April 2014 Surgery Sisters
Hi everyone,
Perhaps those of us with a surgery in April could "team up" and help each other get through it 
. I am an utter newbie here, but will do my level best to keep track of your details here if you would like to PM them to me. I look forward to meeting you all.
- April 1 - Chiclet92, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 1 - Tb2005, BMX with tissue expanders and SNB
- April 1 - Chicagopatient, MX TBD
- April 1 - Jmanningtx, Bilateral Lumpectomy with nipple removal
- April 1 - Cookiegirl47, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 2 - Birdlady222, UMX with tissue expanders and Contralateral breast lift
- April 2 - Lespring, Lumpectomy and SNB
- April 2 - Ddkath70, Lumpectomy and SNB
- April 3 - MissMaples, NSBMX direct to implant, and left SNB
- April 3 - Cdelv66, BMX and left SNB
- April 3 - Sodie1017, BMX direct to implant
- April 5 - MammaRay, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 7 - Vfay49, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 7 - MellaBella, UMX
- April 8 - Gracielou4123, BMX with tissue expanders and SNB
- April 8 - Pattij, BMX
- April 8 - MacewanMom, UMX left with tissue expanders and SNB
- April 8 - Radical2Squared, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 9 - Debzjourney14, Lumpectomy and SNB
- April 9 - Ninany, PSBMX with tissue expanders
- April 9 - RamblingRose, UMX
- April 9 - MakeLemonade, Lumpectomy and port placement
- April 10 - Sesrn, skin sparing UMX with tissue expanders, SNB, latissimus flap and augmentation
- April 11 - Debkayr, BMX with tissue expanders and Laparoscopic oophorectomy
- April 14 - Ohiofan, Lumpectomy
- April 15 - Happyteacher, PBMX with tissue expanders
- April 15 - TXRangersGirl80, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 15 - Imnicoletwo, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 15 - HomeMom, Lumpectomy and SNB
- April 15 - KJR1964, UMX with tissue expanders, left and SNB
- April 15 - Yogagal, Lumpectomy with reduction
- April 16 - Krisnanbrandy123, PBMX
- April 16 - Scubalady, UMX with tissue expanders right, and breast lift left
- April 16 - Amyo, BMX
- April 16 - Janet2014, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 18 - NoNips, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 21 - Asb, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 22 - Lolis, UMX with ALND
- April 22 - Writinghelps, BMX with no reconstruction and SNB both sides
- April 24 - DiveCat, NSPBMX direct to implant, one step with Alloderm
- April 29 - Renee51, BMX with tissue expanders
- April 30 - Zeeba, PBMX with TBD immediate reconstruction
- April 30 - Geosomin, UMX right, with axillary dissection
- TBD - Stonesmama, BMX
- May 6 - Rubiayat, UMX with TUG
- TBD - Carnes, PBMX with tissue expanders
Comments
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Missmaples,
I will be having a BMX sometime in April, just waiting to hear from the scheduling nurse. I started chemo in January, but have not seen a reduction in tumor size so have decided to move forward with surgery and finish chemo afterward. Thanks for starting this. I have been posting in the January chemo group and know how important it is to have support during this journey. I am meeting with the PS for the second time on Wednesday. I am hoping to decide between gummys and silicone implants and to find out what size TE he plans to use.
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Hi Asb, lovely to meet you and thanks for your post. I am sorry to hear the chemo hasn't had a big response just yet, but am very happy to have you here in the April group. I have spent considerable time reading the March surgery thread and it does seem to really help share the experience with others going through it at the same time.
My PS has recommended the Allergan 410 (gummies) for me, and I have gratefully taken input from the fantastic Whippetmom in the reconstruction forum about size, so hopefully it will work out. But the unknowns of final pathology, the surgery itself, and the side effects of reconstruction all weigh very heavily at times.
I hope all goes well with your appt on Wednesday! And once you have your date I will be happy to add it above.
MM
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Hi April girls! Glad to see the April thread started. For those new here, check out the March, Feb and Jan threads-- so much good information from women just going thru what you will be, and great questions answered! I had my exchange in Jan, and will have a revision/swap out to smaller sometime end of May or in June.
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Hi Aviva, and thanks for that tip! Those previous threads contain such great help, I have learned so much from all of you that have shared there. I hope all goes very well for you in your next surgery in May/June
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Hello everyone! I just had my last chemo treatment on March 5 and will have my BMX in early April. I have an appointment with my Breast Surgeon on April 1 and they will schedule surgery at that time. I had good news this week. They did a follow-up mammogram and sonogram and said the tumor and lymph node had shrunk considerably. I also got the results from the genetic testing and it came back negative. I am thrilled at these results. I am pretty apprehensive about the surgery. I don't guess I'll ever feel ready. Other than having my port put in, I've never had any kind of surgery or medical issue until now.
To get my mind off surgery my husband and I are going on a post-chemo/pre-surgery cruise to the Caribbean. We leave tomorrow and will be back on March 30th. I look forward to getting to know each of you as we go through this process.
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Missmaples,
Will you have TE or straight to implants? I was leaning toward the 410 gummies as well but then read several posts where women were unhappy with the unnatural feel. Some days I feel the more I read and research the less I know. It seems that so many women end up smaller or larger than they wanted and have to go through more surgery to correct. I have also consulted whippetmom, hopefully between my plastic surgeon and her we will find the right match the first time around. I teach science so I keep looking at my beakers and thinking do I want the 250 ml or the 500 ml beakers on my chest LOL. After I figure out the implants it it time to make a list of what I will need and start getting prepared for surgey. I am finally starting to rebound from my last chemo round. I have also been reading the march surgery thread. It has been so helpful to hear others.
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Hi Asb,
Lol, the beaker comparisons is hilarious! I relate to so much of what you said! I have been doing similarly odd things by digging through the Allergan catalogue for height, width and projection dimensions and then using the measuring tape on myself. Like that is going to make it all clear to me
. And then I read and read and read some more in hopes that the "right" answer is somewhere. But it just doesn't seem to work like that does it? Hence revision surgeries, implant exchanges, etc. So daunting. I am trying to remind myself that whichever implant it is, it will never be a breast, never "feel" like a breast. It will hopefully look like one, but that's about it. I am supposed to have another appt with my PS to finalise the plan and like you, I have concerns about the firmness of the gummies. Like a big Turkish Delight stuck to my ribs
The plan is direct to implant, nipple and skin sparing. I am very small-breasted and he has suggested I consider a modest increase (cheeky bugger), which he believes can be achieved without the expander.
I am a planning and list girl as well. Have you seen the thread on surgery prep? It's great too. I still need to get slippery pyjamas lol
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Hi Stonesmama, welcome, and congratulations on your great news this week!
I am nervous about the surgery too. Before my lumpectomy in November I had never even had stitches. Hopefully cheering each other on will help ease our worries.
I wish you and your hubby a wonderful holiday, you deserve it
. We will see you when you get back! -
Hi, newbie too here. Will be having a lumpectomy April 9.
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Hi everyone! I will be having a MX on the left side in April -waiting to see my surgeon next week and have it scheduled. I am planning on having a TUG or PAP depending on what the PS recommends.
Thanks for starting this thread MissMaples - it will be good to have you all to go through this process with:)
Stonesmama - I am so glad to hear your tumor has shrunk and your genetic test came back negative. That is great news! And what a wonderful idea to celebrate by going on a cruise. Good for you!
Asb - I used to work in a lab and got a good laugh of out of the beaker visual!
Deb - are you having a SNB too? I had more discomfort from that than the lumpectomy, but it was very manageable.
You can see from my signature that I have had three lumpectomies already and am feeling nervous about having more surgery. I did fine with the procedures, although I did get an infection after the last one and had to have the abscess removed surgically because it was so big. It is traumatic for your body to go through such invasive procedures. Someone recommended guided imagery to me to help with my anxiety and to help me develop a strong belief that it will all go well. Here is the cd I ordered if anyone is interested:
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Debz and Rubiayat, hi and thanks for joining the group!
Debz I too had a lumpectomy in November and am glad to tell you that my experience was much less scary than I had anticipated, so I hope the very same for you
Rubiayat, wow you are our experienced surgical veteran! I am so sorry about the infection, that must have been so difficult, and is one of my many "nervousnesses" at the minute. I like the idea of the mindful meditation so will check if I can get something similar here. I feel a certain amount of guilt for choosing to put my body through such a trauma, so maybe something like this would help me get my head right, so to speak, and put that energy into something a bit more productive/positive.
I wish none of you had to be here, but in saying that, I am also happy to have met you
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SNB? Sentinal node biopsy? Yes, they are going to remove a couple of lymph nodes for testing. The doctor doesnt think it is there yet, but I wont believe it until they get results back.
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I'm having NSBMX with TEs on April 9th. Will have my 2 week pre-op with my BS on Monday. And my pre-op with my PS on Friday. I'm stress eating..
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LOL Ninany, we are clearly kindred spirits. I am just about to sit down with a piece of chocolate cake
Lovely to meet you and thanks for joining the group!
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the waiting for things to happen is the worst.
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Wow, it has been a busy day. Welcome all. I hate that we have to meet like this but I am happy to have some company on this journey. I had a SNB back in January when they put my port in. Is was a breeze. Don't be surprised I'd you are numb for quite a while. They often have to cute a nerve and it takes a while to grow back. I am just now getting the feeling back in my armpit. It makes shaving very awkward. Someone told me to wax my armpits before BMX because it will be difficult to shave for a while. I have very little hair left since I started chemo, I think that will actually be a benefit finally.
Aviva, I agree the waiting is the hardest part. I think I will feel better one I know my surgery date. I am working on my questions for the PS. From reading other threads it seems like some hospitals supply bras, camis, and drain belts. Hopefully he will know. I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff I don't need.
Stonesmama, I am jealous. I would love the sun and sea right now. Maybe after it's all over.
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I am having uni-MX on April 9. This is my second DCIS, first was in 2005, had lumpectomy and radiation.
I am not planning on reconstruction. I am 58.
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I have done a fair amount of stress eating over the last few months! I oscillate between eating very healthy and then having chips and dip:) (preferably potatoes chips with french onion dip - yum!)
I had three lymph nodes removed and a section of lymphatic tissue. Three months later I still have numbness under my arm and half way down the underside of my arm to my elbow. I didn't have a drain put in, but ended up having my incision opened up to let it heal from the inside out and for the fluid to drain out. It has healed well now, although I still have pain from time to time, but nothing major. As Asb recommended - waxing your armpits is a great idea! I shave still, but very gingerly.
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I don't want to scare anyone - I will tell you though that having the infection was a low point for me. I was at my most vulnerable period - for the first time I felt too weak to fight anything. But that feeling passed and I recovered and today I am feeling great. I know the next step will be difficult - there is a long recovery time for a TUG/PAP. As with any surgery there are risks of infection and complications. I will get through it and one day put this all behind me. As I know all of you will too! One step at a time.
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Welcome RamblingRose, and thank you so much for joining us!
Rubiayat, I am a huge chips and dip fan as well (good call on the French onion)! My husband is always after me to get more veggies and lean protein into me but I am afraid I have a junk-foodie's soul
. You sound very well-prepared for the upcoming surgery, in an all-around way. I read a great comment from one of my heroes on these boards, Beesie, something to the effect that we can't make our surgical decisions based on what happened to someone else, good or bad, because there is no way to know what will happen to us. It is such a weird balance between being optimistic, yet also realistic, aware, and prepared that whatever happens, we will get through it. That sounds like exactly where you are, well done! With TUG/PAP reconstruction, what length of hospital stay is expected?The whole drains thing is a bit of a mystery to me having never had them before. And here, it is very unusual to be sent home with them still in, which sounds like a huge contrast to what I have read typically happens in the U.S. where drains are frequently left in at least one week or longer. And though they sound a right pain to live with I surely don't want a seroma
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Hi all! I'm having my surgery this Thursday but wanted to join this group so maybe I can help some of you going after me with my experiences. I can tell you that the closer to surgery the more nervous you get but I've actually kept pretty calm. These boards are a life saver just knowing you are not alone. It is kind of overwhelming that there are so many of us! Blessings to all..
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Wynne, I am delighted to have you here!
Can't thank you enough for offering to share your experience. That really is the power of these boards isn't it? Those of us new learn so much and no longer feel alone. Amazing.
I am going in just a week after you so my nervousness is setting in as well. You will do great, and we will be in your pocket along with the March girls when you go in on Thursday!
Have you got your home all post-surgery prepped?
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missmaples... I'm working on the home getting ready. I'm really not sure what all I need to do. I got a recliner and am setting up a table next too it for all my "important things" like phone, iPad and books. Other than that I'm not sure what I need .
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Good luck on your upcoming surgery Wynne. You're right, these boards are a lifesaver. For me, it feels like family and friends just don't quite "get it" yet.
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Hi ladies ... I'm scheduled for my BMX on April 3rd with SNB on left. 2 Lumps with positive margins done in Feb. & March.
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Wynne50, sounds like you have a good start on it! There is an excellent thread on the boards that includes a list of prep items others have found useful both for hospital and once home. I will go searching for it and post here.
Cdelv66 you and I are almost surgery twins, and arrived there after a similar journey
. Thanks so much for joining, lovely to meet you. -
Thanks, MissMaples ... if you could find that pre-op thread that would be awesome. I've been tackling one room at a time to get ready and have a list of supplies I want to buy this week. I, too get a little anxious, but the waiting is the worst!!
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Hi ladies, as promised, I really hope the pasted link works properly ...... Let me know if it doesn't
So this Surgery Prep Thread was started in 2008 and is still used so beware there are 24 pages of info, but even the list in the opening of the topic is a good start. I hope it helps!
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I could have sworn I had posted in an April 2014 surgery thread, and I felt like I was going mad looking for my posts...and then realized this is a different one
Anyway, I am having a nipple-sparing PBMX (One-Step with Alloderm) on April 24. I will be getting smooth silicone rounds (my PS uses gummies, but does not like to use them with Alloderm). Originally I was a mid-May-er, who was going to do TEs, but changed surgeons (and the city where surgery is happening) a couple weeks ago after a consult and my surgery ending up being earlier, much to my surprise!
This surgery has been a long time coming so I mostly feel relief to be near the other side at this point. I really first started considering PBMX about 7 years ago after my mother's dx, but only really got the ball rolling about a year ago (this included genetic counseling, testing, various referrals to high risk clinics, breast surgeons, plastic surgeons). I do still have some anxieties about it all, like the recovery as I am a pretty active person, the pathology (though there is nothing to indicate concern at this time), the 2 1/2 hour car ride home the next day, the cosmetic results...and my mother and stepfather staying with us for a week after (yikes!). My husband and cat are both very supportive and willing to listen though!
I have started a "basket" of supplies for my recovery as the shopping and "gathering" keeps me a bit distracted when I need it...a couple new pairs of soft PJs, plastic tumblers with straws to drink out of, shower & baby wipes, terry-cloth drain holders, hair ties/bands, dry shampoo, Metamucil & Senokot S (I am terrified of post-surgery constipation!), anti-bacterial wipes, lotion, candies to suck on, chapstick. Also have a list of books to download on my iPad, and my Netflix wishlist ready.
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Hi DiveCat, and thanks for joining us!
You're completely right, I probably threw the cat amongst the pigeons when there was already a thread titled April Surgeries
. I read through and just wasn't sure if it was meant for a group or not? In any event, apologies for the confusion and happy you found us. I am sure you will be happy with the smooth rounds, it seems in general that's the "style" recommended by Whippetmom and she definitely knows what she is talking about!
You sound very well-prepared for the surgery, mentally as well as logistically. I can see how significant lead-up time could contribute to the relief and relative peace of finally getting there. And you clearly already found the surgery shopping list on your own so have your "tickle-trunk" well and truly sorted! I am similarly a planner, not least of which to help allay some anxiety. My paranoia has also resulted in now multiple varieties of Metamucil et al in the house, and in what is normally a topic non grata for me my husband can't believe my sudden obsession with it lol!
And re:visiting house guests, you still have time to train kitty in some basic body-guarding duties
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