One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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HI Cheri2, I'm not sure I've noticed extra sweating where the Alloderm was used (the base and outer quadrants of the implants), but I may be sweating a bit more in the chest area. As I understand, the Alloderm is only present until your body absorbs it. Perhaps it's just the implants? I hadn't really thought about this much!
Speech, thanks for the Yoga advice. I tried following an instructor on TV once and her classes were too advanced. I was SO sore every time I tried to follow her and this was a few years ago. I'd like to take a class someday from someone who can give me personal instruction.
LindaNZ, I'm happy that you are reassured. When I first came home from the hospital, I was afraid to bend over. It felt like things were moving around, plus I was sore. Of course, everything eventually healed and now I feel fine.
Carole, you sound like you are in really good shape by now and enjoying rather chilly weather by our standards. We'll be in the low nineties for another week or two, but thank goodness, we are probably past anything in the 100's.
Had a nice visit with my nephew and SIL yesterday. Will have to catch up with other errands and tasks today. Have a good day all!
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I have not noticed extra sweating ( maybe because I don't exercise). I should probably do something about that. I have noticed in the middle of the night when I am sleeping that I get really hot. I have my fan on high also so who knows. I don't remember that before I had the surgery.
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Welcome Cheri2, Strange that you mention sweating. I have noticed that I sweat more easily than I did before. My body has been changing for a while due to menopause and a lack of estrogen...I also put on 10 pounds since bmx, so I'm not sure if bmx and alloderm are the cause. I havn't noticed any changes in odor.
Like to hear what others have experienced.LindaZ, Glad you're feeling better! Let us know how you're doing.
Carole, I'm soooo excited that you went to the bear center!!!!
Lynn Rogers, the bear biologist, life work is to put an end to the misconceptions about black bears... that they are not vicious and we can coexist with them. Currently, teachers across the country are working with him on curriculum for this year!I finished my square that will be a part of a large quilt (30 squares). The quilt will be hung at the bear center. This was my first try at quilting. I hand drew the hearts, vines and leaves on fabric and hand applique them to the square. I printed the photo on fabric paper. The photo is of a cub named Hope. A live cam was put in the den of a wild bear last January. I was watching when Hope was born. The biologists are installing cams in dens again this January. These are not the rescued bears you saw at the center. These are wild bears.
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad293/MOB28/Hopes%20Quilt/Hopequiltbc.jpg
Happy to hear that you and UpCreek had a nice visit!
Speech, I think I have a DVD... yoga for beginners...maybe I‘ll try again!
Okiegal, Maybe that DVD will tell me what "plank" is! I think I feel a visit to the chiropractor coming soon! Enjoy your visit with your nephew!
I was thinking of BigApple. I hope she is feeling well.
It is sunny today...going out to enjoy it! Hope you all have a good day!
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Welcome to all the new ladies. I don't sweat but find that I am never cold anymore.
Carole: You are so nice--but I'm not that young and I'm not really blonde ha ha. And Carole's picture doesn't do her justice. She is an attractive--tall lady and as nice as expected.
Meg: I'm so glad you like bears. I do too but not quite as trusting as you are.
Where is Ally?
Okiegal: It is cooler here but that's okay after all the hot weather.
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Cheri2 I don't have sweat on the breast, but in betwen my breasts I may sweat alot--drops!! Maybe my cotton sports bra is wicking it up.
LindaNZ I am two monts post....my left "normal" breast is looking, well, normal. It has dropped nicely. The right "mx" breast is a little higher and a little smaller than the left. It is not as wiggly as the Left. Maybe that will change....I am going to take another set of "post-op" photos to compare with the others from one and two weeks post op.
take care...
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This is a question for those of you who had a unilateral mx.....I shot some before/during/after photos. I took photos one week after surgery (ugh! did I actually go through that???), one month and now two months after. Things look much better, but my right (MX) breast is higher and therefore looks smaller than the "real" left breast. For those of you who are further along, do things get a little more symmetrical?
My PS has me putting 30 seconds of pressure on each breast 4 times a day in 4 directions....I think the left breast has had enough! It will be to my knees if I keep doing this til November! LOL. I started out with mosquito bites--I am SHOCKED at my before photos--I guess I forgot how teeny tiny my breasts were--barely AA. This is all new to me!
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Meg, Lovely! Thanks for sharing! I'm so impressed! Is the printed photo waterproof? I guess you don't really have to worry about it, the quilt will probably be hung, correct? The "plank" position is where you lift your body up straight, as you would if doing a full push up, but instead of going down for another pushup, you hold yourself up in a straight "plank" position for several breaths. My shoulders are a little tired this morning. It must be doing something!
Went for a bike ride yesterday AM, it was lovely. The lowering in temperatures have put me in a much better mood! It will be in the 90's today, warm enough today to incubate yogurt in the car...again.
One more comment on the "sweat" query. What you eat can affect body odor....onions, garlic, cumin, etc.
Have a nice day all.
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Hi everyone,
I have not noticed any difference in sweating. However I have been slung back into the "just hit menopause" feeling with hot flashes in the middle of the night. Femara is to blame, I think.
School is back in session. Too many students at one school. I still have hopeful crashers hanging around. So many classes have been cut and the demand is more than ever. California could suffer from this later.
Weather report here. HOT. Hot enough so that I just give up and take my fried brain to the un-air-conditioned bedroom and give it a nap. I can go to the studio in the evening. Classrooms are air conditioned, yay! This would be tolerable weather for some of you... high 80's - low 90's...I'm a hot weather wimp. It looks like it will be cooler today.
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Meg your quilt square is beautiful! I am very impressed you did all this lovely work and it's your first time. Will you make another? I have some vintage postcards of the Grand Canyon that are printed on cloth. I purchased them to fashion something with it but I haven't done anything with them for fear of ruining the whole thing. I used to be really good at sewing (when I was 20)....thirty years rusty now!
fortunate1 It's 90 here in Phoenix and it feels "cool"! I don't do well in hot weather either. Can't wait for cooler temps of October to come.
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Speech, I had bilateral, but my breasts changed shape and position over time. The reason for putting the presser or massaging your breasts is to avoid CC...capsular contracture. I do not massage on a regular basic...maybe once a day I push them up and side to side. I think my breasts are dropping a little too much so I started to wear a bra at home during the day...something I did not do before.
Okiegal and Speech, Thanks for your comments! I bought the photo fabric paper at the quilt shop...You use an ink jet printer and then soak it in distilled water for 10 minutes. I can sew a little...curtains, pillows, hemming...I never made a quilt before. I watched a lot of you tube videos on quilting and applique before I started. I do crochet and did embroidery years ago. I want to make a family memory quilt to hang in my family room. Printing the photos is easy. Cutting and sewing has to be exact...not that easy! This will be my winter project!
Fortunate1, Good luck at school! Where did the summer go!?
It is a beautiful day today. When I woke up this a.m. it was 53 degrees!... 80's now and dropping into the 50's again tonight! I hope everyone has a good weekend!
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All quiet here! I hope this means everyone is busy having fun! Too hot and humid in NY to be outside today. Stay well everyone!
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Yes Meg, where is everyone? It must be hot where you are because it has been very hot here although I'm not going to complain. I haven't checked out your quilt yet but I will--I promise.
Getting ready for my neice's wedding on Saturday. I'm doing the "toast to the bride" so wish me luck.
Had a great Saturday with Carole and her DH. It was wonderful connecting as she is the first person I have talked to that has had the same surgery. Great people and so glad we had the opportunity to spend some time together.
Fortunate: What and where are you teaching? I hope you have a great year.
Hi to all!
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not Carole--sorry--Fortunate 1: that teaching comment was for you! Must be tired.....
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Hello Everyone....I can't believe it's already September!
Meg9 Thanks for the information...I think my breasts will settle nicely eventually. I don't think I ever examined my breasts so much as I have since this surgery. I suppose that is somewhat normal.
Upcreek I hope you have a great time celebrating your neice's marriage and delivering a toast!
My husband and I are going to a cabin the mountains here in AZ with another couple. I am looking forward to get out of the heat and into nature. I have been exercising more recently and hope I can keep up with everyone.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend!
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Hi everyone,
Nice and cool here. So what are we going to do? Take off for the long weekend to a sizzling hot town to visit a dear friend. Can't wait. I always have the greatest times with her.
Upcreek, I am a potter by profession and teach ceramics at a couple of community colleges. The classes are settling in very nicely, a good semester I think. Have a wonderful time at the wedding. A toast to you as you toast the bride.
Wish me well today. I'm off to the hospital to see Dad. He fainted from very low blood sugar last night and was taken to emergency. It is not spoken off as something serious, but I worry. He is fragile.
Hugs all around.
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Fortunate1, I'm sorry to hear that your dad is not feeling well...sending prayers for your dad to be well and back home soon. Glad to hear your classes are going well! Enjoy your trip!
UpCreek, Congratulations to your niece and her new hubby...enjoy the wedding! I was wondering what happen to Carole. She must not have internet service. I think it's great you and Carole had the opportunity to meet.
Speech, It's definitely normal to be looking at the new you! Enjoy your weekend away!
It's another hot and humid day today. Air quality has been poor also. We are expecting high winds from Hurricane Earl tomorrow afternoon...they keep changing the forecast so who knows for sure. I am going to take in the pool floats and put them away for this year. I can't believe this is Labor Day weekend! DH and I are going to one of my favorite places along the Hudson River. My sister will be coming to stay for a couple of days next week. I hope you all have a great weekend!
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Sorry to be out of touch for a week or two. We haven't had good wireless connections at the last two rv parks. We left the MN northwoods (reluctantly, on my part) and travelled to Bayfield, WI, for a couple of days. There are boat trips there to the Apostle Islands, but we opted to explore the pretty little town of Bayfield on foot and drive to a couple of nearby towns. Bayfield has some lovely old Victorian houses. Then yesterday we travelled to our current rv home in Houghton, MI, in the Upper Peninsula. Our rv site is on Portage Lake. The weather was rainy and gloomy this morning, but this afternoon it cleared up enough for DH and I to take a long walk around town. Now he is busy in the galley cooking up a pot of chili.
We had a wonderful day last Saturday with Upcreek and her DH and daughter. When we arrived, we were served a delicious brunch that included home-made blueberry muffins. Later on we learned we were also invited for dinner. The menu was fresh walleye or pickerel, risotto, green beans and home-made blueberry pie for dessert. Delicious! The blueberries were the wild variety and hand-picked. DH and I took seconds on the fish and what started out as a large platter was almost empty. In between meals we were treated to a drive that included a stop-in at their lake cottage and a sailboat trip. And we thought southern Americans were hospitable people!
During our visit Upcreek and I talked about how much fun it would be for a whole group of us to get together at some central location.
Meg, I would love to see your quilt square. I'll PM you my e-mail address. My SIL Deanna made a memory quilt for her parents when they were celebrating their 50th anniversary. She did the photos on fabric. It was really nice.
Fortunate, I hope your dad recuperates. Good luck with the new classes. I remember how summer break used to zip by when I was teaching.
I enjoyed catching up and reading the posts. Everyone seems to be doing well. I wonder how New Bride is doing. She hasn't stopped by in a long time. Ally, how are you getting along? Same question to BigApple.
Everyone take care.
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Hi Ladies
I feel such a closeness with all of you. I think we (one-steppers) are a rare group. I met a wonderful group of ladies last Friday who post here at BC.org....they all live here in Phoenix; none of them were one-steppers. It was the first time I was in a group where all the women had breast cancer--some women have really suffered but what came through was how strong they all are!
It would be great to meet with all of you...did you know there is a gathering in Las Vegas the first weekend in October? I can't remember the name, something like the 2nd annual TaTa reunion. All the women from the happy hour group here in Phoenix are going.
Carole your trip seems to get better and better!
Fortunate1 I hope your dad is okay...such a comfort to have his dear daughter by his side!
I hope everyone has a great weekend....noone here is on the Eastern seaboard in Earl's way, I hope!
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Hi everyone,
Speech, I felt the same way. I was never obsessed about my breasts until I was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery, the obsessing continued for several months. I'm happy to say that I've moved on and am obsessing about other things now! My sister and I went for a bike ride yesterday morning. Her bike is a little faster, but because I've been diligently exercising on an elliptical (and she hasn't), I was able to lead the way. Felt so good being in shape. Last year, I had trouble keeping up.
UpCreek, you sound like a delightful host! And Carole, you and your husband sound like you are having a fantastic trip. Do you plan to head back to LA after the hurricane season?
Fortunate1, I hope your dad is doing better. I heard it said that "getting old is not for wimps", but don't we all wish it would be a little easier?
Here's wishing us all a pleasant Labor Day weekend!
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Okiegal That's alot to celebrate!! I am sure your sister was cheering you on, too!
I feel thatI have turned a corner on my recovery--the fatigue is gone and I am exercising daily. I have not worked up to the intensity as before, but I know I will get there! I am starting to gradually increase my work hours and that feels good, too.
Looking forward to and grateful for the 4-day weekend (I am off on Fridays--yippee!). Take care, all!!
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Okiegal, I'm so proud of you for getting in shape! Once you got rid of the tingles and prickling sensations, there was no stopping you.
We're having a very windy, rainy day here in Houghton, MI in the UP. DH and I still drove the few blocks to downtown and had breakfast at Victoria's Secret. Victoria is an earth mother type who makes all the bread, bagels, muffins, etc that she serves. She also makes pasties, which are popular here in the UP. Supposedly the Welch miners ate pasties for lunch. They're a kind of turnover with a filling of meat, potatoes, carrots, and rutabagas diced up fine. We commented to Victoria today that we'd tried eating pasties and found them dry. She replied that they're supposed to be dry! Otherwise they wouldn't have been good cold lunch fare.
I've been very lazy this summer about writing a travelogue with photos. Today I got a second installment written and sent out e-mails with the link. It's a lot easier than individual e-mails about our whereabouts. Upcreek, there are two pictures of you in this installment!
My recommendation to all of you is to visit Upcreek at your first opportunity. She and her DH and her delightful daughter are lots of fun. And the food they serve is outstanding. The martinis weren't bad, either! Upcreek and I drank a toast to continued good health. BC.org has been a real blessing in this whole horrible experience of bc.
Speech, isn't it great to "turn that corner" and feel more like yourself? I can remember wondering if I would ever feel "normal" again. But time passes and it happens.
Where are Ally, NewBride, and BigApple? Hope you are doing well.
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Speech: I know what you mean about the closeness in this group. The support and friendship I have felt has been so helpful through the surgery and recovery.
Fortunate1: Good luck with your year. I would imagine you would be a great teacher.
Okiegal: If you ever want to venture to the great white north............
Carole: You are too kind. We were talking about you and your DH tonight at supper and we miss you! We were chuckling because after the weather today we thought that you might have your GPS programmed to SOUTH. I will check out your travel log--thanks for including me.
My niece is getting married tomorrow. It's a big deal. She is like our second daughter. So for the occasion I had to shave my armpits and it was quite an ordeal. Because of the SNB on the left there are lots of nooks and crannies and have been worried about injurying myself. I used Veet on the left and it worked. Now I'm paranoid about lymphedema., There isn't too many people I could share this with. Tx, I feel better now.
Goodnight to all.
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When I chatted with my sister in south Louisiana today, she said the weather was very nice, lower humidity and high in the mid 80's. Here in the UP, it was 48 degrees this morning. I jumped out of bed and punched the start button the coffee pot, turned on the heat pump and hurried back to bed. The wind had calmed a little but it was still windy. We drove to Hancock, which is right across the bridge from Houghton, and went looking for the farmer's market. To my surprise, some hardy souls were there with their booths set up. We bought tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, carrots and rhubarb jam, DH's favorite.
Upstreet, be sure to tell your DH that we do have a furnace in our rv (runs off bottled gas) and also a heat pump (electric). About shaving the armpits, I remember that after my bmx, my armpits seemed to have become small caverns, but now I am able to shave. Hope your niece's wedding goes off without a hitch. Give us a report. I wasn't worried about lymphedema until someone started a thread about developing LE after only a SNB.
Hi to everybody.
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Hi all, Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. Carole, your new picture so nice! "Carole among the Hollyhocks"?
Ah, so many accolades for my improved physical conditioning...thank you all, I'm blushing. You would think I would have a fantastic figure by now, but my will power seems to be lacking in the calorie counting department. But, it's a new week, I'll start again!
Shaving....I use an electric razor before taking a shower. Less chance of cutting myself and an opportunity to clean the skin of any bacteria, just in case there has been a little nick. Seems to work just fine. UpCreek, how was the wedding? Hope it went great.
Looks like another beautiful day, I'm off for a short walk and then will undertake my weight lifting routine. Have a nice day all!
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Okiegal: What brand of shaver do you use?
The wedding was wonderful. My niece deserved a perfect day because she is an incredible woman. If you want to see pics--PM your email address to me.
My toast to the bride went very well. Had them laughing and crying.....I guess that was a good thing?
Cold and blustery here today. Carole--glad you have some heat in the RV
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Hi everyone! We had a lovely relaxing mini vacation with one of my favorite people. We ate and talked and petted kitties and talked some more. We were in the CA central coast wine country and my friend is a wine maker so we drank wine and then talked even more. Brought back a lot of wine. The trip couldn't have been better. Meg, no bears there, but way too many deer munching the garden.
It is so good to come back here and see what you are all up to. Upcreek, you are beautiful in Carole's photos, and so are you, Carole. And I like the Carole-in-the-hollyhocks photo too. Upcreek, congratulations on the toast at the wedding. Teacher or not, I do not do well with public speaking. My DH does public speaking for pleasure! Impossible.
Dad is fine. Thank you all for your good wishes. He is discouraged about his overall condition, but this latest incident has not added any new problems. He has requested chocolate chip cookies so I am going to get to baking tonight.
It's so typical of our bunch, we find out that what is happening to us is not so unusual. Shaving. Me too. I have a little "pit" which I shave carefully. Weeks later I'll find one long hair that has somehow escaped... how? I use a regular razor and haven't worried too much about Lymphedema. Maybe I should.
Okiegal and Speech, you are my heroes, exercise, weight lifting. I want to, but never get around to it. I lost that bit of weight but am pretty darn flabby. Jeans make a pretty good girdle, don't they.
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Okiegal....I am struggling with calorie counting too. It's so much easier to work out, but to say "no" to tortilla chips?? Forget about it! I counted calories today...trying to keep it under 1500. Let's see if I count tomorrow. I usually do a count about every 15 days. No wonder I can't lose weight!! LOL
So glad to hear the wedding was beautiful! Rejoicing in Fortunate1's dad's recovery, too!!
Take care, all.
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I was recently admitted to TimTam's picture forum. I tried to find pics of women who had the one step..there are so many women! I didn't spend too much time looking. I thought about posting a couple of my before/after... it might be helpful to others facing what we have already been through. Need to screw my courage to trust that the pics will only go there.
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What kind of razor? An old electric "Lady Remington" that sounds like a lawn mower (but it works!) and a new battery powered wet/dry Remington that I received for Christmas. I always manage to get razor burn with the new one so I have to be careful. I hate razors as I invariably cut myself. I too, struggle with the long missed hair/hairs. Especially under my arms. What with lighting problems and the need for bifocals, it's a wonder things aren't worse than they are!
Ah...calorie counting. I decided to try that approach (as opposed to the WW points system) this week. Let's see if I last passed Wednesday! If I would just be consistent I would lose weight! Umm, chocolate chip cookies....glad you are in CA, Fortunate1. Your trip sound incredible, but I'm glad I don't have to say "no" to the wine too!
Speech, I received a notice from TimTam about gaining access to the new version of the site. I had access to the old version. I haven't been there for a while. I always meant to post a succession of photos. Especially regarding nipple reconstruction. It seems that you never get to see what the final, healed (one year out) reconstruction looks like. I still don't have tattoos yet, but I might go ahead and post anyway. I was nervous about it at first, but am not as much now. We'll see about when I post! I assume no one will know who I am (except for my on line name). And if the photos somehow got passed along, who would know it was me? I want to post to "give back" and possibly help those women who are struggling with their decisions. I would certainly encourage you to wait until you are sincerely comfortable posting.
UpCreek, congratulations, there's nothing like a good toast!
Here's to a great day, all!
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There are one or two examples of the one step on TimTam's site. I too have thought about posting photos. People should know about this option. I've read the weirdest "factoids" about the one-step. I have been too shy so far, and what if they all think I'm a disaster... on and on. Perhaps it's time to be more rational and do the helpful generous thing.
Big class tonight. I have invited a guest artist and have planned an assignment around her technique.
Have a fine day my friends.
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