo gallery if you haven't already done so. Seeing how well -- and how strong -- many women come through reconstruction has helped me feel better about all this.

    Best of luck. Keep in touch if you like.
    -Jade 

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  • rianne2580
    rianne2580 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2011

    My RMX was on March 29. On April 1st I went out to dinner and to a movie with my husband, mom and sister in law.  It will be 3 weeks tomorrow and I'm running again, grocery shopping, doing laundry and walking the dog. I did not have recon. I do still feel pings of shooting nerve pain, not a big deal. So important to stretch, get those muscles moving so you don't loose shoulder or arm movement, but be gentle at first. The drains are the pits, the worst part. I went to Willowbrook Ballroom dancing yesterday, my mom's 90th birthday and my brother whipped me around like a rag doll. I'm ok, no harm done. My dress fit beautifully with the foob, no one could tell and it was low cut.

    But the little pains and sensations are there for a long time I'm told, I'm just used to them now. I did not take one narcotic pain killer, all tylenol and ibuprofen. I hope this makes everyone feel better and more comfortable with their upcoming surgery. I even wondered why the heck I was staying overnight in the hospital???

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    Dear lisa1313

    My doc suggested the same treatment, lumpectomy with rad/chemo and tamoxifen.  I decided to do the BMX with TE.  AS long as the sential node biopsy comes back okay (they inject the dye an hour or so before my surgery) then I won't have to have any radiation which is what I am praying for.

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    Hi CandDsMom:

    You mentioned taking pictures the morning of BMX DH... forgive me but what does the DH stand for?   So you got a pic of before or after or what? 

     Thanks for the info, this forum has really helped along the way.

     SB

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  • Beaglesgirl
    Beaglesgirl Member Posts: 287
    edited April 2011

    My surgery is tomorrow. I understand the deep pain and loss and for me there is huge paralyzing fear in keeping them a second longer... Kind of in a no win spot. I was diagnosed almost a month ago and tomorrow morning can't come quick enough... Then there will be chemo. You are not alone sweetbadger (((hugs)))

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    Well I will keep you in heart and mind, and pray that all goes well for you tomorrow Beaglesgirl.  And pray for SWIFT recovery of heart, body, and mind. xoxo

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  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2011

    I've seen it b4 and being a newbie thought the same thing, but I  think DH=Darling Husband...am I right or wrong?

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  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited April 2011

    yep DH = dear husband

    basically the morning of my BMX (and this may be TMI) he sort of held them, kissed each of them and we both said goodbye to them... BC really sucks, I think lumpectomy or MX, there are no good choices we get to make once we have to deal with this beast.  Thinking of you sweetbadger (((and also beaglesgirl)))

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    I have a DH then too, and NO that is not TMI, I am Cry having leaky eyes just reading this.  My honey is so sweet and helpful through this and I just had a vision of us saying goodbye to my girls on the 27th.

    So sad right now. 

     Thank you for sharing this.

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  • lisa1313
    lisa1313 Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2011

    Sweet badger , when is your surgery and what is TE?

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  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2011

    TE=Tissue Expanders

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    Well my BMX with TE is tomorrow morning.  I'd be lying if i said i wasn't scared.  I am pretty sad but know that everything will be okay.  Just praying that the sentinel node biopsy is negative so i can skip out on radiation.  any tips on recovery would be welcomed.

     Sweet (scared) Badger

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  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited April 2011

    Thinking of you sweetbadger. It will get better - my fear led up and escalated to the day of surgery but there is some relief, truthfully, in getting the cancer out.  You can do this! you will do great during surgery, and we will all be here thinking of you.  I think I saw you were on the picture forum too?  That special place has been my savior during the last year.

    My best tip on recovery - don't be afraid to let others help you.  Sleep when you need sleep.  I ended up seeing a counselor for a few months too post BMX just to help me work through my grief, fear and sadness.  My DH went once (well, I asked him to go) for me too.  It was really helpful to have a place where I could get my feelings (and tears) out and not worry about unloading on my family and friends.  Lastly, ask your surgeon when you are cleared to do physical therapy/exercises to get your arm range of motion back. 

    (((sweetbadger))) 

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    Yes I have been on the picture forum, it helps so I know, somewhat, what to expect when taking off my bandages for the first time.  i appreciate all the women who have been brave enough to post their photos, it truly does help the new comer on this scary journey.

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  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2011

    Be sure and ask for something b4 they administer the actual anesthesia. I did that and I didn't even have to "count backwards"! Took the edge off. The next time I woke up I was in my hospital room post op with my family. Also, ry to think of your new "girls" as the old girls...just tweaked and cancer-free! I still have my same skin, and they no longer sag! Like my hubby tells me and I think about this when I want to throw a pity party for one...I plan to be "the 80 year old with great boobs!"

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2011

    Hi Shanon, you are right, they are the same girls, just cancer free.  Woke up and the PS said she got 300cc's in my TE so today when we took off the bandages I had more 'bump' then i thought i would.  Just trying to take it easy, rest and heal.  The muscle spasms are pretty irksome though.  My DH is making me some chamomile tea now so i can hopefully get some decent rest tonight.  The nights are the hardest so far.

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  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited May 2011

    Glad you are home and healing well! I thoughtt about you! Take care and easy! Flexeril is good for the spasms. I asked my plastic surgeon for that at my first fill. Especially at nite. That was the big thing for me...all this time to rest and couldn't do so comfortably due to discomfort. I took stuff round-the-clock for pain, etc. for the first 2 weeks. Then weaned off all. I'm not a medicine taker but body can't heal well if you are in pain.

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2011

    You are so right, I kinda felt like I should start "weening"' off the meds, but at the same time, I feel like I really need them right now.  All I know is that I can sure as heck tell about a half hour before its time for me to take the meds again.  Got up and took a nice walk out in the sunshine today.  pretty much wiped me out so i am now just resting. Smile

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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    My surgery was 4/22.  I am finally feeling human again and so glad the worst is over.  I am curious if anyone is having pain (23 node removed)...pain in the shoulder and barely able to lift the arm.  I did have TE which makes me think they are waiting on the exercises.  Is anyone doing exercises and what works for them.  I was in very good shape before this and was hoping to feel better than I do by now.  My non node side is doing very well and I have to remind myself not to lift it up.  I have 2 drains left scheduled to be out on 4/10 as well as my first cc fill. I hope your all doing well.

      

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  • sweetbadger
    sweetbadger Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2011

    rondajean:

    After 23 nodes removed no wonder you are still having pain!  I only had one removed and 350cc added to my TE's and i'm still dealing with pain, not as much but still needing meds.  My PS said i can do shoulder rolls and walks, but that is about it for now.  I have 2 drains left so i think until those are gone we aren't supposed to get too active.  I guess this is an opportunity to learn patience... which I am low on to be honest,but my body quickly reminds me when i over-do it. 

    SB

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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    My plastic surgeon removed the 2 drains today and as for the pain med.  I have to "beg" for a refill.  I by no means consider myself a junkie....never will be...and he said I should ween myself off soon.  I am 17 days out....my mother said "when you get your tits cut off, let me know how long you need it"  I love my mother.  I am now taking 3 a day.  only!

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  • rianne2580
    rianne2580 Member Posts: 191
    edited May 2011

    rondajean,

    I go to PT and do stretching. She massages my skin. Apparently your skin sticks to the bone and makes it difficult to stretch and move your arms. The incision area has to be massaged too. It loosens everything up so you can stretch. This process takes a long time, months, to get to full comfortable moblility. My underarm, where the nodes were removed is very sore. My PT says massage it with lotion and use a wash cloth on it in the shower. Tender motion, like circular is the best. Little by little your feeling (at least mine did) comes back. I use a petroleum like lotion. Trust me, this all takes time if you want full motion in your arm and shoulder. Mine still aches with a bra on, but I deal with it because I can't look lopsided at work. The skin is so tight it feels like there's a band around my chest. Apparently that goes away with stretching and movement. I used to lift weights and work out all the time. Now I just run. PT said I can start lifting again in two weeks.

    Good luck, nobody told me this would happen before the surgery. Surprise!

    Rianne

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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    that is very helpful info.  Thanks so much for taking the time to post it :)

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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    where did everyone go? 

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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    Had my first saline fill today.  Im now at 100 and I can see a difference.  Dr said 500 or so would put me back into my c cup.....kinda painful but on flexerall.  Best wishes everyone.

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  • Emaline
    Emaline Member Posts: 492
    edited May 2011

    Glad to hear your first fill went well.  I see my PS on Thursday and will be asking about Flexerell.  I had a terrible time with the pain since my surgery on Friday. I'm actually doing very well today, so am hopeful I turned the corner.

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