March 2013 Surgeries

Options
1…2122232426

Comments

  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited June 2013

    (((Gma04))) - Welcome back to the March surgery sisters board...here's the link to the June 2013 chemo support forum where you will find lots of women going thru chemo with you http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=69&id=805140&page=1

    It is so helpful to have support from others who know what you're going thru when you're going thru chemo and a place to ask questions...Many of us have been thru it so we can give you tips and hopefully...help ease your fears during the process. It's okay to be afraid, it's a big deal but if you can just take it one treatment at a time it feels more manageable. My best advice is take all the meds they tell you to so you can minimize the side effects, drink lots of water, and keep track of everything since there will be alot going on. I wrote down when I took meds, when I drank water and tracked my side effects so when I saw the oncologist each week I could show her my logs. It helped her to gauge how well the side effects were being controlled. We're here for you...hang in there...(((Hugs))) Maureen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tparksprof
    tparksprof Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2013

    Sorry I haven't been here for a while I would have responded to your concerns about port surg. I didn't have to have it this time, but I was diagnosed with colon and lung ca. 7 years ago and underwent 2 port surgs. First one didn't work so well. Second on was done in the x-ray dept with just anesth. That was a tough one. It is VERY scary and then the anxiety of the chemo treatment. I just about gave up at that time. I felt sick all the time and my chemo  treatments began on Tuesdays and then I had to go home with a portable infuser until Thurs. I did that for almost a year. So I know how you were/are feeling. I look back on those 2 years and shake my head. How did I make it through all that? 

    All of you keep your chins up and go to that higher being. Baby steps first.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful2day
    Thankful2day Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2013

    I had my final fill last Wednesday, (PA stuck me 3 times before she found the port! :( ) My exchange surgery is scheduled for June 28!! I'm so happy that these things are finally coming out! I don't know why I'm still so scared about recurrence when I know statistically it's only 1-2%, and my Onc told me I was 0.5%! I guess it's because it's cancer and it's just scary to think about! Sorry it's been so long since I've been here. Very busy at work, but so blessed that I can help my patients with expectations of this surgery since I've "been there, done that!" God bless you all. Been praying for healing and peace for you. ((((HUGS))))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited June 2013

     Dawn- I had my last fill on Monday.  Lucky you to be going so quick to exchange!  I need to wait for 3 months.  So late Sept/early Oct will be my next surgery.  Gives me the summer to enjoy the ball games, and cook outs and I know the time will fly by with busy work days too.  Not in any hurry to have another surgery, yet these TEs are like boulders on my chest as a reminder( 800cc each). Pretty crampy today with more back ache, due to LD stretching. We were originally surgery sisters our surgeries very close together and here we are coming closer to the end. I too think about recurrance but the chances are very low for us, which should help us but  who thought we would get it to begin with? Need to have faith we have done what we can to prevent this from occuring and move on to focus on life ahead.  I work in L&D and enjoy the new life brought in every day which I played a part in which gives me the hope I need. Good luck on your surgery, keep me posted on how it goes, I will be jealous of your "squishies" until I can get my own!  Many gentle virtual, not painful ((HUGS!!)) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited June 2013

    Good morning my ladies hope all is well.... So happy to know some of you have exchange already ... And sad that we all have still deal with this TE..... Sorry I been MIA.. But just to let you know that my TE on my cancer side has been removed for 3 weeks will start radiation next week which scares me cause some ladies say that we can't have implants after radiaton but my PS says its ok depending how my skin heals ..... So I'm praying that it heals fine to move forward I been delayed over 3 months!!!!! Ewwwww

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful2day
    Thankful2day Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2013

    Today is my day for exchange! Mama, I don't know how you handle 800cc TEs?? Mine are only 450, and this is enough for me! :) I asked my PS to make sure he uses whatever is big enough so I don't see my stomach! Ha! Wht do you have to wait so long to do your exchange? Our patients, including me, can have their exchange 2 weeks after the last fill, unless they are getting chemo, then we just work around that. I pray your summer is a great one and you get your exchange sooner than later! Hugs to you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Not-Me
    Not-Me Member Posts: 198
    edited June 2013

    Yes my Exchange was two weeks after the last fill.  I had to wait three months after the DMX.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited June 2013

    Hi Everyone:) Hope you are doing well...hard to believe it's been over 3 months - wow, almost 4 since we all had surgery! Thinking of you and wondering how things are going for you...

    tparksprof - did you make it to Michigan?

    (((Dawn))) thinking of you today - hope exchange surgery went well:)

    Mamasixtaz - wow - good for you...800cc, mine are only 350cc!

    (((patriciahurtado))) so sorry you've had so many challenges to face - I'm praying for you, hope things get on track...

    (((Not-Me))) - glad your exchange surgery is done, hope all is going well:)

    I have been doing well but seem to have developed lymphadema in my breast on the axillary node dissection side - guess not having those nodes is a problem for me? My arm isn't swollen, at least not yet, but the breast is almost twice as big as the other side and the scar where the lumpectomy was is "itchy" so I'm massaging the scar tissue and doing manual lymphatic drainage - when I see her in two weeks I will be asking my MO for a physical therapy referral for lymphadema treatment to try to get this under control. And the Aromasin is no picnic - sore joints especially my feet and hands but I can deal with it if it works...

    Take care, keeping all of my surgery sisters in my thoughts and prayers (((Healing Hugs))) Maureen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Maureen, call your MO and ask for referral now. Sometimes getting appointments for PT can be a pain....why wait?!

    Also be sure to check out the lymphedema boards here.

    Lots of info (which I only read periodically so I can't quote to you!). I do know there are specialists in the field, you don't want "just any PT".



    Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited June 2013

    Dawn-hope your exchange went well and you are resting comfortably with your soft squishies! It is strange how different Drs seem to be on timing of surgeries. My PS sticks to the wait 12 Wks for exchange after last fill to make the pocket as ready as possible for the implant. I really hate these TEs, don't know how anyone gets use to them. It always is burning, tingling. Someone said on the TE thread it was like wearing brushes under the skin, I agree! Yes, they are a healthy size for big gal, smaller than the original girls but ride higher! Just never can forget they are there and how they got there.

    Will start PT soon to help build up strength in my back, where the LD muscles were removed. Figured to get started while I wait for exchange. Hope all are improving each day, good to hear how the March sisters are all doing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited June 2013

    Thanks for the advice Pat...talked to my BS and they referred me to a LE specialist at the PT clinic, can't see her for a few weeks but she gave me some exercises to do in the meantime...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Good luck Maureen!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful2day
    Thankful2day Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2013

    So the exchange went as well as could be expected I suppose! I went back to work on Monday! :( Not too happy about that...."we'll find you light duty work" they said............RIGHT!! There is no such thing as light duty in a plastic surgeon's office! My left breast is pretty bruised, as the PS had to nip and tuck it....and I actually rubbed a blood blister under the right one! Go figure! I think it was from the ace wrap and working all day.  I am sore, and still can't sleep. I guess I expect too much too soon??  Mama, as far as squishies........they are not! At least, not yet! The implants are 500cc, and sit pretty high! Not as high as the TE's, but they need to settle into the pocket and that could take some time. I start back at PT next Friday and can't wait! My shoulders ache, and my chest hurts.  I'm sorry for complaining...........I feel like such a heel sometimes, because I should be thanking God every day (which I do), that I didn't have to endure any chemo and/or radiation with all of the surgery.  Thank you all so very much for your support!! You all have helped me so very much through all of this! I reccommend this site to all my patients!!  God bless each and every one of you!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited July 2013

    Thankful-Glad your exchange went well, but you didn't have much time off!  My PS is a stickler for at least 4 weeks and maybe more with lift restrictions. Hope to have a better time off this time.  So sorry you have had such a hard time, but hope things settle in soon.  So many on the exchange thread feel so good after exchange but are not as happy with the size as they need to settle and "fluff". Hang in there and take it easier for a few days.  I do not think the PS have a clue how much we do when we go back to work.  I work in L&D it is really a physical job, yet my PS thought I could return in 6 wks after bmx and lat flap recon! I am 14 wks out and have been working for 6 wks and still have pain by the end of 12 hr shift. Just got the date for exchange on Sept 25th!  It will be a long 12 weeks, but the end is in sight!

    Maureen-Thinking about you, hope the PT can help. Just one more bump in the road. 

    Sending you all many((HUGS!)) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kap
    kap Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2013

    Not sure if any of you are still reading the boards, but I hope you are. I think one of my implants are sliding down. I appear lopsided. Its fine in a bra, but naked... my husband thinks I'm crazy. What do I do? I see my breast surgeon the end of sept for a 6 month follow up. Do I just wait until I see her?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited August 2013

    Hi Kap! Yes...I do still read the boards and saw your post...I was thinking of posting to see how my March surgery sisters were doing...unfortunately I have become lopsided as well...saw my PS on Tuesday and actually my problem is that the implant on the non-cancer side has settled in nicely, a little droop like a "normal" breast but the implant on the other side is too high, he thinks there is scar tissue that is preventing the implant from dropping down into the alloderm pocket as it should have done (I can feel the thicker area where the lumpectomy was originally done). My MO said she felt the same thing when she checked it a few weeks ago. So...I'm disappointed to find that I am going to go back to surgery but no hurry so it's not til November, and I'll have the implant taken out so he can cut out all the scar tissue. Then he'll put an implant back in - he thinks it will settle into the pocket once the scar tissue is out. Just MHO but I felt better after seeing the surgeon and finding out that nothing was "wrong" so if you are concerned I would move the appointment up rather than wait...good luck...(((Hugs))) Maureen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful2day
    Thankful2day Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2013


    Hi all! Just a quick update for me. I joined in a Relay for life on September 28, and they asked me to give a speech at the survivor luncheon! I was very honored to do so, but even more honored and humbled to be asked to hold the torch at the start of our luminaria lap!! I have a capsular contracture on my left side. :( I'm going to therapy, but she told me that I'll need surgical intervention, soooo, that stinks but it is what it is! I'm also going for a hysteroscopy the end of the month and discussing getting a hysterectomy. God bless my March sisters, and the rest of you braving the storm of cancer!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamasixtaz
    mamasixtaz Member Posts: 319
    edited October 2013


    Thankful2day-Great to hear you are doing so much in the fight for bc. Sorry for the capsular contracture and more surgery. I just had my exchange surgery so I am off recovering once again. I had a uterine biopsy done as well and need a hyst in my future as well but not immediately. Need to let the body heal a little, 3 surgeries this year is enough! Good to hear news from the March sisters!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful2day
    Thankful2day Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2013

    Mamasixtaz, glad you had your exchange! I'm planning on my hysterectomy towards the end of the year. Kind of nervous for another surgery, but also can't wait to be rid of these organs! Many problems with my periods over the past few months. Good luck to you!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 3,162
    edited November 2013

    Hi, i am new in this tread,I had my surgery in March, i finished rad in June and now will have the exchange surgery in Xtmas, wondering if any body here is having surgery soon or if you had it this month, how did it all go? i am so nervous i cant take the TE any longer but at the same time i am afraid of the surgery. Hope you are all well

    thanks 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2013


    enerva.


    I had my exchange surgery in October 4th. All in all it's a much easier surgery than the bmx but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I was sore for a few weeks but definitely manageable. My ps wants me to do nipples and fat grafting I February but I'm still on the fence about it. I just don't know if i can take another surgery!


    I got the gummies and although they are not as soft as I had hoped they are still way better than the tissue expanders!


    Good luck!


    Jsrose

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 3,162
    edited November 2013

    Oh thanks for the info, i really hate the TE. I hope you keep getting well i ll keep you posted. My surgery is Dec 24. yap i guess xtmas gift for me lol


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2013


    Hi,


    I am dropping in from the newly formed January 2014 Surgery Sisters group. Please drop into that group and let us know what advise you might offer to those who are coming up behind you so to speak. How would you prepare for surgery if you could do it all over again, etc. We appreciate any and all advise you might offer... especially as your is now or soon will be 20/20 on these matters.


    V

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 2girls-2spaniels
    2girls-2spaniels Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2014

    Good Morning, Here we are approaching the one year mark very quickly.  I had a left side mastectomy (March 2013) with no tissue expander and no chemo..6 lymph nodes removed from my armpit.  Basically surgery went off with out any issues.  This past week my armpit has been very tender in the area of the incision, along with some pain to lay on that side the arm at times is just not real comfortable.  Could I have stretched it to much with taking Christmas stuff down, or more of the healing process going on...???Just looking to see if anyone else has felt things like this in the armpit area..??  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Not-Me
    Not-Me Member Posts: 198
    edited January 2014

    An update from me as well.  Had double in March, followed by the exchange in June.  So with the biopsy, that makes three surgeries, but I guess that was not enough as I had to have a fourth surgery in December for cervix issues.  Ugh!!!  Owe way to much money still. 


    But done with the exchange and yes, getting rid of the TE is great.  But you still have recovery after that...for awhile.  I do not know how anyone can get thru any of it without pain meds....I took lots post double M, and exchange.  They are cutting muscle and such!!!  I am 8 months post exchange and no longer feel pain although I do feel muscle tightness on occassion. 

    Hugs to all, hang in there. 

     

     


     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited January 2014

    2girls...maybe check out the lymphedema board and see if is any symptoms of that?

    Have you started working out recently?  Could be you are stretching things that haven't been moved in a while, but again,I have seen some "lymphedema symptoms" appear in women that are exercising and there is a whole process about it.

    I only had 4 nodes removed and know that if I get any strange feelings in that side I will be reading those lymphedema threads ASAP.  Also, please remember no needles in that arm and no blood pressure readings from that arm.

    Not trying to scare you, just throwing it out there, I am wishing you the best.

    Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2014

    Hugs March 2013 (((Surgery Sisters))) thinking of all of you...hard to believe it's been a year since our March surgeries started! Here's the list of everyone and their surgery dates from last year...I wish you all the best, may the angels be watching over you, Maureen

    March 1st - Left mastectomy with TE's - jj52

    March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke

    March 2nd - Right mastectomy, nipple sparing with immediate reconstruction/TE's - ANewDawn

    March 4th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - anne11595

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction - ironmagnolia

    March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen

    March 5th - Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Right) - Cocok

    March 5th - Preventive skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with TE's - Jenamae

    March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian

    March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy - Tracey

    March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy, with anxillary lymph node dissection on ipsalateral side and sentinal node biopsy on contralateral side - tx_anne

    March 5th - Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear node - YAAY) - LibraryLynn

    March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - Not-Me

    March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose

    March 6th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels

    March 6th - Right lumpectomy - RiverFlows

    March 6th - Left lumpectomy - TXWildFlower/Emily

    March 7th - Right Mastectomy with Reconstruction/Tissue expander placement (Right) - Denise (dede707)

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang

    March 8th - Mastectomy with tissue expanders - hunter1105

    March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - jk6/Janice

    March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie

    March 8th - Right mastectomy with axillary node dissection - LuvinMyLife

    March 8th - Right lumpectomy - whisperwhillow

    March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - barberchic

    March 12th - Exchange surgery with scar revisions - cat24

    March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with left axillary node dissection and right sentinel node biopsy and possible TE, plus a port placement. - LKSHER

    March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - VeganNicole

    March 13th - Latissimu Dorsi flap surgery with implant - Shelley

    March 14th - Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - Kayrem

    March 15th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - friedom18

    March 15th - ? procedure - Nikstar

    March 15th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/tissue expanders - Thankful2day

    March 18th - Right lumpectomy/partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - Pattysmiles

    March 18th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Gardengirl33

    March 18th - Partial mastectomy/lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and port placement - Koru

    March 19th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction latissimus dorsi flap and implants - Mamasixtaz

    March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)

    March 20th - Right lumpectomy with sentinel node dissection and lymph node removal - surrealist 65

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh

    March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - patriciahurtado

    March 25th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - 3mom/Christina

    March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7

    March 27th - Mastectomy (Right); Prophylactic Mastectomy (Left); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both) - MauiGirl

    March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinal node biopsies - Carrie6466

    March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and lymph node dissection - Shari

    March 28th - Right skin sparing mastectomy and lymph node dissection - TinaHoff

    March 28th - Sentinel node excision - ssla01

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited March 2014

    yes, God Bless us all!  Thank you Maureen!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 3,162
    edited March 2014

    Hi add me to the list.

    NSBMX March 25, 2013

    TE 9months Enerva

    Thanks 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2014

    Welcome (((Enerva))) hope you are doing well...Maureen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories