March 2014 Surgery

ucf mom - when I first exchanged from TE to implants my PS told me to massage them to avoid capsular contracture.  The instructions were to push as hard as I could, at the clock hands 12, 3, 6 and 9, in the opposite directions.  So this means at the 6 o'clock position I am pushing up, at 12 I am pushing down and at 3 and 6 sideways, respectively. So, he tells me one of the best ways to remember to do this is to do it at red lights when you are driving - needless to say, I got some weird looks, but did it anyway, lol!

football - hang in, chemo is a bitch, but you will get through it!

frostecat- are you really pushing your stretches so much that it hurts that bad? Im not sure how hard to push things. I do not have full ROM yet. My PS didn't want me to stretch at all until after 6 weeks. There is no way I can put my arms up over my head while lying flat on the floor.

Ucfmom I'm with you on feeling them. I seem to be checking on them all of the time. 

SpecialK i can just picture the looks you got. I'm going to try NOT to get those looks at work tomorrow. 

Here's a nice article from a breast cancer survivor talking about her post-surgery recovery and body image. I thought many of us would find it helpful. 

http://www.today.com/style/hoda-post-cancer-body-image-you-live-your-life-you-2D79598436

Footballnut, you are adorable! Hang in there.

I had a follow up with my doctor today for the UTI I thought I had two weeks ago just before my nipplectomy.  (I don't think that's a real word, but it sounds better than saying I had to get my nipple whacked off.)  Her nurse called me last week and said there was blood in my urine and she wanted me to come in for a follow up.  I finished the antibiotic last Friday. There was still blood in my urine today (I can't see it now but could for about two days in the beginning and I haven't had any more pain since about 24 hours after I started on the Cipro), but less blood than there was two weeks ago.  She said there was no infection and no bacteria just blood and we need to find out why.  I have to call and schedule a CT scan, and will have to see a urologist if they find anything.  We're leaving for Key West tomorrow, so I'll call in the morning and try to schedule it about two weeks out.  The only thing I don't get is if I don't have have a UTI why the pain stopped after I started taking the Cipro.  I also still need to schedule a colonoscopy.  I was going to do that right after I got my mammo out of the way in February but we know how that turned out.  Oh well, one thing at a time.  CT first then colonoscopy.  Just when I thought I was going to have less medical appointments!  I guess this is the year for it, good thing I hit my out of pocket max.  

Footballnut, so glad you're feeling better! 

SpecialK, that is too funny!  I have gummy bears, so I don't think I'm supposed to massage them, otherwise I would so be doing that.  lol

Sooooo, I finally went to the pharmacy today to fill my Tamaxofin script.  I was surprised that they are COMPLETELY out at Walgreens in our area.  Anyone else having any trouble getting theirs filled?

On a positive note, I took my first step back in the gym last night.  I hit the ellipitcal machine for 30 minutes.  It felt good to get my sweat on.  My goodness, my ribs were hurting though later on!  I didn't even use my arms, just lower body.  It's a beautiful sunny day in KC.  Wishing everyone well. 

iwannaseeyoubebrave

 It does feel good to be back at the gym huh? I have limited myself, started back on the tread 3 weeks post BMX. I have done a few machines but wanted the ok from my BS before doing any of the arm/chest machines. He told me I could go ahead & do whatever ones I want. I cannot do the elliptical or incumbent bike yet, chemo turned my legs to wet noodles & I need to build up some strength on the tread first. (being 60 doesn't help LOL)

Hope you get your RX!

frostecat - thanks!  I am not really overwhelmed, just feeling like deja vu.  I lost my left expander early in the game for seven months, during chemo.  So this should be a shorter version of that experience, this will be TE #3, and implant #3, so I have some perspective based on previous experience.  It is just a bit bizarre to be in this position, so long after my original exchange, when this should have been an easy repair.  The doc and I never saw this coming, but we will deal!

Wow, SpecialK.  Is it still the left side?  I'm sorry about all you've gone through!

Julie - yes, the non-cancer side. The cancer side is perfect.

Scary - thank you, I appreciate it!

SpecialK,

You really are strong, and you will be ok! And we'll be here to support you!

You know, I am actually very relieved to read that you don't have any regrets about reconstruction! It's amazing how I have come to feel close to all of you ladies here, and think of each of you often. After reading all the hurdles you have faced related to reconstruction, I was afraid that you would/could be having regrets; but somehow was afraid to mention it. Not sure if that's because I made the decision to not have reconstruction, and am also really happy with my decision. I don't know. But in any case, it's really good to hear that you're still feeling good about your decision to have reconstruction. We are indeed all very different, and can't possibly all need the same!

Big (((hugs))) to you!

vlnmama - never be afraid to bring something up - it will serve as info to someone who reads this thread in the future. Plus, you can't possibly offend me or upset me because I know you would be asking out of concern and support. I certainly have the option of going bi-laterally flat at this surgery on Fri and walking away from recon but I'm not ready to do that.

Hey March sisters - hope everyone is doing well - I see some of you in the other threads but wanted to drop in on those that I don't.  I am in day 6 past first chemo - feeling pretty good - worst and longest side effect so far has been constipation and that finally stopped last night.  Other than tired, achy and a little tingly feet and hands for a few days - not bad at all.  Lets hope this continues.  

SpecialK you know you are in my thoughts and prayers - you will get this done and it will be good.

Hope all those that needed nothing but the surgery are moving on and enjoying life and recoverying well.