Exchange City
Comments
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Ahh, what beautiful people you all are. You help remind me of my blessings and confirm my trials. Thank you!
Julie
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Hi Ladies,
My canceranniversary is next week. One year since my mastectomy. I told my husband I want to go away on that day to someplace warm for a few days. We fly standby as my son works for an airline so if the flights look good and the weather fine I will be going away next week for a mini vacation. It has been a very long year and I am not thru with surgeries etc.
I gave my PS who has been very nice to me a gift for his three kids for Channakah. When I had my MRSA infection and was stuck in the hospital for seven days till it got cultured my PS was incredible. It so happens that his wife was in the same hospital having a Csection with their third child. He came to me each day while seeing his wife..shorts, flip flops etc. When he did go back to work later that week I made a comment and he said while on vacation he saw only me and his wife. This is a large practice and he could have sent his partner to see me. One morning he even bounded in at 6AM and looked like he just fell out of the bed .I guess as a doctor he was able to sleep in his wifes room. I did personalize a gift for his baby after I got better.
Ladies who have pain.. may this new year bring all good health and no pain.
Hugs,
Francine
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Diane ~ I am totally with you and expect a lot out of the dr.s and nurses. This is their business and what they do for 40-70 hours a week. I expect them to know everything they possibly can about this cancer and side effects and to be well read on new developments.
If any of the rest of us took our profession that casually we would be fired. My 2 cents for the day. I get so annoyed with people who blow off people in pain.
Karen ~ June will be here before you know it and the right job will come along. Personally, this was the fastest year of my life, in a long slow dragged out way. The older I get the faster it goes.
Take care, Colleen
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Hello ladies--I haven't posted on this thread for a long while but did want to pipe in and say thanks to all the various suggestions and comments that I've read here, I sailed through my exchange two weeks ago. My only complaint is a searing mid back pain that starts up about mid day, everyday. I'm starting PT tomorrow.
Okay--so how long for the 'drop and fluff' to kick in? I'm just now out of the sports bras 24/7 so the new girls have stayed pretty high so far, and still kind of stubby. I'm supposed to be a B cup, but the tips of the cups are empty??? My PS says I will be a C, but I think: 'in his dreams.' I'm ok with a B, that is really what I wanted, but I do hope they will shape better in time. I have an old radiated side, so that may never really be very pretty.
I know I read somewhere about breast message for implants. Can someone send me in the right direction to find that site? I figure it's time to add that to my daily program.
I see several of you had anniversarys recently. Me too. I had my first MX last Dec. and the second MX in July. Let's all celebrate 2010 to be cancer free. Happy New Years everyone.
Bobbi
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Bobbi--Linda posted a great massage site ages ago, maybe if she checks in she can repost it and we can add it to the top of the list if that is OK with Jean.
Hugs--Karen
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Hoping to hear from Dani today.....
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Terri ~ Just checked out the "girls" on the picture forum and they look beautiful!!!
Colleen
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Thanks, Colleen--June is just around the corner, and I totally get what you mean time is flying by in a slow dragged out way!!
I'm wondering if anyone has found that doctors are more willing to prescribe drugs since dx. I've never had Vicodin in my life, but my PCP gave it to me for my shoulder and said she had no problem writing for more any time I needed it. Valium, my doctors are throwing it at me, luckily I'm very careful. I started having panic attacks in my early 20's and used Xanax very carefully several times during my life. Right before dx I was having a tough time lots of anxiety and a new PCP who made me sign a contract for 10 Xanax because I had to fly for work--HATE flying, and avoided it for 15 years, but have to in current job. I told her she knew nothing of people with anxiety disorder, because there was no way I would take any of those 10 for fear of not having one when I needed it (anyone watch Monk? I'm not that bad, but my kids tease me and call me Mrs. Monk), and that she created greater anxiety, and made things more miserable for me. I don't like her, she didn't feel my lump and told me I was fine and I didn't push it, even though I felt something. Switched doctors and he was much more in-tuned with anxiety disorder, let me use it on an as needed basis, which was maybe once or twice a month--he has since retired and I have my 3rd PCP in two years--the Vicodin doctor, but she is in the same office he was in. After dx and surgery they tried me on Valium, which holds me longer than the Xanax did, but my doctors ask if I need refills and I haven't even gotten through the first bottle from 7 months ago. I had 30 then and about 1/2 that now. I kind of get the feeling that once dx'd they will give you anything, but maybe I'm the only one experiencing that????
((((Jan))))
Hugs--Karen
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Here is Linda's thread re: Implant Displacement Exercises. But know there are some caveats to performing this type of massage. If you have textured implants or true gummies or anatomical or tear drop shaped implants you will not need or want to perform these maneuvers. Also, wait at least three months after fat grafting to perform such procedures. Wait at least three months after the exchange and/or surgical revisions to perform such exercises. If you are experiencing any complications with your implants, defer this type of massage/exercise until issues are resolved. Prior to undertaking this type of vigorous implant displacement, talk to your PS and inform him/her of your desire to perform such exercises and ask him if there is any reason you should not do so.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/734795?page=1
Deborah
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Did I just sound like the legal disclaimer on an infomercial?
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Deborah ~ yes you did except you failed to mention that it could cause blurred vision, headaches, tingling in arms, constipation, etc. etc. etc. Ha!
Thanks for the video! Not at the massaging stage yet but it is so simple and easy to remember.
Closing the office early and calling it a Year!
Take care everyone, Colleen
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Deborah:
As an atty, it brought a tear to my eye.
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You girls crack me up.....
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Diane - I am so very proud of you. Like you, I am alone in all of this. I have my kids (one lives at home and one livs in Az) but I have no adult relatives or friends in the area. I've only lived here a year and a half and only know my work people. The holidays are especially tough for we single women. I have put off trying to meet anyone due to the mx and recon - I was here less than a year when this all started. I have decided that 2010 HAS to be better. I will be turning 51 in about 3 weeks and I am tired of not going anywhere or doing anything. Summer will be here soon and until then, I will bundle up and get out!!!
Allison
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Val: I just read your post. 30 E's? Wow. You are so funny. Are we going to need to call in family members for a bra addiction intervention? So what kind did you buy?
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Francine! You are so right about getting away for a mental/body health renewal time. My DH and I are going away in March and I cannot wait. We need some time together not dealing with BC and time to be his girlfriend.
Deborah, Colleen and Wendy, you three need to go on tour! Almost as funny as the Hoodia thread from earlier in the year!
Karen, I carry an Ativan around with me. My last RX of the stuff was over 5 years old and was powder before my BC dx. My PCP also a BC survivor laughed with me as she understood completely! She asked me if I needed a new RX this year, I told her I hadn't used any since the mx surgery. Maybe 1/2 tablet before the exchange. She wrote me a new RX a year ago. I did use it the week before my mx. It is my security blanket. I will most likely never use it, but having a panic attack, it is the most horrible feeling. I rarely have them now, if I feel one coming on, I use square breathing that usually works. Karen, you are such a sweetheart.
Jan
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Thank you Jan, Collen, Allison, all, you guys really give me strength...I've learned so much on these boards! I also am still learning as I didn't join until 5 mo after dx.....
I know there are so many women on here dealing with far worse than me, but the pain seems to be gettin worse, not better since my exchange. I have one question, my right side, rad side is really, really tight, and hard, and lots of scar tissue in the pit area. I'm trying to massage but it's really tough. I'm miserable, and the chest gets tighter and tighter. So on top of the cording, I think I either have, or am on my way to having CC. So my question is, if you develop this, can it be reversed or fixed? I don't go back to my ps until the 14th!
I hate living in fear, but am afraid of CC, lymphedema and things getting worse b'cuz I WAS doing actually okay before the exchange!
Anyone else experience any of this?
Diane
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Diane....you go girl!! Go right to a new onc! Good for you!!
Jan....so are you not taking any hormone treatments at all? It sounded like you wanted to hear the pros and cons but didn't get them....then it fell off the cliff. Perhaps you should look up another onc too and see what they say about the aromotase inhibitors in your situation then decide....better safe than sorry...
Ladies....here's to saying "later gator" to the Year of the Breast! Love and good health (or at least better) to all the Ta-ta sisterhood on this great thread!
God Bless!
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And let me add that my PS was a sweetheart in prescribing meds as needed!
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Deborah, you never cease to amaze me....beautifully said.
Colleen, many thanks and enjoy the rest of 2009! Here's hoping 2010 is full of good health!
Dani, where are you? Hope you're doing OK
Quick question, is it better to wear a sports bra, regular bra or nothing at all if you're trying to get the "girls" to drop and fluff? Deborah mentioned wearing a "stabilizer band" for implants that are sitting high but I was just wondering in general for others who don't have that issue.
Terri
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Angel, I was told that I was "cured" with the mx and therefore no further treatment was needed. The onc suggested Evista, I did some checking up on this medication and it was noted that it had no effect on DCIS and recurrence rates. The onc told me that with DCIS even with the micro invasion, since I was essentially menopausal that the aromotase inhibitors wouldn't be useful. So I decided to pray that the mx took care of it, and that I don't get another type of cancer in my remaining breast. Jan0
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Diane:
Either here or on another thread I mentioned some new studies on previously irradiated breasts, utilizing fat grafts to restore and regenerate the damaged tissue and to correct defects secondary to radiation. So essentially, there is this new model for potential repair and correction of the disabling features after rads and I feel that every single one of you who have post-rads complications should discuss it with your PS and if your PS is clueless, find a PS who has knowledge of this and will pursue this avenue on your behalf. Not only is there potential and hope for cosmetic enhancement and repair, but the sensory deficits as well appear to be ameliorated or corrected along with the fat graft cosmetic benefits. I'll link the article below, but in summary, this from another article:
"There are many theories as to why fat grafts work on irradiated tissue, which has impaired ability to heal. One theory is that stem cells in the injected fat grafts serve as a source of new tissue.
Indeed, in this one test patient, the most striking aspect of the reconstruction was not the restoration of symmetry, but the quality of the skin and the softening of the breast tissues, an effect which is impossible to obtain otherwise. The scar, which was depressed and indurated is now almost invisible.
In summary, reconstruction of breasts with fat grafts is a new option for reconstruction after lumpectomy and irradiation. The technique, properly performed has a high success rate and, more importantly, low risk. The results, compared to some other reconstruction alternatives, are much more appealing."
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Wondering the same...about the drop & fluff? I wore a reg. bra today & felt "good" about myself...that sports bra really brought me down cuz I can see the uneveness all the more. With the bra the "girls" look much better. My MX side sits up high (fuller upper pole) & my aug. not quite full up top...I definitely will need a lift for the healthy one to catch up.
Want to wish everyone a safe & happy new year! Here's to 2010!!!
NAE
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Deborah thank you! This gives me hope and I'll talk with my ps next week. Your knowledge is amazing!
Terri - I haven't worn a bra since my mx, way too uncomfortable. The only thing I've been able to wear are the tighter camisoles from Target, called "Flexees". I just love them! They are SO comfortable, my ps said he liked them for compression, no binding, plus it holds in my loooooove handles
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Terri & NAE ~ I wore the surgical bra or sports bra for as long as my PS said ...I think it was 3 weeks. I then started wearing a regular bra and didn't feel comfortable at night without one so I got one at Kohl's called "Barely there". It is just a stretchy bra with a little support. After about a month or month and a half I finally felt comfortable not wearing a bra at night, so that is what I do. I just don't feel comfortable without a bra during the day.
I think it's like waiting for the phone to ring or the water to boil....it will happen when you're not thinking about it.
Peg
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Sooo,,,,"A watched kettle never boils"....right Peggio
NAE
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Yes NAE, and "watched kettle" literally speaking, relative to how many times we go to the mirror to look at our breasts after the exchange. I think I went at least every hour on the hour to examine them - just to make sure they were still there. It is hard to see even small changes when you are so uniquely acquainted with how the girls look on a minute by minute basis!
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Sooo TRUE Deborah!!!
Have a Happy New Year Ladies!!!
NAE
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Diane.. I know how you feel... PM me anytime you want to talk about this.
My armpit is so tight with scar tissue from rads. I work it out daily. My rads breast is not nearly as pretty as the other... but it is only REALLY noticeable when I raise my arm about my head.
Fat grafting , as Deborah pointed out, is something my PS has discussed with me. But I will tell you... for me... I need to recover a little before anymore is done to me... I just do not think I can take anymore right now. So I will continue to stretch and massage daily..
Anyway.. I just wanted you to know, you are not alone. I am right here with you sister...
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HAPPY NEW YEAR LADIES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be working until 6pm tomorrow and then partying with the grandkids and family after...wahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... but just HAD to tell my TA TA sister to take it all in.......... 2010 will be OUR YEAR!
This time last year... I was in the hospital recovering from my mast....after 5 long months of chemo....as so many of you were too........... boy oh boy what a year going by can change.....
I PRAY for all of you... here at BCO.. ( you know I do and not too afraid to tell you...lol)
Sisters in HOPE, Happy New Year!
LOVE...Laura
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