Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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Iluv-I had nipple sparing surgery but have seen some discussion about fipples on the thread "exchange City" you might want to try there for some answers. good luck with the shakes!
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Thanks Ginger...I will try that thread...yes, I suppose not alot of our October sisters have had this surgery yet. We are all pretty similar in our goings on...
:-)
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iLUV2knit -- sorry for being MIA. I had my fat grafting and nipple surgery March 21. The nipples now look great. At first I was worried because there was a lot of black spots, but that all turned out to be scabs. They are mostly gone now and they have shrunk down. There wasnt much pain from the nipple surgery at all, but the fat grafting (lipo site - inner thigh) is still tender and tight. I am glad I did the nipple recon. Now I just have my tattoo later this summer to get back to looking more normal.
I hope everyone is doing ok. I have had a crazy couple of months. As I had mentioned my muga in the beginning of Mar came back with a 19% drop in my heart function so I was put on a 1 month hold on my herceptin. While on that hold I had my nipple surgery and fat grafting and yes I did have them do a little extra lipo. That has taken me longer then I had expected to heal from. Thankfully when I had my follow up muga end of Mar my heart had rebounded to within 2% of where it had been so I was put back on my herceptin. Right after that my father took a turn for the worse (he has been fighting lung infections since Thanksgiving and had COPD). He lived 5 hours away so we rushed up and he passed away a couple of days after we got there. I can say the last 12 months have sucked. I was diagnosed April 21 2011, chemo May 13-Aug 29, BMX Oct 4, exchange surgery Jan 10 2012, nipple and fat grafting Mar 21. Then my dad. UGH..... I thankful end my cancer treatment May 14 with my last herceptin treatment. I will not know what to do with not going to the infusion center every 3 weeks
ok enough of my whining..... have a good Monday everyone...
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Margie - So sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope the coming year is brings your family some respite from and only good health.
I'm recovering pretty well after chemo, but as I get completely back into my routine, I realize how exhausting it all is. I need to cut a few things, but it's so hard.
I had a Thank You brunch yesterday for many of the women who supported me through surgery, recovery and chemo. It was really nice. Plus, I tied it into a fund-raising campaign for the local breast cancer resource center, where I got my first wig and go to a support group.
I see my MO tomorrow for my first post-chemo follow-up. Hopefully in a week or two I can get my port out. On the 15th I see a gynecological onco to start that monitoring, since I have the ovarian cancer risk. I'm not ready for more surgery, but the ooph is on the list. I might even just have everything taken out because I've had abnormal paps for almost 2 years now, and a polyp on my uterine lining. Enough already!
My exchange is June 7. I haven't decided about nips yet. I originally thought I'd go with them, but the more I think about it, the more I like the option of going braless, which I guess you can't when you've always got 'headlights.' Hmmmm... But I have time to think about it.
It's so great hearing from all of you, even if it's only once in a while. Wow, October seems soooooo far away! Did we really go through all that?
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MargieC and Rach!! ((hugs to both of you!!) I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a difficult year you have had. You will have a guardian angel now watching over you and keeping you safe. Thank you for the information about the nipple reconstruction. Wow...I have to say that lipo DOES hurt. They did alot of contouring with lipo after my exchange. It is STILL sore and that was on 3/28!
Rach...I am so glad you are done with chemo. Time to get that all behind you and look forward now. I have never regretted having a hysterectomy and do not miss my ovaries either. The bad thing I suppose, is that the bladder tends to drop and I am constantly running to the bathroom. The ligaments and things that hold up the uterus get cut and it can effect your 'urgency' later. But it was well worth it to have no cancer concerns later and having no more periods was TOTALLY worth it!!
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MargieC and Rach!! ((hugs to both of you!!) I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a difficult year you have had. You will have a guardian angel now watching over you and keeping you safe. Thank you for the information about the nipple reconstruction. Wow...I have to say that lipo DOES hurt. They did alot of contouring with lipo after my exchange. It is STILL sore and that was on 3/28!
Rach...I am so glad you are done with chemo. Time to get that all behind you and look forward now. I have never regretted having a hysterectomy and do not miss my ovaries either. The bad thing I suppose, is that the bladder tends to drop and I am constantly running to the bathroom. The ligaments and things that hold up the uterus get cut and it can effect your 'urgency' later. But it was well worth it to have no cancer concerns later and having no more periods was TOTALLY worth it!!
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Margie- I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Today is the 3rd anniversary of my dad's death and I still miss him so much. I do feel I have a guardian angel looking out for me though.
Rachel- so glad you are through chemo and will get your exchange soon...that will be a day to celebrate!
ILUV- hopefully the Exchange City thread will hold some answers for you.
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thanks Ginger...yes, I looked around some in Exchange City, but I always come back to home base :-)
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Hey Ladies~
Sorry it's been so long since my last check-in. I'm still riding the anxiety train here but trying to make the best of things while I continue to play the "waiting game." It feels so neverending....
Anyway, I've missed all of my "home base" buddies!
I LUV2Knit~ I wanted to respond re: nip surgery. I had the 2-step nipple reconstruction surgeries (apparently better chances of maintaining the reconstructed nipple using this method.) Unfortunately, the surgeries were a big fail for me. Mine both fell flat within the first month. I hate to sound discouraging, but had I known the likelihood of recon failure, I would have opted out. It makes me ugly that I endured two separate nipple recon surgeries for nothing. That said, I am having areola tattoos done on Friday. That was supposed to be done 3 weeks ago but my nip recon area hadn't healed well enough for the tattooing yet.
Margie~ Oh Girl, I am so very sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I owe you an email asap! On a positive note, I'm really glad that your muga showed so much improvement--- YAY! And I am so happy to know that your Herceptin treatments will be complete on 5/14!
Rachel~ Hi! So very cool that you had a brunch for your supporters. How did you followup go with your MO?
Sending loving thoughts to all!
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So just venting for a moment...
I had a sleep study done because I am so exhausted and am not sleeping well and it showed I have sleep apnea...SERIOUSLY??? I have to go back to see if I need one of those CPAP masks to help with it. I am so done with medical crap; I want to move on!!!
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Ginger - Sorry to hear about that. But I've heard the masks make a huge difference. I've almost always had lousy sleep patterns and I'm exhausted in the morning - slept through most of my classes in HS and college, but managed to get good grades - but I've been hesitant to get checked out for the same reasons. I hope everything works out.
Dukes Up - Good to hear from you! That is discouraging about the nipples. I had heard of 'not perfect' stories, but not of outright failure. I'll mull that!
Margie - It was good to hear that your heart rebounded. That must have been scary.
My check-ups went fine. Bloodwork was great; even rbc, while low, was supposedly great for someone just out of chemo. I've been taking the iron supplements almost every night - I'm normally slightly anemic, so it's been good for me, I guess. My MO is very pleased with my rebound - ankles are slightly swollen, still a bit tired, fingers/feet a bit numb and tingly - but nothing compared to what it could be. And BS is really happy with my healing. I'll see him in a year - but every month he wants me to stand in front of a mirror, raise my arms, and look for anything different - bumps, dents, red spots. I'll see my MO every three months, plus bloodwork. Nothing else in terms of scans. Wish there was some alarm they could give us to detect any rogue cells before they settle down, but I'll have to just move ahead under the assumption that if there was anything there, chemo wiped it out.
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Good Afternoon Ladies~
Just a quickie to report that I just had my areola tattooing done this morning. They're covered in goo and gauze for now but the nurse prac/aesthetician who tattooed me was very pleased with her work. She told me not to freak when I see the dark color as the pigment will quickly fade. Anyway, I wasn't expecting to feel the tattooing as much as I did. It wasn't unbearable, but I could definitely feel it.
Rachel~ So happy to hear that your bloodwork looked great! YAY! I like that you'll be closely monitored by your MO. 3 month followups sounds like a very reasonable plan.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable weekend!
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Dukes_Up- Congratulations on moving closer to the finish line with reconstruction. Are you done now?
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Hi y'all- just dropping to to say hello & catch up on what is going on with all. Sounds like we are all moving forward.
I develooped a seroma in my aarmit when the drains were removed after my BMX in October. My BC team did a sonogram early on & determined it was a seroma. I still have it & went for my 6 month F/U with my breast surgeon. He did another sonogram which verified it was a fluid filled sack. He wants to remove it! It has to wait for 2-4 weeks after I finish RADS on May 23rd. Anyone else out there dealing with a similar situation?
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Texasrose- I have lymphoceles which are tiny sacs full of lymph fluid near the top of my breast near the underarm area. Not sure it is the same thing. They are the size of peas. My dr says we do not need to remove them.
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Hello my October sisters. . . .
Iluv - goods to hear your hysterectomy review. . . . . Miner is sat 12:45 est tomorrow! I needed that realistic view of what could be . . . But underlying benefit of it all.
I felt like typing, "honey! I am hooommmeeee!".
So very nice to hear what is happening with you guys. . .
Margie - so sorry about your dad . . . Grief is a tough thing. Feel it. . . . And keep moving. I have never lost a parent so can't imagine what you are feeling. But I do know grief from death and I encourage you to not deny going through it . . . Here's to that healthier heart and 5/14 fast approaching!
Rachel - what a great report out! You have definite forward momentum girl! You have been a real example to me on how to just get through it. I truly salute you.
Ginger- oh how I understand just wanting to move out of the medical arena . . . . I really do. I hope you will consider the mask though . . . Could make a big, big difference. Nice to see you popping in at home base!
Rose - nice to see your name too! I hope the seroma isnt causing too much trouble. . . What direction do your think you'll head with it?
Likewise to AJ - I hated to hear of your failed nipple recons. . . .ugh. So sorry - very sorry. . But I so appreciate the reality of it all. . . . I have that surgery tomorrow as well - 12:45pm EST - say a prayer, light a candle, I just so appreciate any positive thoughts. . .
I am ready to be done as I know many of you are as well. . . October seems years ago. I question whether one ever really is "done" with cancer . . . . Maybe it is finishing a chapter vs a book? Any thoughts on how y'all are mentally moving forward are much appreciated . . .
And truly (always hits me as I face another surgery) - thank you guys for (named as well as those of you reading who simply support our group in that manner) for helping, supporting , cheering me on through my chapter. . . .0 -
You go, Kelly! I'm here recovering from my post hyst/ooph hernia surg. DO NOT do Pilates after your hyst.
Good luck, and good luck to us all!
Xoxox
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Ginger48- Not sure until I see the doc. It is always good to hear a good news story.
Mine is one lump abot 2 cm (circumference of a quarter) & has been there since I had my BMX TE drains removed. I see the surgeon on May 15th again to see what he wants to do after I finish RADS on May 23rd. I did speak to my RO & he said if the surgeon opens me up & it is a lymph node he will remove it; if it is not he will leave it there & close me up. If he removes a lymph node they will send the tissue to pathology to see if it has any cancer cells. If it tests positive----I have no clue what they are going to do! I already completed 8 rounds of chemo & will be finished with RADS. I am soooooooooooo tired of always waiting!
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Kelleyod- Great to hear from you! I am unsure of what is going to happen with the seroma. My surgeon thinks it may be a lymph node missed during surgery. I have a follow-up appointmnet withh the breast surgeon to go over the sonogram results & see if he stil wants to go in. I talked to my RO, sine I am in the middle of RADS, & he told me that he & my surgeon talked. The surgeon is suspicious that this is a lymph node that was missed during surgery, even though the sonogram shows that it is a seroma. As we all know by now, tests have been known to be incorrect or inconclusive. The waiting game again!!!!
Hope all of you October ladies are doing great!
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Texas- I hope it is nothing!
Kelley- will be thinking of you tomorrow. One more step will be done!
I will get the mask if I need to. I need to sleep and wake up rested. However; my new name might be Darth...0 -
Kelly - Hope everything went well today. Wishing you a quick recovery.
TexasRose and Ginger - Sorry you're having trouble with seromas. I hope you're able to get them taken care of somehow.
Even though I still check this site daily, it's getting later and later before I think, oh, I haven't check that yet... I guess that's a good sign of moving on!
As an ongoing invite, if any of you are ever in the NY/NJ/eastern PA area, please let me know. You're welcome to stop by or stay over here. I'm an hour from both NY and Philly. A bunch of NJ girls from the site just had a get-together yesterday, so it was great to meet them. I really look forward to meeting some of you some day.
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Thanks, Rachel- I used to go down that way all the time when my daughter was attending Arcadia University but she is not there anymore. The NJ gathering sounded fun; I need to meet some CT girls!
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I am sending warm and healing vibes to Kellyod...I suppose you feel as you have been hit by a Mac truck after a hysterectomy and nipple recon (.) (.) It will be SO worth it though later...
Rose....I can't answer you about seromas...I haven't had to deal with that (yet). Hope it is just fluid and nothing ELSE!! Think positive, think positive, think positive.
I have a weird red spot about nickle sized on my left foob. It has been there for about 2 weeks. It doesn't go away after I shower, put lotion on it, and even tried triple antiobiotic ointment. Wonder what the heck it is?? The skin looks different too and is kinda scaly. I have my 6 month check up next week with the breast doctor. Good timing....of course my mind goes right to the 'C' way of thinking.
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iLUV2knit - Another thing to worry about... does this ever end? I hope it turns out to be nothing.
Kelleyod - Let us know how you're doing. Hope everything went well and you're recovering well.
Nothing new really to report. I see the gynecological oncologist Tuesday to discuss that end of things. It's good to know that I'll have two oncologists following me. That's a little more reassurance. Otherwise I am slowly getting closer to my old normal. Made it to the gym today for the second time this week. Yeah! Celebrated by eating the last remaining pieces of chocolate covered matzah after lunch... I'll have to get a little more walking in today, I suppose.
Have a great Mothers Day to everyone!
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update...my check up went fine!! The red spot is nothing to worry about. She (doc)just thinks I had a reaction to the antibiotic ointment!! yay....
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A big hello to all of my October surgery sisters!
ILUV2knit- great news on your check up I sure hope that as we move forward we will be able to better handle these bumps in the road.
Well it is settled. I am having surgery for my seroma on June 15th---8 months after my BMX. My sugeon wants to err on the side of caution & be sure that it is nothing more than a seroma. Just when I thought I could get on with my life, since my radiation will end Wednesday of next week---- here I am again facing yet another procedure. I am so tired of this neverending "just one more thing"--- I am so ready for this treatment period to come to a close. I have never been tolerent of whinners and now here I am whinning. Wah!wah!wah!
Good news is that I go on my Femara on next Thursday. Yeah for some progress!!!
Wishing you all a peaceful and uneventful week.
Hugs to all
Rose
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Rose- Sorry to hear you are facing another procedure. It really does feel like it might never end, doesn't it?
Got my sleep study results in and I stop breathing an average of 46 times per hour...when you do the math you can see that I am getting no restful sleep and must take action. I guess I will be getting a mask and machine to keep my airway open at night.
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Rose - sorry you're facing more surgery. I hear you on the not wanting it and ready to move on. I have one more coming in July and I'm so ready to be done with anesthesia, hosptials, etc...
Ginger - I have a good friend who had similar results from the sleep study. He got a mask and machine and says he feels so much better. One thing, make sure that they get you the correct size mask, he had the wrong size and it was kind of a pain for him, it sounded like.
iLuv2knit - Isn't it nice to hear that it's nothing to worry about. We've had so much TO worry about, enjoy the reduced stress.
I hope the rest of my October sisters are doing well. I'm getting near the end of the school year which means crazy busy times, but also fun, and anticipation of summer!
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iluv2knit - Glad to hear everything is fine!
TexasRose - I'll be thinking of you on the 15th. I hope it goes well and is 'only' a seroma. Hopefully this really will be the last thing you need to go through. How are you feeling after radiation?
Ginger - Hopefully you'll be getting much needed zzzz's going forward - that should help in so many ways!
CookieMonster - Glad you're looking forward to the summer.
My GynOnc appointment went well. Since I've had a bmx and had an er/pr- tumor, he said I really don't need to rush into an ooph until I it 50 (average age of onset is about 52). I don't think I'll wait that long, but it means I don't need to go through surgery in the next few years if I don't want to. I might anyway, but the downside of menopause (assuming the P comes back at some point) is not appealing, especially since I'm at risk for osteoporosis. I just had my bloodwork done including the test they do to monitor for ovarian cancer, so that's something I'll have every six months as a check, as well as an U/S. So.... MO every three months, GynOnc every six months. I guess they have me covered. Also, the port is out. Yay! And exchange is still set for June 7. I have to sign the paperwork and send it in by Thursday - I just want to run a few questions about silicone vs saline past my PS and insurance. For example, if insurance doesn't cover 'maintenance,' is there a difference in replacement costs? And if I ever get back to fencing, does the jabbing put me at a higher risk for rupture, and if so, maybe saline is better after all? I should have thought of these questions weeks ago...
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rachelvk- I completed 22 of 25 rads tx & I am getting mre & more tired. I started out being tired about 3 days of the week and now it is every day. My skin is holding up pretty good; red & splotchy (is that a word?) and a little flakey. Occasionly I itch so I can an OTC antihisimine; seems to do the trick. I am hoping that the fatigue will start to diminish when I complete the RADS.
Glad to hear that you do not have to rush into an oop. Congrats on getting your port removed!
I am not sure what is meant by maintenance costs. I know that with silicone implants you have to have an MRI every 3 years to make sure they are not leaking. That sounds like it is medically necessary. Both Saline & silicone have to be replaced every so many years----I would think that is also medically necessary & paid by insurnace. Insurances have to pay for reconstruction & I woud think that the related maintenance is also covered. But I do not knw for sure.
My mini-surgery s scheduled for June 15th- I'lll keep y'all posted on the results!
Roe
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