February 2015 surgery

thank you very much Jean. I am focusing on 24 hours from now!

AudreyB, I'm sorry to hear you got the bad news. I understand how it feels.

My oncologist told me that we cannot change the fact that I have cancer, so now we have to focus on getting me better. I'm trying to hold on to that. As tough as it is, as much as I'd like to wake up from this nightmare, eventually I'll have to accept the reality and do everything I can to get healthy, while enjoying all the other aspects of my life

Good luck, Audrey, hang in there.

BB

nmh35- I researched DIEP extensively so I'll be following your progress. I know you have it tougher in the beginning for recovery, but long-term satisfaction is higher for those reconstructions vs. implants. I hope you have a nice recliner to sleep in. Because I went unilateral, I decided on TE for now, with DIEP in reserves if anything happens with my right side.

MelanieC- I guess the mood was right, but I'm sure that had an impact on the drainage issue. I'm still thinking it may have been worth it though...

Tomorrow I head back to NY for my post op and pathology results. I'm nervous. I've been living test to test since October 23. I want tomorrow's result to be a declaration of no more cancer so I can focus more on the healing than the diagnosis. Even if I have to keep my drain longer, I won't mind if I receive good news on the path. I also have my first TE expansion. They said they would still likely do one even with the drain still in place, that sometimes it helps bring the volume down.

I started my TE with 180 ccs. Average fills are 60 ccs every two weeks until the goal is reached. I'm guessing mine is in the 600-700 range, so I'll be at this until June. It's a long haul, no matter what the situation it seems.

HI everyone, I am so glad to see everyone is hanging in there and getting stronger very day. I hope everyone continues to make a good recovery and that the pain gets less everyday.Sleep and I wish you all sleep. Trying to get comfortable to rest was so difficult. I slept in my recliner for weeks. The drains were a total pain and I was so happy when the 6th one was removed. Easy does it. The drains are like an internal check to let us know when we are doing too much.

Thank you so much for sharing your Valentine Day celebrations. I enjoyed reading all about them.

I am sending hugs, good thoughts and prayers to those of us who are getting ready for surgery.

Justajennifer- I hope you get good results and that the anxiety lets up. The toughest thing is waiting for results. I'm thinking of you.

Audrey- I am so sorry for your disappointing news. When you are able to talk about it, we are here for you. You are not alone.

Nurseshark- I had a nipple sparring bmx. For the first 3 weeks, I thought I was losing my nipples and they were going black. In fact, my right nipple was introverted, it wasn't until I started getting my weekly fills did my nipples start to look better. My ps and bs said the darkness was caused by all the bruising from the inside and out. It kind of makes sense because of all the tissue removal. I did not start massaging my breasts until about 4 weeks. The massage along with the fills started helped them to look better. My boobs were and are still cold to the touch.

I'm a few months ahead of a lot of you as I had my mastectomy in October and now just had my exchange surgery. My drains were out at 6 days. I was off Norco at about one week. I was off round the clock pain meds at about 2-3 weeks. I was back at work after 5 weeks (desk job), although I will say the first couple of days I went back I wondered if I could have used another week off, for sure I was fine by the end of it. I also got about 6 weeks of physical therapy because I felt a cord in my axilla, which has since disappeared. That made me long for some kind of exercise again--I missed my yoga so much. Eventually, maybe 8 weeks out I tentatively started some modified yoga--my hips were crying for it--avoiding any downward dog or plank poses, but standing poses were fine. Eventually, downward dog was fine again too. And by 3 months out I could do plank pose again as a transition, but not a held pose. In other words, I was slowly getting back to normal. I got put on Zoladex to suppress my ovaries. We got an exercise bike so hubs and I could get some aerobics in during this cold winter. And I will tell you that in the weeks prior to my surgery, I would be at work for hours not even thinking about the TE anymore, or any of this. So a new normal was coming to me.

Since exchange surgery I have been surprised to be in more discomfort--albeit a different one than before. For this one my PS did a lot of work under the implant recreating an inframammary fold so although my shoulder and arm were fine, I could not use my abdominals without some serious pain for a few days. That's passing now and I am off pain meds entirely during the day but i have found its tougher to walk now. So I am not complaining about staying indoors as i watch it snow over and over. I am supposed to go back to work in 2 weeks but I am hoping the cold and snow breaks by then so I can do some walking outdoors and see how i would feel about my commute (walk and subway). PS says absolutely no aerobics or exercise for 6 weeks.

The Foob looks pretty good though. In a bra its surprisingly even--maybe a better match than the original set. I am glad this will be behind me before summer.

Hang in there. It does get better. Right now I'm thinking about how glad I'll be when I am cleared to work out again so i can go back to some form of modified yoga and get on my bike because lying around is getting old.

Also do those exercises. They really help!

I guess I will be a 3x in one month surgery story. 2/6 lumpectomy, with lymph node removal. 2/11 re-incision, and now 2/25 masectomy (left.) If anyone had told me I would be on this journey....well never mind. The strength of the women on these boards, have really helped me. I don't post alot, but when I look back I went from complete distraught, to peace of mind. Some days I don't want to hear or read about Cancer, then other days I need to hear and gather strength from those who understand.

My 3 daughters have been my strength, and will be in town for the next journey. I am a principal (elementary) and miss my students and staff and going to visit on Thursday. My two dogs have been by my side, and make me get up daily, and remind me of my duty! My ex-husband who is/has been my friend since divorce, has continued to be a support. Even arranged for weekly maid service!

I am so grateful to all you strong sisters, and your journey. I gain my strength from you all.

Audrey...sorry to hear the bad news. Try to find as much information as possible.

I was told to not do any exercises at all and I wasn't even told the whole milking of the tubes.

tomorrow i am back to see the doc and the drains should be coming out but one is still bright red.

oy....hope it's not painful.

good luck to everyone having surgery. good recoveries!

 

 

that's great jabec!! have a blast.

nurse...i have no idea how you do this with a baby. but then people don't know how i do this with kids and i have 2 young ones. we do what we have to do.

 

JustJennifer... told my husband the shower will be his friend for a while.  

jilly59-How do you feel about your B cups? I am having breast reconstruction post lumpectomy that I had on 2/12 on Friday and am going form 32DD and sometimes DDD, to little B's! Drastic change to be sure, but figured if I have to have breast cancer, I might as well get something good out of it! I also weigh about 103 pounds so I know I will look VERY different. What made you decide that size if I may be so bold?

As I have read so many other posts regarding pain meds I thought I'd also chime in on that topic..I have used only tylenol for the lumpectomy. I have reactions to all other narcotics which worries me about the pain associated with reconstruction surgery. Any tips out there? How many drains should I expect? For how long? How crazy bored will I be? I am already bored but worry about over doing it between now and Friday. Thank God this discussion board exists!!!

Rocknrollmom: I was D from cosmetic implants 1998. I am 5 feet tall, 120 lbs. Didn't look right on a 56 yo. Initially I wanted B but told ps I wanted C, or low C. Have no clue what she gave me.  Will find out soon. I made my decision based on age. Big implants sag as you age. Right now they feel like they're under my chin.  Also easier with clothes when breast are not huge. Just my opinion. Maybe ask for low C or high B. I know they order different sizes.

I have four drains. Hopefully someone will help you with that as they have to be tended to twice a day. Let the hospital train your designated caretaker because my fog brain didn't remember crap.

Pain meds - tell them to give you a script for Emend. You take it 2 hours pre-op with a tiny bit of water. It's just one pill. It prevents that post-op n/v. Mine carried me until the following morning and wore off.  That's when nausea set in and I stopped narcotics.  Have done well with motrin and valium. Valium controls the spasms.

I plan on posting my before and after pics in the picture forum sometime soon.

Hope this helps!

JustAmy...imho I would stick with a B cup.

Really think you'd be happy with that! 

Jilly,
Thanks so much for the response! I am choosing little B's as I have hated my breasts since I was 12! Was hard to always be called "Dolly" from my 4 older siblings and even my neices are derogatory regarding their size. Like I chose this! I am ready to buy pretty bras in nice colors and patters and not have a choice of just nude or black. BLAH! Thanks also for the tips on drugs. I would be happy finally sleeping in a valium induced haze!

Good Afternoon My February Surgery Sisters!

 I missed you all!

I am back...Praise God!!!

I mentioned earlier that I moved back from Orlando in September, I had been living with my sister since.

While my sister was going on job interviews in D.C. and VA. I was having my first set of screening.

She got her dream job and found an apartment. I am so very happy for her!!! She has been wanting for this 30 years!

I spent the pass 48 hours helping my sister move to VA.

I drove the U-Haul truck for her!  I hadn't told her how terrified I was to do so, because of the weather that was being forecast for Sunday

I pushed myself pass my fears, the ride was fine and I did it!!!

God delayed the snow 48 hours until we got back home!

On the way back I told her about, my fears & my love for her, to make sure I could help her as she has done for me many times.

I didn't expect her to be moving this soon, or that I would be Dx w/BC and need to have major surgery at the same time!

When she told me, she was offered the position I knew she would be going.

So in addition to the Dx I had to manage my feelings about being left in an empty apartment alone.

What is surly a very serious situation for me is also a blessing.

I am seeing the strength I have and just how big my God is also!

 

Nurseshark, I pray that you are feeling better! I think of you often with your precious newborn. I pray for you to gain your strength and recover quickly. 

I know how difficult it is adjusting to being a new mom. There are many life changing emotions and beliefs that we encounter after becoming responsible for a new life! I know you have lost your dad also, all this while dealing with BC, it doesn't seem right! I too have had to endure overwhelming times and I made it! Thank you so much for creating this thread too! You have made it possible for all of us ladies to connect with one another, as well as being supportive!

Jean, I pray you will finally have your surgery on Thursday and all will go well from here on!

Audrey, You are right! I wasn't ready to let go of my boobs yet, I had to wait until I was middle aged to get some! I was small breasted.

All the women in my family had to have breast reductions. I just cannot have the stress and worry about BC if I tried to save them!

I know there is no guarantee to avoid anymore BC, but for so many reasons I need to let them go! You will make the right decision for you! Much love and support to you!

NMH35, I am glad you are back home and on this side of surgery! I pray you will heal and recover without incident! Rest!

JustAJennifer, I had ear plugs in with my MRIs also, that helped! You will have the drains removed! Maybe not when you want but right on time! I am heeding your warning! I will relax and resist my need to do to much to quickly! Gentle Hugs for you.

jilly59, How are you doing? I pray you are able to remove the stockings. Hope you are feeling better.

Fourminor, Thanks for posting the websites about exercise, I will be looking at them!

Horsemom, My surgery plan is similar to yours, how was it getting the tissue expanders? You didn't seem to have to wait to long for the exchange, may I ask what size cup you went to?  My PS told me it could be 9 months for me. I was shocked! I don't want to have to wait that long! I pray you are feeling better everyday!

Justamy, May I be so bold as to ask, are you having reconstruction or no? How did you decide? PM me if you want to share privately. Thank you! I hope you are feeling better now! I don't know how I forgot about the moving TEs!

Waiting-to-exhale, How did you choose the alloderm? My PS said we will talk about that later! I want to know everything before surgery, I think I asked her too many questions, that is what I do when I don't know something and want to learn. Is the massaging helping?

Faithhopecourage, I pray all things go well for you with surgery tomorrow! As I drove through Staten Island I smiled while thinking of you.

I am blessed by all of you ladies sharing your lives with me right now! I pray I will be able to report good outcomes for me also after Friday.

You are all heroes to me! You give me courage!

I will be thinking of you all and checking in. Gentle hugs to you all!

Love your

February Surgery Sister,

Robin