One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Hi all,
Carole, we always struggle with growing squash. I love it, but for one reason or the other it seems difficult to grow? We've had great success with lettuce, eggplant, cucumbers, bell peppers and multiple herbs. Maybe this will be the year for a great crop of squash (and tomatoes)! Your preparations for your upcoming Alaska trip sound fun....I'm sure Alaska will be beautiful. How smart of you to plan a trip to northern climates during the steamy summer months!
Fortunate1, it sounds like fun to take classes with a friend! I could use someone to help keep me on track with my own work. I suffer from a lack of focus and too many ideas...a terrible combination. I'm actually getting a little bit busy with faux finishing/decorative painting work lately. I have a new client to meet with this afternoon and a "groin vaulted" ceiling to decorate next week. It's good to be busier.
Hope Meg is doing better and that everyone has a good weekend.
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Gardens? Really? I can only dream of that for another month and a half!
Okiegal: I'm glad the shower went well. Pictures?
Fortunate1: Sorry for the loss of your class. More time to play?
Meg: Are you feeling better?
Carole: Your test run went well. Now you can get ready for the real trip. When do you leave? We are all out of your coffee beans. Thanks. And no, we didn't skate at all this year. We had too much snow so it was good for skiing but not skating.
The snow is almost gone and it's time for the bikes. DH rides to work and back but I only ride the one way which is about 8 miles. I have a mountain bike but find it too slow because I like going fast! Tried a touring bike last week but too much bike for what I want. I will look for a cross?
Our daughter is finishing her degree and we will move her back the end of the month. She has a few job prospects so that is wonderful!
Have a great week and hi to everyone else and hope you are doing well!
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Upcreek, I washed the bed linens on the spare bedroom bed yesterday because we have some guests coming this week, DH's sister and her husband, both of whom are MUCH larger than you and your DH. The bed will be fully occupied!
Had a restful day yesterday. Watched the Master's golf final day of competition, which was great!
Must go walk. A happy Monday to all.
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Hello Everyone,
Okiegal, I'm glad the shower went well!
)Wow! That's some garden you're planting...sounds more like a farm! I hope all your plants do well! I've decided not to plant a garden this year. My veggie garden last year was not very successful. Between the draught, birds, rabbits and feral cats, I give up! I'll stick to my flowers!
I'm glad your busy doing what you enjoy! Good luck with the ceiling!
Carole, Your trip sounded wonderful! I would love a small camper, but I don't think I could take DH driving! He drives too fast for me!
Fortunate1, Sorry about the loss of your classes. Many schools here have laid off teachers and cut sports to meet budgets. Hopefully, things will improve.
Upcreek, Skiing, plus bike riding to work!...I think I better get off this computer and get walking! Congratulations on daughter finishing her degree! Good luck with the job search!
I went for my cat scat and everything was OK. I was supposed to go for an ABR test which tests the nerves to the brain, but I cancelled my appointment and have not rescheduled yet. The ringing in my ears is annoying, but I can ignore it during the day.
The bears left the den so my den watching days are over. I really enjoyed being part of the research and plan to do it again in the fall. Now, I hope they make it through hunting season in Sept. Here's a little clip of them (mom, yearling and 2 cubs) after they left the den. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7m57FuQq4g The cubs weigh 4 lb. The male cub at the base of the tree seems frail. Near the end he tries to climb up, but can't. I hope he makes it.
It is raining today. I'm off to walk my 3 miles. Have a great day everyone!
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Things are quiet here on the 1-step thread. Dh's sister and her dh arrived yesterday. Today we visited a couple of quilt shops and then went to New Orleans. DH's relatives continue to be interested in seeing the devastation of Katrina so we drove through the 9th ward and Lakeview and also drove around the French Quarter, which was bustling with tourists.
The weather doesn't look great for tomorrow. I think we'll go out for breakfast at a wonderful little restaurant called the Broken Egg.
Hope everyone is feeling good and doing well.
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Carole: Very funny about your company and the bed. They are lucky to have such great hosts! Wish we were in New Orleans right now because it snowed last night! We are in the process of re-doing our daughters room. My niece and interior designer is picking the colours and fabrics. We hope to start painting this weekend.
Meg: Glad things are a bit better. And thanks for the congrats re the daughter. Hope she gets a job soon too!
Yes, everyone must be busy. That is good. Have a great week everyone.
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Hi everyone, It's true, we are a quiet bunch lately. I am busy busy busy. The end of the semester is approaching, along with two sales to get ready for. Also, a college graduation early next month - DH's daughter, the last baby out of college and hopefully on her own. I'm going to have to go shopping so I can look good at the ceremony and dinner celebrations. I am a bad shopper. Someone please come out here and tell me what looks good!
I went to my first Zumba class and loved it. Maybe it will keep me exercising.
Good weekend everyone, and back to work (fun work) for me.
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Carole, I hope you're enjoying your company.
Upcreek, Good luck with the decorating! We have a few home projects planned this summer. We have decided to close our pool for good. It is in need of costly repairs. Now that my son is not living at home full time it doesn't get used much. I also don't want to take care of it anymore if no one is using it!
Fortunate1, My sister enjoys her Zumba class! She also takes dance lesson on Friday nights and loves it. I tried to get DH to go, but not going to happen!
On May 29 it will be two years since my BMX. I noticed this week that my right breast has a large and noticeable wrinkle at 12:00 going down to my scar. Also, the little bit of extra skin (dog ears) has gotten larger, also making an indent. It's all a little depressing. I think my skin is stretching and my breast are sagging a little lower and out to the sides. I now understand why many going for revision surgery. If I wasn't such a chicken I would consider it.
Hasn't been a good week...the male cub didn't make it. I've been feeling a little down about that too.
I hope everyone is well and having a good day!
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Meg. so sorry about the poor little male cub. If I were younger, I would go back to surgery for revision, but I need "body revision"!!
Fortunate, I feel confident you'll come up with a lovely outfit for the graduation festivities. Hope your upcoming sales are very profitable.
Upcreek, how nice to have an interior decorator in the family.
Our houseguests departed early yesterday morning. They were gone when we got up. They'd left a nice note.
Today I'm in "prep" mode for a colonoscopy procedure tomorrow morning. It has been 7 yrs. since the last one, and my bc dr. advised me to keep up with cancer screening for other types of cancer. The last time I was completely clear with no polyps.
Hi to everyone. Happy Sunday.
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Meg: Sorry about the cub and your breast issues. How bad is it? Maybe they can fix it without too much trouble if it is bothering you?
Carole: Good luck with your colonoscopy. It's good that you are getting checked.
It is nice to have an interior designer in the family, although this job she volounteered to do on her own because she loves her cousin. All the primer is done now it's time for the DH to do his thing.
Hi to all.
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Everything went ok with the colonoscopy. The report was normal and my next screening is 10 yrs. from now. When I got home, DH cooked me some breakfast. Then I slept a couple of hrs. and spent the rest of the day taking it easy. Tomorrow I'm playing in a women's golf tournament at our club. It's a charity event.
Hi to everyone.
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Hey to all of you. I know it has been awhile since I've checked in but I do follow you via e-mail notification. Since chemo ended there just has'nt been too much to report until just recently. I had a full body PET scan in mid January because of lack of info on my node status (I opted for no SNB). The PET revealed a 2mm spot on my right lung. Onc said "too small to biopsy. Come back for a Chest CT scan in April." He felt that it was not cancer but a remnant of Valley Fever which is quite common in the Phoenix area where I lived for about 20 years. It is also common in California's Central Valley near where I live now. Anyway, long story short, any growth seen by the CT would have meant a continuing battle with cancer using the big guns for lung mets. GOOD NEWS!!! After trying not to worry too much for 3 months, I am happy to report that I remain cancer free!
Now I move on (finally) to symmetry/revision surgery. I will have one more consultation with PS as the last time he saw me I was still carrying an extra 20lbs. from the steroids I had to have during chemo. I want him to build my bust for my normal weight.
Here's what is most likely to be in store for me: Exchange surgery. I know that is what we were trying to avoid by doing the 1Step but I have some pretty noticeable rippling that going to a larger implant should help. At least I didn't have to do a tissue expander. Then there will be an augmentation on my "good" breast. And if necessary, there will be fat grafting to even out any remaining disparity in symmetry. And last but not least I will have a nipple reduction on my "good" breast because although I had a nipple sparing MX The saved nipple does not have the same projection that it used to so the other one will be taken down to match. Bye-bye high beams forever. They were actually kind of a nuisance anyway. Note: All of this will be accomplished in a couple of outpatient procedures. No drains. Not nearly the same amount of down time. It won't be alot of fun but it won't be awful either. When it is all over I'm going to go out and buy French lingerie to celebrate.
The only other thing that has happened was a TV interview about my use of the Penguin Cold Caps and how I kept my hair thru chemo. I would add the link but I'm afraid of losing this really long post and having to start over. If you would like to see my interview just Google KSEE 24. Then enter cold caps into the search field and you should have no trouble finding it. It aired March 3 but I think it is still available online.
Now for you guys. Carole: Alaska is fantastic. You will love it. I grew up in Anchorage. But take really good bug dope with you. The mosquitoes are enormous (we used to refer to them as the state bird of AK) and voracious. The other wildlife is much more fun and just about as abundant. My favorites are the sea otters.
P.S. Congrats on the colonoscopy and thanks for the reminder. DH and I both need to get ours. Maybe we can schedule a couple's appt.
Fortunate1: Bummer about your class. I hope it leaves you with more time for your own art. Have you taken on any private students? A friend of mine teaches pottery at her home studio and has actually made a tidy sum as a result.
okiegal: I seem to have contracted your gardening addiction. I started tomatoes in my south facing living room window back in Feb. They're just about big enough to go outside but I'm going to wait for awhile as we have been having some freaky late spring snow storms. Next to the tomatoes are orange bell peppers. In the garden "playpen" outside are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and all of the fruit pits that I threw in dirt last year. So far it looks like apple, cherry and nectarine. DH is going to set up irrigation on a timer so that we can get away once in awhile without having to get a plant sitter but I really enjoy the daily care and feeding of my garden. And I love my Sun-Mar Composter. No need to wait for a batch to finish and it's enclosed so no bad smell or animal attractant. The only downside to gardening here is that everything has to be fenced so the deer don't get it and almost everything has to be planted in gopher baskets.
Meg: So sorry about the bear cub. It really upsets me when wildlife fails to thrive. Our biggest problem is road kill. I see deer, coyote, bobcat, raccoon etc. all of the time.
Re your revision: I'll go first and tell you all about it. I'll bet it's not too bad. If you know how it goes maybe you won't be as scared and we can both go lingerie shopping when it's done.
DH just got home from work so I'll end here for now. So glad we all remain cancer free. Talk to you later.
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Hello Everyone,
New Bride!!! So good to hear from you! I think about you often! I'm so glad chemo is behind and you remain cancer free! I will be thinking about you as you complete your reconstruction...I'm afraid I would need more than a little revision before I would get caught in French lingerie!
I didn't see the interview on KSEE 24 (I couldn't find it), but I saw your picture with the cold cap on. It's great that you have stepped up to help get the word out about the cold caps. I bet very few know about them...Congratulations!
Good luck with your garden! I recently heard about "Liquid Fence". It's used to keep deer and rabbits away. I plan on trying it on my flower garden.
Best wishes...Let us know how you're doing.
Carole, I'm glad your colonoscopy went well. I really need to make an appointment...OC has been asking me to get it done for months...Maybe during the summer.
My nephew had a baby boy on Tuesday. They named him Cornelius John III. They are calling him CJ for short!
Happy Easter to all who celebrate! My son, brother and sister will be coming for dinner. My menu will be: an antipasti, stuffed shells, ham, yams, mashed potatoes and veggies. For desert I am making a trifle and chocolate covered strawberries.
I hope everyone is well. Have a good weekend!
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NewBride, how wonderful to hear from you! I'm so glad you're cancer free. Let us know how the revision procedures go. I, too, have rippling and need larger implants to fill the pockets. We have mosquito protection for Alaska, including head nets. I still need to buy a rain suit.
The time is zipping by. Before you know it, our departure date, May 17th, will be here.
Meg, your Easter menu sounds delicious, especially the stuffed shells. I'll be cooking ham, potato salad and baked beans. It looks like we'll have a small gathering at my mother's house. I'll take the food there since it's easier for her to get around with her electric wheelchair in her own surroundings.
Our weather the last few days has felt more like July than April. High temperatures and high humidity.
Hi to everyone.
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Hmmm... Should I just talk to myself? Where is everybody?
Easter was very nice. There were seven of us, including my mom, for dinner, which was delicious. I overate. We had some humorous conversation and lots of laughs. Laughing is so good for us, isn't it?
This morning DH and I got up at 7am and were over at the Outpatient Clinic at 7:30 with our separate orders for bloodwork. Togetherness! The place was more crowded than we expected so it was an hour later that we headed to IHOP for breakfast. I treated myself to those yummy Harvest nut/grain pancakes. Now I have a nice cloudy day to get some things done.
We're supposed to have a front come through on Thurs. to cool things off a bit.
Happy Tuesday.
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Hello Carol, I'm here <waving>
I had a good Easter too! I ate way too much! I need to get myself back on track! Today I planted Easter plants that were given to me. It is 85 degrees in NY! Way too Hot for spring!
I hope the blood work good for you and DH. You must be excited to leave for your trip soon. I hope you will be able to keep in touch.
I've been busy working on another project for the bear center. While the bears were in the den many viewers posted questions on facebook. I am working with a group to answer those questions. When we're done they are going to make a book!
I hope everyone is well and have a great day!
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We just got back from a marathon four day adventure to pack up our daughter from university--18 hours there and 18 back with the remainder hours in between. I hope I never have to do that again! Sorry Carole but we saw FIVE moose (three calves). Keep in touch when you head out so we can follow your travels!
Hi Meg: Yes, we usually celebrate Easter. We stayed with my DH"s sister on the way back home and had a turkey dinner.
NewBride: Glad you are doing well. Hi to all.
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Hi everyone, bet you thought I'd forgotten you all. Not a chance! NewBride, it is so good to hear from you, and I think the french lingerie sounds like the perfect reward.
We here have been eating like royalty... A Thai chicken dinner for DH's birthday, Tzimmis for Passover(slow cooked shortribs, yams matzo pudding, lots of brown sugar), Ham for Easter. Needless to say the 4 pounds extra is not leaving without a fight. Well actually I am losing a bit .... sick again with a cold...again. The weather is alternating between cold and gray and glorious and warm. San Diego Spring.
I have been keeping a secret. My darling DH is having surgery in two weeks. A heart valve repair. It is "easy", a one on a scale of 1 to 10 on the heart surgeon's scale. But I am still scared. So right now I am concentrating on getting rid of the cold, not always easy as they often head for my chest. Think good thoughts for us.
Meg, Carole, Upcreek, Okiegal, hugs to you too from the Nervous1.
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Oh Fortunate1. Thanks for sharing and we will all have you in our thoughts in our prayers!
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Fortunate1, I would be nervous, too. The odds are very much in favor of an easy and successful surgery.
Upcreek, I don't envy you those 18-hr drives. Is your daughter's room all done with new paint and fabrics? Does she love it?
Meg, how are you doing? Any improvement with the hearing?
Okiegal, how are things with you?
Our departure date is May 17. We're busy marking off items on the TO DO list. Today I plan to transfer frozen foods to the little freezer in the camper Then we can see what needs to be used and eaten during the next couple of weeks. Yesterday I bought waterproof shoes (hiking variety) and a rain suit in preparation for possible rainy days in Alaska. We've been warned about giant mosquitoes so we have head nets and bug spray.
Hi to Newbride and everyone else. Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday.
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Carole: Sorry, she didn't come with us. She had a play to Stage Manage. She is arriving tonight. I have before and after pics of her room I will email. If anyone else wants to see them let me know. I have okiegal and Meg's address. Hope you have a great trip! Please keep us posted on your travels so that we can follow along!
Where is everyone else?
Daughter is arriving tonight after being away for four years.
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Fortunate1, I hope you're feeling better. I would be scared to...I will keep your DH in my prayers.
Upcreek, My son was 5 ½ hours away his first year at college and then 2 hours away his last three. I can't imagine 18 hours!
Carole, I'm excited for you...your trip sounds like it's going to be a great adventure! DH is in Florida on a business trip. He is staying at a beautiful hotel facing the ocean. My sister is staying over while he is away. My hearing is much better than the episode I had when it sounded like I was under water. I do have hearing loss and ringing in my ears and I don't expect that to get better. The smoke detector in the basement was beeping (low battery) and I did not hear it!
New Bride, I was able to view your cold cap interview. I think you did a great job in bring this info to woman who may be facing chemo. It seemed like you wore the cold cap for a long period of time. Were you afraid of getting frostbite or did you do something to prevent it? I'm glad it worked for you!
It is a great day in NY...blue skies and 75 degrees! Last week we were under a tornado watch! I feel so badly for those in the southern states.
I've been busy working on the bear den question and answer book. The mother bear is sick. The researchers do not know what caused her illness and there is a chance the other cub may not make it. I could never be a wild life researcher...I would definitely step in and help which would make the research null.
I hope everyone is well and having a great day! ...Hello Okiegal, speech and anyone I may have missed!
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Hi and bye for a little while. We're headed out for my step-daughter's graduation ceremonies in Indiana. I'm packed, have a great new haircut and the garden is well watered. Plus a little miracle. I called my primary care doctor and she prescribed an antibiotic for what is presumably a small bronchial infection after my cold. Here's hoping that it will be all gone by DH's surgery date next week.
So off for a bit of fun. Oh yes, another bit of good news. College #2 gave me a class for next semester! So there will be some teaching income! One class no longer sounds so bad, I'll make up the rest with gorgeous pots as I slip gradually into what passes for retirement for a working potter .... just making my own work. Not bad!
Newbride, I watched your interview too. What a great idea it is, and it sure let you keep your lovely hair.
Meg, we'll have to chat about ringing in the ears sometime. Yep, me too.
Hugs to all.
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fortunate1, Praying that your husband has a completely successful outcome from his upcoming surgery. I know how nervous you must be. DH spent a little time in the ER and later with a cardiologist over some chest pain. He's fine but I nearly lost my mind. Have fun on your trip. And congrats on the new teaching position.
Meg, The hair actually insulates the scalp from frostbite but you do have to monitor the temperature to see that it isn't too cold. I used an infrared thermometer. I also used moleskin (same stuff used to prevent blisters from hiking boots) on my forehead to insulate it from the cold.
Thank both of you for the compliments. I'm glad you liked the video. I like backstage alot more than centerstage but cold caps are an option that women (and men too) should be made aware of. Judging from the feedback, I guess I've done some good. Word is getting out.
Well, here's the latest on my 1Step (at a time). Saw my PS yesterday. It is going to be pretty much as I described in my last post. However, PS is going to give me a small lift and a suture line under the new, larger implant to help support it. He also recommends that I start wearing a bra on a regular basis once we're done with symmetry/revision. Darn. But I will take his advice to heart. Now we just wait for preauthorization from my insurance and schedule the date. I've already got my arnica and my Hibiclens standing by. I'll keep you posted.
That's all for now . I hope you are all doing well. I'll be back later.
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On Tues. I went for my final 6 mo. checkup. I saw my BC dr.'s NP, who did an ultrasound on my armpits and chest. Everything looked good. Now I'll go annually for a checkup. I was also due for bloodwork and had that done at another location, since no fasting was required. It's always a little scary to have bloodwork for tumor markers. I should hear about that within a week. Here's hoping nothing bad shows up to postpone our trip to Alaska.
Meanwhile, as Rosanna Danna on Laugh-In used to say, It's always something! I have bursitis in my right shoulder, and it's quite painful with certain movements. I'm applying an ice cap, which has a soothing effect, and also taking Celebrex. Something of a bummer to have to cancel out on golf events during the last couple of weeks home. But it's not bc! Let's keep things in perspective, I tell myself.
Last night was my last child-sitting duty for my niece. She called this morning to say she had passed the big exam she took last night. It has been kind of fun to spend time with the children. I'm amused at how they try to "manage" me. The biggest problem was getting them to go to bed and fall asleep when they were supposed to.
Today is my mother's hair apptment day.
Happy Thursday!
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Great news today! My bloodwork for tumor markers came back normal.
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I'm not too sure what the one step Alloderm proceedure is that everyone is referring to. I'm haveing a bilat NS/SS mastectomy next week. The PS told me that he will be using Alloderm and tissue expanders which will be in for about 2 months then removed and implants put in. I asked him if there was any way to wake up with the implants already in place and he no.He has to use the expanders to stretch the muscle prior to implantation.Am I mis understanding him?
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DocBabs, All of us here went directly to implant without the placement of tissue expanders. In my case it was a matter of not wanting to drive over an hour for weekly fills. For most of us it also means no exchange surgery because the implants are already there. Your PS may not think you are a candidate for 1Step if you are large breasted. Most of us are about a B cup.
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Carole, I'm so glad your bloodwork came back normal. Isn't cancer free terrific? North to Alaska for you pretty soon, huh? I can remember when you couldn't drive to get there. Had to fly or take the ferry.0
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Hey Doc Babs
I have not read all your posts- sorry to hear your news. I had one step direct implant bilateral so in my case I woke up and they were there. I am still getting used to them and it is a big adjustment but psychologically it really makes a difference- and also being done with surgeries.
contact me pm if you want
take care and good luck
Chocolate
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