Exchange City
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8320592.stm
Look, someone took tissue expanders and made them high fashion. GHM sure is what they felt like to me
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I'm back from the crazy action-packed anniversary party/college visit Midwest adventure! I've missed you all!!
kmmd - absolutely hilarious pic!
I've tried to catch up with you all, but it's a lot to cover. Welcome to our new friends and congrats on all the new exchange dates! Laura, sure hope you're feeling better and that your surgery will still happen next week!
While I was in Chicago, I got to see my college roomate for a quick dinner. She got her bc dx last October. We haven't seen each other in 20 years, so believe me it was a tearful reunion!
Please keep my friend in your prayers. Remember how we were discussing microcalcifications a few weeks ago? Well, she's got them. Had a stereotactic biopsy a couple weeks ago. Pathology was inconclusive (?), but potential DCIS. She's having an exisional biopsy with wire localization next Tues. Praying that we don't add her to our sisterhood.........
My dh and I are off to visit our oldest son for parents' weekend - his last! At least we're heading to the warm south instead of the cold north like last week! I've turned into such a southern wimp....
Catch y'all on Sunday!
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Hi ladies,
KEW, I'm sorry this is all happening to you at once! I hope your shoulder results are fine, it's sad that we have to be scared about every hurt we have. At least a bone scan will put your fears at rest, and is being proactive, too. I have had hot flashes since I started chemo last year, and they never went away. I have them all of the time, but not the heart racing, I just don't think I could deal with that! But sometimes it depresses me, just from being so tired of all the SEs. Sounds like you are at that place, and I hope you feel better soon.
Laura, glad you are feeling better, good luck on your upcoming surgery.
Janet, glad your surgery was successful.
Terri, I was disappointed to hear about your postponement, but I see here that you need to wait anyway, and I will second that, as my exchange was only a month after my last fill, and I am having a few issues, so it makes me wonder if I should have waited, too. Hopefully, the time will fly by for you with the holidays and all.
Judy, congrats on getting an exchange date!
Good prayers for all of you who are getting their exchanges and revisions!
Deen
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KarenW - we share the same Dx anniversary. In regards to hot flashes - I started taking my Tamoxifen at night and this has greatly reduced the number and severity of the hot flashes.0
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Hi all,
Sorry to hear about all of this happening to you at once KEW/Karen.
I've been grieving my breasts lately too. I keep crying at odd times just thinking about the loss. I had my bilateral mastectomy on 3/10/09, just over 7 months ago, and lately it is just hitting me like a ton of bricks. I wish I had taken pictures of my breasts before the mastectomy. By the time I thought of it, one of my breasts was discolored from the tumor/biopsy, and everything else it went through before it got cut off.
I feel like I've had body parts amputated. My breasts were the typical sagging breasts of a 51 year old, but they were soft and they were part of me, and they had no scars. I don't feel like they have "served their purpose" although I wish I did, that would hurt less.
I have phantom sensations. Whenever I go from a warm place to a cold place, I swear that I feel the sensation of my nipples reacting to the cold. But I have no nipples and I have the LD flap where the nipples would be, so I have no sensation there at all. It's like those phantom leg pains that people who get their legs amputated sometimes get. It's weird and it freaks me out every time. And it makes me sad.
Sorry to blather on here but really there is nobody else who gets it. I can't say to my friends "I miss my breasts." They'd just all tell me how lucky I am, and how the new ones look good, which just isn't the point.
Thanks for listening. The EC rocks.
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Hi I need advice, I'm 23 and 5"2 130 pounds. I choose to do a prophylactic mastectomy and I currently have expanders in now I'm at 350cc currently before this process I was in a full c cup I would like to between a b and c cup what cc would you recommend. Expanders seem to be deceiving.
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Welcome bhope23. You have landed in the right spot for support and answers to questons from our resident breast guru "Deborah" or as we affectionately call her the "Breast Whisperer". We have all learned from one another and sharing our stories and experiences, so hang in there you will get a lot of welcomes.
Lifegoeson Wow it is weird how we get to thinking of our breast and the odd times we get the attacks of emotions is weird. I think that the breast I had on my body for 52 years then removed, creates emotions that isn't going to be resolved in days and weeks. I hear you sister. I agree on the odd sensations we get, especially when the implant gets cold! Pretty funny when you think about it, but the implant doesn't have a blood supply so there is nothing much to keep it warm.
KEW, How are you doing?
Cool breeze I hope you chime in soon, keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Jan
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You are all so wonderful and never fail to make me smile. DON'T EVER CHANGE!!!
kmmd: That is exactly how I look without my top on ~~ Ha!!!
So I have a question. DH and I are going to Yosemite over Halloween weekend and it might be warm enough to be in the pool if we have a warm streak. I hear that implants feel like they actually float. Question: Will these darned TE's drag me straight to the bottom of the pool???
Hugs and best wishes to all!! Have a great weekend!!!!
Colleen
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I'm home from the hospital.
Nobody prepared me for this pain, I have to say. I can barely move. I hope this is normal. I have no idea how I'll sleep tonight.
And, I stink to high heaven - how am I going to get clean? The hospital was overheated and I'm bandaged in inches of gause and a compression wrap so I was just dripping with sweat under there too. I don't wan't to look but I want to be clean. (My PS doesn't do any expansion until the initial healing so I am flat there)
Please tell me the pain lessens each day.
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Coolbreeze.....so sorry you are in that much pain....I hope you got a good prescription upon discharge and that you use them!! Things should settle down over the weekend....but get meds on board if you haven't already!
Gentle hugs...
God Bless
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Coolbreeze,
Yes, the pain gets a little better every day. If you are in pain, take pain meds. Get lots of sleep to let your body heal. Just think how great it is going to feel when you are finally able to take a shower!
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CoolBreeze;
Baby wipes can help a little with cleaning under your arms and anything north of the drains and bandages, you may also be able to fill the tub with a little water and take a half bath just to feel a little more human.
Set up your bed with tons of pillows, find a comfy spot and take your pain meds,(sleeping on an incline helps) set an alarm so that you take it before it totally wears off, you will feel much better in a few days, though the drains suck (literally and figuratively) keep the drains stripped that helps.
Also, depending on the pain meds take a stool softener or mild laxative and tons of water some of the drugs will constipate you and who needs anything else to hurt.
Feel better, sleep a lot.
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Karen W ....Oh my goodness....do you feel like your body is falling apart, or WHAT???? Well, I think that once you go through all of these tests you will hopefully know what in the blazes is going on!
Laura; I cannot believe you went back to work so soon....oh to be young again....So.....WHAT HAPPENED AT THE APPT. TODAY????
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Coolbreeze...There you are!! The best route to healing is to control the pain. If what you have prescribed is not doing it...call and get something stronger. And ditto, ditto and double ditto re: what Bigapple/Wendy said above about big fluffy pillows and stool softeners. Stool softeners will be your best friend the first two weeks after surgery.0
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coolbreeze: Yes it does get better every day, actaully every hour of every day. And yes, take the pain killers on the clock whether you think you need them or not. And pillows, yes, I lived in the big leather chair with 4 pillows.
All of these women have the best advice, I totally agree with everything they say, one would think they have been through it.
And ABSOLUTELY do NOT forget the stool softeners!!!!!!!!!!!!! I missed that advice and boy was I sorry. Don't make me tell that story . . . . . . .
Athena ~ They are getting to the heavy stage. Maybe I will just lay in the lawn chair and look at the mountains or read or nap ~ I am so there already!!!
Take care!!! Colleen
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Coolbreeze.. I am so sorry about your pain. When I had my bl max, I could not believe the pain. TAKE your meds as scheduled don't try to be a hero. Waiting...just makes it that much harder to control the pain. I managed in the shower with just a shower massage hand held, washed the lower area, and then just used a damp cloth for the upper body. My daughter was the best and washed my hair for me in the sink (after a few days). I like the other girls said, had PILLOWS everywhere. I have a full body pillow I wedged on one side and then another regular pillow under my other arm. If the stool softener doesn't work, I used a tea from GNC that helps you go. (smooth move, sometimes more like an explosion) sorry I know TMI. I had to resort to that as after 8 days I was doubled over in pain. It will get better... slowly. Don't expect too much from yourself. You need to rest and heal.
Soft hugs...
Alicia
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coolbreeze,
This is the worst part of the surgery process and it will pass. Take your meds, don't be a hero! I used tons of pillows and was able to sleep in bed. I agree with what everyone said about stool softeners but for me it wasn't until I had a beer that I finally had relief in that dept.
Update:
I went for my first massage since my mastectomy in February. Now that I am finally able to lay on my stomach, I booked a one hour massage and it was heaven! I have alot of knots in my shoulder blades probably from this whole process. It was so healing! I recommend it for everyone.
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Colleen: I don't know, you might want to wear a little floatie or inner-tube around your waist.
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Coolbreeze--yes, it should get better each day, but the days can seem very long. I didn't move much the first few days, because the more I moved, the more it hurt. And don't bend over!!! I did that once, never again; I felt like I had a sword stabbed through my chest, and I almost passed out. So don't bend over!! (I guess it stresses the incision).
I used cleaning wipes for the first few days. Once I felt better and could get in the tub, my husband helped me in and out and bathed me, while I held the drain out of the way. That first bath felt wonderful.
Like the other girls say, you can't have too many pillows, especially under your arm. And whenever my chest hurt, I hugged my teddy bear. That bear certainly soaked up a lot of my tears... The first few days, I slept more during the day than at night, especially after taking pain meds. Sleep whenever you are tired; it doesn't matter when.
Didn't those d***n doctors give you decent pain meds? If they didn't, have your husband call and read them the riot act until they give you something that works! If they just sent you home with anything weaker than percodan/percoset, they should be ashamed of themselves.
I hurt for you.
Diane
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- Hi Lovely!
- Deborah.. I would tell you all about todays appt. but it is not my place... TERESA... if you did not sleep all day...lol... after that grandbaby... share with the group....if you have made your choice.. I REALLY want to hear it in your words 11 hours later...
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I'm so glad you're feeling better, sweet Laura! I miss you and my other roomies, and all my sisters...life isn't as exciting without you all, LOL!!
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Awwwwwwwww.. thanks dear Diane!! I miss you too.. all the girls..
I showed Teresa the key chain today... just as a reminder...:)... we smiled....
We will be in Vegas again soon... every year...:)
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Coolbreeze,
I agree with all the ladies, it will get better with each day! Do take the advice of taking a stool softner when on the heavy duty meds! Try having pitted prunes daily...this really helped me. I also drank a ton of water daily. As Angel10 told me...there is a light at the end of THIS tunnel! I am finally seeing the light!
God bless!
NAE
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Hi there...heres my post from tata's board.....thought I would put it in both places
Hi Everyone,
Ok for the update. I met with Laura's guy. Looks like he's going to be my guy! I liked him. He seemed very upfront. He answered all my questions and didnt treat me like they were questions I shouldn't be asking. I hate that. He will use HP...YEA!....and a larger implant as well as moving them back up north when they should be living!
No decision has been made as far as when but he is willing to do it as soon as his schedule would allow. I have to check on work and since it will be out of town, that has me a bit concerned. I worry about if I need to see him or have a concern that a quick office visit would take care of, I have to drive 2 1/2 hrs.
Has anyone else had a surgeon that was out of town?
btw thank you so much Laura for coming to the appointment. I really enjoyed seeing you again.
Teresa
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Oh one quick question....if anyone can answer this....is it best if you intend on loosing weight to do it before my revision or what? I forgot to ask.
Teresa
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Hi girls... Coolbreeze... I hope you are hanging in there and managing the pain. Thinking of you..
Lifegoeson... I so can relate to the phantom boob sensations and missing them. We had a bit of a cold spell last week. Since my surgery I am always cold, well I was freezing and I swear I felt as though my nipples were scrunching up and getting hard. HELLO I have no nips, just big huge incisions. I even looked down my shirt to see if the skin was crinkling up NOPE ~ it's just all in the brain. I too miss my boobs very much. It is hard trying to hide this flatness in clothing. Thank goodness for those drapy cape like sweater coats that are in style. I have been wearing that. Then all I can think of is the hair falling out. I feel so less of a woman already ~ GEEZ. All I can think of is my husband leaving me, getting a cutie with nice perkies and pretty hair on the side. This cancer thing really does suck. I am just very thankful I can come here and complain and encourage others. I love you girls ~ I really mean it, sharing this common bond certainly opens ones heart.
Hugs..
Alicia
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Deborah--I do feel like I'm falling apart. I'm coming up on one year, and guess what. Out of nowhere I have horrible shoulder pain. I can't drive my stick shift with my right hand (a new PT actually suggested I buy a new car--uh huh, single mom, working and goind to school has money to buy a new car because her shoulder hurts--I like my old PT better), I have to lean over with the left hand to shift, have to wear button up clothes, which after mx I swore I would never do again during sweater season, can't brush my hair or teeth with right side--I'm right handed, can't walk the dog--period, can't wipe the counters, open the sliding glass door, flush the toilet, pull my pants on, or push my seat belt buckle into the the thingy without wincing. I can't lift my arm more than 4 inches from the side of my body in any direction without wanting to scream. It's been 3 weeks. I'm pretty sure its not going to be mets, but what has me so frustrated is my shoulder hurts so much, I feel almost as limited as after mx, and there was a clear reason for the pain and limitations then.
Jan--Having a bit of a meltdown, but I'm fine thanks for asking.
Deen--I always want to just give you a big hug.
Linda I will ask about effexor, and Denise, I've noticed we share the same date, let's have a cyber toast. I'm taking the day off of work. I will also try taking the Tamoxifen at night.
Coolbreeze---It does get better with each day, ignore my frustration above. I had a friend who came over and fixed me warm prune juice with sprite, yuck, but it really worked. I also used doculax (sp). Someone else went to a sporting goods store and brought over big wipes, like what you would use on a backpacking trip they were great. I agree with all the Sisters, pillows saved me, we called it the pillow game, my boys would help me find that right spot where everything was comfortable, or I did it alone in the middle of the night. Stay really hydrated. I had a hard time getting out of bed since it was a double and I couldn't just sit up using my chest, like many of us. I quickly learned to drop my left leg to the side of the bed and clenched it, my quads and abs pulled me right up, couldn't do that after the TAH/exchange though. I didn't shower until drains came out and dear friend helped me, washed my hair and dried me off. She has worked as a care giver, and she used the blow dryer on cool, under and around my breasts to make sure I was dry. Remember, you've been through a big physical and emotional ordeal, be gentle and kind to yourself, it is OK to move at your own speed. I would also suggest you ask your surgeon for a PT referal, so as soon as your doctor releases you to move you can get some advice on how to do it correctly and my PT really helped all through expansion as well. Heal well.
Hugs--Karen
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Karen, I am so sorry about your shoulder pain. When do you go to the dr to have it checked out? Thinking of you....
Shoulder avoiding hugs....
Alicia
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Hi Alicia---I've already gone and had x-rays, inconclusive, so bone scan on Tuesday.
Have a good weekend!
Karen
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Karen,
I developed really bad neck/shoulder pain after my last revision. It was very debilitating. The PS said it was from positioning during the procedure. I went to a massage therapist for deep tissue massage. The massage was very painful, but really helped. I hope your pain is just muscular as well. But, definitely have it looked at!
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