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One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?

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Comments

  • ally1423
    ally1423 Member Posts: 183
    edited January 2010

    okie, upcreek.....if u guys go ...i'll go.....i'd love to have a reunion when it's warmer out and we're all feeling good.......i wish we could all get some straight answers from the medical community regarding exercise

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    Okie:

    For some reason I thought you were originally from OK and moved here, did I mention my brain is still fuzzy?

  • okiegal
    okiegal Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    No, but I am originally from OK and lived in L.A. for 23 years. I've been to NYC and I traveled to Boston twice this year...It's closer to NY than OK...but I don't live there as of yet. Who knows? Just be glad it's your memory and not your hair that's fuzzy, right?Smile

    But I'd love to join UpCreek, when it's warmer.

    Yes, Alley, a few solid answers from the medical community would be welcome. Until then, I'll just try to do as much as possible, but take it slowly. 

  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2010

    My friend sent me this news clip on how they do the one step reconstruction with Alloderm. Which is the procedure I had done. The PS in this clip is also my PS and he's fantastic.

    http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=137241@wcbs.dayport.com

  • okiegal
    okiegal Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    Wow, that is an excellent animation inserted into their broadcast!

  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2010

    Okiegal

     I thought so too. When I went to him for my consult and he explained how he would do the one step procedure I was too upset to really listen. But then he told me "you'll go to sleep with breasts and you'll wake up with breasts" He made me feel so much better. I'm so glad I chose him because he did such a great job. He made me feel whole again

  • NewBride
    NewBride Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2010

    Hi to Everybody.

    Well, the pre-op testing is done (EKG, chest X-ray, blood work) and my surgery is the day after tomorrow.  My DH is taking a week of comp time so that he can take care of me.  That starts tomorrow so today is the last day that I have to really clean house.  As a general rule, I try to be a pretty good housekeeper but I'm ramping it up quite a bit and sanitizing everything that I can in order to lower my risk of post-op infection.  I'd probably give my Siamese cat a bath too but I know that would land me in the hospital for longer than my surgery.  Her name is "Fang Shui" for a reason.  Seriously though, she's actually a pretty good pet.

    The other thing that I'm doing is even less fun than bathing a Siamese cat.  I've put it off because it makes me sad and kind of creeps me out.  Today I'm composing and/or executing the "just in case something happens" documents. My faith is strong and I know that it's dumb, but I just can't help feeling like I'm setting up some kind of a self fulfilling prophecy.  I guess I should just keep reminding myself that all of my other preparations for surgery have been made in anticipation of my survival and not my death.  Anyway, it's probably good that I have all of this extra housework to do so I can take a break from the sad stuff and release some of this anxiety through the physical activity of scrubbing etc.  Have any of you gone through this too?   How do you keep from feeling scared and ridiculous at the same time?

    Sorry to be so self centered.  I'll be SO glad when I can give more help than I take.

    I hope all of you are having a good day and are healing and feeling well.

  • upcreek
    upcreek Member Posts: 157
    edited January 2010

    NewBride:  Love the name of your cat.  Don't bathe him before surgery!

    I bet all of us had the same feelings pre-op.  I wrote a letter to my husband and daughter should something happen.  All will go well.  This pre-op period is very hard.  Keep busy and it will soon be over.  Will be thinking and praying for you.

  • Meg9
    Meg9 Member Posts: 306
    edited January 2010

    Hello everyone,

    NewBride, I too am Mrs. Clean as the DH calls me. I don't know why, but when I am anxious I clean. The weeks before my surgery I cleaned everything...closets, draws, patio, dogs...you name it. I didn't know what condition I would be in after surgery or if radiation or chemo would be in my future. I just wanted everything in order...even closets!  Now, I am more relaxed then ever about cleaning! I think bc had something to do with it.

    I did not have pre-op tests. BS said I didn't need them? I filled out the papers the morning of surgery. You are well informed and prepared. It's great your DH took a leave from work. Mine did also and it gave me peace of mind knowing he would be there. I will be thinking about you and waiting to hear how you're doing.  (((hugs and prayers)))

    Shoshi, Sorry to hear your still in pain. In the beginning I was sore at the drain site. Each day you will feel better. ((hugs))

    Carole, King Cake sounds tasty and fun. I have walked 2-3 miles everyday for the last two weeks and I have not lost any weight...nothing, nada! So discouraging!

    Fortunate1, How are you healing? Are you happy with your outcome?

    I am Ok, Happy to hear you had a good visit with the PS. I can't lift 5lbs weights yet...it hurts too much.  A while back you mentioned a bra by Warner. I bought two and they are the most comfortable. They also look nice on...I look like my old self...no flatness! Thanks for the recommendation. Style# 2003, Elements of Bliss.  

    UpCreek, How are you feeling?

    Tomorrow morning I have my appointment with the OC.  I hope my white blood count went up. 

    Hope everyone is having a good day.

  • tracyanne
    tracyanne Member Posts: 58
    edited January 2010

    Hello everyone--Just scrolling through three or four pages of posts.  My teaching homework and my son not returning to college until Jan. 24 have been two things keeping very busy.  And, I've been feeling pretty discouraged at times due to continued physical discomfort from rash and itching.  Now the docs are saying I must be newly sensitive to some product I've never been sensitive to before...that radiation changed my skin reaction somehow.  The rash is not on my face anymore--I break out in patches of it on my arms, torso and legs.  Not a terrible thing, but you all know how a constant small pain or irriation can become "big" just because of its continued presence.  Seems like there is still some part of me that always hurts.

    Enough about me--New Bride, work away on that house...I know I found work and errands to be therapeutic!  Plenty of rest time ahead after surgery.  Best wishes to you for a good experience...Fortunate One, my heart skipped a beat or two as I read through the posts and your recent worry about the enlarged gland.  I agree with what you said about none of us ever being the same again--about always having some lingering doubt about our health.  For me, it's a fear that stabs now and then, but sharply and suddenly--like a minor panic attack that I have to talk myself through.

    One nice thing that has happened recently is that the hospital has been in communication with me in regards to a letter I sent about their failure to effectively manage my pain during my one night stay.  I'm very pleased with the actions taken, including having my nurse get instruction and then be assigned to lead a training about the On-Q pump and how it is NOT the same thing as a patient controlled pain-medication IV.  The focus of staff training has been on the importance of nurses acting on behalf of the patients, not asking the patients what they want the nurse to do.  The hospital administrator said they've used my case as an example of how the hospital staff's communication/interaction with patients can greatly stress a patient at a time when they are most vulnerable.

    Later this week (more likely this weekend!) I'll post my letter to the hospital and the response I received on the blogging website I kept through www.breastcancerstories.org and then post the link here.  I need to update the pain management thread I began on this website...whew...just need the quiet time to do it all.

     Glad to know so many here are doing well...Shoshi, you did have a terrible time with pain...my heart goes out to you. 

    Tracy

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited January 2010

    New Bride i wanted to wish u the best of luck. Please dont go by amt of pain......i am the biggest baby of them all!!!! I now have 2 tubes removed & today he did nit waNT ME TOblow his ear drums out , so he gave me somw novicaine & what a difference,

    I have one of the shoer stools, i just wish mine had a back to it!! my DH  helps me shower especailly  my hair & i dont care abt the hair under my arms,,not worth it.

    Remember have a little basket w; your everyday needs it comes in handy since it  so hard to reach.

    keep us posted & out thouhjys & prayers r w/ u!!!!

  • AnnL
    AnnL Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    NewBride,  I hope you feel free to do whatever, and I mean whatever!, you want to feel prepared.  I think feeling ready is a huge stress reliever. 

    I saw my oncologist today, and asked her a few questions that I had been saving for my PS on my next visit.  She basically told me to do whatever I did before!  Amazing!  She said she was more worried about me protecting my mast arm than using it.  I feel some wierdness in the pec muscle, all the way around to my back, but nothing I could call painful.  I asked her if there was a risk of the Alloderm attachment coming undone, and she did not express any concern with that at all. 

    I asked her why the one-step with Alloderm was not more common.  (It seems like lots of people on this forum get flap surgeries).  She said it is the most common in Austin, but that in other cities, such as San Antonio, the flap surgeries are more common.  I wonder why it goes by city like that?  Does not seem very patient-driven.

    Soshi, you sound SO much better..... I hope your recovery is easy from here on.

    Hugs to all,

    Ann

  • fortunate1
    fortunate1 Member Posts: 467
    edited January 2010

    NewBride, You're almost there, with a clean house, tests done and papers in order.... you are going to do so well. It really touches me, your preparations. My mastectomy was last Jan 22, after dutifully showing the lump to my PCP Oct 28 and going through such fear and confusion before surgery. You (and your doctors) are doing a much much better job. Warm hugs and good thoughts will be with you. I hope you will be like a lot of us that experienced relief and elation at having the surgery DONE. 

    Thanks for the good thoughts Meg and Tracy, and the rest of you too. Today I set my next appointment with the Onc for 3 months from now. I will be the reigning Queen of denial until he pokes those lymph nodes again.

    I am healing well, it's back to see the PS on my mastectomy anniversary, in triumph with a nicely healing nipple. It has shrunk somewhat but I continue to be amazed at the way it makes the mound into a breast. I am, of course, still smaller on the recon side, flatter mostly, but I don't think I care as much anymore. 

    We must keep that excellent video of the one-step for the next women that come by. Thank you.

    Tracy, you have changed procedure at a hospital! That's huge!

    Ann, I think the one step is still considered new and different, but it's getting steadily better known. I'm not surprised that it is spreading in an inconsistent way. I had never heard about it, it was definitely doctor driven in my case, and I am very grateful for my good luck.

    Shoshi, congratulations on the tube removal - with novocaine, bravo. You do sound better.

    It has been very windy here today, with big storms arriving. It's pouring rain right now. We need it so much, but the ground can't take it all at once. I think there will be some flooding. I can hear a drain outside my window that sounds like a river. I'm off to check the leaky spots. Big hugs to all.

  • okiegal
    okiegal Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    Good morning all!

    NewBride, it is good to hear you are finishing up with your preparations. I don't think it's "dumb" to have directives or wills in place, but I  reassure you that the chances of you not making it through this are extremely and extraordinarily low if you are in otherwise good health. I would imagine that giving birth is more dangerous. I asked about donating blood when I had surgery, but MX is not a very bloody surgery. Other than that, problems with anesthesia (having the tube inserted) would be the other risky part. Again, if you are in good health, you'll be fine. It's important to remember that even though this is a big deal for us individually and it is "major surgery", it isn't a difficult or risky procedure. In fact, it's rather routine. Hope this helps, it's so easy to get scared about the unknown and unfamiliar. Tomorrow you will be over this hurdle and looking forward to healing! I hope your preparations, support and presence of your DH and family are comforting you today. I'll keep you in my prayers and look forward to hearing from you when you are feeling better. Hugs to you!

    Shoshi, you have me laughing! Your PS is a quick learner!

    I wonder about the popularity of Alloderm also, I'm very fortunate that my BS recommended my PS. She felt that he was open minded. I'm not sure if he's the only one in town using Alloderm or not, but he did isay that expansion is the first choice of many PS here. Even with all of my stinging complaints (which are not his fault), I'm glad I got him. By the way, the stinging is back  after the 10 "girlie" push ups I did last Friday. Glad I have the pain management doctor to see in several weeks.

    TracyAnne, I'm so relieved to hear that you are okay....I have to admit that I was worried. Sorry to hear about your continued problems with rashes. That is awesome news about your effective and affective complaint! Way to go!

    Fortunate1, glad to hear you are healing well. That little bump makes all the difference aesthetically. Mine are healed and quite flattened out now and softer so that they are becoming less visable. That helps lessen some of my frustatration with the uneveness, but if I want to have tattoos, I'll want them to be more even....which will mean another procedure and I'm not in the mood just yet.

    The garden will be doing very well this week, the temps will be in the high 50's or low 60's. There may be a fresh salad in my future! There are still many decorating projects to pursue....to perfection....the current one is drapes for the office. My sister has some neutral colored (very nice) linen drapes that she sewed several years ago for her apartment. Our mother is going to take out the hem and hopefully lengthen them. If necessary, to hide the old crease, I may do something artistic (a stenciled pattern?) Time will tell. We've already spent numerous hours shopping for drapery rods. It's amazing how one small project can take so long!

    Hope everyone has a good day.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,213
    edited January 2010

    Good afternoon to everyone.  It was interesting to catch up on all the news in your posts.  Newbride, I remember how nice it was to come home to a clean house with everything in order.  I wish it was that clean now!  Unlike Meg, I am not Mrs. Clean.  Maybe Mrs. Neat.  Some years back I "laid off" my cleaning lady, deciding I would do the cleaning and pay myself.  The casinos had cropped up on the MS Gulf Coast and my plan was to put my earnings in an envelope and use it for mad money or for trips to the casino.  Well, the envelope didn't fill up with money.  It only served as a reminder of how seldom the new cleaning lady was cleaning!  I decided I would do better just using the money in my purse to spend!

    Stonebrook, I watched the tv clip and was impressed by your dr.  The video is great.

    Shoshi, isn't it wonderful to be rid of those drains?  Glad you're healing and getting better.  

    Tracy, it's good to hear from you.  I guessed that you were busy with your teaching.  That rash sounds more than inconvenient.  Isn't it maddening when drs. really don't seem to know what's causing an ailment? 

    Okiegal, these sensations that are plaguing you are baffling, aren't they?  Have you met up with any other BC'ers on these forums who have the pinpricks and stinging?  I don't feel anything in the chest area but tightness. 

    Meg, don't get discouraged with the weight loss effort.  That exercise is probably making you feel good, and the lbs will come off.  I've noticed from attending WW meetings that women with a lot of weight to lose drop the lbs easier than someone who just needs to drop 5 or 10 lbs.  I'm 8 lbs over my goal weight and 10 lbs heavier than the day I learned I had BC in June.  Today is my 3rd day back "on the WW wagon."  I walked 3 mi. on Sun. and Mon.  Today I went to the driving range with Dh and then played/walked 9 holes. 

    Dh is out on the lawnmower crunching dead leaves on the lawn.  Guess I should do something productive.  Hmmmm....  Maybe I'll empty the dishwasher.

    Hugs all around.

  • Meg9
    Meg9 Member Posts: 306
    edited January 2010

    Hi Everybody,

    NewBride, Best Wishes...my thoughts and prayers are with you!

    AnnL, I found my BS and PS were on different pages when it came to recovery.  PS said "don't listen to the BS."  PS was much more cautious. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I often wondered why the one-step is not used more often also. Could it be PSs are not interested in learning the procedure...maybe patients are turned off by alloderm? From pictures I have seen...the outcome from expanders look better shaped, larger, and not so flat.  

    Shoshi, You do sound like your getting better. How many more drains to go? When they are all gone you will feel much better.  My hair is a little long...It was easier to wash it in the sink. Each day will get better!

    TracyAnn, Glad to hear from you. Sorry you still have a rash. Good for you...training nurses on the on-Q pump!

    Okiegal, I can't believe your garden made it through the freezing cold and snow! That's an accomplishment! Now that I am not working, I'm board! I usually take on decorating projects, but can't get myself motivated! Looking around the only thing that could use attention is my son's room. He moved out in Sept, but comes home most weekends and likes it the way it is.  This spring/summer I will garden. I missed last summer and looking forward to it. In the mean time I need to find something to do!

    Carole, You make me laugh!  I need to lose the 9 lbs I gained since surgery. I was hoping to get rid of it before summer. Right now it's not as noticeable wearing my winter clothes...summer will be a different story!

    My visit to the oncologist went well. The white blood count is up a little, but still low. The good news is no bone marrow test for now. I have an appointment in 3 months.  

    It is cloudy and in the 40's today. Rain is in the forecast. Off to make dinner...chicken cordon-blue...the healthy version!

    Wishing everyone well!

  • ally1423
    ally1423 Member Posts: 183
    edited January 2010

    hello ladies....new bride ...wishing you the best, you are very prepared, now the waiting is the worst part...i know you will be fine...we all are, and you will be too....take good care, and when you're up to it, let us know how you are doing...we'll be here for you....shoshi.....glad you are coming along...you sound better, and because i'm a low tolerance pain person i know where you are coming from....and i promise you will feel better. meg...that's very good news that your wbc is up....traceyanne....good going changing policy in that hospital....managing pain after surgery is cruicial to recovery. i just came from the ps today. he's the one in the animated clip....OMG what he wants me to do now is....with my 2 fingers starting at the bottom of the boob...squeeze the implant up and then let go, and let it fall into place....this prevents cc, and really moves the implant.....ouch...i don't know if i'll be able to do that...i'll try... maybe....in a few days, i was just getting into the massaging thing.........take care everyone.......new bride....i'll be thinking of you. 

  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2010

    Ally,

    We go to the same PS and I massage my foobs a couple of times a day just like he said to. You don't want to have CC. You'll get use to doing it. See I just did mine..lol

  • NewBride
    NewBride Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2010

    Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes, healing vibes and all other good thoughts.  Your support through all of this means so much.  I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 tomorrow morning and I live an hour away so if I'm going to get any sleep I'd better get my shower and take my Valium now.  I will post as soon as possible after surgery.  Bye for now.

  • upcreek
    upcreek Member Posts: 157
    edited January 2010

    Meg9:  I'm doing good.  7 weeks post-op, no pain, very little tightness and energy is returning.  My only issue right now is the ROM thing.  Still have a bit to go on both sides--the SNB side being the worse.

    I went skating on Lake Superior on the weekend.  The ice was smooth and clear and you could skate for miles.  The ice was a foot thick and you could see the water underneath! 

    Nice to hear everyone is doing well.  Thanks Ally and Stonebrooke for the information. 

    Will be thinking of NewBride today... 

  • okiegal
    okiegal Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    Howdy all,

    Carole, we must have the same lazy cleaning lady temperament. I would be happy if I could just hose everything down every now and then. Maybe AnnL has a stall I could rent? Nevertheless, I dutifully force myself to clean somewhat regularly. The sensations are most likely a "confused spinal cord" that is sending out pain signals when it senses anything, even movement, or so I've been told, unofficially. I don't know how this stuff happens, but it's not uncommon. I guess that's why there are pain management specialists. Fortunately, my sister went to "our" BS yesterday and scored some more Neurontin (I could have called, but she did my beckoning). That will hold me until I see the new pain doctor. This is all more annoying than painful. Who wants to have a new doctor?  And I worry that the tingles are signaling rejection or contracture, but realistically, I think it's a "pain syndrome". Arggh, I just want to be able to exercise and get back to normal!

    Meg9, amazing isn't it? Who knew a crockpot and lots of clear plastic would save the lettuces? It's been an uphill, gardening, battle against nature, but at least we won. It has renewed my interest in planting the appropriate plant for each season! I'm sure you will start to find some new interests. You are probably still in recovery/adjustment mode after quitting your job, surviving the holidays and dealing with your son's accident.

    Alley, I remember the nurse showing me how to massage at 3 weeks. She showed me a circular kneading technique and the pinching/pushing motion. I could only do the bare minimum, but eventually, as the tenderness and swelling subsided, I  was able to do them just like she demonstrated. You'll know how much to do.

    Stonebrook, nice to have you joining us!

    Thinking of NewBride today...

    UpCreek, your skating experience sounds AMAZING! My sister would be so jealous! Glad to hear that your ROM is getting there.

    Have a good day everyone!

  • fortunate1
    fortunate1 Member Posts: 467
    edited January 2010

    Good morning friends,

    Newbride will be in my thoughts all day.

    This will be the first really busy day of the semester for me, meetings at one school from 11 - 4 and a night class from 6 - 9 down the road about 15 miles. The traffic can be horrible and there is a big storm on the way. Gonna be cold, wet and fun. DH will have a hot dinner ready for me when I get home.

    Upcreek, your skating sounds beautiful. It makes quite a picture in my mind, water flowing under clear ice, miles stretching out, wow.

    Okiegal, tender lettuces under the plastic, more beautiful images. I have lettuce too, coming up in the garden and in between cracks in the bricks paving my paths. Also several bright red tomatoes that didn't get the "it's winter" memo. Also lots of Italian parsley. Everything is soaked here. Water has found it's way into the studio in brand new ways, and forced itself under a door to the bedroom. And today is supposed to be the big storm.

    Stonebrook, Thanks, I just did mine too. I had been giving it a break after the little surgery and the bruising that came with it. Yours was a good reminder.

    Weight, up two pounds, how can that be? 

    The pins and needles, the rashes, post-op pain, begone! And as long as I am indulging in magical thinking, an extra week inserted into our lives, and plane tickets so that we could all get together for a visit.

    Better get going or I won't be ready. 

  • upcreek
    upcreek Member Posts: 157
    edited January 2010

    Okiegal and Fortunate1:  Happy that you enjoyed the skating report.  Probably a different image of January than you have?  I'll trade you a couple of days of winter for some fresh vegetables!

    Fortunate1:  What a nice thought--for the extra week and plane tickets so we can get together. 

    Okiegal:  Does exercise make your tingling worse?

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,213
    edited January 2010

    Hi, everyone.  Newbride, I hope you're cancer free by now (3:12 pm) and resting comfortably. 

    Fortunate, wishing you a great semester and talented students. 

    We've run the gamut of weather conditions today.  Fog early.  Later on some rain showers out on the golf course that sent all the lady golfers scurrying to the clubhouse.  More fog.  Now the sun is out and I have the patio door open.  My long pants feel a little warm.  Thinking of changing into shorts.

    Have a great evening.

  • AnnL
    AnnL Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    Shoshi, we need an update.  You are sounding so much better, and I hope even better now.

    NewBride, we are all thinking of you and look forward to hearing from you as soon as you are able.

    I rode my horse today!  I was very conservative and had my trainer get on him first.  But then I got on, and I could not feel anything to worry about.  Actually, I bounced less than before, thanks to a bit of reduction on the good side and a great sports bra.  I highly recommned the Champion zip front.   So far, at least, ... I will have to report on how the zipper holds up after some wear.

  • okiegal
    okiegal Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    Fortunate1 is waving her magic wand, Carole is enjoying a varied weather day, UpCreek skating on the lake and AnnL riding her horse....I love checking your posts! UpCreek, I'm going to use one of those imaginary airplane tickets and have my sister bring you some Arugula, Spinach and some Mache....for a lovely salad. Should she bring her figure skates or would you advise some other type?

    The stinging seems to be brought on by upper body exertion. I really shouldn't have done those push ups last week. Maybe developing the pec/chest muscles is a bad idea or maybe I should only do 2 to start out. I am doing some arm and shoulder exercises too, but I was, more or less, fine until I did the little push ups. Lower body exertion isn't a problem. Vacuuming, shoveling snow, etc. are some of the activities that have brought a return of the prickling. I'm inclined to just keep exercising and deal with it. I'm almost 8 months post surgery, seems like I should be passed "being careful".

    And then there is AnnL, back on her horse! Bravo! Sounds like you are moving at your own careful pace. Again, we are all so different.

    It's 8:20AM here, which means it's about 6:20AM in CA. I wonder if NewBride is enjoing breakfast in the hospital? I hope she is feeling better and will go home today.

    Best to all, hang on Fortunate1, sounds like you all aren't finished with the rough weather!

  • Meg9
    Meg9 Member Posts: 306
    edited January 2010

    Hello Everyone,

    Thinking of NewBride and hoping she is well enough to be on her way home today.

    Shoshi, I hope you're feeling better!

    AnnL, I knew you would be riding your horse soon! Great that you are feeling up to it!

    Upcreek, My niece invited DH and me to join her ice skating last weekend at a nearby state park. It is an outdoor rink. DH worked all weekend so we didn't make it. Part of me was glad...it's been a long time since I've been on skates! It would be fun and we plan to reschedule. I'll let you know how it goes...hopefully I won't break anything!

    Fortunate1, I hope you're not getting flooded.   It's good to be busy with work. It's beginning to feel like Groundhog's Day around here! At the suggestion of a friend, I went to the craft store yesterday and bought wool and a crochet needle. I'm going to attempt to make an afghan. I don't need or want one...I just couldn't find anything else to do! On the internet I found information on different types of stitches and I've chosen the basket stitch. I'll probably be done by Christmas and will find someone to give it to! LOL I can't wait until the warmer weather comes!

    Okiegal, We had our bmx the same week. I have not done any chest exercises. If I do I feel some discomfort. It's manageable, but I'm concerned that I might be hurting myself. I think it was Carole who said her PS did not recommend chest exercises...they push the implants under the arm pits?

    My left breast has been feeling strange for a while. I feel like I'm being poked and it's annoying.  I think it has something to do with the scar or alloderm (it's around that area). The poking feeling is really an area that is not moving when I move. Maybe CC? My next appointment with the PS is in May. I should make an appointment sooner to see what the she thinks, but if it is CC not much can be done except surgery. Surgery is not an option for me at this point. My breasts have a natural drop. From the front view they look pretty good, except for the dog ears...one on each breast. A couple of months ago the right breast was lower, but now they are pretty much even! I do have some concerns that all the massaging is wearing down the implants and shortening there life.  Also, do think massaging effects the alloderm? Obviously, I have too much time on my hands. I better go take my 3 mile walk and try crocheting! Then I can look forward to walking the dog, more cleaning and cooking! Ugh!

    Hope everyone has a good day!

  • fortunate1
    fortunate1 Member Posts: 467
    edited January 2010

    Time in California, 8:00, my clock just chimed. Newbride is undoubtably up and hopefully feeling that post surgery relief. 

    Lots of rain and wind here, water everywhere. I've been digging out a neglected drain, which helped a little. There's another one that needs attention but won't get it until things calm down. Class was lovely and easy despite pounding rain and high winds. Quite a few students didn't brave the weather so it was easy to help everyone. I lost an avocado tree, snapped right off and lying in the grass. It didn't produce well anyway so it wasn't too sad. There are limes knocked off our tree and lying all over the ground. Who wants some?

  • upcreek
    upcreek Member Posts: 157
    edited January 2010

    I'll take the salad from Okiegal and the limes from Fortunate1.  Thanks.

    Okiegal:  Where does your sister live?  Hockey skates are probably better with the lake ice but I don't think it really matters.

    Fortunate1:  Does it really rain in San Diego?

    AnnL:  I can't believe you are riding your horse.  That is great.

    Re push-ups:  I do "counter push-ups" (against a counter) which are easy on the pecs but still gives them some gentle exercises.

    Meg9:  Easy on the skating.  I roller skate in the summer so my ankles are good.  You don't want to fall.

    Carole:  Hope you get a golf game in today.

    Did my stretches.  Going for lunch with my sister.  Back to work beginning of February.

    Hope everyone else is doing well. 

  • fortunate1
    fortunate1 Member Posts: 467
    edited January 2010

    Okiegal, have you seen this thread?

    Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome