April will be my turn, can we share hugs?

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    Thanks LadyLuck,

    That's a good analogy....

    Dana

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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013

    Had BMX Oct. 10, 2012 with expanders put in. Tight, very tight but manageable. Had 7 fills and the day of and one day after was the worst. Then the muscle started relaxing and it got a little better. Don't hesitate to take a muscle relaxer when necessary. They make you sleepy so be careful. I had my exchange surgery Feb. 19, 2013. I had to give up powerlifting (competing in amateur competitions as the only woman and the only person over 60) and my PS said my expansion would be slower because my pec muscles were so strong. It actually was shy of 5 months so not bad. It's uncomfortable but not as bad as I had heard about. If you have a nice recliner to sleep in I would use it. I was in mine for over 6 months and it worked perfectly.



    Now here is a question you may want to pose to your PS because I was kind of surprised by this: my silicone implants are in after my exchange on Feb. 19, 2012 and I still feel the tightness as if I still have the TE's in. Yes, they are soft but still tight. My PS said this is my new normal and it will not go away. Hmmm...I guess I would have liked have been told about this. It would not have changed anything but knowing what to expect ahead of time would have been nice.



    With that said, you will get through the expansion just fine. We women are very strong and support each other so greatly. The saline injections are painfree. All your nerves are asleep so you won't feel a thing. I think this forum is remarkable.



    My breast surgeon said, "short term pain for long term gain." (that's coming from a woman).

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  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited April 2013

    Hey there everyone,

    So grateful for the thoughts and the kind words.  Sorry I didn't post sooner -- I was afraid I would spell things wrongly!  :)

    My surgery went pretty well -- large excisional biospy, probably a PMX really -- my second on that breast, the third time in this breast.  Awaiting pathology.

    I can't tell you how good it is to hear about my other sisters doing (relatively!) well.  Sure hope nausea and pain subside for all of you.  Thinking of you so much.

    xxxx bobogirl

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  • Shellshine
    Shellshine Member Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2013

    Blogger - do you think it's because your pectoralis is so developed? Perhaps doing stretches of that muscle would help. Google Images for pectoral stretches - I think I might even try them. I know one thing for sure, until these TE's are out - no more push ups for me.

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    "Short term pain for long term gain, " is another good line for now.... Thanks for sharing!

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  • bella42771
    bella42771 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2013

    Ukkate.....love and prayers for you today! Let us know how you are doing (((((hugs)))))

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  • ashleigh
    ashleigh Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2013

    hi everyone,

    just had a quick question for those that had expanders with exchanges that have been posting.  were you able to work and get back to your daily routine in between the expanders going in and your exchange surgery? i'm about a week out and feeling better but still have this almost burning feeling in my chest especially after i'm up walking around. hoping this subsides and i can get back to work in a couple weeks - just not sure if my expectations are too high.

    good luck to you ukkate! glad to hear everyone's updates :)

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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013
    Ashleigh,

    I went about each day just like normal. Now, the day of and the next day after a fill I did everything a little slower but, for the most part, life went on as usual. After I healed from my BMX, with the expanders in, I was back working out 6 days a week with limitations. The TE's are tight but you get used to the feeling and they should not prevent you from doing anything. In fact, after a few months I told my husband I couldn't remember how it felt without them. I am retired so I did not have to worry about a job but you will be fine. Go for it, strong lady!



    Suzanne

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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013

    Shellshine,



    Thank you so much for your insight. I think you are on to something. I have started doing two things: 1) massaging the implants at least once a day and 2) went back to my mat Pilates and Pilates reformer classes. Lots of stretching and abs. It feels great so you are smart and very intuitive. Thanks for the great feedback and the even better concern. Even my PS told me that all my working out would probably work against me with the TE's but going into this unexpected journey in good physical health is a very good thing.



    This whole bc journey has been one of great challenges and even greater blessings. I never knew what it was like having a sister (all brothers!) but now I know and it feels wonderful. My heartfelt thanks.



    Suzanne

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  • Shellshine
    Shellshine Member Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2013

    Omigosh, I have no sisters and FOUR brothers!

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  • Blogger
    Blogger Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2013
    Shellshine -

    You have one brother more than me! I was such a daddy's girl. I look just like my mom but I have my dad's heart. The best combo I could ever ask for. This is the first and the toughest journey I have ever been on without him being my soft place to fall. I miss him so much. My husband has been wonderful but it is not the same.

    All my brothers are great and have been taking very good care of their "little sister." By the way, I am 63 (not so little). Ha!

    Suzanne
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2013

    Hi April Ladies.... Feeling so stoopid now: this is a great thread and somehow I must have touched "Remove from Fav Topics." So bad of me. Trying to catch - please check and give status. Thanks! So glad to be back



    (((Hugs))) to all the April sisters recovering from surgery! Woo-hoo to that!



    Robin_in_SJ... We have more in common than just surgery date: am originally a Jersey girl too! Born in Bergen County! How are you doing? Was freaking out last week before my PS exchange pre-op appt. Now that the decision is done, such a relief! Keeping very busy this week so time is going quickly.



    gritgirl... What a smart idea to share surgery cami's! Never thought of that, would love them out of the house once I'm done.



    danawp: great quote - will need to use on PS!

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited April 2013

    So it's 2:30am and I'm wide awake. It's pretty sore but I'm happy the surgery part is done. I obviously was fast asleep and I don't even remember waking up!!! Being discharged after breakfast some time.

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  • Shellshine
    Shellshine Member Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2013

    Brava Ukkate .... Rest, eat well, don't mind if your brain is rather fuzzy. We're here for you ..... celebrate your courage and congratulate yourself for making it over the scariest part. 

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  • ashleigh
    ashleigh Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2013

    Suzanne, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I feel like it would be best to get back to my regular routine as soon as possible, but perhaps the limitations might be a good idea to keep in mind when planning things.  Thanks again!

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    So glad those of us on this side of surgery are doing pretty well mostly & good luck to those heading in -- It is definitely good having the surgery behind me.  Today is one week post-surgery, and I'm starting to feel pretty good -- still sore & tired, but I can see a difference :)  

    I have my follow up appt today (4/11) with my PS Dr McCarthy and another follow up (4/18) with my surgical oncologist Dr. Capko.  Hoping the drains come out today!! They have all been below 30 cc for a few days....I fell swollen with fluids, but the drains have been low, so we'll see.  

    Heading into NYC/Sloan at 1:00.  I was very happy with my team of drs and hope these follow ups go well. I'm very nervous about seeing my incisions for the first time.  I've been bandaged since the surgery.  Also, I really cant wait until I get my post surgery pathology results!  They said I'd have them by the 4/18 visit.

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  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2013

    Hi all you beautiful women! I made it to the other side! So happy to be home.



    Had a tough go, I can't take most pain meds so came out of surgery on Tylenol IV and a pump to numb the surgical site. Had the most amazing nurse in recovery, they pretty much just knocked me out so I wouldn't have to deal with the pain. Surgery started at 8 and then recovery room finally got to my room at 8 pm. The next day started oral pain killer and the days have gotten better.



    I had great care and lots of help at home. Like others,keep up on meds and you will get through it. Thanks shell shine for the hugs and thoughts!

    Love to all

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    Great to hear you are home Keep on Swimming.  Hang in there.  So good to on this side of surgery!!  Dont be surprised by ups and downs, but the downs pass!! I'm one week passed surgery -- they took my drains out today & that is a great turning point!!!  :) 

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited April 2013

    keepswiming and others  - great to hear everything went well! I got one of my 2 drains out and I don't need pain medication any more.

    My TE will be removed tomorrow. I can't imagine having this thing in during chemo - it drives me crazy. I will have a flap reconstruction anyways and the nicer result with a TE is not worth it. Maybe I regret that decision someday but it is the best thing to do right now.

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    Argynnis ~

    Good luck tomorrow & through chemo.  

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited April 2013

    Tomorrow 6am is my hysterectomy. I have been mostly ok so far. Can't wait for it to be over with. Will report once I'm on the 'other side' of it.

    I am going to put the seasickness patch they gave me onto my neck shortly. IF this helps, what a huge advance that will be. I hate the nausea after anesthetics. I will let you know if it works - if so, then DEFINITELY ask for it, if you get motion sick, since that is the indicator that you will be nauseous post-anethesia. Will let you know.

    Well here I go! Thank you so much for letting me hang out here with you. It has been very valuable.

    Love to all

    Amy 

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  • Shellshine
    Shellshine Member Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2013

    ~ In your pocket Argynnis aand AmylStrong ~

    Thinking of you Kswimming, Bobogirl, Ukkate, Ashleigh, Danawp and all our Spring Sisters!

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  • bella42771
    bella42771 Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2013

    Posted on another thread as well, but wanted to update with my April surgery sisters. All went well. A bit sore,but tolerable. Heading home today! Hugs to everyone on the mend and to those preparing for their big days xoxo

    Kimberly

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  • robin_in_SJ
    robin_in_SJ Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2013

    Good news!  Just got the results of my bone scan, xray and blood work and they're all normal.  After the last few months of nothing seeming normal it's brings great comfort.  The family is thrilled and we will be celebrating!! 

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  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2013

    Just a quick message to all my sisters.

    I hope each of your surgeries went well. I am so proud of all of us.wishing for quick recoveries.



    Thought I'd share something my son did for me.

    He gave me the bow and arrow from hunger games, because Katness is a survivor and never gave up. Also, in Babylonian times women archers cut off there breasts so they could shoot better.



    I'm so happy to meet so many warriors here.



    Hugs and love to all.

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  • Shellshine
    Shellshine Member Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2013

    🎉 Hurray Robin 🎈  

    💃

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  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited April 2013

    keepswimming, I am so glad you are feeling well!  Amy, I am thinking of you.

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited April 2013

    TE is gone and I feel great! They also sealed a leaky artery.

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited April 2013

    Had my surgery yest. Went in at 6. Am. Was discharged by 5pm. No nauseau or dizziness upon awaking. That was a huge relief.

    Frozen section biopsy they did during surgery ...of the uterus...all came back benign.



    So incredibly relieved to be on the other side of this. Yes I am sore and it hurts I get up or turn. But it's done!!!! Thanks to all. Love Amy

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited April 2013

    Great news Amy! Take care to not overdo!

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