June 2014 Surgery Sisters

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited May 2014

    Hmm I wore my surgery bra for the first 3 weeks when my drain was in, rotated it with the front hook sports bra.  Both of those bras gave me "compression", maybe there is something else that holds you in tighter than that, but I guess that was my term for "compression".  My surgery bra was not a soft bra.  I also liked the snugger fitting bra after my drain was removed to help with fluid build up.

    My situation may be different as I am a UMX and not a BMX.  I wold LOVE to be able to go without a bra, but for me that is only possible around the house.  I am having a very difficult time right now with bras.  My healthy breast hangs about 5" lower than the surgical breast - so it' hard to get the lift/soft combo. So I do end up with the red/raw on the surgical side - I really can't seem to find a way around it.

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  • sweetjam
    sweetjam Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2014

    great idea.  Thanks for sharing. 

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  • sweetjam
    sweetjam Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2014

    lakegirl1.  You have to make sure you rinse off  Hibiclens throughly.  The ph of Hibiclens is almost the same as water.  There are a lot of other brands out there that people call Hibiclens and they are not.  My PS tried to give me a cheap competitive brand that is way irritating.  Stick with the Tiffany blue bottle and make sure it says Hibiclens and you'll be fine. I have been showering with it since February and my skin is dry but it's from the chemo not Hibiclens.  I wash my hands with it everyday for years.  It significantly cuts down your chances for infection.  In fact, most hospitals are now washing all ICU patients with Hibiclens daily.   

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    http://sheltonherald.com/14661/u-s-rep-delauro-works-to-end-drive-through-mastectomies/

    Interesting article on one congress member's attempt to end "drive-thru mastectomies."

     

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited May 2014

    I don't think a woman should be sent home the same day if she doesn't feel ready, has a lot of pain, nausea, etc.  For me it turned out just fine.  I had my surgery first thing in the morning and went home in the evening.  I woke up feeling great and it was nice to sleep in my own bed.  I was fortunate.  

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    Just my opinion, BUT it's valid. If I'd left the same day as the BMX, no one would have noticed the signs of infection that began to show during the first night. Although I was very educated and prepared, I did not realize what was happening. The doctors saw it on morning rounds the next day. At home, I wouldn't have suspected trouble for several days. If I'd been discharged on the first day, I might have been given an oral antibiotic to take at home, but probably not. Wouldn't have mattered...an oral antibiotic would have been useless. By the time I'd realized something was wrong along about day three and gone to see the doctor, it could have been bad, bad, bad.

    As it was, in the hospital they put me on IV antibiotics right away and even then had to change the kind three times before they found one that started to work on day four. Much damage was done by then. I'm still paying the price and will have surgery #5 in June...to continue repairs due to the infection.

    Obviously most people won't get an infection from some stupid person in the OR like I did, but if insurance companies are going to push these "drive-by" mastectomies, the very least they could do is authorize a visit to the PS for the next day to make sure things are going ok. A five day or seven day post-op check up is not enough.

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited May 2014

    That's true, Sandra, that things like infection might be missed by going home too soon.  I didn't think about that.  I remember sending my PS pictures the next day of a white area I had with a black spot in it.  It was an area of poor blood flow, apparently.  Luckily it resolved.  My PS had me on Keflex for after surgery which she seems to do for everyone because I got the Rx at my pre op.

    When I have my exchange surgery on 8/8, I won't see the PS for a post op until 10 days later.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    Check this out. I'm almost tempted...minus the chains at top and bottom. The floral is fantastic. Titoos at it's best.

    image


     

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  • Sailon
    Sailon Member Posts: 55
    edited May 2014

    Stunning Titoo.  Go for it Sandra!! Chains might be a little much -- as they would be part of every outfit you put on in the summer.  Beautiful. 

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    Ha! If I showed up in a tattoo parlor with this scar-crossed 65 year old body, they would laugh me out of the door. But I would have seriously considered a more conservative approach (in size) and said the heck with reconstruction if this had happened twenty or thirty years ago. I think I would have liked something that covered what a strapless bra would cover. Same kind of floral design as the picture - without the chains. You could walk outside and no one would realize. Sounds exciting!

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    I'm with you Sandra.  I am going with 'blanks' when I get my reconstruction.  Who need permanent erect nipples? 

    Who knows, maybe I will mow the lawn topless.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2014

    Sandra - you would keep the squirrel, or whatever that animal is?

    jbokland - have you considered 3D nip tattoos?  That way you get the look without the structure. 


     

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  • thinkpink4ever
    thinkpink4ever Member Posts: 205
    edited May 2014

    I've just starting thinking about nips, as recent as yesterday.  Up to this point, I've been focusing mainly on the surgery and recon, Stage I.  Soooooo ready to be on the other side of that!  But it's funny because, just last night, it dawned on me that the nips will be permanently erect!  And I thought, well now, that's gonna be a little different than what I'm used to.  To have to conceal nips (except when you're home) is kinda tricky, isn't it?  Oh my, just another decision in this whole ordeal.....

    One love,

    tp4ever

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited May 2014

    I, too, have been focused on chemo, surgery, rads. I have not even given nipple reconstruction a thought. Reading through these last few posts certainly has made me start thinking about it. Certainly another question for my PS since I am having a UMX.

    Sandra - LOVE the tattoo pic, chains and all

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    Well, crap, crap, crap. I'm going to have to bail out of this thread. My PS (military hospital) postponed my next surgery to September. Bawling His primary work is with active duty soldiers who've been horribly burned in the war. He does all the reconstruction surgeries and takes some breast cancer reconstruction patients too. My husband works with him in the Burn Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center here in San Antonio. Unfortunately there has been an influx of badly burned soldiers that are going to require many surgeries over the next three months. He has cleared his schedule of pending surgeries for those of us who can wait.  So, while I would have liked to get this over with in a couple of weeks, I completely understand.

    Who wants to take over this thread? I'll pop in now and then to see how everyone is doing.

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    It's time for the Pink Bus. Jdmac1199 was originally scheduled in June but got moved up to tomorrow. This happens once in a while but once you post here, you are OURS so I'm putting out a call for you to join us on the Pink Bus of Support. Jdmac1199 is having a lumpectomy on one side and reduction/lift on the other. If you have a minute, please post a message of support here or by PM.

    image


     

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited May 2014

    Dropping in from the March 2014 Surgery Sisters forum to offer some encouragement. I've been through chemo, BMX, and now getting my weekly "fill-ups." I was very lucky with chemo and can honestly say the BMX and TEs have not been nearly as bad as I imagined they would be. I would post a picture after my nipple-sparing BMX with "fill-up" number two, but I'm not sure I can figure that out. My go-to techie for these things is my teenage son so we know that won't work! 

    Anyway, you June ladies will be just fine! If I can do this, you can too because I can be a bit of a baby (when necessary at least)! I will be on the Pink Bus of Support if you need a slightly crazy 45-year-old with Sinead O'Connor hair and SpongeBob SquarePants foobs. Extra points for those of you who remember Sinead O'Connor! And the SpongeBob SquarePants foobs do start getting more round with each fill-up. I just thought that was a funny description from one of these boards!

    Best of luck to all of you!!!

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  • ojoyjoy
    ojoyjoy Member Posts: 110
    edited May 2014

    For those who have posted about the nipples....I've opted not to have them spared. The reasons being are that my PS said only 8% of women have feeling in them. My thoughts were, If I'm not going to have feeling then what's the point? The other thing is it requires more surgery and I don't want to mess with it. Also, the permanently errect thing doesn't appeal to me. I have to try and hide my nipples now in some clothing. I really don't want the risk (even though it's slight) to have some tainted tissue either. So, no nipples and 3D tattoos is what I've decided to do. I got the name from this forum of Vinnie Myers in New Orleans that does the 3D tattoos. I went and check out his website and he does amazing work. I've never been to New Orleans and have always wanted to see it. I figured once I'm all healed up and ready for my tattoos I can have a little getaway with my girlfriends to eat some good food, hear some great music and get my nipples tattooed. 

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  • Juliecc
    Juliecc Member Posts: 4,868
    edited May 2014

    I'll probably go with 3D nipples too, or nothing at all.  Having permanently erect nipples would get in the way of me wanting to go braless sometimes.

    Jdmac1199 - I'm wishing you the best tomorrow!

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    My choice is Barbie Boobs. Fake with no nipples. Winking

    Jbdayton is going to be taking over for me after she recovers from her June 2 surgery, but for the time being, I'll still be here and you can PM me with changes to the list at the top.

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  • worryocd
    worryocd Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2014

    Hi Ladies!

    This is a great support system.  So thankful I have found this site.  :)

    My ps said I was a candidate for a nipple sparing but I want as much tissue gone as possible.  I am  also thinking of doing 3D nipple tattoos. 

     I can't believe how fast the time flies.  June will be here very soon.  I wish Jdmac1199 a successful surgery!  Your in my prayers.  What a relief it will be to be done with it.  :) Keep us posted.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited May 2014

    Jdmac I will be on the bus first thing in the morning.  Hope you had time today to relax and get a good night sleep.  All you have to do is show up.  Your surgical team will take care of the rest. 

    Talk to you again on the other side.

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  • Sailon
    Sailon Member Posts: 55
    edited May 2014

    JDMAC1199 -thinking about you -- and hoping all goes well. Being on the other side of this is mentally so good.  Good thought and prayers coming your way. 

    3D nipples and a trip to New Orleans -- sounds like a lot of fun!  Will have to consider it.  

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  • thinkpink4ever
    thinkpink4ever Member Posts: 205
    edited May 2014

    jdmac, we're right there with you!  All will be good, and you'll be up and at it before you know it...

    One love,

    tp4ever

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited May 2014

    jdmac - we're all with you. Sending prayers and hugs!

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  • Sammyjokk
    Sammyjokk Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2014

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  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 2,913
    edited May 2014

    Thinkpink got some good news this time. Her surgery has been moved back to June, in fact it will be next week. Happy news.Welcome to Blessed2014 who will have surgery Monday.

    Grin for the day:

    image


     

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  • bethq
    bethq Member Posts: 311
    edited May 2014

    I think, after seeing Vinnie's work, that I will opt for no nipples and then the 3D tattoos. I live in Maryland so it's just a short drive! Starting to get anxious, the surgery is a week from today. Still don't have all of my "items" like a recliner, silk pjs, etc. because I am trying desperately to get a class over with before my surgery ....just one more exam but will really have to cram this next week. My husband and I are going to the beach just for two days this weekend to relax a bit. Can't wait.

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  • Sammyjokk
    Sammyjokk Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2014

    Hi, I'm so happy I found this board. But Hate to say I'm not really happy I have found myself on here. I'm sure a few of you also felt this way. I feel so lost. Could you please add me to June,23rd sergury.My apologies for my message above. I have a glitch in my iPad and am not able to post messages on here. When I tried to post a message, my first one, my signature went on here. Feel free to private message me I really need some support. I'll also try and support back when I can and also give encouragement. 

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  • Mulligan
    Mulligan Member Posts: 205
    edited May 2014

    Thinking of you jdmac, sending positive thoughts.

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