Charleston Bound, part 2
Comments
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Yes, prayers for tomorrow CRS!
Hugs too -
PinkHeart,
I will have that port out before the end of September. I hate ports and the docs are pretty agreeable with me.
Would love to meet you if we ever hit the same time space.
Good luck with your upcoming revisions, you will do great!
Just wondering if you ever wore compression on tummy. I would at least like to wear spanx but Dr. K says no. -
Crs,
Can't blame you on wanting port out asap!
I didn't wear compression for Stage 1, because I was SGAP.
But also for Stage 2 surgeries with lipo/fat grafting- still NO compression. Dr Kline mentioned possibility of it but said since I am so thin not necessary. I did buy some smooth shaper brief underwear at Target for heck of it. Mostly to have SGAP scars covered so jeans not rubbing on them.
Cascader-- can you please chime in about your experience?
I remember when I met you that you were wearing compression after your lipo/fat grafting.
Did you have to ask for compression from Dr K? I know they provide the garments.
After my lipo/fat grafting, my belly was pitch black from bruising and swelling from below breasts down to pubic and very top of thighs in front. The actual swelling went away by day 5. Bruising about two weeks.
The first 2-3 weeks I had some lumpiness in lower belly I was concerned about, but it is now gone.
My belly is not 6-pack abs firm. (but don't expect so considering I've had two kids, and 54 yrs old now).
I see a CLT-PT twice a week that has worked for past 10 years on cancer patients and primarily breast cancer patients.
She does not want me to do sit ups or stomach crunch type exercise yet. (this may be specific to me because I have right pec probs and right axilla and arm ROM probs) She said to work on belly firmness to just do "bridges" which were similar to a yoga posture I used to do. Really easy to do laying in bed or on floor.
I am so glad I haven't had to wear compression. Though I rarely wear my LE sleeve anymore, my PT said LE sleeves cannot be worn at night as they can act as a tourniquet, so I wonder if those compression garments can do same to some patients. (there are special night sleeves for arm LE). -
I can chime in - for stage 1 compression for about 5 hours! They had me on it and then out of it in one day- didn't think to ask why! Came home with it in my 'belongings'. I was NOT too thin! Also SGAP.
PAP no compression either and no problems without it.
Both times surgical bra 24/7 for quite some time though.
Stage 2 - SGAP revision and fat grafting - compression garment with hooks and zippers on both sides. Given 2 - one I woke up wearing and 1 extra to go home with. Split crotch so very easy to adjust to 'peeing' (TMI time: it split well enough so peeing didn't involve taking it off).
Surgical bras, camisoles, compression garments all provided by hospital - no extra charge to me.
I thought I'd hate having compression after fat grafting but wasn't bad at all and easily adapted to. I had NO DRAINS!!!!
I wasn't as black and blue as Pink, but had areas of dark black and blue only and for about 2 weeks tops, although not painful that long. The SGAP revision was the painful on and off (nothing not doable with pain pills though) part for a bit longer.
Hope this helps? -
My part 1 SGAP was similar to Cathie. Part 2 though was a substantial butt revision w/out fat grafting so no compression ordered but I wore Spanxx briefs 24/7 for 4 weeks to reduce swelling. No bra, though.
Part 2a will be in July and I have ordered 2 Marena short girdles that go up over stomach - zippers in medium (I would normally be a small) for first 2 weeks and another in small without zippers for later.
One of my all-done S-GAP friends said Dr. Kline put her in compression a couple of weeks after her lipo since she was so bruised. She told me she wished she'd started earlier and she thinks she would have had less swelling. So I'm not taking any chances! -
I forgot to mention, no bra after stage 2 as well - and my next fat grafting should be fat grafting only so have a BUNCH of compression thigh type I had for last 2 surgeries but never worn though.
I am Rubenesque, think medieval models (LOL) - so compression for me but ??? for thin (think today's models) ladies. -
I prefer the word "voluptuous" LOL. Even though I'm not that big I bruise super-easily and I have heard that is the biggest factor rather than one's size ... In any event I bruise very very easily (always have a huge outer thigh bruise from my suitcase after a trip!) so I am wearing some compression.
On another note. ... Anyone try scar cream or tape, as discussed on the NOLA site? See any benefit? Have 't done that yet and wondered ...
Also, anyone know why no bra after stage 2? I feel positively naked at work without one! -
After my stage 2 I woke up with compression girdle, hook & eye, zippered with split crotch. Was a little surprised as Dr K said I wouldn't need it. Evidentially they took lots of fat (thrilled!) from my stomach upper and lower. I wore that for 2 weeks 24/7 swapping out with spanx when laundering. I then switched to a pull on Mareena and wore it for 6 weeks. This was not per Dr K's instructions, just my personal preference. I liked the feel of the support and kept me warm in the winter. On a side note, I really did not see the results of lipo for several months, about 3. (Perfect timing for my Phoenix vacation).
wish the breast scars looked as good as my bottom scar. Hopefully with time, don't want the eyeball look when it is time for my tattoo.
Stage 3 I did not wake up with compression, but very little lipo done. Wanted more but blood came out instead of fat so doc stopped. I appreciate him not being too aggressive here. Again, my personal pref, not doctors orders, I wore compression for a couple of weeks, but not consistently.
Deidre, good idea to get both sizes, I got a medium Mareena but probs should have had a small also.
No bra for me either , wanting my recon and rads side to drop. I would think a lightweight bra would be ok for work, I would call and ask. I did try a regular bra for the first time in probs a year(with thetupperware dome) ripped it off within the first hour. Can't stand anything touching my lifted side anchor scar.
Back to compression: I was confused as to the diff opinions between docs so did some research. Basically what I read is that compression did not help with long term results but can help with comfort and swelling. Lipo hurts!! Also, Some docs worry about blood clots.
I have tried all types of scar creams tape etc. my original donor site scar is barely visible, I used bio oil on it. My breast scars I am using silicone tape, my vote is still out on it, but know some have good results. -
And pink, I hand some lumpiness in my legs also, really freaked me out, but thankfully it dissipates.
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I just posted a photo of my new nip on the picture forum, looking pretty healthy, just hoping no more shrinkage!
Also just realized, that one year ago tomorrow, was my first sgap stage 1 surgery. What a year!
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Squamous cell carcinoma on my leg. Dang it, I was so looking forward to my first summer in 4 years without hearing the word cancer.
CRS, thinking of you today. Hugs. -
Cascader, have you had a squamous cell before? I had one on my hand, not that bad, just annoying to not get it wet while healing - but mine was 10 years ago. Hoping it's not deep and can be taken care of without pain!!! Keep us posted?
Deidre, think Dr. K said to me when I asked about the creams for scars, 'not proven to work' - or something to that effect - so I think he is super cautious of our $$$$. I wear Bali briefs - they are compression and help with the donor site incision area, I have been wearing them at night too - but if Dr K thinks blood clots??? Cascader what was the reference to blood clots meaning - with or without? And not 24/7???
Funny about how the thought about this whole thing (recon, fat grafting) that was negative in my mind prior to surgery was compression - and now it truly isn't bad at all, and sort of used to the bali briefs and feel almost naked without them! Got them from Kohls online.
I think it was this forum, but not sure that we were talking about colonoscopies - if not, sorry- but I went to a Gastro Dr this afternoon - so thanks for the nudge. Will do the colonoscopy in August. He wanted it before the July 11 surgery, but too much on my plate right now! But at least it's a start in the right direction. If not this forum, then sorry for the TMI!
CRS you are in my prayers (as well as you for your squamous cell, Cascader).
Hugs -
Catie I will look for the article regarding compression and lipo, not sure i bookmarked it or not. I think clots "wearing" but not sure, and probs an individualized concern, just like everything else. I could be totally wrong about this so don't panic, call the office and ask .
I know squamous is not a big deal but just a bit much at the moment. Will have it excised next month and deal with it , just like everything else right?
Good for you on the colonoscopy apointment.
It's always something ... -
Cascader,
My heart is going out to you as I know you were at four years of still dealing with BC crap. I will say a prayer for best outcome to that removal of skin cancer.
When do you leave for Nepal?
Congrats on your one year SGAP anniversary! I think with as much time that we spent in Charleston we could have invested in a condo.
Monday was my two year BC diagnosis date. Had totally forgot about it since I've been so consumed with breast recon.
Okay. Time to confess that Im typing this as I sit on a lounge chair in the sun. Better make a check up appointment with dermatologist. -
Cascader,
My heart is going out to you as I know you were at four years of still dealing with BC crap. I will say a prayer for best outcome to that removal of skin cancer.
When do you leave for Nepal?
Congrats on your one year SGAP anniversary! I think with as much time that we spent in Charleston we could have invested in a condo.
Monday was my two year BC diagnosis date. Had totally forgot about it since I've been so consumed with breast recon.
Okay. Time to confess that Im typing this as I sit on a lounge chair in the sun. Better make a check up appointment with dermatologist. -
Where do I get Dr. Kline's newlstter?
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Cascader, I in no way wanted to make you think that squamous isn't a big deal - sorry if it came across that way - I meant only to not worry too much! Easy for me to say, I acted like they were going to have to amputate my whole arm when I had my tiny (pencil eraser size) spot on my hand! I was not a good patient! AND horrid to hear the word cancer, no matter where or what kind! I was bummed too, so very sorry to not convey that right! I'm bummed for you!!!
And, I should have addressed your true concern that it would be nice to NOT hear the word cancer again!
I just went to the Gastro - as I said, and I was afraid (and telling myself in the car: "Self, you know they won't say Cancer because in order to say it, he has to do some tests, and they won't do that today, if you could make the appointment yesterday (had cancelation - was meant to be) then they can't tell you cancer today!" "Self, normal people go to Drs - its not always cancer"....and on and on - I was so nervous I think I burned up my keyboard yapping on BCO!
I had no reason to think they would say cancer, so terribly not nice of me to not pick up on that part of your leg info!
Again, hoping, praying it will be an easier excision but so knowing how bummed a cancer dx is - anywhere!!!!
Big hugs !!! -
lbrewer,
Here is the link to the newsletter/blog. In the column on the right you will see where to subscribe to it so it comes to your email address. I really enjoy it! The Ask the Doctor blog is answered promptly and very well written. I receive notices of that blog as well. I think it all part of signing up for the newsletter/blog
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No worries Catie, I knew what you meant.Thank you for your kind words. I just went from being excited this morn when I discovered it was my one year recon anniv to getting the phone call from the dermatologist, from high to low, unexpected.
Pink, thanks for the confession,and the prayer, it made me laugh about sitting in the sun, that was my plan for the weekend too . I guess I better invest in some better sunscreen. Nepal is not until November.
Get your colonoscopies and skin checks ladies
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Me again.Catie I have been looking for that article regarding compression. Have not found the study yet but did a quick google search on compression after lipo and blood clots. Like everything else I found info with some doctors saying compression is a must and can prevent clots and helps lymphatic flow; and other docs that say compression is old school and they do not like compression because it can restrict both blood and lymphatic flow .Huh? These are the docs that say that compression might help you look better in one weeks time, but after three weeks time there is no advantage. So....my take on all of this....ask your doc and trust and follow his/her instructions
(and don't google medical stuff like I do!)
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I know about googling - wound vac info scared the you know what out of me the night before I was to go and have it attached!
Ok, my Dr said compression 2 weeks, 24/7 then 12/7. So will do the Bali briefs for day only and not at night and see how that goes.
Thanks for looking it up for us! -
Cascader, I cam't remember if I posted it on this thread or another, but I'm having Mohs surgery 6/24 to remove a squamous skin cancer on my chest, so I know what you're going through. I'm sick of cancer, too. Had colon cancer 14 years ago, had BC and this will be my 5th Mohs surgery for skin cancers. Both parents died of cancer, so I knew sooner or later I'd have one kind or another, but never figured on 3 different kinds!
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Please help me get the word out about Lynch syndrome. It is also known AS hnpcc Heriditary Nonpolyposous Colon Cancer. It is a genetic condition that causes colon (80%) endometrial (60%) breast cancer (50%) ovarian (12%). Very few doctors even know about it. It is geneticc and there is a 50% chance the gene is passed down if a parent has the condition.
I have been talking to Dr. Kline regarding it and using his association with FORCE to try to spread the word.
There is a blood test to determine if you have the gene.
My family NEVER had breast cancer. It was the one cancer we never "had to worry about." But it turns out all the members I have lost to colon cancer are my connection to breast cancer.
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Pink heart, Catie, Cascader-thanks for thinking of me. Have to admit chemo is taking my mind off flaps and pain. Feeling pretty good futon the DIEP surgery 5 weeks ago and love reading about everyone's experience.
My mom had MOHs surgery 3 weeks ago. A pain but effective. Still scary and I can't wait til there are no more cancers
Prayers and hugs for all of you. I will be burrowing in for a few days, Neulasta tommorow and I dope myself up for the pain. I'm no hero. Having cancer is enough. Medicating deep bone pain is something I don't hesitate to do.
Have great weekends and to all you girls having surgeries today, my prayers are with you. You'll wake up saying why the hell did I do this and 5 weeks later (or sooner ) you will be glad you did!!!! -
CRS - EXACTLY how I woke up from one of my earlier surgeries!! "What the &^%$ did I do this for!!???" Exactly - and just as you said - so very grateful just a little while later!
Lbrewer - is Dr. Kline doing the test? The BRAC (sp?) test was about $3,000.00 when I took it last year. Worth it because I have 8 granddaughters and 1 daughter! I almost didn't want to see the results, thought what would I do with the information - but then realized that I needed to do it for them, so I did. If it showed positive, my daughter then could get the test for a fraction of what it cost me. But if she went to get it without me being positive, it would cost her the total again! Crazy, but they have a corner on the market (the place in CA that does the testing).
When I was at the Gastro Dr yesterday - he asked if I had a family history of colon cancer. Nope. But my children's paternal grandfather died of it. So, my daughter and sons have a mother with BC, a paternal great grandmother with BC and a paternal grandfather with colon cancer. I am very interested in this Lynch Syndrome. But how do you say this to your child without them thinking you are either a hypochondriac (and I almost feel like one with all this stuff going on) or a worry wart!? They somewhat think I am both, I fear! I have not been to a Gastro since 1999 - so not that I'm going to Dr's all the time (except Dr Kline - LOL). Thanks for the info.
I'll add in those healing in any way or about to go in, in my prayers too!!! -
CRS, I read elsewhere on BCO about folks taking Claritin along with the Neulasta shot to mitigate the bone pain it causes. Search for the specifics in the chemo forums, I can't remember exactly what I did, it is going on 2 years ago now since my chemo
. I didn't seem to have a lot of bone pain, so it may be worth trying. I can't say what the bone pain would have been like without it, I thought it would be worth trying anything to help. Good luck! Beth
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Beth - LOVE your picture!!!! And your smile!
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Catie, Thank you! I was in Pittsburgh for a work conference earlier this week. One of our dinner events was at the PNC park (baseball stadium for the Pittsburgh Pirates). They took this picture of me with one of the guys I was talking to during the day. Then at our dinner they displayed the pictures they had taken on the big scoreboard at PNC - it was a lot of fun! I think it's going to be my new facebook picture too!
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Well, it suits you!! I think I told you when we met that your photo didn't do you justice! This one does and again, love the smile!
Waiting for the A/C guy, and praying it won't cost a fortune! We have a warranty but they have a 'disclaimer' that they could charge more than the $75.00 service fee. Been off since Tuesday? Can't remember, but even though we've had storms lately, the temp is climbing and muggy - so I'm hanging out on BCO. LOL -
OOOPs - hit submit before I finished my thought - hanging out on BCO where there are more important things to fret about!!! Or cheer about!!! Than A/C out!
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