November 2015 Surgeries Thread?

Cindie, i am sorry for your loss. I am sure your grandma was a special figure in your life and how wonderful that she lived so long.

Hey, November friends!!!! I'm glad to hear how everyone's doing. We're all still standing strong, as much as we can, almost two months later. Who knew we could make it this far?

Live4them: I haven't dealt with fighting insurance companies, but I'm about to have to learn with you. One of my co-workers did it mercilessly at the same time I just was just bending over and paying everything after my aneurysm surgeries. That's why they have an appeal process though - I think it's sort of like social security maybe, first time is always denied to see who is really serious about getting it. And also getting the dr involved, sometimes if they provide the insco with more information it will go through.

ChiSandy: Speaking of insurance, mine just denied a $1k charge by my PS because she was "on call" for my surgery where I almost died and she didn't wind up doing anything. I get her being paid for her time but - um, the almost dying part happened pretty quickly because I was allergic to the lymph node dye. It seems like my beef should be with the hospital, not the insco. I've just never complained about a hospital bill before.

TallnTerrific: I gave copies of Jesus Calling to my (future) mother-in-law and sister-in-law I love it so much. Every day is just the perfect reading and it's just such a comfort. I really appreciate you for sharing it.

LovingisLiving: I'm so happy you got a no chemo option. That's awesome. The sooner you get to move on from all of this, the better!!!

Smurfette: *wave* I'm glad I get to see you over in the chemo thread - but not that you have to be there. Also, I'm glad it sounds like you're healing well. **hugs**

I finally have seen myself naked after my "Body Image Therapist" (say what?) was like - "How are you even showering?" My bf is more familiar with my scar than I am. Not having reconstruction yet sucks, but I've come up with some sock stuffing procedure involving two bras that looks good even in a tight sweater. Hopefully insurance will have approved the prosthetic boob (or w/e part they're going to pay of it) and I can get my prosthesis next week. For one thing, my chest just *hurts* if I don't have some compression, whether I wear an ace bandage, or double bra it, or what. And that whole phantom limb pain stuff? I swear it feels like I'm getting stabbed in my non-existent nipple on my non-existent breast. I look longingly at cleavage all the time now. I swear I watch Modern Family obsessively just for cleavage envy.

Is anyone still having problems with range of motion? I'm being sent to physical therapy. I didn't get my post drain exercises because my drain came out unofficially. I got them late and I've seen some progress since doing the exercises, but I don't want this half arm forever. Plus, it's sort of frustrating about thinking about doing it all over again with reconstruction and then MX on the other side next year after all of this is over. *ugh*

But this too shall pass. Off to try to get a sassy short hair cut!

Chemo has knocked me around and I haven't been posting much. Had my last infusion on Tuesday and so glad to have it behind me. Just have to get through the next couple of weeks.

Frill so nice to see you back and "rockin" such a positive attitude.

Stay well all. Hugs Donna.

Hey, all, just a quickie post that I just put in the chemo thread, but I know some of us here could use this, too.

Just a quick FYI - Zulilly has post surgery bras today. They have a really good selection at great prices. I got an Ameona pocket bra for $18 that's way prettier than what was in the hospital store. If you haven't ordered from them before, stuff does take a while to arrive, but the savings is whoa! They've had Coobie bras before, too, which I bought because they looked comfy, then I saw them at the hospital store for a jawdropping price.

Anyway, if anyone is interested in shopping today: http://www.zulily.com/e/post-surgery-solutions-167...

The sale may last for longer than today - I think they're usually a couple of days, they just don't last very long. Hopefully this is helpful for someone else.

Hello to everyone! Special waves to Smurfette, britheal, and Frill on your journeys through chemo. Thanks for the updates.

I'm completing final preparations for Monday's exchange surgery: I stocked up on non-perishables, especially heavy items, and I have been doing a lot of cleaning, organizing and paperwork. After November's BMx/BSO, this should be a piece of cake.

I am sooooooooooo looking forward to getting rid of these TE's.

Hello lovely ladies. I'm home recovering from my exchange. It was a bit harder than I expected.

Despite scopolamine patch and two higher dose Zofran tablets before surgery, I woke extremely nauseous and very dizzy.

I've been resting. Pain is only slightly less than mastectomy. I had hoped for so much less. Surgery was over 2 hours, although for exchanges my PS is usually takes 1.5 hours. I think PS had to do a lot of pocket work for both sides.

Right drain put out 50 ml of fluid and left put out 40 in the first few hours post-op, so I'm glad that PS gave me drains.

My hubby and two daughters have been wonderful.

Mominator, praying for you and others. Good luck

mominator, that sounds like awesome follow up!! yay!!

I am still doing my PT 2 x a week. And I see pain dr. today for discussion of my MRIs and what to do next. I have been on 1800mg of gabapentin and still in pain. But I think it takes it down a notch or two.

I did see a new plastic surgeon. He says while they are not perfect, they are within the range. I have an implant edge hanging out of my right. And rippling on the left and in my cleavage. He says he can make me an A+ but let's have the dust settle and I see him again in March. By then, maybe I can just accept these breasts as they are. As addt'l surgery is really not what I want to do.

Continue to feel better and better mominator!

mominator, Thank you. I was on gabapentin 1800mg a day but it wasn't really helping. now I will be weaning off that and on to lyrica.

fingers crossed. I hope you are feeling better and better each day. I plan to go to the pool today and do some exercising there.

Mominator it is helpful to hear about the exchange process. I won't go through it until next fall as my PS likes to wait six months after radiation. Right now I have my right side deflated for radiation on the left breast. I am doing fine with it. I have had a very sad week because my sweet sister-in-law died from what started as cervical cancer a couple of years ago. Please pray for her family and my husband, Dave. She was too young and too sweet to die. My heart is broken about this.

TallnTerrific: I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet sister-in-law. Please tell us her name so we can remember her. Do I remember you were visiting her over the holidays? I hope you had a good visit.

(((HUGS)))

Mominator

Thank you for your kind notes. Her name was Denise from Sarasota. She was, and now for sure is, an angel. She has been providing me advice and support ever since my diagnosis. We became so close, sharing our woes and the wonders of our lives. I will miss her forever, but she is part of me and all who love her now

Hello all ! I am a little late in responding but Tall so sorry for your loss hugss. Mominator your name says it all, thanks for remembering all of our posts and thinking of us all Glad you are doing well after your exchanges. Rads are going Ok for me week 3 done , 2 more left. I have some cording in my arm so I am going to PT and massage at a Cancer Rehab center we have hear and the people are incredible as they deal mostly with BC and are are also specialized in Lymphedma treatment and prevention.

I hope the rest of you ladies are doing well!

Lee Anne

It's been quiet on our November surgeries board. I hope everyone is doing well. I guess you ladies have all gone off to other forums.

Wishing you all the best with your treatments. Check in when you can.

Love,

Mominator

TallnTerrific, congratulations on halfway through rads. I hope it goes smoothly for you.

I put this thread on my favorites because we have been through so much together.

I've been running a fever for two days. This morning a red patch developed on my right breast and a dull ache beneath the patch.

PS says looks like an infection is brewing. He's switching me over to two high-powered antibiotics and hoping we nip this in the bud. He wants me to monitor it closely. Never a dull moment