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  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited April 2011

    Hi CityKitty -thank you for your well-wishes. Yeah, I will have my exchange surgery this coming week. I can't wait to get this tissue-expender out. I am tired of being in pain b/c of it. From what you wrote, it looks like you are not too happy with yours. Remember, it takes time for it to settle. Did you have a biletaral or uni? My PS explained that becuse they had overstretched the skin it was going to look "funny" at first. Much like when someone looses a lot of weight and the skin eventually shrinks back again. So we need to be patient.Let the skin shrink back as I was told. I will let you know how mine turns out.

    About my job situation. I decided to be pro-active. I quickly updated my resume today and applied for two jobs. Something will come up. I have my BA. And hopefully, I will go back to school in the fall to continue with my master's, too. I can't wait, though I might get another six months extention so that I can finish my cancer treatment. But jobwise, if I get really desperate I can always find babysitting. Not that I really want to, but it will pull me through. I am just not able to commit to a 9-5 job until I am done with treatment, but hopefully after this surgery next week I will have less and less appointments to do.

  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited April 2011

    I know it will take time to settle.  And it looks different, so that in itself takes getting used to.  I'm trying not to dwell on it for now.  Mine was unilateral, plus augmentation on the natural side for symmetry (or such symmetry as I might be able to get).

    I'm thinking of you this week and hoping all goes well -- with the surgery and the job!!

  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited April 2011

    Survivorwoman

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    hug to ya!

    AJ

  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited April 2011

    survivor- great big hugs. 

  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited April 2011

    VAL NYC

    Val did you get the results of your SNB?  I hope you get good results.  I too use Dr Feldman........is he the best or what?

    Im so glad I found him.  He was also a second opinion for me but I chose to stay with him for the

    same reasons you did.

    hugs to ya!

    AJ

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited April 2011

    Hi Ladies-- home from the hospital, doing great, not much pain, or at least tolerable. I am going to bed soon as I am still a bot busy. Thank you for your support. It was much easier to do the surgery knowing that you were thinking of me. Thanks and big hugs to you all, too! Katia

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited April 2011

    above- I meant to write dizzy instead of busy,

    well..............the anesthesia is still in me

  • Valnyc
    Valnyc Member Posts: 14
    edited April 2011

    Hi Aj- thanks for asking about the SNB. I was told my results would be in early next week. I thought about calling today but decided to take a mental break from everything for the  weekend. Besides, I think all of the surgeons are at some conference in DC. Have a great weekend. Katia- hope you are recovering without complications and get lots of rest. Take care. Val

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2011

    Deleted because I realize I didn't read the last page, and replied to something that was no longer current.  Duh!

    Hi to all! 

  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited May 2011

    Hi New York girls - I hoping that you may be able to help me.  I had a lumpectomy with a breast reduction at the same time.  I was left with an unclean margin. They also thought I had DCIS  from the biopsy but it turns out I also have an invasive cancer. My doctors state they think they can go back in and get the inclean Margin. I got a 2nd opinion at Dana Farber who stated they do not think anyone could no for sure that they got the unclean margin because all the breast tissue has been moved around from th4e reduction. Dana Farber was mortified that this procedure was done and stated they would never of done it like that. They stated they would of taken care of the cancer first and then done the reduction. In my research I see that a Dr. Switzel at Presbytarian is a pioneer in my original procedure. I am thinking of gettinga 3rd opinion from him but am also a little worried that he may be emotionally invested in this procedure done so he may not be objective. Has anyone heard of him or had the same procedure done (it is called oncoplasty)? Any feedback on Dr. Switzel would be very much appreciated! I don't want to do a masectomy unless it is truly needed.

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2011

    Singlemom - both Cookiegal and I have had the same surgery; she w Swistel & ... forgot the name of the BS...Talmor?... and myself w Guth (BS) & Karp (PS) at NYU.  I was lucky enough to get clean margins, but was told up front that they wouldn't be able to go back in for a re-excision and if the margins were bad I'd have no choice but mastectomy. But that was a year ago, who knows, maybe things have changed.

    I hope Cookie stops in and can contribute her experience, you might try PMing her if she doesn't.

    I don't think you have anything to lose but a road trip to NYC if you wanted to consult with either or both Docs, though Swistel can sometimes be a bit hard to get in to see.  He seems to travel a lot. Again, Cookie might have more info.  I met with Swistel but ulimately didn't go with him, the reasons why are irrelevant to your situation so I won"t get into them.

    I'm really sorry you're in this predicament!  

  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited May 2011

    Hi, just checking in to see how everyone is.  And hello to singlemom, Valnyc, AnewBeginning, and anyone else I missed that I haven't "met" yet. 

    Katia, how are you doing post-exchange?  I'm doing better with mine....

  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited May 2011

    singlemom- don't know where u are in ct but i am probably near you if u do yale or nyu or switzel.  Let me know if you need a hand for dd.  I know it can be hard dealing with kids at same time. Sweaty has good advice, also try to talk to cookie.

    good luck

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited May 2011

    Hi Citty-Kitty--I am doing all right. I will have my first post-op visit tomorrow. I was told not to take showers but I had my surgery last Thursday and just couldn't resist taking one today. I saran-wrapped my whole upper body and took a quick shower. I am sure the PS is going to be angry with me b/c I also changed the dressing. The one they put on me was so painful. I think I developed an allergic reaction to the latex bandage and just peeled it off / put a new one on. Tomorrow I will be yelled at. I am certain. But otherwise the squishy gelly new breast feels kind of nice. Not as awful as the tissue expander was. Right?

  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited May 2011

    I'm glad you're liking it!  Hope your appointment went well!

    My TE wasn't bad, just big.  I was able to camouflage it, and knowing it was temporary made all the difference.  During my exchange I had the natural side augmented for symmetry, and when I first saw the result, I was beside myself because I thought it looked as big as the TE!  But the swelling is going down, and I'm adjusting to the changes -- whew!

  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited May 2011

    Survivorwoman

    How are you doing?  Thinking of you, let us know!

    hugs to ya!

    AJ

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited May 2011

    Thanks New Beginning- -I am OK. Recovered from surgery, but I have not found a job yet. And have been trying and applying and networking and all that I need to do.........and ...........nothing.

    Also, I just found out today that my onco is leaving the hospital. I have no idea who is going to take care of me. Frown

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited May 2011
    I am trying to stay upbeat and think that something is coming my way. I mean a job. Smile
  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited May 2011

    Fingers crossed for you, K.!

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited May 2011

    I am still very upbeat.........not yet employed. Just thought to give you ladies a quick update. Trying not to get down, but stay positive.

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited May 2011

    Thought to give you Ladies a quick update: I got a temp job at last, even if it is for two weeks.... it gives me more time to find something else. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the great weather and the holiday weekend.

  • Kitchenwitch
    Kitchenwitch Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2011

    How is everyone? Katya, glad you got something (even if it's just temp - I am temp too at the moment). Sweaty? What news your end?
    I just had a "fun" 6-month mammo and sono a few weeks ago and was told I had to have a biopsy on my poor remaining breast. They suspected a papilloma underneath the nipple. Had the biopsy yesterday, and prelim results are benign. Very happy, still worried that it's just preliminary, but figuring oh well - i'll take it!

    Let's plan a meetup! 

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited June 2011

    Me?  I've been in computer hell most of the past 2 weeks.  At least this machine is semi running again, picking up the printer from the repair shop tom'w, then will work on getting the laptop connecting to the web again, and finally on either upgrading or replacing this ancient piece of crap....and maybe getting a tablet.

    After a lovely 3 months of not working, I'll be starting a new temp thing on Monday.  Who knew that temping would be the new normal?

    Got Momster to go to a Dr last week, did not go well.  I may never get her to see a Dr. again, we shall see.  Among other things, the 3 cm lump in her breast was discussed.  (WHAT???!!!!)  She intends to ignore it.

    Seeing BS, onc, and gyn onc next week. Goodtimes.

    Oh, and I'm sweltering b/c my air conditioners had to be removed back in Oct when the windows in my bldg were replaced, and they're 8000 BTU units which I can't lift.  I've been unsuccessfully trying to get someone to put them back in the damned windows.  I'd better succeed in that quest soon!!!  Glad it's cooler after tonight's rainstorm, but it's still sticky in here!  Went to the beach for lunch today, which was cool and breezy and lovely.

    Hell.....maybe that's where we should go!  How do people feel about a trip to Rockaway Beach - last stop on the A train (116th Street)?  There's a restaurant named The Wharf, sort of like a burger joint but they have things other than burgers, about 1/2 block from the train station.  For the suburbanites, there's also a (free) parking lot.  There's an indoor seating area (and bar) and an outdoor deck on the water.   This afternoon I couldn't take the heat anymore, so I went over there.  I was sitting on the back deck, water on 3 sides, chilling.  A hamburger deluxe and 2 sodas plus tip came to $12.00.  Good jukebox, full bar.  Anyone interested?

    If there is interest, I'll provide full directions because it's hidden.  If you don't know where it is, you'll never find it.  (It's tucked away behind a gas station, you can't see it from the street.) 

  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited June 2011

    Hello ladies! I hope you don't mind if I join your thread...after being home/in treatment for 9 months (and still on Herceptin)...I have gone back to work last Thursday and have officially gone back to the "real world", even worse...in Manhattan. The first couple of days were rough...I was so anxious and missed my kids!!! I had forgotten how much of a madhouse jungle the subway was at rush hour. Got home to my kids and hubby at 7pm 2 days in a row and promptly burst into tears. So used to being together.

    On the positive side, I am feeling better. Some days I feel a million light years away from chemo, I see myself in the mirror and I'm not sick, I'm smiling and I feel great. God is good ladies!!! 

    Count me in for any get togethers in the Big Apple!

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited June 2011

    sweaty..I like that idea. If it falls on a weekend where I am around I would go.

    Speaking of beaches, our new thing is to take the hydrafoil to the jersey shore. It's a little expensive, but blissfully quick.

    Still now with LE I am not sure how much beach going I will do. Sand in my sleeve does not sound fun.

  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited June 2011

    Hi, Letlet!  Good to see you over here.  Between this thread and the NJ thread, maybe one of these days we'll finally meet!

    Beach sounds nice, depending on timing.  My life is crazy busy right now.  Just completed my post-op recovery from my implant exchange surgery.  So now I'm back to travel, lots of stress at work, and beginning marathon training. 

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited June 2011

    Wow! It is so nice to hear from you Ladies.

    Letlet- it is good to have you here and much like Citykitty, I hope to meet you in person, too.

    Speaking of which...How about meeting? I think I am free on the next two weekends. Then afterward, I am not sure, as I accepted a position in a reality office, which means I will have to work on both weekend days after the 30th on. But would love to see you all. Let's do something.

    Kitchenwitch: I started to sweat when I read you had to have a biopsy done. But I am glad it all OK.

    Sweaty-- what can we do to help your mom? She cannot ignore that lump....How can we help her ?

  • Survivorwoman
    Survivorwoman Member Posts: 620
    edited June 2011

    Oh!   --- another thing -- in case we meet---letting you all know that I still have no hair after chemo. I know... it has been 4 months since my last chemo and I am still wearing a wig. I was feeling horrible during this past heatwave.

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited June 2011

    Anyone want to go see "Set in Style" at the Cooper Hewitt Museum. I am going to try to go around 2:30...tomorrow Saturday June 18th?

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited June 2011

    Sorry I didn't see your note about last Sat, Cookie - but I probably couldn't have gone anyway.

    Went to the dermatologist for a skin check, expected nothing but left having had 3 biopsies.  I am NOT happy.  Results in a week or so, and frankly, I'm having a hard time thinking I'll come up with all 3 being benign.

    Hate this crap!!!!!

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