One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Hello All and thanks for your concern!
I don't think I am real champ
. I think I am feeling good because I had just a simple Mx (no limph nodes involved at all), so it is less stressful for the body than a total Mx. Yes, I am waiting on a final pathology report, I am hoping for a good one, but need to wait till Wednesday to be sure. I was told I can walk daily and I can drive myself. I had 2 hours 20 minutes walk yesterday and 2 hours walk today, but no driving so far. Today I started taking Tylenol instead of Vicodin for pain, looks it works for me. I'll see my PS Tomorrow for post-op appt.
Good night everyone!
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I_am_OK - Wow, you have the best outcome. I'm happy for you. I never realized a MX could be so unstressgul. I guess we all have different surgeons and different physical considerations. You must be very athletic? Good luck with your pathology report!
I do feel like I have more sensation on my breast at this time. It is on just one area at the inside end of the incision on the left breast. When they do the nipple flap procedure, they re-excise the same area in order to leave you with as few scars as possible. I would bet money that I have a stitch on the last functioning nerve cell in my breast! I thought I was passed the intense itching in that area, but must have slept wrong last night or something because it is back this AM. Not the kind of sensation we want in our breasts! Fortunately, it's at the"dog ear" end which will give me an extra reason to address that if needed. I see the PS this afternoon.
Fortunate1, how nice to have a chance to improve your smile! It seems like everyone is getting braces these days. I would opt for the invisable ones too, at this point. I had braces a long time ago and now have gaps. Maybe I'll have them again, someday.....
Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. Thanks for thinking of all of us!
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I_am_Ok, I went back and re-read your introduction post to review your diagnosis. You had augmentation on one breast and mx with recon on the other breast? Now I understand why you only had one drain. Still, I'm amazed that you got out of the hospital and began walking 2 hrs! I never walk 2 hrs when I'm healthy because I would get bored. I'd have to walk one of my neighborhood routes 2 or 3 times! I don't like walking on a treadmill. The weather never gets too cold for me to hit the street. I bought a name-brand manual treadmill with the arm poles (can't remember the name--brain dead this morning) one year and used it for a while. Dh and I carried it out to the street a few months ago and soon there were bypassers arguing over who the new owner would be! I even included the manual and maintenance kit!
Yesterday I "wasted" a wonderful day. Had an apptment with the hygienist at the periodontal dr's office. There's no inflation, remember, but the fee jumped from $125 to $140. To have my teeth cleaned and the periodontist come in and probe my gums! A couple of hours later, I saw my PCP and caught her up on all the medical happenings in my life. It's always a pleasure to talk to Dr. Levi. She wrote me an order for complete blood work, including Vit D level and thyroid function. I want to make sure my weight gain the last month or so hasn't been caused by my hypothyroidism. If not, then I'll know it's either a SE of Arimidex or from ingesting too many calories.
I'll share a couple of her answers to questions. It's okay to take Vit D but be sure and take D3 which is already in the form our bodies can use. Drs. are learning that Vit D we're taking as supplements often is not metabolized by the liver so we may not be benefitting from the Calcium w/D that many of us take religiously. It's also okay to take melatonin as a sleep aid but it causes some people to have bad dreams.
In the afternoon Dh and I went together to the driving range so I enjoyed an hour or more outdoors in the bright sunshine. Today I have a golf game at 10:30. Our beautiful fall weather starts to dissipate on Thurs. and rain is predicted to return.
Fortunate1, you can remove the braces? We might need a photo! Just kidding. I have never worn braces. It's good that I didn't need them because my parents couldn't have afforded to pay for braces.
Okiegal, we're waiting to learn what the PS has to say. My apptment with my PS is next Wed. I plan to tell him how grateful I am for his good work, even though my breasts aren't perfect. I'm getting used to them and am going about my life without thinking too much about my chest. I may have the right implant repositioned early in 2010. January is usually not a good month to get out and play golf. Or I may leave well enough alone and have one breast higher than the other.
Hope everybody has a great day. I enjoyed all your upbeat posts yesterday. Glad everyone is doing well.
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Did any of your doctors specifically tell you to avoid sleeping on your side or stomach? I have been, but now have some soreness at the outside edge...wonder if I should still be being careful. My doctor didn't tell me not to sleep on side or stomach...maybe the soreness has to do with radiation. I plan to talk to the rad oncologist about it tomorrow.
Just wondering...this is a quick post from work so gotta run. I've been back for three weeks now, enjoying the kids but tired in the evenings.
Fortunate 1, two of my kids did invisalign. Works great if you're disciplined...both were less so toward the end. There was some tenderness with each change of aligners, but only for a few days. Good luck to you.
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I_AM_OK, you are an impressive walker! Since you're not wearing yourself out, I bet you are going to heal in record time. Do you have a nice place to walk? Good luck with the pathology report. I live in a very pretty neighborhood for walking. However, I could see that there was no way I was going to walk yesterday, so I put on music, watched the clock, and jumped around and danced for 20 minutes. It might just work for me. I've just got to do something for exercise.
Carole, Yes, you can take these braces off. They're clear plastic forms that slip over your teeth and slowly move them. A new, slightly different form every two weeks. I figured it was my last chance to do this for myself. I do not yet have osteoporosis, but am close. My rheumatologist had me on Reclast for my bones(not compatible with braces) and large doses of Vit D. My bone density increased -yay! She stopped the Reclast for this year. The Onc has me on Femara which isn't kind to bones. So this is my little window of opportunity and you're so right Tracy, I will have to be disciplined. I'm taking lots of Vit D, calcium and Magnesium, trying to do more weight bearing exercise, etc, but I bet I'll be back on the Reclast when the teeth are done.
So I am a 62 year old grateful braces wearer with a ....wow....31 year old son! We had a birthday celebration last night. Pizza and beer at a beach area sports bar. Very good food, happy people, lots of noise, a wonderful time was had by all.
Okiegal, I'm sorry the itching is back. I guess it was too optimistic to hope for it to resolve into some normal breast sensation for you. The one functioning nerve cell, **sigh**. Good luck at the PS appointment today. Let us know. You're a pioneer for us.
Off to get my day going. Good and bad stuff today, in heaping portions.
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carolehalston, Yes, I had augmentation on the right breast and simple Mx with recon on the left breast and only one drain on recon side, so I think it is much easier for me to recover than for you who had bilatiral total Mx.
okiegal, I am not very athletic, I even don't go to gym because I don't like a lot of people around. But I really like walking and hiking.
fortunate1, I am in North CA and I have very nice walking trail by my house. Also, we have several beautiful parks around where I like to hike. I used to walk at least 2 times per week for 2 hours each time. This May I started hiking, 2-3 times per week for 2.5-3 hours and I also continued to walk.
Also, couple months ago I started drinking one glass of fresh vegetable juice on empty stomach. I know it helps to boost immune system and I feel it really works. The only thing that you need to wait about 20-30 minutes before you start you meal.
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Hi Everyone,
I am OK, WOW! Not even on a good day would you catch me walking for 2 hr and 20 minutes to exercise. Of course, I do exceed that time when I'm shopping at the mall.
I have a treadmill that I walk on regularly. I have ear phones connected to the TV. The time goes by quickly. Good luck at your PS appointment tomorrow. I hope for a great pathology report.
Okiegal, Sorry the itch came back. Good luck with you doctor appointment. I think it is encouraging to have some feeling there.
I must have banged myself...I have a black and blue on the bottom of my left breast. I can't imagine how it happened. I treat this breasts like they are fragile and could break at any time! I am also feeling aching lately. Then, at times I don't notice them.
Fortunate 1, Good luck with the braces! My dentist wears clear braces also. I never needed braces, but I do see little spaces developing between a couple of teeth. I don't think it's enough to worry about now, but maybe someday. I think it's great that you can take them off. It will make brushing and flossing a lot easier. How long do you have to wear them?
Sounds like everyone had an enjoyable time at the birthday celebration. I envy your good weather. It is cold here.
Carole, Before my dentist will examine your teeth, you have to visit the hygienist. She cleans and takes x-rays... then you make your dentist appointment. The hygienist's bill is usually over $300.00.
I take Citracal (Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D) recommended by my GYN. I wonder if this is the D3 you mentioned.
Enjoy your golf game and enjoyable weather!
Tracy, My PS said, let your body tell you what you can do. I slept on my back in an upright position for a long time. It was months before I slept on my side. I did not have radiation, but friends have told me they were very sore. I hope you feel comfortable soon.
Year of the Hat, I hope you are feeling well and have settled into your new place.
I am trying to get my newsletter finished and ready to print tomorrow.
To conclude my stewardship program...this Sunday I am having a thank you luncheon for all church members. I spent the morning finalizing my plans. Only three of us are going to make a variety of sandwiches and salads...hot dogs for the kids...adults too. (Many have offered to help, but it's supposed to be a thank you...so I don't want them to help.) We will have a sheet cake, a large assortment of cookies and fresh fruit for desert. On Saturday we will set the tables and chairs. I have a lot of shopping to do!
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wow, reading all your notes really helped me understand all this. I do not exactly have cancer yet!! I have had so many scares & am high risk. I have had so many biposies & lumptenectomies (excuse my spelling) that i could be rich if i had a penny for each one i have had to go thru. i also had a hysterctomy in June..gosh i love that . (i am 47 yrs old) My breast dr & i spoke abt me having a bilateral masectomy & even though some of u may not agree with my decision i am very hopeful for this to happen soon. My PS also told me abt the one step (he didn't mention the Allorderm..(what exactlty is this) & i am a C cup. I used to be a DD but thank goodness for a bilateral reduction (which we were hoping would help w/ all these issues) i am now a C. i'd love to be B cup. My PS said that this is easy w/ the 1 step. i'd love to hear from some women abt this & also what is ur feeling abt silicone & saline. Also i hated the drains w/ the reduction & i am hoping that i will only have them in for a short time. i'd love to hear more from all of u.
thx
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Hi Shoshi,
So glad our notes are of help, but sorry that you have had to go through so many procedures. Although I wish I still had my original breasts, I understand your desire for a mastectomy. I wouldn't want to have to go through endless lumpectomies and cancer scares. I would encourage you to do plenty of research about your reconstruction options. There's information at this BCO site. And a quick search with "Google" will yield a lot more information, but I would also ask your doctor if he uses Alloderm (acellular tissue matrix). Here is a quick article and Here is another description that discusses using an expander plus Alloderm. I chose silicone gel because I didn't want to worry about the implants deflating.You'll probably have drains again, but remember, it would be worse with out them!
I saw the PS yesterday afternoon. This time he referred to my left side as infected. No guessing anymore (but it is healing). I have my third perscription for an antibiotic. Nipple reconstruction is usually a minor procedure, but I'm in the small percentage that is presenting problems. I talked to him about my pain issues (left side surgical site and an increase/return of the pins and needles). He gave me a prescription for Gabapentin. I'll return in 2 weeks and he'll take out the rest of the stitches. Gabapentin has sedative side effects, so I'll have to work around that until I get used to them. Most people tolerate it well and I hope I'm one of them. As much as I hate to have to take one more drug, I'm glad to finally be addressing this strange pain issue. I'll probably get to meet a new doctor...pain management or neurologist. Hey, maybe he'll be single?!
On another note, the medical assistant did an excellent job of taking out part of the stitches. I_am_OK, I'm sure it is beautiful where you live. What could be more restorative than a hike in beautiful scenery? I'm glad your surgery was so easy....sounds like you will be back to normal in no time! That's the goal of the "one-step". I would enjoy a hike, but would have to take several reststops to manage 2.5-3 hours. At the very least, you are in shape!
TracyAnne, I returned to sleeping on my back with pillows since my latest procedure. I'll start sleeping on my side again when I'm comfortable with it. That was pretty much how I handled it the first time. But, of course, I didn't have to deal with radiation.
Carole, thanks for the Vit.D tip. I'll have to check my vitamins. I'm sure your PS will be pleased to hear that you are happy. I feel like such a "whiner" these days, but I'm sure my PS wouldn't expect accolades at this point and I guess part of the process is revisions. I get the impression that my PS's favorite part is actual surgery. He always seems a little less interested after the "fun part" is over and the followup begins. I'm sure your PS will be happy to do more surgery next year.
Meg9, I hope it's a small bruise. A big one would worry me...everything does about this stuff! Glad to hear the Stewardship program is at the celebration point. Bravo! Good luck with the newsletter!
Hello and hi, fortunate1. Yesterday it was warm and windy. Not quite "Santa Ana" warm, but it reminded me of SoCal and you! Cloudy and rainy today. I need to get moving and stay that way.
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Hello Everyone,
Okiegal, I'm so sorry you have an infection. Hopefully the antibiotics will clear it up soon.
I find when I'm busy during the day I don't feel my breasts at all. I feel like my old self. At night, when I finally get a chance to rest.... I feel aches. I am also conscience of my breasts when I sleep. Hopefully, that will go away with time.
I am OK. It sounds like you live in a beautiful place. If I lived there, I would walk outside too! Just the scenery would make me feel better. I'm glad you're doing so well.
Shoshi, Welcome! I'm glad we have been able to help you. Please ask us any questions you may have. Sorry you have been through so many procedures. I found all the tests and waiting for results to be very stressful. Good luck to you. There is a lost of information out there and you are fortunate to have the time to investigate it. Good luck to you.
I hope everyone else had a good day.
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Welcome, Shoshi. I've never heard anyone speak of having the one-step reconstruction without Alloderm. You can google Alloderm and learn about what it is and how it is used. If you're really brave, you can even watch some videos of surgeries using Alloderm. Good luck to you in making your surgery decisions and following through. Please join in and tell us how you're doing. You've very welcome in this discussion group.
Okiegal, I'm sitting here shaking my head in disbelief after reading your post and learning that you developed some infection! Good grief. You didn't need that to happen after all the deliberating about whether to have the nipple procedure. I'm still confident that you're going to be happy with the results. Rest assured that healing vibes are emanating from south Louisiana! I thought about you today as I bought a bra in Walmart that is really pretty nice for the price, $12. It's Hanes style G510 and is similar to the Warner molded foam bras. However the band size runs small. I ended up buying the 40 B, and the cup is a little bit larger than I would have liked. As you pointed out once, the cup size gets larger with increasing band size. In the same display, there was also a model with the underwire.
I really like the two Warner bras I bought a while ago. But I can only wear them when it's cool. That molded foam does not feel nice when it gets soaked with perspiration. Neither does any other fabric for that matter!
Meg, I can't imagine how you banged yourself on your breast especially without realizing it. How does it feel to have a paid job? I wish I could figure out how to pay myself for doing a lot of chores like housekeeping and cooking. Problem is the money would come out of our joint bank account! Also, as lackadaisical (sp?) as I have become in recent years, my pay wouldn't be very high. I do keep up with laundry, and I'm orderly, but most of the time my house wouldn't pass the white glove test. I get bored with cleaning and lack the initiative to try to hire someone who would clean to suit me. Catch 22.
I'm cooking something new for me tonight, collard greens. I tried cooking them once a couple of years of ago, and they were bitter, so we tossed them out. But the featured vegetable in a restaurant recently was collard greens, and they were delicious. So I'm trying again. I questioned a couple of lady golfers today and got their recipe suggestions. Most of you from other locations probably aren't familiar with "greens," but we southerners like the different varieties, mustard, turnip and collards. And greens are supposed to be healthy eating if you don't load them up with fatty seasoning meats.
Hi to Fortunate1, Tracyanne, Julie, I am OK, YearoftheHat and anyone I may have forgotten. Hope you all had a good Wed.
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Hi, and welcome Shoshi, You have received great advice from our little group. So sorry that you have to consider it. The one-step with alloderm is a relatively easy procedure, relative being the operative word. We've had some problems, but I understand that I_AM_OK's quick recovery is not rare. My surgery went very easily as well. Ask away, and join us.
I_AM_OK, when I read your post I immediately pictured you striding along the trails on Mt. Tamalpais, not terribly far from where I used to live long ago.
Okiegal, Healing vibes coming from here too, they'll take a little longer to get to you. Nothing in BC is fair, but I think you deserve a break. I too think that the nipples are going to turn out fine, just a feeling. The pins and needles seem so cruel. If you're going to have sensation in your breasts, please not pins and needles. I'm glad the doctor is listening to you.
Carole, I almost took another picture to post - for you - a newly loaded bisque almost ready to fire. It's not such a pretty sight, but shows that I am indeed working again.
Last night I went to a 'recovering from BC' meeting put on by the woman who almost was my surgeon. It was nice to meet her. She had a nutritionist and a woman who does aromatherapy and chakra-reiki-meditation work, stuff I know nothing about. I volunteered when she wanted someone for the chakra demonstration. She concluded that I was having trouble with work, and that I took care of other people rather than myself. Hmmmm. I guess it could cover a lot of us, but I was very surprised.
Meg, watch that bruise, and have some fun with the luncheon. Hugs to all.
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Hello to everyone. Thank you for thinking of me and for your supportive words.
Fortunate - Your pottery is just wonderful. I am amazed at the range of styles and how well done they all are. I agree that the photography is incredible. I love the tray. It has such a sweet quality. The bowl has a soft creaminess. The perfume bottle! It's just gorgeous. Wow. And I am impressed that you have braces! That's a big deal. I would love to have some corrective dental or orthodontic work done. You're doing things for yourself. It's great.
Okiegal - congratulations on your nipple surgery. I hope you keep healing well. My nipples were done with my revision on Sept. 21. I like them but he didn't ask at all where I'd like them to be placed. I always think nipples look the most natural a little outside of center and lower. Mine have a bullseye look - dead center.
I-am-OK - It's great to hear from you. How lucky that you feel so well right after surgery. I'll echo what the others have said and encourage you to rest now while you can. If the walking feels good then great, but why push?
JulieL - That's great that you are comfortable with the hyperbaric treatments. You make quite a good endorsement for them.
Meg - I hope all is well with the new position. It sounds like a new adventure.
Traceyanne - You are a real trooper. I admire how positive you are about your radiation.
Carole - How do you stand the heat down there? My sisterlived in Cocodrie for a while. I'm not sure of the spelling on that. I headed down there one time. LA really does have it's own wonderful flavor but it is sticky! I loved the houses on stilts. It was almost shocking to see, having grown up in Buffalo. I'm impressed at your athleticism. You inspire me to get out and live my life!
I was going to have the areolae tattoed tomorrow but decided to cancel. I've been considering how my PS sort of evaded my whole concern about ptosis and creating the inframammary fold. I have an appointment with a PS in Omaha tomorrow instead. He'll assess wether or not there is anything he can do improve on the work that's already been done. I was tempted to go through with the tattooing tomorrow just to be finished, really tempted, but that wasn't sitting right with me.
I always love a drive to Omaha. I'm a city girl at heart. Okiegal, it sounds like you packed a lot into your trip to Boston. My sister went to school there 100 years ago, before she moved to Louisiana, but I never had a chance to visit. And Fortunate - Philly! I'd love to go there too. I've been to NYC 5 or 6 times and Chicago just once. In college I performed the Nth Doris Humphrey Festival at Pace University Downtown in NY and a photographer on the street wanted to take photos of my shoes for a local fashion rag. I love cities.
I am well. Grieving my relationship but I'm not too upset really. This is a growth opportunity.
I'm going to Lowe's this weekend to get some nice birch plywood. I am constructing a new platform for my sofa bed. I'm refurbishing it! It's my big project and I'm having fun. I did some window shopping for a drill and am so excited to have my own power tools again! I think I'll make a slipcover too, in an aqua velvet.
Have a good evening everyone.
~Year
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Hi Year, I just now logged on to say good night and got the lovely surprise of your post. I'm glad you're going to Omaha. We have a vision of how we should look, and we deserve to be listened to. I hope he is able to refine your results. We are kind of like living art projects, aren't we? I want an "A" project if I can get it. I agree about nipple placement. My PS says he'll put the nipple "there", and pokes me dead center-bullseye. Can't he see the one next door?
Tell us about the Nth Doris Humphrey Festival and your shoes. You are a dancer, right?
Power tools and aqua velvet, way to go.
A very very good night to everyone, and sweet dreams. Time to start dinner.
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Hello all, and welcome to Shoshi.
Shoshi, it was explained to me that the difference between the silicon and saline matters most for thin women or women with thin skin. Apparently as the implant settles over time, the saline ones can develop a rippling effect that can show under the skin. Doesn't happen often, but can happen. I chose silicon because of my weight/small frame and because my PS said there is no evidence that silicon causes illness...the worries over silicon "poisoning" have died down in the medical field.
Okiegal, I am sorry to hear you are in pain. My eyes tear up a little at this...like Fortunate 1 says, there is nothing fair in bc world. Enough is enough, right? I wish you didn't have to deal with the physical and emotional difficulty that pain brings, especially right on the heels of an emotional surgery experience.
As for the breast pain that came on in earnest yesterday, the doctor explained today that radiation causes fluid build up at the outside and sometimes underside of the breast, and that's pressure pain I'm feeling. Pain started down my right arm today; wonder if it's the fluid buildup that's the culprit there as well. Will probably have to go bra-hunting after all and join that quest to find one that supports my left breast to leave it equal with the recon breast, but leaves some room around the band itself.
Hugs to everyone here. I think we all need one in some way or another!
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Hi Everyone,
This is, by far, my favorite thread on this website. It is so informative and everyone is so nice. I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well. I am done with the hyperbaric treatment. Yesterday was the last one and I would highly recommend it to anyone that isn't claustrophobic. In just two and a half weeks the scar on the problem breast looks as good or better than the good breast that has been healing for two months. Now I am off to the nipple races. I can't wait for December 10th. I planned a weekend away at a bed and breakfast the weekend before. (I just found out there are no TV's though so I may have to sneak one in). I feel like I have been doing this for the last 6 months but it's only been two. Then I have to think of the other women on this board that are going through so much more and I feel like I have nothing to complain about. It isn't easy for anyone, I know. Hugs to all and good night.
Julie
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Hi all,
I echo Fortunate1, how inspiring to log on and have all of your comments. So good to hear from you Year of the Hat (love that name!) Sounds like you are getting on with things. Aren't we amazing, gifted women? Power tools and sewing Aqua velvet slip covers...Congradulations on a second opinion with a new PS. Good decision. I will remember your tenacity when I address my little dog ears. I'm still waiting on the results of my nipple surgery to take their final shape, but am a little skeptical that everything will heal exactly as I wanted...Last week really turned out to be more emotional than I expected, but I'm not nearly so upset now. I am pleased to have "nipples" again.....the pain is under control (and the infection is in retreat), so I'm feeling and behaving much more like my usual self. I even think I'm already adjusting to the Gabapentin....Not as sleepy this morning. So, thanks for the well wishes and healing vibes everyone! I will send some to TracyAnne. I'm sure you could use a few! Good luck, I hope you find a comfy bra. I found myself wondering why there isn't a warning handed out before any of these procedures/travails? They should recommend that you'll need a bigger, comfy bra along the way. I had so much swelling with my ductogram, the needle biopsy, the mastectomy and even now with the nipple reconstruction I needed a bigger bra to accommodate the excess padding used for the nipples. Who knew? Hugs to your good side, TracyAnne!
Shoshi, I have heard of a "one-step" without Alloderm. That is what my mother had, but it was 25 years ago. The Alloderm is a somewhat new technique (used within the last 5-10 years?). The surgeon uses it to create a pocket so that the implant doesn't drop down too far or so that it stays where they want it. Without the Alloderm, the implant can drift. Basically, you have fewer complications overall with Alloderm.
Carole, how did your "greens" turn out? I would like to try some. Any recipes? Meg9, did you ever cook anything in your Crockpot? I'm looking for the Indian Curry recipe to make tomorrow.
I'm a reluctant housekeeper, too.
Yes, JulieL, this does all drag on, but it sounds like you will make it to the finish line in record time. Yahoo! I can hear you coming up behind me! What type of nipple reconstruction will you have? I had "bowtie" flaps, but now think a "C-V" flap may have given a nicer end to the incision, but what do I know?
Big hugs to you all!
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Year, I'm curious about how your sister transitioned from school in Boston to moving to real Cajun country in south Louisiana. What a culture shock! How do I put up with the heat? Like everybody else. Turn on the A/C. The muggies came back yesterday after 4 or 5 days of sparkling weather with low humidity.
Okiegal, we ate the collard greens, but again we didn't love them. They have a slight bitter taste. I sauted finely diced onion in olive oil in a large skillet. Added the chopped greens and "smothered" them by putting a lid on the skillet. Southerners "smother" foods! I seasoned with black pepper and a packet of Goya ham seasoning. My first experiment with using it. I added a little water occasionally and cooked on a low fire for at least an hour. There's a recipe on the greens package for white bean and collard soup. I may try that with the rest of the greens. I'll bet you could find some crock pot recipes with collard greens. I bought these at Walmart, a big 2 lb bag, and they looked really fresh. Already washed and chopped. I like buying produce at Walmart because everything moves so fast. There's usually a produce worker on hand re-stocking.
Today is Thurs., which means chauffeuring my mom to her hair apptment and doing her grocery shopping. I'd better get myself in gear.
Hope everyone has a good Thursday.
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A very good morning to you all. As is becoming usual for me, I am drinking coffee and eating in front of the computer with you. The bed is made. The dishes are done. They're from last night as always. I have better things to do when DH is home, and find dishes in the morning a meditative way to start the day- weird? The kiln is started. Away we go.
Tracy, I'm glad your doctor told you the cause of your pain. If you're like me, pain is bearable if I know the reason and eventual solution. How many more treatments do you have?
Congratulations on the end of the hyberbaric treatments, JulieL. I'm so glad it worked. Do you have fresh glowing skin now, isn't that supposed to be a result too? There have to be bennies along the way.
Okiegal, I am anxiously waiting for good news on your nipples and the effect on your breast shape. I know my PS will figure something out for me too. But I also know that I can be OK without, too. However, dog ears be gone, grrrr, bow wow! I wonder how our little corners came to be called dog ears. I am very glad that you are feeling better today.
Carole, I looked up greens in a couple of southern cookbooks and found one suggestion. It said to boil the greens a few minutes and then drain them and change the water to remove any bitterness. They use a ham hock, and serve the resulting stock as a soup. Maybe it would help. Do you suppose that ham hock is the main thing? Have a good time with your Mom.
Bye for now....
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ok, as some of u know this is my goal to have the 1 step when i have a masectomy (no i dont have BC, but have tooooooooooooo many scares & too many procedures done), but i"d love to know abt scars & what your breasts look like after (w/out nipple) & bras. I have 1 friend who doesnt need a bra, another friend who wears Hanes types of bras..would love to hear from you ...do u also know sites where there r pix and/or videos of the procedures..masectomy & reconstruction...how abt pain also after ...how bad was the pain once the drains are out..when did u go back to work...any complications....when did u drive...any info would be great!! thx
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Hi Shoshi, You are lucky to have the time to research this. The sites that Okiegal directed you to are the best I know of. The Lifecell Alloderm site has videos of the actual procedures, hard to watch but very informative.
I had a unilateral mastectomy and need to wear a bra for symmetry. From the front the new breast matches the natural breast beautifully, even has a pretty good crease underneath. From the side there is a difference in shape, the new breast is fuller at the top. It has a dent in the upper inner quadrant. The scar is straight across the center of the breast and flattens the shape. The breast moves a lot when I use my chest muscle. Hope that's not too much information.
I was lucky with my recovery. I needed pain meds twice in the hospital, but took only a half an oxycodone one time at home. I recovered remarkably fast, to the amazement of friends and family. Fatigue and an emotional roller coaster were more of a problem than pain. The drains are a real bother. I drove at about two weeks. Taught a class at three weeks. Part of the stitched up incision died and had to be trimmed and re-sutured. That was also easier than I expected and I recovered quickly.
Good luck in your research. Ask if there's anything else you want to know.
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Hello all!
I have good news, I got patplogy report yesterday. Even though they found some atypical cells, there are no cancer cells were found, that means tumor was completely removed during lumpectomy in August.
Welcome Shoshi, I had a unilateral mastectomy last Friday, and I already drove myself yesterday. Also, I am walking every day about 2 hours. I am feeling pretty good, but still have my drain in. It is not bodering me a lot, but I am also wondering if it is really painfull once it is out.
JulieL, I'm glad you are done with hyperbaric treatment and it worked.
okiegal, I'm sorry about infection and pain you have, but antibiotics will help and you'll be fine soon.
YearoftheHat, good luck with you PS appt!
Tracy, I am sorry you are in pain, but think about benefits you'll have at the end of you treatment. Good luck!
fortunate1, I also like Mt. Tamalpais trails event it is a little bit far from my house, not often, but I like to go there!
Hope everyone is doing well and has a good day!
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Shoshi, you can ask 10 women your questions and possibly get 10 slightly different answers! I had nipple-saving and skin-saving bilateral MX. My scars are 3 1/2 in. long and extend from the edge of the aureole toward my side. One scar is soft (the one that was trimmed and resutured) and the other scar is thicker and not as soft.
My drains were removed after 9 days. Removing them was painless and the holes were sore but not painfully so for a week or two. I had an On-Q pump installed during surgery with a tube in each breast. This pump automatically injected numbing agent, so I didn't need to take a prescription painkiller after 2 days at home. I took Tylenol for arthritis every 8 hrs.
I started taking short walks the 2nd week. I was cleared for driving after 2 weeks but chose not to drive much because my range of motion was limited. Plus I didn't need to drive. My dh is retired and was willing to play chauffeur.
Hope this helps, but your drs. will set your limits and your body will let you know what you can do. I am OK's recovery is not typical, in my opinion.
Good luck and what great news that the cancer is gone!
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Hello Everyone,
Okiegal, I have been thinking about you. I'm glad to hear you're not having any ill side effects from the medication. I bet in a very short time, when the swelling goes down, you will be very happy with your nipples!
Yes, I have been using the crock pot! You have started a new Sunday tradition around here. Last Sunday I made a beef stew...it was very good. I also made pot roast and the cranberry pork roast a second time. We are usually very busy over the weekends. It is nice to have sometimes ready at the day of a busy day!
I am OK, Excellent News with your pathology report! I think you're a super woman! You should relax a little. You still have a drain and walked for two hours! When I had my drains, I was lucky if I made it from the recliner to my bed! Celebrate your good news!
When they took my drains out, it hurt a little. Only while they pulled it out. Then it didn't hurt, but the site where the drain was a little sore. Julie, You made it through the hyperbaric treatments! Do I detect a little disappointment?! No way could I have done that! Good luck on you next adventure...nipples! Enjoy your weekend away...wide open spaces I hope!
Carole, I have never had collard greens. I'm not sure I would like them. I have never seen them on any menu around here or I'd give them a try! Last night, one of our favorite restaurants was giving 20% of their profits to breast cancer research. The place was packed....I wondered how many were bc survivors...or lost someone to bc. It was a little sad.
Fortunate1, How are the braces?! You too had problem with healing? Yikes! The more I hear of all the complications, I realize how lucky I have been. I might have uneven breasts, but I'm beginning to like them more each day!
Tracey, I'm sorry you're in pain. Is there anything you can take to help? I heard of very light weight t-shirts that were sold at Target... mostly made of cotton and very comfortable. My friend wore them during her radiations treatments instead of a bra. I hope you feel better soon.
Shoshi, My scars are 6 - 6 1/2 inches long horizontally across the center of my breasts...where the nipple was. I had one drain on each side for 2 weeks. The drains were uncomfortable, but not painful. The drains need to be emptied daily and recorded. When the drains were taken out it hurt, but just for a couple of minutes. When the drains came out I felt much better. I did not drive for about 1 - 2 months. I took pain medication for 2 weeks in small doses. My BS and PS told me take extra strength Tylenol after that. You should not lift heavy things for awhile. As you have read here, after you healed you can chose to have nipple reconstruction. Good luck with your decision making.
I had never been a patient in a hospital before. I hated the hospital stay. My sister stayed with me the entire time. She slept in a recliner right along side my bed. I think I would have run if she wasn't with me. Although, I did fall in the bathroom on the second day! Long story, but I fell into the shower. I caught myself on the way down and scrapped my elbow. I did not fell any pain because of the morphine, but my DH and sister nearly had a heart attack when they heard the crash! I know I shouldn't laugh, but every time I think of the looks on their faces! LOL
Year of the Hat, Good luck with your PS appointment.
Happy to hear you're settling into your new apartment. Good luck with building the platform. All the ladies here are so talented!
I had a busy day working, but I enjoy it. The newsletter is ready to be mailed and my luncheon shopping is almost done. I have not recieved a pay check yet. They have not even asked me for my ss#!
Good night my friends.
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I_AM_OK, Great news about the pathology report! I think you must have been in vastly better shape than the rest of us to be able to hike so much so soon. Yes, you are superwoman.
Tracy, the braces are OK, something of a headache today.They warned me that the discomfort would start about now... and voila, here it is. I have to wear them 20-22 hours a day, taking them out to eat. I'm getting better at it, but they're hard to get off, lots of undignified tugging and drooling at this point, each time easier than the last. Not being able to snack is making me so hungry!
DH and I are going out tonight. First to a wonderful art opening I must see, then to a lecture, Burke lectures on religion and ethics, very good. We usually can't get to them, so tonight is special. I'd better clean up and get ready. Very little time and I'm a mess.
Good night all.
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Hello all. I went to the PS in Omaha and he was surprised at how great everything looks. He said he didn't think there was anything that could be imporved upon. Boy, did I feel small, like a real complainer. But the little voice telling me to get a second opinion has gone away. I'm glad I did. He was such a nice man too. I have met so many wonderful medical people through all of this.
Hi Shoshi. It's nice to have you in the one step group. I am sorry that you've had stress and the discomfort and worry of so many procedures. It's so hard to know what is best to do and I'm glad you've found our information helpful. With the drains, having a little sack of your body fluid hanging from you is gross but it didn't hurt at all and when mine were removed in was completely painless. I think the skin there was just a little chaffed and raw for a while. I was very careful when I emptied the sacks and cleaned the end of the tubes with alcohol each time to prevent infection.
My movement was pretty limited the first week but I was driving in deep snow after about two weeks. My scars are about six inches long across the center of my breast, starting at the armpit. They have faded a lot in ten months. I have read about cosmetic tattooing to camouuflage them. I may pursue than at some point.
Carole - Collard greens have got to be very good for you. There were a couple of soul food restaurants in the neighborhood I grew up in but I never did have the collard greens. It sounds like Fortunate found a good technique to prepare them. My sister, brother and I all had an "escape from Buffalo" thing going on in our teens. My sister went to BU in Boston for a few semesters but I think she had trouble blending in with the super wealthy. That's, um, not our background. She finished a degree in Geology back in Buffalo then got her Masters in library science. There is, or was, a marine consortium down on the bayou there where she ran the library for a little while. She is in Nebraska now which is why I came here.
I am OK, what relief and great news about your pathology. You really are OK. My goodness. It feels like such a crap shoot when you are waiting for news. I'm so glad that they got everything the first time. Whew. My brother lives in SF and always goes on the most amazing hikes. He sends me lots of scenic pictures which I can barely believe are real places, they are so spectacular.
Tracey - I'm sorry to hear your about your pain. Pressure from fluid really can cause everything to pinch. Ouch! I hope the pressure subsides and that you can manage the pain somehow in the meantime. It's too bad when any of us has to deal with this kind of thing. It isn't fair.
Meg - what a story about your fall. I guess you really didn't have a very good hospital stay. It's really nice to hear that your sister was right by your side. How funny about your job. I wonder what kind of subtle hints you could drop to remind them to set you up in payroll. I hope you are liking it there.
OK - I dangled the Doris Humphrey Festival carrot. Now I must explain. She was one of the pioneering modern dance choreographers. My dance history is rusty, but this would have been the 40s I think. In '90 someone was putting on the 38th or so annual festival in her honor. I got to dance in the corp. It was like a field trip. We stayed at someone's home in NJ and were bussed into the city for a few nights to run our pieces. A dancer from the Graham Co. who had given us master classes came to root us on. I was excited. One morning I stopped off at a vintage shop in the West Village and bought some flat black velvet shoes with very, very pointy toes and gold emboidery. I walked all over town in them and by the end of the day they were already fairly torn but some youngsters with cameras thought they might get some good pics of them for a local quarterly. Fun, fun, fun. Ah to be young again.
I have become so inhibited in my middle years. I really need to stop that. I can be a little wild. I'd hate to freak anyone out but I'm bored. I need to start moving again, even if my technique is sub par. Who cares??
I am leaning toward white velvet. I had a red velvet couch once, very modern and Italian looking. That was wonderful. Velvet feels so wonderful and can be very soft to look at.
Fortunate, I would like to enjoy washing dishes in the morning. Maybe I'll get up a little early and make this this place nice before I head out tomorrow.
Hope you all are planning for a lovely ime this weekend.
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Good morning all,
I AM OK, to have gone from malignant to only some abnormal cells.... what great news!
Shoshi, I would agree with all the rest.You are probably familiar with the drains and, given your surgical history, are probably well prepared about what to expect. I returned home from the hospital on Saturday after one day and was up greeting visitors on Sunday. I also had an "On-Q" pain pump when I went home. I had extreme itching. In fact I had a large plastic fork handy as a back scratcher for the first 7-10 days. I would lay on the couch contemplating the wooden back scratcher my grandmother used to have! I was really uncomfortable at first, but didn't have a lot of intense pain. I took pain medication for 7-8 weeks and muscle relaxers for about 12 weeks. I spent a few days lounging around the house, but managed to go out to eat the first week and started driving a little on week three. What type of work you do will determine how soon you can return. At the very least, I'd guess you need 4-5 weeks off, but it all depends. There are so many variables. Your surgeon will be able to specifically answer a lot of your questions about scars/incisions, etc. but there are some good documentary photographs at "breastreconstruction.org" under the "personal stories" heading.
Meg9, so glad you are enjoying your Crockpot! Cranberry pork is delicious. Fortunate1, I have some excellent soup recipes for sore teeth. My sister had "orthonathic surgery" last year and had her mouth wired shut for several weeks. That's the type of surgery where they surgically move your teeth forward. I won't go into details, but it was the only way to correct her bite/ TMJ issues. Surprisingly, it's not that painful or so they say, but it was an ordeal.
Year of the hat, so fun to hear about the "old days". I'll be turning 50 in December and have a lot of the same thoughts about stepping out and trying new things. BC reminds us, life is short. We should live it to it's fullest! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only perfectionist. I think it's difficult to know when you're "there". Before BC, everything didn't look perfect, but it was perfectly natural. Now, it's difficult to know if being flat across the front or having small "dog ears" is considered perfect or if it needs to be fixed. I'm glad you went for a second opinion. We just have no way of knowing.
And finally, I like to wash dishes. Weird, I know. I was on the swim team in high school. Maybe I just like water. There's something simple and calming about it, but they do tend to pile up in the sink until I'm inspired. I procrastinate terribly with house keeping, but will be chasing dust bunnies today!
Hoping to visit the local museum this weekend. There's a modernist exhibit to see. Hi Carole, JulieL and TracyAnne! Have a great weekend everyone!
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Okiegal, my "little" sister, Michelle, had that same jaw surgery years ago when she was 16 yrs old. Her underbite was so bad that her teeth didn't meet at all when she clamped them together. During the "wired" weeks she drank all her food (blended into a liquid) through a straw. As years went on, it became evident the operation was done too early because her jaw grew a little more and she still has a slight underbite.
Year, that's great news that the PS you consulted admires your reconstruction results. I'll bet you look terrific. On the do-it-yourself subject, we did a massive renovation on this home we live in when we bought it 18 or 19 years ago. For some of the big jobs like dry wall installation we hired subs but we did a lot of the work ourselves. Dh did all the cabinetry and finish woodwork. I did much of the painting with some help from family. I decided I would install the towel bars and toilet paper holders in the bathrooms. What a project! It had seemed so easy. When I was finished, I was a little nervous about whether the towel bars would hold up under the weight of the towels!
Tonight we're joining a group at our club for Oyster Fest Night. The menu features 10 different oyster dishes including raw on the half shell, Bienville, Rockerfeller, char-broiled, en brochette, oyster patties, fried, Cajun bisque. It's a version of "pig-out" night, which I usually avoid. But today is the birthday of one of the women in the group and the socializing should be fun.
This afternoon my mother has a dr. apptment. Now I think I'll go for a walk. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
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How funny to find fellow happy dish washers! Part of it for me is that I'm washing dishes made by myself and people I know. I don't like the greasy pots and pans. Ick. But anyway, the water feels good, I can admire the dishes, the kitchen looks better so quickly, it's nice. With housework, what I can't stand is vacuuming. That infernal noise and dragging the vacuum cleaner around makes me instantly furious. DH, and my former husband too, are/were stuck with that one. Thankfully the house has hardwood floors and only one carpet. I am very well acquainted with dust bunnies, trophy sized dust bunnies.
Carole, I want to come to the oyster fest! I need a magic transporter!
Year, I am very glad you had the PS visit. I think that what we need most of all is information and discussion. You went and got it. You have no reason to feel small, and are not a complainer.
Loved your New York story. The adventures are not over.
Well, my coffee is gone and I need to get ready for work. I'll be back this afternoon if I can.
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Hello everyone,
Year, It must have felt good to hear the PS say there was nothing he could do for you. I think we all find faults with ourselves. Good for you that you got a second opinion. One more chapter closed!
Sounds like you have a good plan for your project. I enjoy home projects. I'm good at wall papering. The DH and I put up crown molding in our dining room and bedrooms. We gave up after that. The biggest job we ever did was to replace a ceramic tile floor in one of our bathrooms. We have been living in our home for 25 years...we have been through it all!
Okiegal, You sound like yourself...I'm glad your tolerating the medicine. How do the nipples look?
I don't like washing the dishes. It's the worst part of cooking...the clean up. I load up the dishwasher or try to remember to wear rubber gloves not to dry out my hands.
Carole, I'm allergic to shell fish. I have never had an oyster! Sounds good...enjoy the food and company!
Tomorrow morning I'll be setting the tables for the luncheon. If I got done early enough we were planning to go apple picking, but it's going to rain. The orchard has the freshest, home baked apple pie and apple cider. They have the best caramel apples dipped in chocolate and covered in nuts. The scenery would have been beautiful...maybe next weekend.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
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