December 2011 Surgeries - want to wait together?
Comments
-
Chrissilini - Tell your boss to lie down on the floor, face up, put on a cowboy boot and while you step on his breast bone ask him "How would you like to do this for another few weeks more than you'd have to?"
-
Thank you all so much for the support. I knew I could count on you. That's why I come here. No one else truly understands.
Blessings...I'll take you up on the whacking. Beautiful quote on the warm tears. I love it.
Kam... I love it! I'm going to have to remember that!
I am putting myself first. I've said from the begining, right now it is all about me. If you don't like it or can't handle it then move on. Funny thing, I don't think HR has any problems with the time off, just my supervisor because he needs to find coverage. I work 3rd shift and that makes it a little more challenging. But again, that's his problem.
Bogie...I've decided to go with silicone.My PS, who doesn't give opinions in a direct way, (he wants me to be completely empowered in making my own decisions), did mention that silicone are more natural feeling. (Of course it's not like I feel too much in that area) If there is a leak it's gradual and really slow. Saline would be a quick deflate from my understanding. He gave me a book from allergan about the risks etc and I've read it a couple of times. As far as capsular contracture and things of that nature, it happens with saline too. I know a couple of people that had saline first and hated them. They changed to silicone and were much happier. Hope this helps. I have another appt a week before surgery when I'll ask him my list of questions. It grows every day!
Thanks again for all your support. I couldn't get through this without you.
-
Bogie - how does one know if they've developed Capsular Contraction?
-
Kam - your post to Chrissilini cracked me up! LOL
Chrissillini - I have loved reading your messages, hearing about your fills, your quest for information on HT. You have been a joy to others and you are taking care of yourself. I can't wait to hear about your successful exchange surgery.... Love your strength. -
Hi Ladies - Thursday is weight in day for my Weight Watchers stuff. I'm doing online only, so no meeting, but I do OK with it that way. My week, food wise, has been OK, but not great. I did lose 1.4 pounds this week. And I've once again reminded myself of the not so new info - if you exercise, the weight comes off faster. Even after a not so great food week - I did get exercise 3 or 4 days this week and lost. Next week I'll hope to do even better. We'll see.
I hope you're all doing well and look forward to more updates.
I got my 1st bottle of Tamoxifen in the mail today and am definitely NOT excited to start it. DS has a soccer tournament out of town this weekend so I think I'm going to wait and start it on Monday when we're in town.
Take care all.
-Judy
-
Cookie Monster - YAY!!!! on the weight loss. Remember, it's a LOSS, no matter how much or how little it is. Keep up the good work! (And on another thread there is a link to an article on exercise and reduction in risk of breast cancer recurrence.)
I met with the Registered Dietician at Kaiser this morning and she gave me a 1200 calorie meal plan I could start on now, before the Weight Management program officially starts on March 14th. That way, I can maybe lose a little now.....she encouraged me to keep drinking my water - the WM plan requires that you drink a GALLON a day, and to get some exercise after every meal. She didn't care if it was just five minutes....she wanted me to start small, and pretty soon I'd have my hour of cardio a day. Still don't have clear guidelines from the PS on what I can do at the gym.
The good news: I spent all afternoon yesterday baking for various functions.
The bad news: I now have this occasional pain under my right TE....feels like muscle pain. I must have done too much reaching for pans and stuff yesterday.
The other good news: I can finally sleep on my sides at night...not for very long, but I can do it. I'm at 480 ccs in the left, and 460 ccs on the right. Does anyone remember how much I whined about them when I got home from surgery? I cried every day, and told DH that there was no way I could keep these things in for the next several months....and maybe I should just have them removed NOW!!!! Well, I barely notice them these days. I guess you can get used to anything!
Hope everyone is having a great evening!
-
Hi all. Hope everyone is well. So, after stewing, cursing, crying and being completely p'd off, I sent my boss an email that I think made my point. I told him that the 15th was a firm date and if I changed it I would have to wait until the end of April. That ain't happenin! I also said, and this is what I think made him realize his insensitivity, that I was sorry this has been such an inconvenience (no, I'm not). That I am just trying to get my bc dx and treatment behind me as quickly as possible so that I can move on. I may appear to be just fine physically but the emotional and mental toll is something I deal with every day. It just may not be obvious. He apologized several times. Said he didn't mean to come across as a jerkwad (my term for him)
Am I over it? I suppose. Do I still feel hurt by it? You bet. They just don't get it.
Blessings...I've gotten used to the te's too. Of course I can't wait to get them out! Hoping to be able to sleep on my side again in the next few months. I'm jealous that you are!
CarolAnn...thank you! That means alot. I think I mainly babble when posting. Good to hear I'm not nuts.
Cookie...hooray for the weight loss. I'm working on that too. Not doing weight watchers but have been tracking calories and getting the exercising in. I've been trying to get in 60 minutes on the treadmill every day. Haven't seen too much change on the scale but I know it still has to be helping.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Christine
-
Greetings to all. Good for the weight loss, and the exercises, cookie and Christine. I have to move more, my knees are so bad, walking, standing is hard, and I will have to start very small. I will start with my WII fit. It helps a bit.
Christillini, good for you to confront head on, bet that felt better -
Hello to all my December surgery Sisters. I have read through some of the post and am glad that everyone is moving along with the healing process. I had my exchange surgery yesterday and it was so much easier then the BMX. In Surgery and on my way home by 11 am. I even stopped by Sonny's BBQ and got something to eat. I am sore today but other then that I feel pretty good. I took Pain meds yesterday but none so far this morning. I have an appt with the PS today. Suprised it is so soon after the surgery. I hopt he takes the dressings off and I can see my new squishes(spelling).
Blessing..A gallon of water a day!!!!! Wow I do good to dring 4-5 glasses a day. I also know what you mean about getting use to the TE's I hated them but I was starting to forget that they were there sometimes. Wishing you loads of luck with the diet
Cookie....So proud and happy for your weight loss. Keep it up. You have inspired me to start exersise again. 14 pounds in a week WOW!!!! Good luck with the bottle of Tamox. I have been on it for a month and a half and am having some of the SE, hot flashes are the worst though.
Chrissiline.... I am happy you let your boss know what a "jerkwad" (hehehe love that name) he was. And I hope he contuines to feel like a jerk. Sometimes people need to stop and think before they speak. At least stop and put yourself in the other persons shoes just for a moment
-
Chrissillini-Good for you! Glad you set him straight, it's not healthy to hold that in.
Cookie-keep up the good work.
Here's to a fabulous Friday!
-
Janie - I think 14 pounds in one week would scare me. It was 1.4. But I'm happy with that.
-
Aw, Janie bug- I am jealous. I lost my left due to infection and will have to wait til I am done with chemo before getting it replaced. So right I have a foobette on the right (not filling it anymore till I get my left one back) and a cavern on my left. *sigh* Oh well. I am glad you are almost done. much better to do your way! LOL.
To all, Much Love
-
chrissilini - excellent response to the jerkwad. Maybe he was just ignorant, and you used that opportunity as a "teachable moment!" As for sleeping on my side, I do it best when I wear a sports or sleeping bra to bed. It kind of keeps the TEs pointing forward, if that makes sense.
Moonflwr912 - remember what the Dietician told me yesterday - just start with five minutes after every meal! As you build up your stamina, your strength will increase. Prayers for good results going thru chemo! Hugs to you....
Janie-Bug - OMG!!!! Exchange already? Soooooo envious!!! Congrats on the new squishies!!! I haven't actually gotten to the drinking the full gallon of water each day....I want to wait until I know I'll be home all day to see how that works out....thanks for your encouragement!
Wishing everyone a great weekend!!!
-
Chrissillini- Glad you straightened your boss out. He will know better in the future.
Cookie- Good luck with Tamox
Blessings- I drink 100 oz of water every day. It is so good for you. My nutritionist says you need 1/2 as many ounces as you weigh in pounds every day. Get ready for lots of bathroom breaks!
-
I'm ready to scream it my new insurance company. For some reason they've moved Tamoxifen from Tier 1 (easy to get cheap to pay for etc..) to Tier 4 (not really covered but we'll make exceptions) so they want me to have to order it every month. And not a single person was able to adequately explain to me WHY they had done that. It's common, cheap, and is not in high demand on the street (that I know of). And some of their own literature lists it as a Tier 1, which only confuses things. WHY is it listed as Tier 1 and being treated at Tier 4, which one is it, and again, nothing but round about answers and people telling me that I need to talk to OTHER people to get answers. I got so irritated with them on the phone today. UGH!!
Sorry, just had to vent. I think I'll go finish packing for the soccer tournament weekend. Have a great long weekend (hope you all get that extra day).
-
Cookie-I'm so sorry you have to go through that with your insurance company. I can't believe they can make such a formidable change without any explanation. I really, really hate insurance companies.
-
Cookie - it is so frustrating. My company changed insurance companies right around my dx. I was on the pill at the time, and I was on autopilot for a few days. I went to pick up my prescription, and with the new insurance it was $60, with a note that the insurance company would prefer that I NOT get the low dose kind! I hope you find a resolution, mine was easy - stop taking them all together.
-
Fiathhopenluv & Bogie - what chemo threads are you on? Is any one else in our group getting chemo? Moonflower - are you having chemo? Mine starts on Leap Day....2/29...so I can probably qualify for a February Chemo group.
Ok...I'm officially "back to work"...not like "ugh, back to work" but feeling whole again. I"ve been walking an hour to an hour and 1/2 most days and eating all of those anti-cancer foods!! Just in time for a week of chemo school, port placement, wig shopping, driving miles and miles to see my PS, and back again, and then the actual big chemo event.
I haven't been a very good member of this group, but just getting off the hydrocodone, finally, so my only excuse is a narcotics daze and having to mostly take care of myself...and still sleeping in a chair. I hope all of you are doing better than yesterday...that is my wish for each and everyone of our group...forever!
-
Kam, don't worry about being a good member, some days we can't keep up either. I had my first tx last thirst, and you can certainly join the Feb group, you might want to check in inn the Mar. One too, for more hints, (in your spare time). BTW, I had my BMX in DEC and am still I'm my recliner, because of the extra surgery, and now the port, so stay where you are comfortable. And, use you meds as neccessary, that's why you get them. I will he getting another Hercrptin this Thursday and Then get the triple one again. Oh joy!
Cookie and faithhopeluv, I hope your insurance is getting straightened out, I am still waiting for my first check. -
Thanks Moon - being the veteran, do you have any recommendations on which side to put the Port on?? This is my thinking...my left side is not my favorite side (plus incision-wise I have the SNB on that side). Also, if I have to sleep on one side, it would be the right side, including due to the TE's. Why not just add to the incision events and pain? There is the argument of driving and seatbelts, but most of my big drives (back and forth to chemo will be by someone else). Are there issues with the heart I don't know about...I suppose the surgeon will tell me if a port on left can cause heart issues later....anyway, unless there is a compelling reason otherwise, do you see why putting a port on the left is a problem??
-
Kam and Moon-I slept in the recliner for about 5 months between the BMX pain and the terrible TE's but when I finallly got to work with my LE therapist she said that was not good and to try to get back into bed. Something about the swelling in the stomach and chest being worse sleeping in that position. Just FYI.
Good luck with chemo; ladies!
-
Ginger48 - there are 128 ounces in a gallon. I can't get even CLOSE to that! Gotta work harder at it, I guess...and always know where the restrooms are!!!!
CookieMonster - How frustrating! I HATE beaurocracy, and dealing with people who have no power to make any decisions except to repeat "company policy".....GRRR!
Kam170 - glad to see you are improving.....wishing you well on your first chemo day....
Moonflwr912 - also wishing you well on your chemo journey.....
Today was Fills day.....now that I'm postponing my Exchange surgery for a few months (big honkin' weight loss plan) there's no more need for those 120cc fills. So this morning I got 80ccs. I'm now at 560ccs! DH said this was the first time he could actually see them rise up as the saline went in!!!
-
Kam, they had to put my port on my right side as I have a pacemaker on my left. Your doc will probably have a good reason.
-
Morning all....just wanted to pop in with greetings. Still waiting on news of next steps for medicine so nothing to report from me. Have a great day!
-
Kam170 - I'm in the Feb chemo group too. It's a great group
-
I just got back from the surgeon, an appointment I moved up from March because I was anxious about the healing from the DIEP particularly swelling that comes and goes on one side. He basically said it was coming along fine and if I wanted him to say I was okay to go back to work he would, but he didn't have to if I didn't want to. I said I was okay to work. I can fit my physio in around the things that are on a fixed schedule. Asthma is bothering me more than the DIEP recovery at this point. I see the LE physio tomorrow to see if she thinks the swelling is LE, and more importantly, if she can fix it if it is. And am all cleared for underwires if I want.
Glad to see most people seem to be making steady progress! Keep it up, and may the bumps in the road smooth out for those with bumps!
-
I have an appointment with a new MO tomorrow for a second opinion (and because my insurance is changing) what do you think are the most important questions to ask?
-
Kam, Capsular Contraction you'll know. Your so called new breast turns into either a baseball or a coconut depending on the size. Basically hard as a rock! Looks great in clothes but feels strange
Appt. with PS tomorrow and should know if it's back to the OR again for me. A one hour surgery to remove all the scar tissue built around the expander. I have only had one small fill. We can't proceed until it softens or is surgically removed.
I never thought I'd say this but it actually feels good to be back at work. Starting slow working 3 days week until the end of the month. Feels good to forget about cancer, doctors, expanders and tight chest. Finaly feeling some relief and sleeping on my side for a few hours anyway! Until my arm fall asleep and then I'm paranoid about LE.
Had a glass of Merlot after work tonight, nice to get back into the "A" game again of living!
Great to read all my Dec. sisters updates again -
I saw the lymphedema therapist for the first time today and she thought I had mild swelling over pretty much my whole body not just the one side of my reconstructed bosom (with my massive abdominal incision affecting my lower limbs, apparently) so she did some drainage therapy and gave me some exercises to do and recommended I have prescription compression wear for legs, arms and chest. I'm open to that, especially for flying, and particularly with how clumsy I am and the potential for injury. It's good that the swelling is not severe and maybe with therapy and the gradual healing I can keep it from getting out of control and maximize the chance that I won't have to cater to it in perpetuity.Hang in there everyone!
-
That sounds like a lot of special clothing, goldlining. I hope it improves things.
Hoping for good news for you Bogie.
Sounds like my Dec. sisters are all keeping busy. Wishing you all good things, in whatever form they come in.
Today was my 3rd Weight Watchers weigh day and I've lost 3 pounds in 3 weeks. I'm happy with that progress. I've seen that exercise really seems to make a big difference for me, I haven't been eating perfectly, but have been getting more exercise. I bet a week of better eating AND exercise will drop even more weight.
And in other awesome news, DH has a job offer in hand today!!! It's about darn time. He's been without since the crazy women who hired him let him go (it was for the best anyway) about a year ago, I think. The commute will not be great and schedules will be more difficult, but overall it's a good thing and in 3 months he'll get insurance (probably better than the policy he has now-paid for out of pocket).
We took 113 Freshmen to the Griffith Observatory today, it was fun but I'm now POOPED! My pedometer is over 13,000 steps today too.
And I'm totally behind on schoolwork, so I should probably go do some now. Have a great Friday tomorrow and a lovely weekend, we'll be at another soccer tournament this weekend.
-Judy
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team