DIEP 2013

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  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2013

    Sharon, thanks for the reminder! I needed that!

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  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited September 2013

    Hi Sisters!!  I hope everyone is well and moving forward!  I have my consult with Dr. P set up at PRMA on Nov. 19th.  I will be staying with my daughter and family.  I am still quite nervous about consultations b/c so far appointments seem to wander away from the norm for me.  But it is done and can't wait to get on the road where it ends.  Today is a nice-cool-sunny day!!

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  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited September 2013

    Janet, happy birthday to you! Re: exhaustion - are you on Tamoxifen? I've been feeling more tired than usual lately, and found out that fatique can be an SE of Tamoxifen. All my recent tests and scans were normal, so I strongly suspect that Tamox is the culprit. Whatever - still have 4 years to go on it, so will just suck it up.

    Sbel, I have my fingers crossed for you. You have really been plagued enough by this thing!

    Sherry, so happy to hear you are doing so well. Yes!!

    Bluebird, that puppy sounds just adorable. May he bring you much joy and pleasure! I have an old Golden Retriever, and we've always maintained that after him we won't be getting another dog. Lately we find ourselves discussing what kind of dog we would like next - lol.

    Jaqic, I really enjoyed your recent posts. Thanks!

    Bailey, I'm so with you re: next surgery! Will be seeing PS in November, and probably have it done in January. At the moment it seems like a nipple, a lift to the healthy one, and yes, I have a puffy dog ear on the left side of the tummy scar. There's a small divot on the DIEP breast. I'm just so weary of surgeries . . . SIGH!!!

    Nihahi, when are you going for the next stage? My heart breaks for you re: granddaughters. Whatever the circumstances, it sucks that they are deprived of your vast wisdom, warmth, kindness and love. This Nihahi woman that I got to know has so much to give them!

    Jeannie, I love that THINK - won't the world be a much better place it we would all apply that?

    Everybody else - have a TOWANDA day!

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  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited September 2013

    Thank you all for the kind words. I really want to post a pic in the picture forum, but I'm just a dumb blonde when it comes to figuring stuff out on the computer. Can anyone pm me with step by step instructions on how to do it. I would love to share!

    Janet, happy birthday!

    Bluebird, I love the name;)

    Goldie, any news yet?

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited September 2013

    Listen up kuka....don't you be talking yourself down like that!!!! Not allowed!!!!! I would try to help you, but I think the photo forum has different "procedures" for posting photos. It took me awhile to figure out how to do it here!!!

    jeannie....schnoze is better today...definitely not as "drippy", so I'm trying to get caught up on some housework. ugh! Today is the next "yogalates" class since I "outed myself". It'll be interesting to see how it goes.

    Liefie....thanks for your kinds words, though I'm not sure how accurately they fit me :). It is what it is, somedays are just truly harder than others, like most things in life. I don't have a clue when my next "stage" will be. I see my PS in mid October, just after Thanksgiving. He knows how important symmetry is to me, so we both agreed not to rush into "tweaking", to avoid any "overdoing" of things. We both also wanted to give my shoulder a chance to "recover" from the impact of the cap contracture. I was still a bit swollen in my gloob, when I saw him at 3 months post, and the lift/reduction he did on my natural breast, has settled a bit more too, since then. Maybe because I had the implants for so long, he was able to "place" the new flap pretty much spot on, location wise...don't know...just a guess, but he certainly did a good job of it.

    There is a yoga precept of "Ahimsa".....which means do no harm. Verbally, physically, emotionally....applies to both how we treat ourselves and how we interact with others. Fits pretty much everything in life!!!!

    Back to the laundry, thank god we have evolved from taking it down to the creek and beating dirty shirts and socks on a rock!!!!...have good days ladies.

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  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited September 2013

    nihahi, take a look at this one. I grew up using one to do laundry.

    http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://baike.baidu.com/view/1291003.htm&prev=/search?q=%E6%90%93%E8%A1%A3%E6%9D%BF&client=firefox-a&hs=pxa&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

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  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited September 2013

    Nihahi, now don't you talk yourself down, okay? You have all those good qualities of course, and are a true gift to us all. Happy laundering!

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited September 2013

    Kuka

    If you get on Timtam's site they have instructions on there that might help you.  If you still have a problem, let me know.

    Oh, and thanks for asking, but I don't know anything yet.

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  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited September 2013

    Nihahi, really, I'm dumb when it comes to computers. I use apple computer because is user friendly, forget about windows!

    Goldie, I read the instructions, but really, I don't get it. I finally found my password and can get in the forum, but no posting pics:(

    I just got a phone call today and got a job offer. I really need to see if I could do it with my kid's schedule, but I would love to work outside if the house and be with adults for a change!

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  • Moviemaniac
    Moviemaniac Member Posts: 949
    edited September 2013

    I have trying really hard to jump on here earlier in the day(after I go to the gym and kill myself on the elliptical.... :P ) and keeping up is not happening....by the time I read through the new posts.....there are more!



    Brain seems extra scrambled today, but I will try to be relevant.....



    JANET......I hope you have a wonderful birthday today......and that you get to do SOMETHING that you love, or have been wanting to do.....can you hear me singing "Happy Birthday" to you?



    JAKIG..... Thank you for writing such an eloquent post.......I am constantly reminded of how blessed I have been to have found this board, and such wonderful, caring, thoughtful, and courageous women! We REALLY do help hold each other up. Thank you, again.



    BLUEBIRD.......lol, I wasn't sure WHO that was sitting in the corner! Glad to know it was you! You certainly have had more than your share, and yet you have such wisdom, and a quiet strength that comes through in every post! Glad you have your dog......Wilbur Jackson, maybe?



    KUKA.....you are no dumb blond.......you are a very smart, courageous, and strong woman who took responsibility for her own life, and made choices to ensure you could live it!



    GOLDIE......thinking of you, and hoping that your "show" gets "on the road" soon, soon, soon!



    SHARON and CHERRIE and MARTY......we NEED you awesome women to stick around here......I, for one, have surgery fatigue, and need encouragement......heck, we ALL do!



    NIHAHI.....you, my friend, are one in a million! Truly the mother hen here.......SO happy for you that your revisions will be minor. (Like LIEFIE). None of us has a perfect situation, and my heart breaks for you that you cannot share your big, loving heart with your grandbabies.......honestly, that makes me feel like my DIEP journey is so superficial.....in the grand scheme of things. Truly wish we didn't have so many miles between us...... :(. Glad to know your schnozzola is a bit better today.....



    BAILEY......can I be Eyore, too? Honestly, that little stuffed donkey is my favorite WTP character.....probably because I see myself in him. I love your humor.......remember, humor can help us get through some hard times......I am sending you a cyber (((hug)))! Surgery fatigue seems to be going around....... :P



    ASPINNER......congrats on the decision-making.........You have just begun, but we'll be here to cheerleader you on! :)



    SBE....thinking of you.....sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, that you ARE improving, and can stay home......I just wish they could find why this continues to be an issue for you......(((hugs)))



    Everyone else.....I really DO think about you women on this board all the time.......what a blessing you have all been for me when I have been down, or afraid, or worn out! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am having a hard time remembering every post, but I ALWAYS come away from here renewed, and with more strength, thanks to all of you.......



    Wishing that those of you still struggling with healing issues get to that turning point, and those of us who are struggling with down days can find some sunshine to lift our spirits.....we are all on the same journey.....we're just at different locations on the road!



    XO

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited September 2013

    That is great news, Kuka.  What kind of work do you do?  If you will be happier, so will your kids.  It's funny how it works that way, but it does.  So if you want it, do it. I will take a look at the picture site and see if I can give you instructions that might seem a little easier.

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited September 2013

    Happy birthday Janet!



    Sbe- Sending good healing vibes you way!



    Bluebird- Congrats on your new furry baby :-)



    Kuka- Congrats on the job offer, hope it works out for your schedule!

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited September 2013

    There is hope on the horizon for those of you suffering on Tamoxifen. This is an article that I found right here on BCO

    http://community.breastcancer.org/blog/how-breast-cancer-drugs-are-developed-the-bazedoxifene-story/

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited September 2013

    The phone rings, and the caller ID shows it's the hospital.  I think it's my test results.  Noooo....it's some person calling to ask how I feel after my procedure, and was I having any complications.  Geez, lady!!!!  It's been 6 days, I could have died by now.  How about checking that evening, or the next morning...lmaooooooooooo

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited September 2013

    Kuka - I haven't posted to the picture forum, but read the directions for you.  I believe that you need to first create a new thread - if you are in the Under Construction section there is a "New Thread" button.  Title it however you wish, eg "My DIEP Story".  Then type in your message or story.  Below that area is a block called "Attach Files".  These are your pictures, just remember that they need to be resized so they are smallish versions.  You can keep attaching photos as you go.  The whole trick is in the "New Thread" option.    I hope this helps.

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited September 2013

    Kuka- Congrats on job offer. That is exciting for you.

    Janet- Happy Birthday! Hope you do something special.

    Bluebird- Congrats on the new addition to your family. I want a puppy so bad, but my husband is NOT an animal person.

    Liefie- your words to Nihahi couldn't have been said better. This literally brought tears to my eyes.

    ASpinner and fellow Michigan girl. Congrats on starting your journey. We are here for you.

    Movie and Jeannie- lucky you that you are seeing each other this weekend.

    Movie- I like the term "Surgery Fatigue". I absolutely had that. I didn't want to even schedule my colonoscopy that I am due for.

    Lehala- you may need anti nausea meds with your antibiotics. It made a big difference for me.

    SBEL- Sure hope to hear better news from you soon. I wonder why this comes back??



    Whew! I am sure I missed a few of you.



    Going to ARTPRIZE in Grand Rapids tomorrow. It is sunny and 72 in Michigan. My kind of weather.🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌝🌝🌝🌝

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  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited September 2013

    Thank you Marty, I'm going to give it a try later when the kids are not around. They still haven't seen my tatas and I want to keep it that way. They're too little to understand;)

    Goldie, I'm writing you a pm!

    Everyone thank you for the congrats. I'm really hoping I can make this move and go to the working world. Being at home with kids all day just isn't for me:(

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  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited September 2013

    Thanks for that link, Goldie! It certainly looks very promising, if only the big drug companies will market this BZA here on our side of the planet. Looks like it will still be a long time though. It is almost to good to be true, a drug better than Tamoxifen, with no SE's. Wouldn't it be lovely? I'm thinking hard if I know any docs in Europe who can prescribe it for me. LOL.

    Kuka, the job offer is exciting, and yes, sometimes we are better moms when we are not around our kids all day. I say go for it, girl!

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited September 2013

    hmm.....checking in to see if sbe has updated us...I'm concerned that she hasn't. Katy....we're all thinking of you!!!!

    lahela...hoping the antibiotics have kicked in for you, and that the tummy has settled down.

    kuka...I agree....it's a good thing to spend time with adults. Hope you can find a way to combine the work hours with the kids...part-time would be awesome if you could swing it! What kind of work is it???

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited September 2013

    Read through posts...not much to say today but I wanted to at least say hello. I hope everyone is feeling well, physically and mentally. 

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited September 2013

    Liefie, see if your doc would work the compassionate care angle. Like my mom use to say, "the worst they can say is no."

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  • FierceBluebird
    FierceBluebird Member Posts: 758
    edited September 2013

    Sharon, nutritional mushrooms do not cause liver toxicity or failure. It's the same as eating mushrooms you buy at the grocery store. Too bad you threw them away.  Unless of course you bought strange hallucinigenic mushrooms from Mexico. Then all bets are off. LOL...  You do have to be careful where you buy any nutritional supplement. I would only buy from Paul Stamet's company. Grown and harvested in the USA.

    Here's Paul Stamet giving a TED talk regarding the immune system and mushrooms: 

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWT09ZDqFlE

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  • Dara_Diverse
    Dara_Diverse Member Posts: 5,144
    edited September 2013

    Happy belated birthday to Janet. 

    I have been reading but not talking. 

    Does anyone want to join the complication club with me? I just can't win with this reconstruction, thirteen surgeries and more issues. This one hurt pretty bad. Caught hospital born infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa. To anyone with cellulitis DX, get checked for pseudomonis. I was not diagnosed until I was nearly three weeks out from the DIEP. I have to go back under the knife next week. Hell, what is one more?

    Btw, hello everyone. I am Dorothy. I have PM'd a few lovely ladies here but wanted to thank you all for sharing your journeys, your strength, fears and laughter which I believe IS the best medicine. 

    Love and hugs to all of you brave ladies! 

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  • FierceBluebird
    FierceBluebird Member Posts: 758
    edited September 2013

    Dork, I'm in!!  Complication is my middle name!  Gosh I can't imagine 13 surgeries. You are one brave woman!

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  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited September 2013

    Funny that you ask nihahi, it would be office work at my ps office. I really love the staff there and being able to help other women that are going through what I did, that alone pays enough for me;)

    Still a big decision, but if I can get grandma on board with it and she agrees to keep the kids I would be able to work outside the house. Leaving my 3 year old with someone I don't know doesn't sound doable to me, so daycare is out!

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  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited September 2013

    Dork, omg! I feel like a baby for complaining about having to have a third surgery in one year! You're my hero!! If you don't mind me asking, why did you have so many surgeries? What type if complications did you have?

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited September 2013

    DorK...13 Surgeries!!!! Holy Crap!!! Pseudomonas infections are deadly...we used to fight them on the Burn Unit. An open wound infected with it will smell like Juicy Fruit gum...sickly sweet. It will glow under UV light. FYI....it can also be present in the water/flowers of floral arrangements....fresh "improperly washed" veggies like lettuce. Flowers, plants and fresh salads are a good thing to stay away from if you still have open or fresh wounds. Those things were banned on the Burn unit.

    kuka....has Granny ever looked after your 3 year old for a number of days at a time? Might be a good idea to do a trial run! I bet you would be a guardian angel of any Diep patient coming to that PS!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2013

    Kuka! You go! Would you be able to work part time then?



    Nihahi....well, I told that big elephant to shut his trunk today ;) feeling a bit better. As far as you go, or any other guilty Gus, I cry foul. I don't think there is one woman here with any diagnosis or treatment or complication that would wish a bad one on anybody else....hell, if me bearing something prevents somebody else from it then great, but I don't think that is how it works!



    I always say we all go through our own personal "hells" on Earth and you never know somebody else's story....sounds like your plate is, and has been, plenty full, sista. I like what your friend said. I like what Liefie said....every word IS TRUE!



    Yup, SBE, I was surprised by the light touch of the lymphatic massage, too! Worried about you...saying prayers!



    Jeannie - just so we are clear....I hate running lol! And if you offered me something better to do I would likely join you! I only do it because I know it's good for me and (this is the larger reason lol) I really like the people I run with and it's what we do together! Otherwise it pretty much stinks. And, btw, pretty sure two trips to the ER in the first few weeks of diep is a complication! You rode in the ambulance for crying out loud!



    Jakig I love your recent posts, too! Thanks for the positive nipple news!



    Cherrie - ARTPRIZE!!! We are hoping to go this weekend. Have you been before?



    Sweet - thanks for hanging in my boat with me, sista (tag, you're it now....no touchbacks)



    Janet - Happy Birthday!!! I hope it was a great day. The first several weeks back to work were exhausting for me, too. I wish you didn't have to, but am glad you are able to cut back for a bit. You'll get there, you always do :)



    Blue - a new baby! We want pictures!



    Goldie...Hugs, honey. That was not a necessary comment from a thoughtless friend, very unfortunate. Hugs.



    Movie - you are fabulous :) even when you are feeling down and out your posts are filled with good humor and caring.



    As far as me....I don't know if it's so much the stage II as it is just surgery fatigue....cancer fatigue...medical fatigue....yuckery fatigue lol. I am 2 years and four months in....and I've yet to go 30 days without of some sort of medical appointment....I say going to the doctor is my hobby...takes all my time and money!



    So thanks to all of you for being the "wind beneath my wings"....even when I pull my little tail feathers in tight and refuse to fly!!!



    There are probably 42 more posts to read in the time it took me to type this lol....but good night ALL! I have to read the consent info on my acupuncture study!





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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2013

    Oops...



    Dork, welcome...I am going to lol every time you post, Dork. Dork is a word thickly peppered in my childhood memories! I am so sorry for your 13 surgeries...holy kashmoly (a Sweetpickle word!) Where are you at now, if you don't mind sharing, of course! Prayers for you...double prayers!!!



    Debdylan when do you start chemo? Thinking of you!

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  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited September 2013

    Dork, you've certainly had your fair share of this whole stinking ordeal. I sincerely hope next week will be the last time for you - no more! Good grief! Your attitude under the circumstances is truly amazing and admirable. We are here for you, remember that.

    Bailey, I've defo got surgery fatique too. Will really have to dig very, very deep to find the courage for the next one.

    Goldie, I will try the compassionate care angle with my onc when he wants to switch me to Femara in 18 months' time. Don't know if it will fly though. I don't really have bad SE's from Tamoxifen other than hot flushes. Even in the dead of winter I sleep with the ceiling fan running. Poor DH keeps piling on the covers, and I keep throwing them off. LOL.

    Debdylan, yes, how are you doing?

    Kuka, if you can manage to get your kids taken care of, you will be such an asset to that PS office, I'm sure.

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