One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Meg9,
Too funny we have had a shunk visit also the past few days. He/she is stinky... DH is researching how to get rid of it. I think the trapping is probably the best way.
Happy Friday all!
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Boo, everyone!
There's a guy with a business here called "The Skunk Whisperer", maybe he has a friend who can help you out?
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I saw my PS on Friday...when I walked into the hallway the staff and my PS were watching the Pink Glove Dance sequel. Needless to say, I was very choked up. I had never seen the first one and now the sequel is out. Check them both out at: http://pinkglovedance.com/
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Checked out the pink glove dance. Great way to start a Sunday morning! Tx
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Sweet! Great way to start the week. Think I'll go do a little dancing (or exercise) myself!
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So touching. The original made me cry, and I'm crying again with the sequel.
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Thanks Speech. I saw the first one video, but not the second.
Okiegal, I think I have my own skunk whisper! DH has been tip toeing in the yard wearing glasses....to funny. I told him skunks can spray 15 feet and shoot for the eyes! He he he
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OMG , just received phone call...my surgery is on Nov 25th...in just few weeks!!!! I was shaking when I said :"Book me in"...scared, but happy it will be over soon. I just hope my nipple will survive, I really worried about it.
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Hi to all. BRCA1, good luck on the upcoming surgery.
We don't seem to have skunks down here in south LA. Maybe the climate is too bad?
I've smelled the musk a few times when we were traveling and there was a dead skunk in the highway. You can understand why skunk predators steer clear. We're having some much-needed drizzly rain today and more is predicted for tomorrow.
This is a busy week for chauffeuring my mother to apptments. Today, Thurs. and Fri. On Thurs. we're going to a therapy clinic that offers hydro or aquatic therapy in a pool. I'm hoping the sessions will help her get stronger. She's having more difficulty transitioning from sofa to electric wheelchair, etc. She'll be 88 in Dec. I'm afraid the time is limited that she'll be able to live alone in her house.
I voted this morning about 10 am and was lucky enough not to have to wait in line. There was a long line for another voting precinct that votes in the same building. I'll be very glad to have the election returns announced and the political commercials on tv come to an end. I'm just amazed at how outrageous and vicious the accusations are. I've reached a point that I wouldn't believe anything that I couldn't substantiate with facts. It seems that campaigning is equated with character defamation. Off my soapbox!
Hope everyone is doing well.
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BRCA1: It will soon be over and you'll get to live a long life. Will be thinking of you.
Carole: We are lucky to still have our mothers. What will we do without them? Mine just had a tumour removed from her neck and my sisters and I have been taking turns spending nights with her until she gets back on her feet. She is 83.
Beautiful day here today. Still riding our bikes until it gets colder.
Hi to all!
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upcreek You said it! You are lucky to have your mom. Mine died of ovarian cancer in 2004. I wonder what she would have made of all this? Although she is physically gone, I feel her presence. In fact, the night after I made the decision to go for the mx, I dreamed of her. She did not say anything, but I felt such a peace and confirmation from her.
I am glad your mom has you and your sisters....that's what it's all about. Hope she bounces back fast.
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speech529 sorry about your loss. My mom died from ovarian cancer as well in 2004. Some times I think, why didn't she had hysterectomy? She was a breast cancer survivor ( 15 years) and if she would remove ovaries she would still be here. I need her so much now , that I am getting ready for surgery. I think there is nobody else who can ever comfort me as my mom
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I have a question regarding changing the dressings on the incisions. How often will I have to change it? I am thinking to hire the nurse to do it for me, as I am sure I will be scared to look ( I know, big baby) and I don't want my husband to see it until it nicely healed ether.
Also, I think I will be able to take care of my drains myself, right? Also, I've been told I will have to wear post mastectomy bra for the first 3 weeks 24/7. Did anybody else wear the bra after surgery?
Very silly question....about catheter. Does it hurt to put it in? I had only one surgery in my life and catheter was put in when I was already sleeping and when I wake up it was already out. The idea of getting it in while I am awake freaks me out a little...
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Big hug, BRCA1. My experience with dressings.... lots of gauze and a big ace bandage-like wrap. They were changed by the PS in the hospital and during the very frequent visits to the PS for the first week or so as he watched over the healing process. Then for me there was a soft shapeless post-op bra with a gauze pad. It didn't shape or support anything. After the drains were out I wore a regular bra with a gauze pad for any bleeding.
You might find yourself very curious about how it looks, go ahead and look. It is weird, but such a sign of life saving progress. I had a sad bit of misunderstanding with DH after surgery. He thought I didn't want him to see. I thought he didn't want to see my altered body and cried and felt rejected until I asked him and we talked it out. So, my warning, make sure you know what each other are thinking!
Drains. Everyone hates them, but they're not so hard to take care of. They do a good job of helping you heal. I wonder what it was like before they were used, yikes.
Catheter. There are no silly questions! For me it was as you say, put in after I was asleep. But, not taken out (painlessly) until they decided I was OK to make it to the bathroom on my own. The timing on that is a little hazy.
Hello everyone. Talk about feeling rejected. I've been so sad about losing my class. I have been talking myself into "re-inventing" myself yet again. More time to do my own work, garden, travel-less money- loss of professional regard- on and on self torture. Finally I cornered the full time prof. and talked about it. Not so bad. He wants to give me three semesters on, one off, with the same for the new adjunct. Says he doesn't want to lose me. Hey, I can live with that.
Hope your day is bright and sunny, Hot and sunny here, with a kiln to unload, hope for beautiful pots! And... though no Mom, a Dad to visit! Count our blessings.
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BRCA1 You lost your mom too...and the hurt is compounded because she fought BC successfully! I am sorry you are going through this and without your mom. She was so young!
The drains are necessary for healing...they are a pain, but not difficult to manage. If you have someone to help you, that would be great. I wore a sports bra 24/7 from June 28 until Oct 29 per my doctor's orders. I am so glad to not have to wear the bra at night any more!! Follow your doc's orders about the bras, massage, etc.
I had catheter inserted for both the hysterectomy and the mastectomy and I was asleep when they did it. I remember when they took it out for after the hysterectomy....no big deal. I think they must have removed it before I was fully awake after the mx.
Thinking of you!
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BRCA1: I didn't wear a mastectomy bra. Like Speech, my PS told me to wear a sports bra but not necessarily all the time. The drains wern't as bad as I thought they would be. I needed help to drain them. Dressings--you should have home care until you don't need dressings anymore. I was afraid to look at the scars too--but a nurse encouraged me to because she said things looked really good. I didn't have a catheter and was able to get up to the bathroom when shortly after I was awake.
Fortunate1: Hope you won't feel rejected much longer. I know how that feels.
Hi to all. Off to work.
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Thank you for answers.
Sitting here in the office and crying....one of the woman I know, she is 33....2 months ago found "something" in her breast and today dr told her , after she will finish chemo she has 6 months to live. Two kids before age 4...I don't know how people believe in God after stories like this. I am so mad, what did she do to have it? What did her kids do to have life without mom? Fucking cancer...
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Carole, I hope your mother gains strength from the aquatic therapy. My mother was my best friend and I miss her terribly. She had Alzheimer's and was eventually was placed in a nursing home. (Not my choice). It was sad...I was with her all the time and she did know who I was... Same with my dad.
Fortunate1, Three semesters on and one off sounds good to me...Good luck with your pots! I'm sure they'll come out beautifully!
It's almost a year since I quit my job. At first it was great to have the time to do the things I enjoy, but staying home can get tiresome. DH works longs hours and has a long commute so he is not around much. I do keep myself busy, but it's not the same as working.
You mentioned a misunderstanding with your DH. My DH was great at helping with the dressings and drains. He came with me to every doctor visit and test I had to take. I know he loves me, but he is not comfortable with the foobs...totally avoids them in every way.
BRACA1, The hospital gave me a bra that had Velcro straps. PS said to get a sports bra a size larger to accommodate the swelling. I wore the bra 24/7.
My dressings were changed every other day. I had yellow medicated strips over my scars and around the drains. The strips were then covered with 4x4 gauze pads and my bra held everything together. A nurse visited the day after I came home. She went over changing the dressings, emptied my drains and left supplies. I did not look at myself for over a week. The drains are uncomfortable, but necessary...like my NP said, "would your rather have that stuff in you!"...Answer NO!
The catheter was placed while I was asleep. Remember to drink...I was not drinking enough and they would not remove it until enough fluid was recorded.
It is cold and raining today. I made a wreath with a black bear sitting in it for the fundraiser the North American Bear Center is having. I'm finishing a harvest wreath for my front door. Then, I'm going to make a bear wreath for me! I hope you all have a great day!
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Meg, I hope you'll take a picture of the bear wreath and e-mail it to me. I looked at fall wreaths today in a store. They were actually pretty nice. Made in China. Not expensive at all.
The story about the young mother with 6 mos. to live makes me feel very sad. Speech and BRCA, so sorry you are without your moms. I'll be extra patient and gentle with my mom, who will turn 88 in Dec. She has lost ground mentally and physically since the spring of this year. I'm hoping she will enjoy the aqua therapy. We went to the therapy facility today for her to be evaluated. It's very nice and the people are helpful and friendly. The pool therapist is a young man. Once the therapy sessions end, my mother can pay $45 a month and use the pool to exercise on her own or with the help of a family member.
Fortunate, 3 semesters teaching and 1 semester off sounds pretty good to me. I'm confident you will use your time creatively. Let us know about the pots in the kiln. A picture of two would be nice.
Hi to all. Ally and BigApple, hope you're both doing great. Same sentiment to others who haven't checked in for a while.
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Hi Carole, I have calmed down considerably. It was actually strange news to get while I was convincing myself that I really need to spend more time on my own work, etc etc... I am going to welcome the time off.
I will try to post some pictures. It was a good firing. I have been making vases that have womanly shapes, breasts, bellies, hips. My salute to caring about our bodies. Not good sellers, wouldn't you know.
My class and I created a "Day of the Dead" altar in the ceramics room.... some interest from the other classes. I put in a photo of my dear Mom in her youthful gorgeous days.
BRCA1, it's so sad that the woman with the young children got such awful news. I know we have no guarantees in this life, but that is heartbreaking. What a privilege it will be if we all manage to become old women.
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Hi all,
I finally sat down yesterday to go through a box of letters and cards that I had saved over the years. The dates ranged from 1981-1989. I had thought that I would throw most of them out, but as I read each and the ending salutation "Love, ___", I ended up saving them all! Such and important thing to say and show! A heartwarming afternoon.
Meg9, I recently signed up with a "1-800" volunteer organization. They haven't contacted me, but I know what you mean. It's better to be out of the house and in contact with others on a regular basis. Good for the spirit!
BRCA1, it's always so devastating to hear about such tragic struggles. I have a dear friend who died of esophageal cancer. He and his wife were a wonderful couple who had just had their first baby about a year prior to his diagnosis. Her mother had died a few months earlier of ovarian cancer. Such a horrible, unimaginably heavy load, but their faith and faith community, along with family and friends, is what sustained them through it all.
On another note, I don't really remember as much about my incisions or changing the dressings as all of you. I think there is some sort of "survival instinct" that kicks in and makes you more able to handle these previously unimaginable tasks. I remember that my incisions were clean and healed very nicely. At some point after surgery, I realized that I had a catheter and remember thinking, "Good, I won't have to get up to go to the bathroom tonight!" It wasn't uncomfortable and didn't hurt at all when it was removed. The drains were uncomfortable, but not painful and also didn't hurt when they were removed. Overall, I would use "uncomfortable" to describe a lot of the whole process. Nothing really painful because I took the prescribed pain medication.
It's finally getting a little colder at night (down to 32 last night). I'll try to keep the lettuce alive a bit longer, but won't make any grand efforts this year. Fortunate1, your pots sound very interesting. I'm glad to hear that you will have classes!
The sun is shining, looks like a beautiful fall day. I better get busy and use the time wisely! Have a good weekend and "hi" to everyone!
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Okiegal, your mention of lettuce reminded me of a backyard visit with one of my neighbors last week. I walked over to chat with her and she asked if I would like some lettuce from her garden. She had planted romaine, and they were so pretty. Fresh and green. She gave me one of them. I forget how rewarding growing a garden can be. I had a very large garden for several years when we first moved to this house. All those veggies led to buying a freezer and so on.... Now I grow herbs on the patio among the flowers in the pots and that's it for gardening.
Fortunate, your pots do sound interesting. Hope you can get some pictures up for us to enjoy.
Hi to all.
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BRCA1 That's horribly sad about your young friend. I don't understand why either. It is devastating. I hope you have someone nearby with whom you can share and get comfort. My sister lost her best friend to BC when she was just 30 back in the 80s. She had a little boy who was 4. Her death was a huge loss for all.
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Hi All
Back in August after my surgery I asked you if it was too soon to worry about my new foob - and you all assured me it was. Thanks for your replies. Several months later it is interesting to read the responses to BRCA1 and see the very different experiences we've all had. I had unilateral mx (skin but not nipple sparing), the B cup survivor has only a little droop which I'm quite happy with. The new one (the imposter!) is high and hard, and bulges towards the cleavage. This has got smaller with time but is still there. I've yet to do the nipple surgery - which I guess I'll do. The PL did save a little of the aureola - but it is way higher than the aureola on the real breast. I'm interested in any comments about nipple surgery in a later operation (as opposed to nipple sparing at the time) - and matching the nipple/aureola of the other breast.
BRCA1: like most of the women here I am happy to have gone the one-step route (with pigs skin alloderm!) - especially when I read of the hassles my fellow august masectomy sisters are having with their TE's and still facing surgery. My recovery seemed much much easier. It was fantastic immediately after surgery of having 'something' there swathed in bandages as it was, rather than be flat. Life is almost back to normal for me (except that I am still waiting for my oncotype result). I mostly wear a soft sports bra now - and when I am wearing this no-one, not even me, can tell that I have a foob so long as I am upright. However, without a bra - they are uneven - I'm still hoping that the foob will drop a bit. The main effect for me is when I lie down - they are very different - the foob just doesn't flatten at all and even with a bra and clothes is noticeable. The second effect is that it feels very hard and not at all natural. And of course it has no sensation. My PL seems happy with the result in terms of its shape. I've no issues with sausages or ripples like some of the others here. Hope your surgery goes well.
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Hi and thank you so much for your responds and support. It is very interesting how this time in my life makes me realise that I really don't have anybody to talk to but this forum with complete strangers who comfort me. I can not tell about my surgery to any of my friends, they will just think that I am nuts. I told one of the woman at work and she looked at me and said that I am stupid...stupid!!! I was never close to my father, so no help there. My sister is too "cool" and ruff. I think she is more strong then I am and every time I tell her how scared I am she gets upset with me and tell me that I need to stop be such a wimp etc. Husband...well , he is a second one , the one I shared noting with yet but great times and happiness. We will celebrate our ONLY second anniversary, so all new between us. I am actually have "super plan" how to make sure he will not see a drop of blood or drain or fresh scar on me, because who knows how he will react . He is very supportive now, but he had never had any surgery himself and never cared for anybody after surgery and recently told me how he can not handle to see people throw up...it is too much for him apparently
I need my mom.
Btw, can somebody please help me to get rid of that knot in my stomach I have all the time now becouse I am scared of surgery , pathology report, MRI before surgery , thought of looking at my new breast, nipple die, cancer, pain syndrome...you got the picture. It is 17 days until my surgery and I am a mess. I tried to make myself cry over the weekend in hope of feeling better , but I have no tears. I am not doing very well emotionally and just need to stop being a big baby and put on "big girl" pants, which I can't find lately...oh and did I mentioned I can not concentrate at work at all, I need to do my job and my brain failing me. Thank you for listening....I know my problem compare to what woman go thru when dx and facing chemo and radiation and more complicated reconstraction is nothing , but still. Am I weak person for feeling this way?
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LindaNZ, welcome back. Good to hear that you are doing so well! You have mentioned some issues with the unilateral MX and reconstruction that I had never considered. Too bad there isn't a master list somewhere that we could all add our valuable "two cents" to for others weighing the pros and cons of uni or bilateral MX. As my bilateral nipple reconstruction, my PS used the "bowtie flap" which is a flap procedure that utilizes the original incision and the surrounding skin to create a reconstructed nipple. It's sort of a "nipple origami" and is finished off with a tattooed areola (which I haven't bothered to do.) Mine initially looked good, but uneven from side to side (I was upset.) Eventually, as they healed, they flattened out dramatically (I was relieved...because they were crooked!) Now they are still visable and mentally, they say "nipple" to me, but don't cause any problems underclothes. I'm happy enough that I haven't had anything else done, still dragging my feet on getting tattoos. I think it's difficult for reconstructed nipples to maintain their projection because of the pulling force of the skin over the implant, but it does help give a finished (if not completely perfect) look. Of course, there is the risk of infection, etc, but the procedure is very minor.
Carol, my sister is the farmer with the big visions. We've talked of buying a freezer, but after last winters overzealous gardening efforts have decided that it's cheaper to buy expensive vegetables at Whole Foods! However, lettuce is super easy to grow. Next to basil, it's my favorite and if you were my neighbor, you could come over at your leisure and grab as much lettuce as you want! We have so much that we steamed a bunch of Arugala this weekend. It's great with a little garlic thrown in. Very similar to Spinach. When I went to serve it up into bowls, I noticed a little cooked worm at the bottom of the pot! Oops! And I thougth I was being so careful washing every leaf!
Hope everyone is doing well, have a good day!
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BRCA1, after I posted, I noticed you had also posted. I would answer a big NO. You are not a weaker person. I can't imagine a harder thing than to opt for a preventative MX. One is very motivated when cancer looms. You think "Just get rid of them"! I think all of your anxiety is completely normal and will affect every area of your life. I agree, this forum is amazingly supportive and we are here for you, but you also sound like you need some supportive people in your life. Sort of a "boots on the ground" kind of thing. Is there a cancer support group or some other group that you can reach out to? Perhaps your doctor can recommend one? I would say a group rather than just one person. Neighbors? Other relatives? No matter, you need to reach out, somehow. This is too much for you to handle all on your own and your husband sounds like he might be more helpful if he knew what to expect or how to help. Also, if you are experiencing extreme anxiety, talk to your doctor. Compassionate people are a better option and will add to your life and can talk to you. Pills only have "Bandaid" potential, can be addictive and can interfer with your work, etc.
Finally, I want to call your co-worker bad names, but I don't know her, so that would be judgemental, but she sounds stupid.
Also, if you need anything, PM me. I'll check back later.
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BRCA1 - I had the same surgery you are having for the same reasons. My mom died of BC 5 years ago and it took me that long to decide to get tested for the BRCA gene. I had always said if I have the mutation I am getting them taken off. Well I had it and was very scared to go through with the surgery, but I knew for me it was totally the right thing to do. I had that knot in my stomach up until they gave me the medicine to relax me before they wheel you in to the operating room. The worst part of it all was the anxiety that I had before the surgery. Not knowing what to expect even though I was on the FORCE message board reading everything I could every day before my surgery. I have a 10 year old and a 6 year old and was so scared that something would happen to me during surgery and they would lose there mom. I woke up from surgery and was like wow ok it is over and that was pretty darn easy. Granted I had great pain medicine but looking back it is a blur ( prob. from the medicine). My husband was very supportive and helped me with the drains no problem. They suck because they are attached to you but they are really not as gross as you would think. Now 6 months later and 1 revision later and I am great. I never once regret having the surgery. I can't really tell you anything to make the knot go away but the anxiety is worse than the surgery and the recovery. I hope that helps and I hope I did not repeat myself because I was rambling a little. About your co-worker that is telling you that you are dumb, she is ignorant. I would just take that with a grain of salt or tell her I am not looking for approval just someone to listen. Sending hugs to you from Texas.
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BRCA1, You aren't being weak! Please don't be so hard on yourself. You have allot to deal with right now. Many hugs to you. Listen to these wonderful ladies on the forum, they really helped me.
You are going to have to let all others go right now and take care of yourself. I know that is hard. I am very similar to you. Always the best at work, and the strong one and taking care of others, not wanting to bothers others. This time it is important to let others take care of you. You will be surprised of all the people out there that love you and just want to be there for you.
Don't pay any attention to people like your co-worker...she apparently doesn't understand the situation. You are not dumb. You are doing the right thing for you! Remember that.
I am newly married also; just hit the two year mark when all this started. This was very hard for me but I had to tell my husband I need him there for me and what I expected from him. Somedays I am going to be a mess and others that strong person he knows. It hasn't been a smooth road but my DH has surprised me. Your DH may just surprise you of the support he will provide you. Mine did and he is one of the toughs guys. He may not do everything right but just remember if he does just a little bit, something you didn't expect that is a big thing.
Can you talk to your BS and see if he can start your leave earlier than day of your surgery? Mine saw what an emotional time I was having and suggested I take off earlier than the surgery date. I wasn't worth crap at work.
I will stop going on and on. Just want you to know you are ok and don't be so hard on yourself. It gets better but right now you need to take care of yourself both mentally and physically and don't feel bad about it.
Lots of caring and hugs!
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BRCA1, have you considered a mild medication to help you relax? Goodness, it isn't a sign of weakness to be nervous about major surgery. It's just being human. I was very nervous but my situation was different because I wanted the days to pass and the surgery day to arrive so I could get rid of the cancerous tumor in my body.
I agree with Happy Girl that you should share this experience with your DH and give him the opportunity to support you at a time you really need his support.
We're here for you. Sendng hugs and sympathy.
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