November 2016 Surgeries

Hi Seedsally, Thanks and you are correct! Our Dxs are very similar. Just looking through your treatments and it looks like you had a lumpectomy on your left also? My left is clear thankfully so no surgeries required except I may also have some reconstruction down the road to match the right. Do you have full range of movement back in your arms?

Something I've been thinking that only folks here can understand- it is so bizarre to have body parts right now that I know in a month I won't have anymore.

I found out today that my left breast biopsy was negative, at least some good news, I too know that pathology following surgery is what will determine our treatment, so I am nervous too. Hugs to everyone!

Linda

Seedsally- just wondering how your post op experience was. Is bmx with tissue expanders at the same time too much??? Just worrying about my upcoming surgery.

2yorkies my surgery is actually on 11/3. For some reason the date changes by itself on here. It keeps changing my January surgery from the 25th to the 24th and I have fixed it multiple times...grrr. I hope your surgery goes smoothly!

Count me in! Nov. 15 for a (r) mastectomy with tissue expander. I have very large breasts (44 G-H cup) and am in the middle of fairly dramatic weight loss (40lbs lost since late last May, about 165lbs gone when all is said and done). Putting off reconstruction until I lose quite a bit more weight. I will be very lopsided for a good, long chunck of time. So it goes. PS seems to feel that if I can get my weight into the low 200's I'll be a good candidate for SIEA reconstruction because of the extra tissue that will be left in my abdominal area. I obsess about reconstruction all the time. I think it's becoming a distraction from thinking about the MX, which is really the thing close at hand.

Trying to keep my 9-year-old son's life as normal as possible. He's been so awesome, but none of this has particularly impacted his life so far. I teach where he goes to school, so I worry a little that he will enter each day under a cloud of worry and concern. He comes off as this goofy, clueless little boy. But he's more observant and intuitive about people than anyone realizes.

Trying to get all the details of my life organized and realizing it isn't just about telling people what they need to do, but that it is also about getting someone (husband) up and running so he knows what needs to be done without asking me. I think I'm the only one on earth who really knows what it takes to keep all the moving parts of our family rolling down the road. Very hard to codify it. Just started a spreadsheet. Some might say I have control issues. They wouldn't be wrong.

Anyway. Best to all of us. Thank you for your stories, amazing warriors that we are.

Hello. I see that most everyone is getting reconstruction started at the same time as your mastectomy. My PS wants to wait until after my mastectomy and radiation; at least 4 months after surgery.

I went to the BS thinking anything was possible but found out my expectations were a bit unrealistic. I am currently a saggy "C's" and wanted perky "C's" but was informed I did not have enough skin to make that happen so perky "B's" seems to be the new goal.

Wicked, I feel the same way how do you say goodbye to a body part that makes you feel like a woman and for me gives me pleasure?

Hi Logang,

I am having left breast mastectomy and I am not sure if I am going to have tissue expanded. I can't have a DIEP Flap since I had a tummy tuck 12 years ago. My BS recommended a Latissimus Dorsi Tissue Flap with an implant.

Can anyone tell me where to find AFFORDABLE post surgical clothing? -These companies claim compassion, but charge $60+ for a shirt that is very likely to not stay white if you know what I mean. I just got my surgery date Wednesday and have 5 business days to get this part handled.

Ty @logang. I am worried the new girls will not play well with others without strict boundaries. -Can't afford for this not to go well the first time.

Anne4NRA

What a great question. I'm not finding much--even less once you move into the larger plus sizes. My Nurse Coordinator said they will provide the first bra and that my insurance would cover the cost. But the Surgical Coordinator just said to wear a sports bra (not sure how I could lift my arm to get it on).

So many details.

The clothing is so expennsive but found on line pockets (8) that attatch inside your clothing to hold drains for $20 I ordered them. Can't afford $60 for a shirt! (PINK POCKETS)

Linda