July 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • plumster1
    plumster1 Member Posts: 270
    edited June 2015
    You are going to do great Ispy! And I know what you mean about a month ending mid week. In summer especially with the kids out of school it becomes one big blur. bTW, My girlfriend lost her nipples as well. She has said it ended up being no big deal. She had nippe reconstruction ( the stick out part ) and the areola tattoo'd and says it looks great!
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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Thank you plumster! and I figure I can do without the "standing at attention" part haha, so I will probably just get 3D nipple tattoos. And probably another tattoo (I don't have any right now!) just to be bad ass haha.

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  • _proudauntie
    _proudauntie Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    You've got this Ispy - great point about the "standing at attention". I am waving buh-bye to one nipple - at least so far. If I'm honest I am actually looking forward to having smaller breasts all together. I have always wanted a reduction. D-cup here i come :)

    I have heard a story about one woman who had an eye tattooed on including eyelashes where her nipple was. Definitely food for thought, lol.

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    tattoos of eyes haha? wow that's hilarious. Yes, I always had small boobs when I was younger, but as I gained weight with age and my boobs sagged a little they got bigger and I don't care for it. I always liked having smaller boobs (and when I was young they didn't quite fill a B cup which was fine with me!) I'm trying to get into the mind set of enjoying having nice well formed breasts since hopefully that's how they will look, at least while I'm wearing clothes haha.

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  • EmmyJ
    EmmyJ Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2015

    Ispy...You got this!! I decided to do a nipple sparing mastectomy, but I have come to terms with the fact that if I lose them due to complications, it doesn't make too much of a difference. I know I won't be able to feel them at all anyway, so it's just a completely visual/psychological thing. I found a doctor that does great nipple tattoos, just in case. It;s amazing how a small piece of skin can have such an impact. I have read so many stories about necrosis that I have prepared myself for the worst, and I can be pleasantly surprised if it all goes well. Not sure if that is healthy or not, but it works for me lol.

    I am still getting stuff together for post surgery. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday, and I was told the surgery will be 5-6 hours, and I will be in the hospital overnight (provided there are no complications). He also hit me with, "You won't be going back to work for quite a while." In the back of my mind, I knew it would be a long time before I would be able to perform my job to the necessary level. I am an electrician, so I have to lift and carry well over 50lbs (and usually up over my head). I just broke down crying on the way home. We are already financially screwed, so I figured it would be a good time to call my union hall and let them know that I would have to claim a hardship and take money out of my annuity. Well, my union rep told me that he actually wanted to talk to me anyway and discuss the possibility of becoming a teacher for the apprenticeship, or working in some other aspect behind the scenes. I was floored. I would be able to go back to work far earlier than expected, AND I would be able to do a job that I would truly enjoy. He then told me that his wife's mother passed away at a very young age from BC and his wife is too scared to go get mammograms or any other testing. I could hear the fear and sadness in his voice and I told him that I would love to talk with her anytime. It felt so good to know that what I am going through has the potential to help others along the way. That phone call turned from asking for help, to helping someone else, and it completely changed my outlook. I just thought I would share....and ramble on as usual lol.

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  • plumster1
    plumster1 Member Posts: 270
    edited June 2015
    Wow EmmyJ, what a touching story. Sounds like you are making lemonade out of lemons!
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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Emmy good grief what a day! And lifting over 50 lbs over your head?? I couldn't do that NOW much less after a BMX! So glad your union rep had a great alternative, and that you are going to be able to help him too. You're first up and on deck, so we will all be looking to you to lead the way on July 1st!

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  • dajclarke
    dajclarke Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2015

    LX July 8

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Hi dajclarke -- I will add you to the list. Fee free to share your thoughts, feelings, questions, etc. We will all support each other through this!

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  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 3,039
    edited June 2015

    Shy/nervous first poster: my second surgery, another lumpectomy, is scheduled for July 7. (Surgeon didn't get as much of a clear margin as he'd like with the first, nipple/areola sparing surgery. So now all that's going. Not sure what else to add?

    Queenmomcat

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Hi Queenmomcat! I'll add you to the list. Don't be shy, we don't bite :). At least you know what to expect with the lumpectomy, right? Having some of the mystery removed helps a bit. You and I are having surgery on the same day!

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  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited June 2015

    Hi all,

    I've been thinking about posting for a few days now, but not sure how much to share as I'm 30 weeks post BMX and waiting for my exchange. A few tips that might help:

    1. Everyone is different when it comes to post-surgery meds. My PS swore by zofran. It did not work for me,so 2 days post I had her switch me to Phenergan which I've always tolerated well. Don't be afraid to speak out even to the anesthesiologist. He asked me before whether I wanted a scopolomene patch. I declined and woke up with one anyway. Also did not agree with me. I will be adamant about that at exchange.

    2. I started tracking everything on Evernote after surgery. At first it helped remind me what I'd taken and when as well as tracking drain output. That was a plus, b/c I showed the tracking to PS on day 9 and got my drains out early. I still track my recovery including meds and exercise.

    3. The best advice I got was to make like a T-Rex for the first few weeks. Really short arms where I kept my upper arms at my side and limited my reach. My tablet save my sanity. Internet access and streaming movies.

    4. On a last note, I find that not having nipples is quite liberating especially in the summer heat.

    Wishing everyone the best.

    Scottie

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Hi again Scottie -- thanks for those tips, especially the one about not missing your nipples. :) I'm worried about that, but getting more and more used to the idea. I'm ready for Trex arms haha. And I will check out evernote!!

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited June 2015

    Hi Everyone,

    I just wanted to pop into your topic. I am a July 2014 surgery sister. I'm sure you'll see all my stats below. I want to let you know that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you have your surgeries. The support you get here will truly help you throughout your treatment.

    One of the best things my local friends did to help me out, was to bring over meals about 3 times a week. This made things so much easier for my DH and kids.

    Remember to take it easy and don't over do it. It's hard to slow down, but you don't want to prolong or complicate your recovery by doing too much, too soon!

    I wish you clean margins, negative nodes and easy recoveries.

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Thank you Poppy!

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  • plumster1
    plumster1 Member Posts: 270
    edited June 2015
    Thank you Poppy... I love all the positivity!
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  • CAMommy
    CAMommy Member Posts: 437
    edited June 2015

    mine is July 28th.

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited June 2015

    Seeing the bs for the first time on July 2nd...and having a MRI between now and then, but tentatively scheduled for July 16th: she has me penciled in on the schedule for that date....more after my apt....

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    CAMommy what surgery are you having? Octogirl let us know when you have the date set and I'll put it in, but stick around and join in meanwhile! We have a full month ahead!

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  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 3,039
    edited June 2015

    Yes, I know what to expect in regards the surgery...but now suddenly slammed with body image issues. Looking for a forum/thread on that?queenmomcat

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Okay queenmomcat, what you do is you send a private message to nowhere girl:

    https://community.breastcancer.org/member/11047/pr...

    and she will provide you access to a forum, separate from bco, where people posts photos of what's going on. Often, however, she would like to see a member have more postings than you do, just to make sure they are a real person (and not some perv I guess haha), so you may need to post some more before she gives you access. I was expecting gruesome, so I was pleasantly surprised. Even TEs look like normal implants.

    However! You're having a lumpectomy? pshawww -- don't worry. I had a lumpectomy and I don't even have big boobs, and it was like a 2 inch incision and no change in my breast shape. In fact, my surgery took an extra rim of tissue making it technically a partial mastectomy, and it still didn't change the shape of my boob. I didn't even mind the scar because I felt like it was a war wound haha.

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited June 2015

    Queenmomcat, If I understand correctly, you are having a second surgery because you didn't get clean margins. Due to this surgery, the BS does not think he can spare your nipple. Is this correct? If so, I can see why you are concerned.

    Have you seen a PS to discuss options? Many women on the boards have 3D tattoos for their new nipples. Another option involves the PS "pinching" tissue to make the part of the nipple that sticks out, then have a tattoo for the areola. This results in a nipple that is erect all of the time, which is the only complaint I've read about. Some women have beautiful "bras" tattooed on their breasts.

    ((Hugs)) Queenmomcat!

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    queenmomcat -- sorry I didn't realize you're losing your nipple in the new lumpectomy -- agh yes. What poppy said. Also, I'm losing both nipples too so I'm with you there. Definitely try to get access to those photos and also google 3D nipple tattoos because that is what I'm going to do and they have amazing results.

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  • mira845
    mira845 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2015

    guess I'm part of this group.

    July 9th. Lumpectomy, and SNB, ...and ANB. Yay. My tumor is at 12:00 about 2 cm above the nipple. Its about 3-3.5 cm large and now the mri found a small satalite leasion right next to it. They are concerned how much tissue they will have to take.

    I don't want an implant. I'm a size d now although the affected boob is slightly smaller than the other. Stupid boob was my favorite! I told them to try and rearrange the rest of what's left and if they have to take a LD flap to compensate, please do. I don't want to be smaller than a c-cup. I guess after rads and what ever other torturous chemical treatments are done I will have to go back and get a reduction and lift to the other one, maybe now my favorite, lol, to try and make them match.

    Can I just please wake up from this nightmare?? At least the surgery is keeping me distracted from the uncertainty of the stage I maybe at and the further treatments I will have to endure.

    This sucks.

    Sorry for the slightly negative slant of my attitude.

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  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2015

    Hi Mira welcome to the group. I added your date. Question: Why LD flap? just curious on everyone's thought process on their reconstruction choices...

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited June 2015

    Mira, I had my cancer removed and the good boob made to match during one surgery. Have you considered this option?

    The BS operated to remove the cancer, while the PS started on to good side. After the BS removed what he needed to, the PS rearranged the remaining tissue and put me back together again. It was a long surgery, but I woke up with the cancer removed and two smaller, higher, matching breasts. BTW, my cancer was at the 2o'clock position, but my thin scars are down by the crease under my breasts.

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  • mira845
    mira845 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2015

    i opted for the LD flap for a few reasons, mostly because the recovery time is less, the belly fat requires more drains, I don't want the giant scar on my belly, its a riskier operation, idk, that option, it didn't feel right. My PS is a micro surgeon so I'm sure he's very capable.... LD just sounded better.

    Quite frankly, I don't really know what I'm going to come out of surgery with. It was left as no implant, no tummy tuck, LD flap if necessary and make it as close to a c cup and boob looking, whatever you have to do. I figure I'm going to be shocked at whatever they come up with anyway....cause I still can't believe this is happening.

    It's gonna be like a twighlight zone episode where they remove the bandages and everyone gasps...and I'm like what, what?? ...And look down..... and ....eeeekkkkkk!!!

    It was suggested by both my BS and PS that since full breast rads are a definite, it will prob change the effected breast...probably it make it smaller, harder, may lift it a little more, really don't know what the effects will be so if they tried to match them at the same time in surgery, after rads they most likely not match anymore. So do the other boob surgery when everything calms down and settles. That's what they told me.

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  • _proudauntie
    _proudauntie Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    Mira845 - I am having a reduction on the "healthy" breast at the same time as my mastectomy. That said, its true that there may at some point be additional surgery on that one (if i decide to keep it) once all is said and done with the reconstruct of the cancer boob. Not suggesting that you should do the same - just that it may be an option. My BS and PS suggested this as an option for me so that the asymmetry won't be quite as drastic while we wait for the full pathology and work through reconstruction. Just food for thought.

    No matter your choice - am glad you joined the group.

    Poppy - so great to hear from you, sort of feels like our "big sister" watching over us :)


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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited June 2015

    Mira, Thanks for the explanation. We learn so much from discussing these issues with each other! Another thing to consider is that recovering from surgery on both sides at once makes things much more difficult.... and you'll have more than enough to handle with your recovery. Is fat grafting a possibility for you? It sounds like you have a great team working for you! I can't imagine how difficult it would be to go into surgery and not be sure what result you will wake up with. ((hugs))

    Proudauntie, My PS allowed for some shrinkage of the cancer breast due to the upcoming radiation. He did an excellent job estimating.

    I just want to mention my reaction when I first saw the result of my surgery. When I was finally allowed to remove all the gauze and bandages, I looked in the mirror and COMPLETELY broke down. Extreme ugly cry. My DH thought I had totally lost it! I was crying not because of scarring or bruising, but because of what I had to do to kick cancer's sneaky ass. (I also don't swear much...unless it's about cancer!) My results were great cosmetically, even at that stage. I guess my points are: Don't be surprised my how you feel or react at any point on this cancer kicking journey, and the results will improve as time goes on.

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  • mira845
    mira845 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2015

    thank you poppyk for you replies. I know I'm going to break down after the bandages come off, at a lot of points during treatment, whatever it turns out to be. You know, I get compliments daily on my hair? I'm not kidding. People rave about it all the time, at work, at the store, everywhere. I don't know how I'm gonna deal with that loss. I try very hard not to think about it. I always said my two best physical assets are my boobs and my hair...and also I'm pretty sharp mentally which apparently might also come to an end from what I'm reading with chemo brain and hormones. I work in a man's field so I'm going to be extra self conscious.

    Yeah this is surreal.

    I'm not a religious person at all, spiritual but not religious, but boy am I relating to the story of Jobe these days.

    Surreal.

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