Exchange City
Comments
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Karen - I have a cough also but appeared when I started the Arimidex. Looked on the website and sure enough, this is a not uncommon SE. Are you taking AI's? Just a thought.
Congrats to all with successful exchanges this week. I've had mine since November and they are starting to become a real part of me now. My SO likes them too
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Good afternoon ladies,
I wanted to let you all know that less than 24 hours later, and I am still doing fine. I haven't taken a single pain pill. Last night I took some tylenol before bed, but that's it.I didn't really need it, just felt like I should. I feel like I am just waiting around expecting to feel yucky. But, I just don't. I am sore in the sternum area today because my PS did some pocket revision work because my TE's were too spread apart. So, it feel like I hard an overindulgent workout at the gym. ( I wish) This afternoon will be my unveiling. I am waiting for by hubby to take a shower and unveil together. I will let you all know how the unveiling goes. I am expecting a flatish look, but I'll try not to fret over that at first! This bra that I'm in feels like it's 10 sizes too small.
Karen- I know that I would be the same way. I think we all now live with a fear in the back of our minds. It's always better to be safe than sorry. I'm glad you are calling your oncologist. My sister who just finished rads and chemo for breast cancer is having a really tough time emotionally as well. She went to a support group yesterday and one of the spreakers was a psycologist who is a breast cancer survivor, and lung cancer survivor. My sister said she could really relate to her and is going to make an appointement to speak to her in person. I know what you mean about everyone expecting you to be normal again. I felt like as soon as I was out and about again after my BM, everyone forgot and it was just suppose to go back to normal. But, for me, it hasn't yet. I am so grateful for having found this cancer early, but there is still a part of me that is scared and mad about what I had to go through, and for what we all have to go through. Keep us all posted on what your oncologist says, and god bless you as you go through these hard times.
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Hi Karen - I'm so relating to your pain and thinking of you. Hope your cough gets better asap! I just had a bout with coughing and it did go away, but the torment of wondering was crazy. I also lost my mom to this when she was 57. It is true that everyone just expects you to be normal again and it isn't all that easy. I know I'll never be the old me. I hope I can be a better version of me than I would have been if this hadn't happened... but life will never be as simple! Keep your chin up. Things will get better.
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Jan- I am laughing so hard at that image!!!! TE's tethered beating would have been very appropriate and I want to say I did refuse it about 3 times but then he kept saying it was hospital procedure- blah blah blah- mind you this is the night of my surgery so I was on pain killers- anyway-my husband was there with me and threw a fit and then spent the night because of this resident. I really really hope he does not get into breast surgery and will become a general surgeon instead - he was horrible, full of himself and put me through hell.
I went in today for my hospital work up and on every piece of paper I signed I wrote in big caps "no residents" haha! This doc told me he doesn't bring residents in ever but I wrote it just to be sure!!!
I spoke to them about the IV situation with lymph node removal on both sides and I do have to say they spoke with me at length. They do IV's in the arm because the risk for lymphodema is so small and I have no symptoms. They also usually do blood pressure too on bilaterals on the arm but they put in a special request for the leg just for me. Why am I so nervous about lymphodema? They also said the reason I will have drains is because of the alloderm- that because it is cadaver tissue it does require drains and to be prepared to have them in for 2 weeks. Also the alloderm is why I have to stay the night in the hospital- because it is living tissue I am guessing there is a more potential risk for infection. I will also be on antibiotics. My PS will also check on me the next morning and he can't do that if it is out patient!!
Karen- I know exactly what you mean (and what a beautiful visual- you and your mom together while she passed on- I think she must have felt peaceful with your soul next to her) I am 44 and haven't had a period in a few months- the first thing that keeps popping in my head is- crap now I have ovarian cancer! I think it will be just be top of mind for all of us forever!!!
Has anyone heard of taking a blood test to check for various cancers? A friend of mine recommended doing this - said it costs about 20$ if insurance won't pay and might be worth it for some of us?
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((((((((((((((((((((((KAREN))))))))))))))))))))))))) Boy do we all understand... We ALL understand. We are all here for you and eachother...Best Friends that became that way do to this horrid beast. We fight as a team of very tough women. When we start to fall, another will pick us us. We have your back !
I sit here at work looking at my "muffin top" chemopause gave me and I think .. Bastard... BUT .... I won. I beat you. We all did!
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Will be having my exchange on Aug 25th! Nervous yet excited. I am looking forward to having "squishy" boobs...I think my boyfriend is to! LOL
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Thank you ladies. I'm at work reading your posts, crying. I don't know where this big pity party came from, kind of blind-sided me. Your support is invaluable, because of all the people I know, you are the only ones who've gone through this. Yes, I met ladies is group, but they were all dealing with mets, and I wasn't brave enough to stay. I am seeing a person, medical social worker, and he helps a lot. Thank you so much for sharing your selves and your stories, it helps to know that I'm not the only one who worries about mets. I guess it is hard to deal with feeling angry when you don't really know how to direct the anger. I keep working out. Part of the problem is that I'm a major control freak, and it feels like I am now a cork in the ocean, instead of the captain of my ship!
I'm glad our recent exchanges seem to be doing so well. I love the softness, this morning, I swear I had jiggle when I walked, but breasts, not my butt.
Love,
Karen
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((Karen)) I rarely take my laptop to the office, but knew I would be inside all day and could use it on my lunch break. I broke down reading your post. I "get it", I didn't go through 10% of what you did and there are times when there are no considerations or allowances made for the process I am in. This isn't OVER with just because we got the softer side of Sears boobs. You are going though a lot, your little birdie is moving to a different nest and your life has been one of changes. You are amazing, loving, caring and HUMAN! Thank goodness you are candid enough to admit to crying and having feelings, it reassures me that we all have moments, days and weeks of "crud" sometimes. I am in a pissy mood myself today! Is it a full moon?
BTW, maybe some HOODIA might help. . . . .duck and running as fast as I can. Jan
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A quick update to let you know that my unveiling went well. They look really good. Yes, they do have a hamburger bun look, but it's better than I thought. In time, they should be perfect. My hubby's face lit up when he saw them. In fact he said they were way more attractive than my origonal set. I think he's right about that, especially after breast feeding 4 kids.
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Denise
Glad you are pleased...I think we all have the hamburger bun look for a while....I had to laugh about your DH face lighting up.....I could just see a big smile..hehehe Glad he likes them too....
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Denise - Congrats!!! Enjoy them!!
(((((Karen))))) Hugs are going your way my dear. You deserve all the best. I am thinking of you!
Saintmelissa - I will add you to the list. Welcome!
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Denise - I have a visual of you and DH in the shower - bless both your hearts! It's all good.
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I tell people that the TEs feel like 2 baseballs cemented to my chest.
Only 3 more days with the baseballs!
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Denise - I am so glad you and Dh are happy with results.
KEW - we all have those good and bad days and we all have found support and understanding on these boards, thank you to all my fellow sisters.
Cheri2 - I should have my drain out tomorrow, 1.5 weeks after exchange and looking forward to it...the feeling is coming back in that area so they are uncomfortable.
Ladies....I had my exchange last week and was so very happy at the PS this Monday with the final outcome...low and behold..the wraps are off and a few days later I have the swelling at the sides again...is this temp, please say yes....am I worried to soon...this is the reason I had lipo because of the underarm swelling after the TE placements which was suppose to be fixed at exchange..I go in tomorrow and will speak with PS but right now I am so very PO'd at the whole deal, has someone else had this problem....help.
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Misty123! So happy you get that drain out tomorrow!!! OK so I will estimate 2 weeks like they said. I imagine it won't be as numb as the first go around! yikes! I am thrilled you are happy with the outcome sorry about the swelling! I hope it goes down! Are you still on pain meds? Can you drive? Can you cook? I have asked my husband to take 2 weeks off- do you think that is long enough? After that will I be able to drive my kids to school and basically care for them without help!? 9 and 13
Denise so happy for you sweetie!
Karen- my prayers are with you. God Bless you for what you have had to deal with!!! Please keep us all posted on what the doc says about your cough.
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Cheri2 - I think you will be fine with your husband taking 2 weeks off, I am not sure about the driving it depends on the PS. Mine says about 2 weeks and after all pain meds are finished. NO I don't need the pain meds but did take some today because we went to the store and I think I turned wrong or opened the door wrong, something but I was in pain by the time we got back home and needed something. i haven't been able to drive as of yet but I have stitches and my arms have limited motions still but I think we all have a different time frame on that. I know you will have lifting restrictions for 4-6 weeks so depends on what you are cooking for dinner is the battle. You kids aren't toddlers so no worry with picking them up and such. Good luck and everything will be OK.
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Linda54 - how are the nips, I have yet to see mine unveiled...hope you're happy with them?
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Karen- I have a thought related to your cough.... it could be menopause or asthma. I found as I went through chemopause my lungs had a burning feeling/dry cough and my joints ached. When my chemopause stopped and my ovaries were having the idea of working again the lungs and joint issues went away. I notice you just had your hyster/ooph in May 2009. I am so sorry about your Mom.
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misty
Thanks for asking about my new nipps......
I have a few spots that I am concerned about.....around the edges of the areolas
Looks like dried blood just under the edge and does not appear to be adhering because when I change the dressing it lifts up slightly...The largest area is about an inch...I hope the graft has not died in those spots....I see my PS Tue morning so I will wait and see.....and pray in the meantime......I have sent PM's to a couple of sisters that has grafted areolas so I am hoping they can ease my mind.....
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Misty,
I too had alot of swelling under my arms and in my arms. I look like Popeye. My exchange surgery was 7/23 and I also had lipo to revise some issues under my lymph node arm. I'm still a little swollen and my PS said it takes a while for everthing to level out. I was measured yesterday at a bra fitting more or less out of curiosity to see what size I am. I must say I was surprised that I am the same size I was before my Bilateral mastectomy. I too have hamburger buns-650cc mentor mod profiles- and I'm hoping they take on more of a natural appearance. PS is very pleased with the way they look so far. I'm just not very patient, With everything I've been through, I get very frustrated when I don't see immediate results.
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Linda,
How was the surgery for your nips? I'm scheduled for 11/19. My exchange surgery was on 7/23. What kind of procedure did you have. My PS says she will construct mine with tissue from my belly??? Just wondering..... Alot of pain...Did you come home the same day....
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PackerGirl--I have a friend in Milwaukee--she loves going to Packer and Brewer games, they sound like a lot of fun. I like your suggestions. I'm waiting to hear back from the onc. Thank you for your thoughts of my mom.
I appreciate everyone helping me get through a very difficult day yesterday. Love you all.
Linda--I hope everything is OK with the nips, maybe it is just taking time to heal.
Cheri--I think you will be fine and able to drive within 2 weeks, enjoy having your DH home, and the soft girls. I was surprised at how little pain, almost zero, after the exchange. Having other surgery done at the same time, that area hurt, but my exchange site was a breeze. I don't think I lifted anything over 10 pounds for about a month and I waited 8 weeks before I began lifting weights.
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Okay, ladies, I finally did it - posted pics on the pic forum. It took awhile since I'm rather "computer-challenged," but it worked nevertheless. Let me know what you think, please!
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Waiting for results of chest x-ray, thanks for encouraging me to contact onc. I know it will be ok, but, I got pretty anxious this morning....
Karen
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Karen - sending positive thoughts your way...all will be well, it's just part of this journey we are on.
Sending love to all my sisters.
Drains pulled today....fipples revealed and they are gross to me, not large just raw looking, thanks imcb3102009 PS says it is just swelling and will change over the next 2 month as my foobs change and become marvelous...LOL.
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Val - I checked out your pictures and you look great. I think your look is perfect for you. I would agree w/ Linda - get stretched a little bigger than you plan to be so that the implants have room to settle. You will be pleased w/ your results!
Karen - Please let us know as soon as you hear on your chest x-ray. You know we are all there pulling for you. It has to be fine w/ this many Ta Ta Sisters rooting for you!
Misty - I think raw Is normal for new nips, but then, I don't have any yet.
Lmcb - Sounds like your PS is planning the same nip surgery as mine. She is going to take tissue from my c/s scar on my stomach.
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Misty,
My nipps/areolas look kinda gross too....I have some areas around the edges of the grafted areolas that I am concerned about. Looks like dried blood under the skin and will lift slightly when I remove the dressing...one area is about an inch long of that dark stuff....I will see my PS on Tuesday so I guess I will find out if things are OK...
So glad your drains got pulled....have a great weekend....
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Karen (KEW) I don't know if you take any other medications but ACE inhibitors and beta blockers commonly used for high blood pressure and migraines can also cause a dry hoarse cough.
Good luck...hope it is just this nagging sinus season.
xxoo Kathie
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Thanks all,
Well I won't know anything until Monday I guess. The hospital said the onc would have the report by 2pm, I called at 2:30 and he was gone for the weekend, but they said they would get another onc in the practice to call me. Didn't happen, so I'm going with all of your suggestions any one of them sounds good to me, and going to enjoy my weekend. It has to be fine, it can't be anything but good.
Kathie, looking forward to seeing you next month.
Love,
Karen
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HI, Help
I just had the surgery on Tuesday, all seemed fine. Today I noticed the black and blue from surgery had moved and the botton of my right breast is sagging (skin kind of puckered in for about 2 inches. So I left a message with the PS nurse not being an alarmist and then fell asleep only to wake up at 5:30pm and no call and now they are closed. NOw I am getting red under the skin about 2 inches down from the breast. I called and they will see me at 7am but has anyone had this happen. They did not put in any drains and that has had me concerned. I am very prone to infections. Anyone have this???
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